I have a 4 3/4" 22 s, l & lr - no, they aren't a Ruger or a Colt, but mine has been an excellent shooter and i got it as a knock around pistol for the farm - works well on critters. I just ignore the safety - c'mon - it's a single action. For the price - a good starter pistol or one to not worry about getting nicks and scratches. They are what they are - an affordable 22 pistol. I've talked with several who have the longer barreled ones and they have no issues taking tree rats in trees with them. I have a pristine vintage Ruger Super Bearcat that I bought to shoot but after my wife saw it, it got put away for her to shoot. If I had to choose between my Heritage and the old Bearcat - it would be the Heritage everytime as I don't think the Bearcat I have shoots any better.
It's a good starter pistol - let him play with it and get used to how it shoots - if it doesn't work out then start looking for a good used single six. I've passed on several in the last couple of years that were very reasonably priced because I just got soured on shooting 22s when ammo was hard to find. I can reload 38s and have just as much fun.