I have a basic Heritage .22LR model, the RR22B4, I believe. I also have a Ruger Bearcat Shopkeeper.
Comparing the two:
-Bearcat is heavier, even though it is smaller.
-Bearcat trigger is crisper, but noticeably heavier (even heavier than my SBH). The Heritage trigger is surprising good for a $150 gun.
-Sights are equally atrocious but usable for the intended ranges
-The Heritage does not use a transfer bar, the Bearcat does.
-The Heritage has a safety built into it where the hammer strikes the firing pin. No safety on the Bearcat.
-The frame of the Heritage appears to be painted or coated. The cylinder and barrel are blued. My Bearcat is all stainless steel.
-The Bearcat Shopkeeper is tiny and is great for small hands. The Heritage feels a little bigger, but not SBH big.
Regarding the trigger, out of the box, the Heritage trigger was pretty lousy. It was inconsistent and gritty. Upon disassmbly, I found that whatever coating they applied to the frame was also applied to the trigger engagement surfaces. Some Flitz took care of that and made the trigger much better than a gun like this should have.
Is the Ruger better? Yes. The parts fit better, it looks better, and it feels better during operation. But the Ruger was almost 4x the cost of the Heritage. For under $200, the Heritage is a good buy and you won't cringe if someone scratches it.