Heritage Rough Rider 22LR/22WMR 6.5″ 9-Round Revolver
About this product
The Heritage Rough Rider 22LR/22WMR 6.5″ 9-Round Revolver is a single-action rimfire firearm offered with two interchangeable cylinders that allow you to shoot both standard-velocity .22 Long Rifle and higher-pressure .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire ammunition from the same frame. This configuration provides an unusual level of versatility for a $185 revolver, pairing a classic 1873-style profile with modern manufacturing methods that deliver a nine-shot capacity instead of the traditional six-round cylinder. As an entry-level plinking and small-game tool, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and cartridge flexibility over rapid-fire capability or precision ergonomics.
What is the Heritage Rough Rider 22LR/22WMR 6.5″ 9-Round Revolver used for?
The primary application is cost-effective plinking, small-game harvesting at ranges under 50 yards, and introductory single-action shooting. The 6.5-inch barrel length provides a longer sight radius than compact .22 revolvers like the Ruger Wrangler, improving practical accuracy for stationary paper or steel targets while the nine-round cylinder reduces reload frequency compared to six-shot models. With the inclusion of the .22 WMR cylinder, it can also handle raccoon, groundhog, and prairie dog control with appropriate high-velocity loads, though the fixed sights and 1:14-inch twist rate limit consistent grouping beyond 75 yards.
How does the Heritage Rough Rider compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Heritage Rough Rider offers a nine-shot capacity and a two-cylinder system for caliber switching, while the similarly priced Ruger Wrangler provides a six-shot cylinder and superior frame metallurgy via its aluminum-alloy construction. The Wrangler is approximately 4.2 ounces lighter at 30.5 ounces unloaded and features a more durable Cerakote-like finish on most models, making it the better choice for all-day carry in a holster. The Rough Rider’s 12L14 steel cylinder and solid-steel frame construction, however, give it a more traditional heft and perceived durability for range use, and its nine-round capacity extends your shooting session before needing to reload—a tangible advantage for sustained plinking.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 34.7 ounces (984 grams) unloaded and measures 11.5 inches in overall length with a 6.5-inch barrel. The cylinder diameter is 1.62 inches, and the grip frame width across the cocobolo panels is 1.38 inches, making it comparable in hand-filling volume to a full-size 1911 frame. At 2.8 pounds when loaded with nine rounds of .22 WMR, it has enough mass to dampen the modest recoil of rimfire cartridges, which is helpful for new shooters developing fundamental trigger control.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is unsuitable for defensive carry, rapid-fire competition, or precision vermin control beyond 100 yards. The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer before every shot, a process that takes approximately 1.5 to 2 seconds per round for a practiced shooter, making it non-viable for any defensive scenario. The fixed, non-adjustable sights and modest 1:14-inch twist rate restrict consistent accuracy with hyper-velocity ammunition, so if your primary need is sub-MOA varminting, a bolt-action rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win will deliver superior ballistic performance.
What’s in the box?
You receive the revolver with the .22 LR cylinder installed, a separate .22 WMR cylinder, one set of cocobolo wood grip panels secured by a single screw, and a basic cardboard box with foam insert. Heritage does not include a cable lock, cleaning rod, or speed-loading tool, which are common inclusions with competitors like the Ruger Wrangler’s package—plan to spend an additional $12–$18 for a .22-caliber cleaning kit and a trigger-disabling lock to meet safe-storage laws in many jurisdictions.
Is the Heritage Rough Rider worth it at $184.99?
At this price point, it represents substantial value for a casual shooter seeking maximum round capacity and caliber flexibility in a single-action platform. The two-cylinder system alone would cost over $75 if purchased separately for most revolvers, and the nine-shot design provides 50% more capacity than the typical six-round .22 revolver before reloading. If your budget is strictly under $200 and your use case is recreational plinking or introductory cowboy-action shooting, this gun delivers functional performance, though for hunting or more rugged field use, I’d recommend stepping up to the Stevens 334 in .308 Win for its superior all-weather synthetic stock and superior long-range terminal ballistics.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes two cylinders—enables shooting both .22 LR and .22 WMR from one frame
- Holds 9 rounds—50% more capacity than standard six-shot .22 revolvers before reloading
- Weighs 34.7 oz—provides stable hold for new shooters learning trigger control
- 1:14-inch twist rate—optimized for standard-velocity 40-grain .22 LR ammunition
Trade-offs
- Fixed, non-adjustable sights—limits precision adjustment for different ammunition drop at varying distances
- Single-action only mechanism—requires manual hammer cocking before each shot, adding 1.5–2 seconds per round to your firing sequence
- Blued finish offers minimal corrosion resistance compared to modern coatings like Cerakote—requires diligent oiling in humid environments
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 727962500514 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | RR22999MB6 |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 6.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 9 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 11.78 |
| model | Rough Rider |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 5.5 |
| product type | Single Action Only |
| safety | Hammer/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 3.0 |
| 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 .22 Short ammunition?
- Yes, the .22 LR cylinder will safely chamber and fire .22 Short rounds due to identical rim dimensions, though you must manually extract each empty case with a rod or fingernail since the ejector star is sized for the longer .22 LR casing. Firing more than 50 consecutive Shorts can lead to carbon fouling buildup in the chamber that may impede subsequent .22 LR cartridge seating—clean the cylinder chambers with a .22-caliber brush every 100 rounds to prevent this.
- Does this work with a Heritage Birdshead grip?
- Yes, the frame uses Heritage’s standard small-frame grip pattern, allowing direct swap to their optional Birdshead, pearlite, or checkered rubber panels sold separately for $24.99–$39.99. The factory cocobolo grips attach via a single screw through the backstrap; replacement takes about 90 seconds with a properly sized screwdriver to avoid marring the grip screw head.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms within 2 business days, with transit times averaging 3–5 business days via FedEx or UPS Ground to your selected licensed dealer. You must provide your dealer’s signed FFL copy before shipment commences; allow an additional 24–48 hours for the dealer to log the firearm into their bound book before you can complete the 4473 background check and take possession.
- Can I return it if the cylinder doesn’t align?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturing defects like cylinder timing issues, provided the firearm is unfired and in original packaging with all included components. If timing is off by more than 0.010 inch when the hammer is fully cocked—measurable with a range rod—you’ll receive a prepaid shipping label and either a replacement revolver or full refund, minus a $25 restocking fee, within 10 business days of receipt at our warehouse.