Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR/.22 WMR 6.5 in Blued Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual-cylinder system included — provides both .22 LR and .22 WMR capability without additional purchase
- Weighs 33.4 oz — 2.6 oz lighter than the all-steel Ruger Wrangler for reduced belt carry weight
- 6.5-inch barrel — extends sight radius to 7.25 inches for improved visual alignment over 4.75-inch variants
Trade-offs
- Alloy frame construction — limits longevity with high-volume .22 WMR use compared to forged steel frames
- Non-adjustable fixed sights — requires manual filing for zeroing, unlike the adjustable sights on the Stevens 334 rifles
- Single-action only — mandates hammer cocking between shots, preventing rapid defensive follow-ups
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR/.22 WMR 6.5 in Blued Revolver is a single-action rimfire handgun with a two-cylinder system that accepts both .22 Long Rifle and .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire cartridges. It pairs a 33.4 oz alloy frame with a 6.5-inch blued steel barrel for a classic Western profile that prioritizes straightforward mechanics over modern defensive features. The included white mother of pearl style grips and fixed open sights establish its role as an accessible platform for recreational shooting and small-game dispatch under 150 yards.
What is the Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR/.22 WMR 6.5 in Blued Revolver used for?
This revolver is for recreational plinking, introductory firearms training, and small-game pest control at ranges under 75 yards. The single-action trigger and 6.5-inch barrel provide a deliberate shooting cadence and improved sight radius beneficial for new shooters learning fundamentals. The dual-cylinder system allows economical practice with .22 LR while retaining the option for .22 WMR's flatter trajectory and increased terminal energy on pests like ground squirrels or raccoons.
How does the Heritage Rough Rider compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Heritage Rough Rider's primary advantage over the Ruger Wrangler is its included .22 WMR cylinder, which the base Wrangler lacks. Where the Wrangler uses a more corrosion-resistant Cerakote finish on its steel frame, the Rough Rider employs traditional bluing over an alloy frame, resulting in a lighter 33.4 oz weight versus the Wrangler's 36 oz. For pure .22 LR plinking, the Wrangler's solid construction often yields better long-term lockup, but for hunters wanting both rimfire calibers in one package, the Rough Rider combo provides immediate versatility the Wrangler does not.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 33.4 ounces (946 grams) with an overall length of approximately 11.5 inches from muzzle to grip heel. The 6.5-inch barrel provides a sight radius of roughly 7.25 inches between the fixed front blade and notched rear, while the cylinder diameter measures 1.45 inches across its widest point. These dimensions create a balanced feel in hand that mitigates muzzle heaviness common with longer-barreled single-actions, making it suitable for extended range sessions without excessive fatigue.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for defensive carry, competitive shooting, or anyone requiring rapid follow-up shots. The mandatory manual cocking of the hammer between shots renders it impractical for self-defense scenarios where speed is critical. Shooters seeking precision benchrest accuracy should look toward bolt-action rimfires like the Stevens 334, as the Rough Rider's fixed sights and inherent cylinder gap will limit consistent groups beyond 50 yards compared to a rifle platform.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver with its installed .22 LR cylinder, a separate .22 WMR cylinder, and white mother of pearl style grips mounted to the alloy frame. Heritage typically ships with a basic cable lock and owner's manual detailing the cylinder-swapping procedure, which requires aligning the cylinder pin with the frame window—a 15-second operation once familiar. No cleaning kit, holster, or additional sighting tools are provided, aligning with its budget-focused positioning.
Is the Heritage Rough Rider worth it at $186.99?
At $186.99, this revolver delivers exceptional value for shooters seeking a traditional single-action experience with dual-caliber capability unavailable elsewhere at this price point. The investment covers both cylinders where competitors like the Ruger Wrangler charge separately for a .22 WMR conversion, often adding $80-$100 to the total cost. For trainers, plinkers, or casual hunters who prioritize mechanical simplicity and caliber flexibility over tactical features, this represents one of the most cost-effective entries into Western-style shooting available today, though upgrade paths like custom grips or adjustable sights will require additional spending.
Key attributes
| upc | 727962500361 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | RR22MB6PRL |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 6.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 11.78 |
| model | Rough Rider |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 5.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Thumb/Hammer |
| shipping weight | 3.2 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with suppressor use?
- No, the exposed hammer and traditional cylinder gap preclude safe suppressor attachment without potential gas leakage and timing complications. For suppressed rimfire applications, consider a dedicated .22 LR pistol with a threaded barrel.
- Does this work with .22 Short ammunition?
- Yes, the .22 LR cylinder will safely fire .22 Short cartridges, though reliable cycling may require manually rotating the cylinder after each shot due to the shorter case length. Velocity drops significantly compared to .22 LR, reducing effective range to approximately 35 yards.
- How long does cylinder swapping take?
- With practice, swapping between the .22 LR and .22 WMR cylinders takes 20-30 seconds. The process involves pushing the cylinder pin forward, removing the current cylinder, aligning the replacement cylinder's notches with the frame window, and reseating the pin—detailed in the owner's manual.
- Can I mount an optic on this revolver?
- No, the receiver lacks any drilled and tapped mounting points for optics bases or rails. The fixed open sights are non-adjustable for windage or elevation beyond filing the front blade, limiting precision upgrades.