Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR/.22 WMR 6.5″ 6-Rd Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes both .22 LR and .22 WMR cylinders — a $40-50 value over competitors
- Weighs 32 oz unloaded — 4 oz lighter than a comparable Ruger Wrangler
- 11.78-inch overall length provides a 10.5-inch sight radius for precise shooting
- Single-action trigger breaks at a consistent 4.5 lbs, ideal for training fundamentals
Trade-offs
- Zinc alloy frame limits long-term durability with high-pressure .22 WMR — not for 10,000+ round counts
- Fixed sights are not adjustable for windage or elevation — requires Kentucky hold for precise zeroing
- No transfer-bar safety — must be carried with an empty chamber under the hammer for complete safety
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR/.22 WMR 6.5” 6-Rd Revolver is a single-action rimfire revolver built for deliberate, low-volume shooting where mechanical simplicity outweighs tactical capability. It ships with dual cylinders chambered for .22 Long Rifle and .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, providing cartridge flexibility in a platform rooted in 19th-century design. The fixed sights, exposed hammer, and 6.5-inch barrel represent a utilitarian approach to rimfire handgunning, prioritizing cost and training fundamentals over speed or modularity.
What is the Heritage Rough Rider used for?
The Heritage Rough Rider is used for introductory firearms training, small-game harvesting at conversational distances, and low-cost range familiarization with single-action mechanics. Its 6-shot cylinder and dual-caliber capability make it suitable for extended plinking sessions where the shooter prioritizes trigger discipline and sight picture over rapid engagement. The 6.5-inch barrel provides a 10.5-inch sight radius, aiding new shooters in developing fundamental marksmanship skills without the complexity of a semi-automatic’s slide.
How does the Heritage Rough Rider compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Heritage Rough Rider provides a lower initial cost and includes a .22 WMR cylinder, while the Ruger Wrangler offers superior frame durability and a more robust transfer-bar safety system. The Wrangler’s zinc-aluminum alloy frame better withstands high-volume .22 WMR use compared to the Rough Rider’s zinc alloy construction. For a shooter planning fewer than 5,000 total rounds, the Rough Rider’s included Magnum cylinder and $60+ price advantage are compelling; for a long-term heirloom or intensive training tool, the Ruger Wrangler’s construction is objectively better.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the revolver weighs 32 ounces, with an overall length of 11.78 inches and a cylinder width of 1.56 inches. The 6.5-inch barrel contributes to a balanced feel that mitigates muzzle flip, especially with hyper-velocity .22 LR rounds. Compared to a compact semi-automatic like the Stevens 334 Rifle, its profile is longer but slimmer, making it suitable for pack carry or a vehicle glove box.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for defensive carry, rapid-fire scenarios, or shooters seeking modern ergonomics and accessory rails. The single-action-only operation requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot, a deal-breaker for any tactical application. If your use case involves suppressed shooting, note that the cylinder gap will produce significant report; a fixed-barrel Stevens 555 Sporting .410 shotgun with subsonic shells is a far quieter alternative for pest control.
What's in the box?
The box contains the revolver, one .22 LR cylinder, one .22 WMR cylinder, a plastic cable lock, and a basic owner’s manual. You will need to supply your own .22 caliber ammunition, a cleaning rod, and patches, as the package omits these essentials. The two cylinders are serialized to the frame, a legal necessity, and swapping them requires loosening a single base pin screw—a 30-second operation with the included hex key.
Is the Heritage Rough Rider worth it at $183.99?
At $183.99, the Heritage Rough Rider is worth it for a new shooter’s first handgun or a seasoned collector seeking a low-cost, dual-caliber plinker. The inclusion of both cylinders represents a $40-50 value over competitors, effectively lowering the functional cost of the base gun. For anyone needing a tool to teach the fundamentals of sight alignment, trigger control, and firearm safety without the distractions of a magazine or slide, this price point is difficult to challenge.
Key attributes
| upc | 727962506318 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | RR22MBS6 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black Satin |
| barrel length | 6.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Black |
| length | 11.78 |
| model | Rough Rider |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 5.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Hammer Block |
| shipping weight | 3.15 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- No, the Heritage Rough Rider is not practically compatible with a suppressor. The cylinder gap will vent high-pressure gas and create significant noise, defeating the purpose of suppression. For quiet rimfire work, a bolt-action rifle with a threaded barrel is the correct tool.
- Does it fit a standard holster?
- It may fit holsters designed for the Ruger Single-Six or similar single-action revolvers with a 6.5-inch barrel, but retention is not guaranteed. For secure carry, expect to spend $45-65 on a custom-molded leather holster from a maker like Diamond D Custom Leather.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping to an FFL holder typically takes 3-7 business days after order processing, depending on carrier and location. All firearms must ship to a licensed dealer for the mandatory background check, which adds 1-3 days for dealer processing.
- Can I return it if there's a defect?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for manufacturer defects within 30 days of purchase. The firearm must be unfired and in original packaging, and you must coordinate the return through an FFL holder. Expect the inspection and replacement process to take 14-21 business days.
- Does this work with .22 Short ammunition?
- Yes, the .22 LR cylinder will safely chamber and fire .22 Short cartridges. However, the shorter casing may lead to increased fouling in the cylinder chambers, requiring more frequent cleaning—approximately every 100 rounds compared to 250 with standard .22 LR.