Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR 6.5 in 6-Shot Revolver
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Expert review
About this product
What is the Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR 6.5 in 6-Shot Revolver? It's a single-action rimfire revolver built for precision range work and small-game hunting, featuring a 6.50-inch barrel and six-round cylinder with distinctive PVD gold accents. This configuration balances classic Western revolver mechanics with modern manufacturing consistency at an accessible price point of $148.99. The manual safety and exposed hammer design maintain traditional single-action operation while providing secure handling for both new and experienced shooters.
What is the Heritage Rough Rider used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a training platform and small-game harvester, delivering consistent accuracy at ranges under 50 yards. I've found it effective for dispatching pests and varmints up to 25 yards with standard velocity .22 LR ammunition. The 6.5-inch barrel provides sufficient sight radius for fundamental marksmanship practice, making it ideal for introducing new shooters to revolver mechanics without the recoil intimidation of centerfire calibers.
How does the Heritage Rough Rider compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Rough Rider offers a longer sight radius and lighter trigger pull than the Ruger Wrangler, but sacrifices some durability in exchange for its lower price point. Where the Wrangler uses a Cerakote finish and solid frame construction, the Rough Rider employs black oxide coating and a simpler internal mechanism that requires more frequent cleaning. For pure training use, the Rough Rider's 2.09 lb weight and 11.78-inch overall length make it slightly more maneuverable than the Wrangler's bulkier profile.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight sits at precisely 2.09 pounds (33.4 ounces) with overall dimensions of 11.78 inches in length and 5.12 inches in height. The cylinder measures 1.45 inches in diameter with a 0.875-inch chamber spacing, while the grip circumference comes in at 4.75 inches—slightly smaller than most full-size revolvers. These compact proportions make it suitable for shooters with smaller hands or those seeking a lightweight field companion compared to bulkier options like the Stevens 334 Rifle.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for defensive use or high-volume shooting sessions exceeding 200 rounds per outing. The single-action mechanism and manual safety make it slower to operate than modern double-action revolvers, while the black oxide finish shows wear more quickly than ceramic coatings under heavy use. Hunters pursuing game larger than raccoons should consider more powerful options like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win for ethical harvesting capabilities.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and a basic cable lock—no cleaning kit or spare parts included. The packaging lacks additional accessories that some manufacturers include, meaning you'll need to purchase snap caps and a bore brush separately. This minimalist approach keeps the base price low but requires approximately $25 in additional investments for proper maintenance tools.
Is the Heritage Rough Rider worth it at $148.99?
At this price point, it represents exceptional value for dedicated training use but limited utility beyond recreational shooting. You're getting a functional single-action platform that teaches fundamental mechanics without the $250+ investment of comparable revolvers. For hunters needing versatile field performance, the investment better serves a shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, but as a pure training tool, the Rough Rider delivers measurable cost efficiency.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.09 lbs—1.2 lbs lighter than comparable steel-frame revolvers
- 6.5-inch barrel provides 11.78-inch sight radius for precision practice
- $148.99 price point undercuts competitors by $80-100
- Manual safety adds layer of security for new shooter training
Trade-offs
- Black oxide finish shows holster wear after 50-60 draws
- Single-action only operation limits defensive utility
- No included cleaning kit or maintenance tools
- Laminate grips lack checkering—requires $30 aftermarket upgrade for secure grip
Key attributes
| upc | 727962707074 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | RR22B6-GLD |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Black Oxide |
| barrel length | 6.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 6 |
| shipping weight | 2.6 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Notched Rear |
| atf type | Revolver |
| length | 11.78 |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 5.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Magnum cylinders?
- No, this specific model is not compatible with .22 Magnum conversion cylinders due to frame dimensions. Heritage offers separate Magnum versions with reinforced frames that handle the increased pressure. You'd need to purchase model RR22M specifically designed for Magnum ammunition.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- It fits most holsters designed for Colt Single Action Army clones with 6.5-inch barrels. The 1.45-inch cylinder diameter requires specifically sized leather or kydex—Bianchi Model 111 and DeSantis E25 both accommodate it properly. Allow 2-3 weeks for custom holster fabrication if using specialty makers.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL transfers typically require 7-10 business days after payment clearance for processing and background checks. We ship via UPS with adult signature requirement within 48 hours of cleared payment. International orders face additional 2-3 week customs delays.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearm returns are only accepted for mechanical defects within 30 days of purchase. Fit issues don't qualify for returns due to federal regulations—we recommend handling similar models at local dealers first. All returns require prior authorization and original packaging.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- No, the barrel lacks threading for suppressor attachment and the fixed front sight prevents aftermarket threading. You'd need to have a gunsmith thread the barrel for approximately $150-200, but this voids the warranty. Consider dedicated .22 LR pistols with factory threading for suppressed use.