Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR Revolver, 4.75 in, Nickel, 6rd
Pros & cons
What works
- The price of $143.99 is at least $60 less than the nearest comparable new single-action .22 revolver
- Weighs 32 oz, which is 7 ounces lighter than a steel-framed centerfire single-action replica
- The 4.75-inch barrel provides a 7.9-inch sight radius for improved aiming precision over snub-nose revolvers
Trade-offs
- The standard nickel plating offers minimal protection against holster wear and corrosion compared to modern Cerakote or nitriding
- Fixed, non-adjustable rear sight notch limits zeroing capability to 'Kentucky windage' and holdover
- External manual safety is a non-traditional addition that adds a superfluous step for purists and a potential failure point
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR Revolver? It's a single-action rimfire revolver with a nickel-plated 4.75-inch barrel and a six-shot cylinder, designed for economical and traditional-styled shooting. This is an uncomplicated, budget-friendly platform chambered for .22 Long Rifle that follows the basic mechanical template of frontier-era single actions, made domestically by Heritage Manufacturing. It positions itself as an entry point to revolver handling or a low-cost tool for specific utility tasks.
What is the Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR Revolver used for?
The Rough Rider is used for informal target shooting, basic marksmanship practice, and light pest control where rimfire cartridges are appropriate. Its primary role is as a low-cost, low-recoil training aid or recreational plinker. At an average ammunition cost of 8-12 cents per round for standard velocity .22 LR, its operating economics are its defining characteristic, allowing for high-volume, low-stress range sessions that would be prohibitive with centerfire calibers.
How does the Heritage Rough Rider compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Rough Rider is less expensive and features an external manual safety, while the Ruger Wrangler has a more durable Cerakote finish and a transfer-bar safety system integrated into the hammer. The Rough Rider's average street price of $144 undercuts the Wrangler by approximately $60, but the Wrangler's construction with aluminum alloy frame components and a nitrided steel cylinder gives it a clear edge in corrosion resistance and long-term finish durability, especially if used in field conditions.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 32 ounces unloaded and has an overall length of 10.25 inches with the 4.75-inch barrel installed. This weight distribution provides a stable, muzzle-forward feel during deliberate single-action firing. The cylinder measures 1.4 inches in diameter, and the grip frame's backstrap-to-trigger distance is 3.9 inches, accommodating most hand sizes for a two-handed hold.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a defensive firearm, a high-volume competition gun, or a precision tool for small-game hunting beyond 25 yards. The fixed sights are non-adjustable for windage or elevation, and the trigger's single-action-only design and mandatory manual safety engagement between shots make it operationally unsuited for defensive use. It lacks the power, sighting system, and operational speed of modern double-action revolvers like those in our Stevens 334 rifle category's centerfire companions.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one six-round cylinder, a plastic hard case, a basic cable lock, and an owner's manual covering safety and disassembly. The box does not include speed loaders, additional grips, a cleaning kit, or a separate .22 Magnum cylinder (an optional accessory from Heritage). You'll need to supply your own .22 LR ammunition, eye and ear protection, and a suitable cleaning rod and patches, which we cover in our shotgun maintenance guide with applicable principles.
Is the Heritage Rough Rider worth it at $143.99?
Yes, if your goal is to experience a traditional single-action revolver for the lowest possible investment with no expectation of defensive utility. At this price point, you are paying for a functional, simple mechanical device that reliably fires .22 LR ammunition for practice and plinking. No, if you need adjustable sights, a more durable finish for field carry, or a faster-operating platform; in those cases, the extra investment in a Ruger Wrangler or a used centerfire revolver provides materially better performance.
Key attributes
| upc | 727962709313 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | RR22NI4 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black Nitride |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Nickel |
| length | 13.5000 |
| model | Rough Rider |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 5.3 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.5 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a .22 Magnum cylinder?
- This specific nickel finish model, based on its part number, ships with only the .22 LR cylinder. Heritage Manufacturing sells an optional, separate .22 WMR cylinder as an accessory (Part # RR22M) for approximately $35, which must be fitted by a gunsmith or the factory for proper headspace and timing. You cannot safely fire .22 Magnum ammunition through the standard .22 LR cylinder.
- Does this fit a standard holster for a Colt Single Action Army?
- No, not without modification. The Rough Rider's frame dimensions and trigger guard profile are similar but not identical to a full-scale Colt SAA or clone. Its 4.75-inch barrel will generally fit a holster designed for a 4.75-inch "Sheriff's Model" SAA, but you should expect a looser fit. For a secure carry, look for holsters specifically listed for the "Heritage Rough Rider."
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For in-stock items, our standard processing time is 1-2 business days before the firearm ships via FedEx or UPS 2-Day Air to your selected, valid FFL dealer. Total transit time from order to dealer notification typically ranges from 4 to 7 business days, depending on your FFL's location. You must contact your FFL to complete the Form 4473 background check before taking possession.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- All firearms are covered by the manufacturer's warranty—Heritage offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. If you experience a mechanical failure within the first 30 days of receipt through your FFL, contact Ironclad Armory support first for troubleshooting. If the issue is confirmed as a manufacturing defect, we will initiate a return authorization to Heritage for repair, which generally takes 3-5 weeks for turnaround.