Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR 4.75 in. 6-Round Revolver
About this product
The Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR 4.75 in. 6-Round Revolver is a single-action rimfire handgun built on a zinc alloy frame for weight-conscious traditional shooting. It's a deliberate throwback to 19th-century mechanics, offering a manual cock-and-fire experience distinct from modern double-action triggers. This specific model comes fitted with Altamont gray pearl grips and a fixed-sight setup intended for straightforward, low-cost recreational use.
What is the Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR used for?
Its primary use is recreational plinking and introductory single-action training, where its mild .22 LR report and negligible 7.5 oz felt recoil are advantageous. I consider it a dedicated range toy or a tool for dispatching small pests within 15 yards, where its simplistic fixed sights and 6-round capacity are sufficient. It is not a defensive firearm, lacking modern safety features like a transfer bar, which is a critical omission I'll address later.
How does the Heritage Rough Rider compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Heritage Rough Rider is a more cost-competitive but mechanically simpler alternative to the Ruger Wrangler. The key distinction is the cylinder: the Rough Rider uses a cost-saving zinc alloy, whereas the Ruger Wrangler's is made from blued carbon steel, offering greater long-term durability against repeated dry-fire. For a shooter prioritizing absolute lowest price and lighter carry weight for cowboy action events, the Rough Rider wins; for longevity and a more robust firing pin system, the Wrangler is superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the revolver weighs 28 ounces with a profile measuring 4.75 inches from muzzle to forcing cone and 10.25 inches in overall length. The cylinder diameter is 1.43 inches, and the grip frame, with its Altamont panels, has a circumference of approximately 5.1 inches. This yields a balanced, easy-to-point package that favors shooters with smaller hands or those seeking a lighter companion than our heavyweight Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a primary defensive tool or a high-round-count training pistol. The alloy frame and internal components are not designed for sustained, rapid-fire strings common in modern pistol courses. Furthermore, the lack of an internal safety transfer bar means lowering the hammer on a loaded chamber carries an inherent risk that knowledgeable shooters and armers, like myself, find unacceptable for general carry.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and typically a cable lock, but no cleaning kit or spare grips are included from the factory. The packaging is utilitarian, reflecting the product's price point; do not expect the fitted plastic cases common with higher-tier brands like Ruger. Ensure you inspect the cylinder timing and lock-up immediately upon receipt.
Is the Heritage Rough Rider worth it at $156.99?
Yes, at $156.99, it represents competent value for its intended niche of casual single-action shooting. You are paying for a functional, minimalist platform that teaches fundamental revolver manipulation without the complexity or cost of centerfire ammunition. If your goal is to learn the manual of arms for old-west-style shooting or to have a dedicated .22 LR plinker, this price is justified, especially compared to outfitting a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge for clays.
The design prioritizes affordability and classic aesthetics over modern durability features. Its 6-round capacity and fixed sights limit its utility to deliberate, short-range shooting scenarios. For the shooter who understands these constraints and wants a no-frills introduction to the single-action platform, it delivers.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 28 oz — 11 oz lighter than a steel-frame Ruger Single-Six, easing carry for cowboy action events.
- Costs $156.99 — approximately $60-80 less than a base model Ruger Wrangler for similar recreational use.
- 4.75" barrel provides a 9.5" sight radius, aiding in basic offhand target acquisition at 15 yards.
Trade-offs
- Lacks a transfer bar safety — hammer must be lowered on an empty chamber for safe carry, a non-negotiable procedural step.
- Zinc alloy frame limits long-term durability compared to steel; not suited for high-volume dry-fire practice.
- Fixed, non-adjustable sights restrict precise zeroing; point of impact is fixed from the factory.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 727962706312 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | RR22B4GPRL |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Black |
| length | 10.03 |
| model | Rough Rider |
| package height | 1.7 |
| package width | 5.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.8 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with .22 Magnum ammunition?
- This specific model is chambered for .22 LR only and cannot safely fire .22 Magnum (WMR) rounds. Some Rough Rider models are sold with an interchangeable .22 WMR cylinder, but you must verify the model number and packaging to confirm. Firing .22 Magnum in an LR-only chamber is hazardous and will damage the firearm.
- Is it compatible with a standard 3/8" dovetail scope mount?
- No, the frame's top strap is not machined with any scope mounting provisions. The only sighting system is the integral fixed front blade and notch-in-frame rear. Any optics mounting would require invasive gunsmithing and drilling, which I do not recommend on the alloy frame.
- How long does shipping and FFL processing take?
- Our standard shipping to your chosen FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days after your order clears verification. The subsequent background check (NICS) and transfer process at the dealer vary by state but commonly add 24-72 hours. We ship via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Returns for mechanical defects are handled directly through Heritage Manufacturing's warranty service, not as a standard store return. You must contact them at 1-800 421 1385 to initiate a warranty claim and receive a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Do not ship the firearm back without this RMA.