In a world where tactical and self-defense firearms take the spotlight, it’s nice to take a step back and look at something different. A rimfire, single-action revolver modeled after the guns of the Old West seems like a good place to start.
Heritage Manufacturing has been offering a number of fine, inexpensive cowboy-style firearms since 1992. The Rough Rider is the company’s mainstay, and the flagship model is offered in different variations. These wheel guns will have you shooting like a cowboy in no time.
Heritage Options
Heritage offers the Rough Rider in different configurations with varying barrel lengths, grips, and finishes. There are versions available with both .22 LR and .22 WMR cylinders. The Barkeep and Boot models feature short barrels reminiscent of old shopkeeper guns. There are long 16-inch barrel and rifle stock models. These models will turn heads at the range. There’s even a new “Tactical Cowboy” model with an optic rail and fiber-optic sight.
At around $250 or under each, you can collect a whole cowboy arsenal in no time. And, plinking with .22 LR is a great way to save money at the range without sacrificing trigger time. It’s hard to think of a reason someone would not want to have at least one of these fun revolvers in their gun collection.
Rough Rider 6.5” Features
The pistol reviewed is my father’s 6.5-inch with the standard blued finish and wood grips. This is a classic setup that is fun for plinking. The sights are rudimentary on this model — and most of them — but that’s fitting with the older design. The grips appear to be some type of wood laminate. This is a good looking low-cost option. Heritage also offers a number of pistols with acrylic grips for those who prefer the look.
One modernization Heritage chose to include is the addition of a manual thumb safety with coordinating firing pin block. Although it looks unsightly, it works as intended and does not interfere when plinking at the range. It may even be a welcome sight for newer shooters or those young shooters.
Other than that, this is a standard .22 LR single-action revolver. The loading gate opens and closes easily and the ejector rod operates smoothly. You can hear some squeaking as the spring compresses, but at the price point, I’m not concerned. The pin that retains the cylinder locks in nicely, and the gun locks up well on each chamber. I have no complaints on the fit or finish of the revolver.
Shooting the Rough Rider
Moving to a six-shot single-action revolver really forces you to slow down and take your time on each shot. This revolver will save you money on all fronts. Fire six, eject, reload, fire again… there’s something meditative about it. This is a great firearm to practice and build your shooting fundamentals.
To load, place the hammer at the half-cock notch and open the loading gate. Insert six cartridges, one at a time, as you rotate the cylinder. Close the loading gate and you’re ready to place the hammer in the full-cock position and fire. To unload, place the hammer back at the half-cock notch and open the loading gate. Each notch, rotate the cylinder, press the ejector, and eject a casing. Do this for all chambers until the firearm is empty. You may try and angle the gun back, to help the casings fall free. Be sure to keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction the whole time and remember your rules of firearm safety.
.22 LR exhibits little to no recoil, which makes the Rough Rider great for all-day fun. A .22 LR revolver provides a great platform for learning marksmanship. Heritage performs this chore well. While there are many different .22 caliber handguns, there aren’t many that fit a budget better than the Rough Rider.
The trigger is surprisingly crisp. I wasn’t expecting much at the price, but this was a pleasant surprise. My example measured 2.5 to 3 pounds on my trigger pull gauge. Plenty good enough for plinking accuracy. Standing, doing my best to shoot like a cowboy, I was able to get six rounds into about 3.5 inches at about 10 yards. From a rest, I was able to shrink the groups to just above 2.5 inches. Not bad for being new to the gun. The single-action design lends itself to some inherent accuracy and Heritage builds a good gun.
Final Thoughts
As my final day borrowing the Heritage Rough Rider came, I found myself with a new interest in single-action revolvers. I think I’ll start with my own Heritage, the Barkeep perhaps, but may soon move up to something such as a Ruger Blackhawk. That’s the fun of firearms, there’s always a new avenue to explore.
Heritage Manufacturing makes a fine firearm at a price that can’t be beat. If you’ve been eyeing a Rough Rider — or even if you haven’t — you should consider picking one up. You’re sure to have a fun and reliable plinker.
Have you fired any revolvers from Heritage Manufacturing? What is your favorite Rough Rider? Let us know in the comment section.