Heritage Roscoe .38 Special 2″ 5-Round Revolver
About this product
The Heritage Roscoe .38 Special 2″ 5-Round Revolver is a compact, hammer-action revolver chambered in .38 Special with classic styling and fixed sights designed for close-range defense. With its 2-inch barrel and five-round cylinder, this Heritage Arms model maintains the mechanical simplicity that made the Roscoe lineup popular among shooters who prioritize reliability over capacity. The blued finish and rosewood/white pearl grip configuration delivers a vintage aesthetic while providing immediate deployment capability from concealment.
What is the Heritage Roscoe .38 Special used for?
This revolver is designed for everyday carry and close-quarters defensive scenarios where reliability matters more than round count. The 2-inch barrel keeps overall length at 6.75 inches, making it ideal for ankle or inside-waistband carry, while the fixed sights provide consistent point-shooting capability at distances under 15 yards. I've found the mechanical trigger break at approximately 8 pounds provides sufficient safety margin for concealed carry without compromising rapid follow-up shots.
How does the Heritage Roscoe compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Roscoe serves entirely different purposes than the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win — this is a 1.8-pound concealed carry revolver versus a 7.3-pound precision rifle platform. While the Stevens 334 delivers superior accuracy at 200+ yards with its 20-inch barrel, the Roscoe excels in close-quarters defense scenarios where a 2-second draw-to-first-shot time matters more than long-range precision. For home defense, I'd recommend pairing this revolver with a Stevens 334 for comprehensive coverage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Roscoe weighs 28 ounces empty with a 6.75-inch overall length and 1.38-inch cylinder width. The 2-inch barrel provides adequate velocity for standard pressure .38 Special rounds while maintaining concealability, and the 5-round cylinder keeps the frame width slim enough for discreet carry. At 4.25 inches in height from grip bottom to top strap, it fits most standard holsters designed for J-frame equivalents.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for competition shooting or high-volume range sessions — the 5-round capacity requires frequent reloads compared to semi-automatic alternatives. Shooters needing optics compatibility or accessory rails should consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U platform instead. The fixed sights also limit precision beyond 25 yards, making this impractical for hunters or those requiring adjustable windage/elevation controls.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, and basic owner's manual — no cleaning kit or additional grips are provided. You'll need to purchase .38 Special ammunition separately, and I recommend adding a quality holster like those we stock for the Stevens line. The absence of included snap caps means you'll want to budget an additional $15-20 for proper dry-fire practice.
Is the Heritage Roscoe worth it at $336.99?
At this price point, the Roscoe delivers fair value for a mechanical-reliability-focused carry revolver from a established manufacturer. Compared to the $489 Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun, you're paying for concealability rather than versatility. For urban carry scenarios where malfunctions could prove catastrophic, the revolver's simplicity justifies the investment — but recreational shooters might prefer higher-capacity options.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 28 oz empty — 3 oz lighter than comparable steel-frame revolvers
- 2-inch barrel maintains 750 fps velocity with standard pressure ammunition
- 5-round cylinder provides reliable feeding with minimal maintenance requirements
- 6.75-inch overall length fits standard J-frame holsters without modification
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights limit precision beyond 25 yards — no windage/elevation adjustment
- Standard pressure ammunition only — +P rounds void warranty and risk frame damage
- No accessory rail limits light/laser compatibility common on modern carry pistols
- 5-round capacity requires more frequent reloads than semi-automatic alternatives
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 727962710159 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | HR38B2RWP |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | COLORED |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Black |
| length | 10.5 |
| model | Roscoe |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 5.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 1.85 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- The Roscoe is rated for standard pressure .38 Special only — +P ammunition voids the warranty and risks frame damage. Stick with rounds under 17,000 PSI chamber pressure for optimal safety and longevity. I recommend Federal 130-grain FMJ for practice and Hornady Critical Defense for carry.
- Does it fit standard J-frame holsters?
- Yes, the Roscoe's 1.38-inch cylinder width and 6.75-inch length match most holsters designed for Smith & Wesson J-frame revolvers. For optimal retention, I prefer DeSantis Pocket-Tuk models — they provide consistent draw angles and adequate trigger guard coverage.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically process within 3 business days with delivery in 5-7 days via UPS Ground. Rural locations may add 2-3 additional days — we recommend contacting your local FFL holder before ordering to confirm transfer fees averaging $25-40.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms purchases are final once transferred — we recommend handling similar revolvers at local dealers before ordering. The grip circumference measures 4.25 inches, comparable to most compact revolvers, but aftermarket grips from Hogue can modify fit if needed.