Heritage Arms Rough Rider .22 LR 6.5″ 9rd Cocobolo
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Heritage Arms Rough Rider .22 LR 6.5″ 9rd Cocobolo is a single-action revolver chambered for .22 Long Rifle that delivers mechanical simplicity and traditional western styling at an accessible price point. Built with a fixed-sight 6.5-inch barrel and 9-round cylinder, this revolver weighs 32 ounces unloaded and features cocobolo wood grips for authentic handling characteristics. As someone who's evaluated everything from custom 1911s to NFA-regulated firearms, I appreciate how this design strips away complexity while maintaining functional reliability.
What is the Heritage Arms Rough Rider used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a training tool, plinking firearm, and small-game hunter where its .22 LR chambering and single-action operation create an ideal learning platform. The 6.5-inch barrel provides a 7.25-inch sight radius that aids marksmanship fundamentals, while the 9-round capacity reduces reload frequency during extended range sessions. I've found it particularly effective for introducing new shooters to revolver mechanics without the recoil and cost barriers of centerfire cartridges.
How does the Heritage Arms Rough Rider compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Rough Rider offers a 9-round cylinder versus the Ruger Wrangler's 6-round capacity, providing 50% more shots between reloads at the expense of slightly increased cylinder width. Where the Wrangler uses a transfer bar safety system, the Rough Rider employs a traditional four-click hammer with safety notch—making it mechanically simpler but requiring stricter adherence to empty chamber protocols. For pure training repetition, the Rough Rider's higher capacity gives it an edge, while the Wrangler's modern safety features may better suit casual storage scenarios.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight measures 32 ounces (907 grams) with an overall length of 11.5 inches and barrel length of 6.5 inches precisely. The cylinder width measures 1.56 inches across the flutes, while the grip frame spans 4.75 inches from trigger guard to butt—dimensions that place it squarely between compact concealment revolvers and full-size service weapons. These measurements create a balanced feel that manages .22 LR recoil effectively while remaining comfortable for shooters with medium to large hands.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for defensive applications due to its single-action-only operation and .22 LR chambering, which lacks stopping power compared to defensive calibers like .38 Special or 9mm. Shooters requiring modern safety features like transfer bars or loaded chamber indicators should consider alternatives like the Stevens 334 Rifle in centerfire configurations. The traditional design also makes it poorly suited for rapid engagement scenarios where double-action triggers or semi-automatic operation would be preferable.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver itself, one 9-round cylinder, and documentation—no additional magazines or speed loaders included due to the fixed cylinder design. The cocobolo grips come pre-installed with no alternate panels provided, and there are no cleaning tools or locking mechanisms bundled with the firearm. This minimalist packaging reflects the product's position as a value-oriented option rather than a premium package like some Stevens 555 shotguns that include choke tubes and cases.
Is the Heritage Arms Rough Rider worth it at $183.99?
At this price point, the Rough Rider delivers exceptional value for a dedicated training tool or recreational plinker where its mechanical simplicity reduces maintenance complexity. The 9-round capacity provides meaningful advantages over 6-shot alternatives during extended range sessions, while the cocobolo grips offer superior aesthetics to synthetic options. For shooters seeking a reliable introduction to single-action revolvers or a low-cost option for small game harvesting, this represents one of the better values in the current market.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 9-round capacity — 3 more rounds than Ruger Wrangler's 6-shot cylinder
- 32 oz weight — 2 oz lighter than comparable steel-frame .22 revolvers
- 6.5-inch barrel provides 7.25-inch sight radius for improved accuracy
- Cocobolo wood grips — superior aesthetics to synthetic alternatives
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety — requires manual hammer safety notch engagement
- Fixed sights only — no adjustment for windage or elevation without modification
- Single-action only operation — unsuitable for defensive use
- No included lock or case — minimal packaging compared to competitors
Key attributes
| upc | 727962703342 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | RR22999CH6 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 6.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 9 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 11.78 |
| model | Rough Rider |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 5.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.55 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Magnum cylinders?
- No, this specific model is chambered exclusively for .22 LR and cannot accept .22 Magnum cylinders due to different chamber dimensions. Heritage does offer convertible models with dual cylinders, but this variant lacks the necessary frame cutouts and comes with only the 9-round .22 LR cylinder. Attempting to fire .22 Magnum in this revolver would create dangerous pressure conditions.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- Yes, the 6.5-inch barrel configuration fits most universal single-action holsters designed for similar-sized revolvers like the Ruger Wrangler or Colt Peacemaker clones. The maximum holster width required is 1.75 inches to accommodate the cylinder, and the 11.5-inch overall length requires a full-size leather or nylon rig. I recommend Simply Rugged Holsters or Bianchi Model 19 patterns for secure retention.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers typically requires 3-5 business days after processing, which itself takes 1-2 business days for compliance verification. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required, and the transfer must be completed through a licensed dealer in your state. Expedited shipping is available for an additional $25 through our Ironclad Armory priority service.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearm returns are strictly limited to manufacturer defects and require inspection by our certified armorers within 30 days of purchase. Since fit is subjective and firearms require FFL transfers, we cannot accept returns for ergonomic preferences or holster compatibility issues. All sales are final once the firearm has been transferred through your local dealer, except for verifiable mechanical malfunctions.
- Does this work with Heritage Arms accessories?
- Yes, it accepts all standard Heritage Rough Rider accessories including replacement grips, spring kits, and aftermarket sights designed for the 6.5-inch barrel model. The 9-round cylinder uses the same pin configuration as other Rough Rider variants, and the frame accepts universal base pins and grip panels. Avoid accessories marked 'Small Frame' or 'Convertible Model' as they may not fit properly.