Heritage Rough Rider .22LR/.22WMR 6.5in 9‑Rd Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual-caliber capability includes both .22 LR and .22 WMR cylinders at no extra cost
- 9-round cylinder provides 50% more capacity than typical 6-shot .22 revolvers
- Adjustable rear sight and fiber-optic front offer better sight picture than fixed-sight competitors
- Weighs 32.5 oz — manageable for extended range sessions with low-recoil .22
Trade-offs
- Zamak zinc-alloy frame lacks the long-term durability of aluminum or steel under extreme round counts
- Manual hammer/thumb safety is a non-traditional addition some purists dislike on a single-action
- Trigger pull averages 5.5-6 lbs, heavier than a tuned target revolver's 2-3 lb pull
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Heritage Rough Rider .22LR/.22WMR 6.5in 9‑Rd Revolver is a single-action rimfire revolver chambered for both .22 Long Rifle and .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire cartridges. It offers a practical blend of traditional single-action mechanics with modern capacity, featuring a sizable 6.5-inch barrel and a frame made from Zamak zinc alloy. This gun serves as an affordable gateway to single-action shooting, with an exposed hammer and manual hammer/thumb safety.
What is the Heritage Rough Rider used for?
This revolver is primarily for affordable, low-recoil plinking and training exercises on the range. Its 9-round capacity exceeds the typical 6-round cylinder found in most .22 revolvers like the Ruger Wrangler, and the dual-caliber capability extends utility to small-game hunting with the .22 WMR cylinder. For generalist small-game hunting where you might use a rifle, note that the Stevens 334 .243 Win offers substantially greater range and power.
How does the Heritage Rough Rider compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The primary difference is construction: the Rough Rider uses a zinc-alloy (Zamak) frame while the Ruger Wrangler uses an aluminum-alloy frame. This makes the Ruger marginally lighter and potentially more durable against long-term wear under heavy use. However, the Heritage Rough Rider has a distinct advantage in its included .22 WMR cylinder and its adjustable rear sight, features the base-model Wrangler lacks. For pure .22LR range work, the Wrangler is slightly more robust, but for dual-caliber flexibility on a budget, the Heritage combo provides more versatility straight from the box.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
It weighs approximately 32.5 ounces (roughly 921 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 11.75 inches (298 mm) thanks to the 6.5-inch barrel. The cylinder gap, a critical measurement for evaluating potential pressure and velocity loss, is a typical 0.005-0.007 inches on this model. The grip, fashioned from genuine cocobolo wood, has a circumference of about 4.75 inches — suitable for average to large hands.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for any shooter seeking a double-action trigger, a primary defensive firearm, or a heavyweight, all-steel target pistol. The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer for every shot. The zinc-alloy frame, while durable for its intended role, will not withstand the tens of thousands of high-intensity rounds a pure steel frame like that on a Smith & Wesson Model 617 can handle. Anyone needing rapid follow-up shots or a lifetime heavy-duty training tool should look elsewhere.
What's in the box?
The box contains the revolver with the .22 LR cylinder installed, a separate, serialized .22 WMR cylinder, a cable lock, and an owner's manual. Expect also to find a small parts/empty chamber indicator flag. The entire package typically ships in a basic cardboard box with minimal protective padding, so inspect the firearm and both cylinders for scratches or damage upon arrival.
Is the Heritage Rough Rider worth it at $201.99?
At just over two hundred dollars for a functional, dual-caliber revolver, it delivers exceptional value for money if your expectations are calibrated to its budget materials and single-action purpose. You are paying less than half the price of a comparable steel-frame .22 single-action and receiving a nine-round capacity and two cylinders. For new shooters learning fundamentals, seasoned hands wanting a cheap 'fun gun,' or participants in cowboy action side matches, this price point is justified.
Key attributes
| upc | 727962500538 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | RR22999MB6AS |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 6.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 9 |
| color | Black |
| length | 11.78 |
| model | Rough Rider |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 5.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Hammer/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 3.0 |
| sights | Adjustable |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Heritage Rough Rider compatible with .22 Short or .22 CB caps?
- Yes, the Rough Rider can safely fire .22 Short cartridges in the .22 LR cylinder. However, due to their shorter length, they may cause inconsistent ignition and fouling buildup at the front of the chamber, potentially affecting extraction of longer .22 LR rounds afterward. Clean the cylinder chambers thoroughly after shooting .22 Shorts.
- Does the Heritage Rough Rider fit a standard holster for a Colt Single Action Army or Ruger Blackhawk?
- Typically yes, its overall profile and 6.5-inch barrel length are dimensionally similar to many single-action revolvers of that size. However, the exact fit can vary by holster maker. We recommend verifying measurements with the specific holster manufacturer, such as Galco, Simply Rugged, or DeSantis, before purchase.
- How long does shipping take after placing an order?
- For products with 'Online Only' tags like this one, orders are processed and shipped within 2-3 business days after receiving a valid FFL from your dealer. Ground shipping transit time to a continental US FFL typically adds 5-10 business days. Total time from order to your dealer is often 7-14 business days, barring weather or carrier delays.
- Is the manual hammer/thumb safety reliable for carry?
- The manual safety is a mechanical block that prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin. It is reliable within its design, but it is a positive, manual action you must remember to engage. This system is not a substitute for keeping your finger off the trigger and the hammer down on an empty chamber—the primary rules of single-action carry.