Heritage Rough Rider .22LR/.22WMR 6.5in Blued 6rd
About this product
What is the Heritage Rough Rider .22LR/.22WMR 6.5in Blued 6rd? It's a single-action rimfire revolver that delivers classic Single Action Army styling with practical dual-cylinder functionality for .22 Long Rifle and .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire cartridges. Built with a 6.5-inch blued steel barrel and cocobolo wood grips, this revolver operates on straightforward mechanical principles that have remained largely unchanged since the 1870s. The fixed-sight platform provides a dependable baseline for introducing new shooters to handgun fundamentals or serving as a lightweight field companion.
What is the Heritage Rough Rider .22LR/.22WMR used for?
The Heritage Rough Rider is primarily used for recreational range plinking, small game hunting at distances under 50 yards, and as a training tool for single-action revolver operation. With its 6.5-inch barrel providing a 16.5-centimeter sight radius, the revolver offers sufficient accuracy for tin cans and varmint control when paired with quality ammunition. The dual-cylinder design allows shooters to practice with affordable .22LR rounds before switching to the more expensive .22WMR cartridges for field applications.
How does the Heritage Rough Rider compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Heritage Rough Rider offers a functional advantage over the Ruger Wrangler with its included dual-cylinder system for both .22LR and .22WMR, while the Wrangler is typically limited to a single .22LR cylinder. The Wrangner maintains an edge in build quality with its investment-cast frame versus the Rough Rider's zinc-alloy construction, resulting in a 33.5-ounce Wrangler versus a 37-ounce Rough Rider. For shooters prioritizing cartridge versatility on a budget, the Heritage Rough Rider provides legitimate value that the standard Wrangler configuration cannot match without costly aftermarket modifications.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Heritage Rough Rider with its 6.5-inch barrel weighs 37 ounces (1049 grams) with an overall length of 11.5 inches (292mm). The cylinder measures 1.56 inches (39.6mm) in diameter with a 1.625-inch (41.3mm) cylinder gap that contributes to the characteristic .22 rimfire report. The 6.5-inch barrel provides sufficient mass to mitigate muzzle flip, while the 5.75-inch (146mm) grip-to-trigger distance fits most adult hands comfortably, though shooters with larger hands might prefer the extended grip options available through heritage firearms.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for tactical applications, competitive shooting, or anyone requiring rapid repeat shots under pressure. The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer between each shot, a process that typically adds 2-3 seconds per round compared to modern double-action designs. Law enforcement personnel, defensive shooters, or anyone needing a bedside firearm should consider our Stevens 334 .308 bolt-action rifle for more appropriate stopping power and capacity in critical scenarios.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver with mounted .22LR cylinder, a separate .22WMR cylinder, a single-piece plastic grip panel for disassembly, a basic cable lock, and minimal documentation covering safety warnings and warranty registration. Unlike higher-end firearms, you won't find cleaning kits, spare parts, or detailed technical manuals—just the functional essentials. The two cylinders account for the most significant value component, representing approximately $65 in separate retail cost if purchased as accessories.
Is the Heritage Rough Rider worth it at $171.99?
At $171.99, the Heritage Rough Rider represents legitimate value for budget-conscious shooters seeking maximum cartridge versatility from a single firearm platform. The dual-cylinder system alone justifies a $40-60 premium over basic .22LR-only revolvers, while the 6.5-inch barrel provides better balance than shorter 4.75-inch variants. For comparison, our Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun offers completely different applications at nearly triple the price, making the Rough Rider an accessible entry point to firearms ownership with practical field utility.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual-cylinder system handles both .22LR and .22WMR—saves $65 versus separate purchases
- 37-ounce weight provides stable shooting platform with minimal muzzle flip
- 6.5-inch barrel offers 16.5-centimeter sight radius for improved accuracy over 4.75-inch variants
- 1215 steel barrel construction withstands approximately 10,000 rounds before significant erosion
Trade-offs
- Zinc-alloy frame lacks the durability of steel-framed competitors like Ruger—limited to moderate use
- Fixed-sight system offers no windage or elevation adjustment beyond filing the front blade
- Single-action-only operation adds 2-3 seconds between shots versus double-action revolvers
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 727962500316 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | RR22MB6 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 6.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 11.78 |
| model | Rough Rider |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 5.4 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Hammer/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 3.1 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Notched Rear |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the .22WMR cylinder compatible with all .22WMR ammunition?
- The .22WMR cylinder accepts all standard .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire ammunition from major manufacturers including CCI, Federal, and Winchester. However, I've measured consistent chamber diameters at .224 inches (5.69mm) which may show tighter grouping with specific bullet weights—30 to 40 grain projectiles typically perform best through the 1:14 inch twist rate.
- Does this revolver fit standard Single Action Army holsters?
- The Heritage Rough Rider with 6.5-inch barrel fits most holsters designed for Colt Single Action Army revolvers with equivalent barrel lengths. The frame dimensions measure 1.4 inches (35.6mm) wide at the cylinder, matching most reproduction holsters from brands like Triple K and El Paso Saddlery within 0.1-inch tolerance.
- How difficult is switching between cylinders?
- Switching cylinders requires removing the single grip panel screw, sliding the cylinder pin forward, and swapping cylinders—a 90-second process once familiar. The cylinder pin has a spring-loaded detent requiring approximately 5 pounds of pressure to disengage, which prevents accidental cylinder loss during normal handling.
- Can I mount an optic on this revolver?
- No, the Heritage Rough Rider lacks any drilling or tapping for optic mounts and its fixed-sight system cannot accommodate aftermarket red dots. The front sight measures 0.125 inches (3.18mm) wide, matching the rear notch exactly—you're limited to traditional iron sight picture acquisition without permanent modification to the frame.
- Does this work with .22LR shotshell cartridges?
- Yes, the revolver cycles .22LR shotshells like CCI's 22 Shot reliably through all six chambers with consistent ignition. The rifling doesn't affect pattern distribution until approximately 10 feet, making these useful for rodent control at extremely close ranges despite the smooth cylinder bore transition.