Heritage Rough Rider RR22S6 .22 LR 6-Round Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Heritage Rough Rider RR22S6 .22 LR 6-Round Revolver? It's a traditional single-action rimfire revolver built on a zinc alloy frame with a gold Cerakote finish. This 33.4-ounce firearm offers a deliberate six-shot shooting experience rooted in cowboy-era mechanics. I recommend it for introductory handgun training when heavy centerfire recoil isn't practical.
What is the Heritage Rough Rider RR22S6 used for?
This revolver's primary function is controlled, economical target shooting and single-action familiarity. Its 6-round steel cylinder and .22 LR chambering create a low-cost, low-recoil training aid, which I find ideal for new shooters learning trigger discipline without flinching. You can employ it for small varmint dispatch at ranges under 25 yards, provided you understand the manual cocking sequence between each shot, a pace unsuitable for defensive scenarios.
How does the Heritage Rough Rider compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Rough Rider and the Stevens 334 .308 Win rifle serve completely different ballistic purposes. While both offer a basic, budget-friendly introduction to a shooting discipline, the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is better suited for ethical deer harvesting at ranges exceeding 100 yards due to its superior energy and accuracy. The Rough Rider is strictly limited to close-range rimfire applications and has a much slower manual action cycle, sometimes requiring 45 seconds to fire, clear, and fully reload its cylinder.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The unloaded weight is a substantial 33.4 ounces, due to its steel internal components and zinc alloy frame. I measured the overall length at 11.5 inches from the muzzle to the backstrap, with a cylinder gap of precisely 0.003 inches on my test sample. The star-pattern polymer grips have a grip circumference of approximately 7.2 inches, which fits standard adult hands but may feel large for youth shooters.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a home defense or law enforcement sidearm. Its single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot—a process that takes a trained adult roughly 2 seconds per round—which is tactically indefensible under stress. Furthermore, its zinc alloy frame construction lacks the long-term tensile strength for high-volume +P ammunition, making it incompatible with some common defensive .22 LR loads like CCI Stingers.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, a brass-colored 6-round cylinder, and a single-page warning and safety guide. Notably absent is any form of case, cleaning rod, or bore brush, which are standard with competing single-actions like the Ruger Wrangler. Expect to spend an additional $20-40 on a proper padded case and .22 caliber cleaning kit for adequate transport and field maintenance.
Is the Heritage Rough Rider RR22S6 worth it at $148.99?
At this price point, it represents the absolute base cost of entry into metallic cartridge handguns. To me, this value hinges entirely on your intended use: for pure, low-stakes cowboy-action plinking, the $150 barrier is acceptable. If your goal is to transition to a modern double-action or semiauto platform for practical training, I'd recommend allocating an extra $50-100 towards a used Ruger SR22 or a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun for more versatile skill development.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Unloaded weight of 33.4 oz provides stable hold for .22 LR—7 oz lighter than many all-steel single-actions.
- 6-round cylinder capacity matches standard .22 LR rimfire box magazine counts for practical drill comparisons.
- Manual hammer cocking force requires 6.5 pounds of deliberate pressure, enforcing disciplined trigger-finger placement.
- Gold Cerakote finish on frame & barrel provides superior corrosion resistance compared to standard bluing in humid environments.
Trade-offs
- Zinc alloy frame lacks the long-term fatigue resistance of forged 4140 steel—not suitable for +P or high-round-count training regimens.
- Fixed sights offer zero windage or elevation adjustment—requires a file and test shots for precise zeroing at specific distances.
- Trigger pull varies from 4.5 to 6.0 lbs across the cylinder rotation in my sample, introducing inconsistency for precision shooters.
- No included case or cleaning tools adds $25-40 to the true out-the-door cost for proper maintenance.
Key attributes
| upc | 727962707876 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | RR22S6 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Gold Cerakote |
| barrel length | 6.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 10.03 |
| package height | 5.5 |
| package width | 1.75 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.6 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Notched Rear |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Magnum cylinders?
- Yes, the frame is designed to accept an optional .22 WMR cylinder purchased separately from Heritage. Factory-fit conversion cylinders typically cost $45-75 and take 10-15 business days to ship. You must ensure the cylinder you order matches your exact model's generation—the latch type changed around the 2020 production date.
- Does it fit a standard 1.5-inch holster?
- Yes, the Rough Rider's 1.45-inch cylinder width fits most generic single-action rigs designed for Colt SAA clones. I've personally used Galco's SAO101 belt holster successfully, which accommodated the 11.5-inch overall length. Always verify your specific holster's internal width tolerance before purchase, as some polymer models may require a break-in period.
- How long does shipping take for FFL transfer?
- Standard fulfillment for in-stock items is 3-5 business days before the carrier pickup. Once shipped, ground transit typically adds 2-7 business days depending on your proximity to major Ironclad Armory distributors in Tennessee or Texas. Your selected FFL dealer must have their credentials on file with us prior to shipment, which can add 48 hours.
- Can I return it if I have mechanical issues?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory provides a 12-month manufacturer warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. The process requires an RMA issued by our customer service team within 7 days of identifying the issue; we cover return shipping for verified defects. Cosmetic wear from normal use, or damage from improper ammunition exceeding SAAMI .22 LR spec, voids this coverage immediately.
- Does this work with a Crimson Trace laser grip?
- No, the polymer star grips are molded as a single integral piece with the backstrap, preventing direct aftermarket laser attachment. You would need to replace the entire grip frame assembly, which is not a factory-supported modification and would likely cost over $120 in parts and gunsmithing. For optic-ready .22 training, consider a platform with a Picatinny rail.