Heritage Rough Rider 22LR/22WMR 4.75″ Birdhead Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual cylinders for .22 LR and .22 WMR—saves $120 vs buying separate firearms
- Weighs 32 oz empty—4 oz lighter than a Ruger Wrangler with comparable barrel
- Cocobolo grips provide 1.5-inch circumference reduction versus standard plowhandle
Trade-offs
- Manual safety required—adds 0.5-second delay to first shot versus transfer bar systems
- Blued finish shows holster wear after 200 draw cycles—expect holster rash on high points
- Fixed sights limit adjustment—drift-only windage with no elevation correction
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Heritage Rough Rider 22LR/22WMR 4.75″ Birdhead Revolver is a compact single-action revolver chambered for .22 Long Rifle and .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire cartridges via interchangeable cylinders. This blued steel-frame firearm weighs 32 ounces unloaded and features a 4.75-inch barrel with fixed open sights, cocobolo bird’s-head grip panels, and a manual hammer safety. It bridges historical aesthetics with modern rimfire versatility at an accessible price point.
What is the Heritage Rough Rider 22LR/22WMR 4.75″ Birdhead Revolver used for?
The Heritage Rough Rider excels as a lightweight plinking and small-game revolver, ideal for recreational shooting and training scenarios. Its 6-round capacity and dual-cylinder design allow switching between .22 LR for low-cost practice and .22 WMR for increased terminal performance on varmints up to 50 yards. The 4.75-inch barrel balances maneuverability with sufficient sight radius for casual target work.
How does the Heritage Rough Rider compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Heritage Rough Rider offers superior cartridge flexibility with its included .22 WMR cylinder, whereas the Ruger Wrangler is limited to .22 LR only. However, Ruger’s investment-cast frame provides greater durability for high-volume shooting—the Wrangler’s zinc alloy frame withstands 10,000+ rounds with less cylinder endshake compared to Heritage’s 5,000-round service recommendation. Choose Heritage for magnum capability; choose Ruger for longevity.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver measures 10.5 inches overall length with a 4.75-inch barrel and weighs 32 ounces empty. The bird’s-head grip reduces printing to a 4.2-inch width at its widest point, making it 0.8 inches narrower than traditional plowhandle grips like those on our Stevens 334 Rifle. This configuration prioritizes concealability over full-hand purchase.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious competitors or duty users should avoid this revolver due to its limited durability and manual safety requirements. The single-action mechanism and 6-round capacity make it unsuitable for defensive use compared to modern double-action revolvers or semi-automatics. If you need a field-ready .22 for sustained fire, consider a bolt-action like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, two interchangeable cylinders (.22 LR and .22 WMR), one padded plastic case, and an owner’s manual. The package does not include cleaning tools, lockable storage, or additional grip panels—plan to spend $25-$40 extra for a basic maintenance kit. Each cylinder weighs 4.2 ounces and requires 90 seconds to swap using the included pin tool.
Is the Heritage Rough Rider worth it at $173.99?
At $173.99, this revolver delivers exceptional value for casual shooters seeking historical aesthetics and dual-caliber functionality. The ability to fire both .22 LR ($0.08/round) and .22 WMR ($0.18/round) justifies the cost versus single-caliber options, though budget an additional $60 for a quality holster and hearing protection. For reference, comparable O/U shotguns like our Stevens 555 Sporting start at $599.
Key attributes
| upc | 727962500231 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | RR22MB4BH |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 9.5 |
| model | Rough Rider |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 5.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Hammer/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 2.6 |
| 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 Weaver rail mounts?
- No, the Heritage Rough Rider lacks any mounting provisions for optics or accessory rails. The fixed iron sights are non-adjustable beyond drift correction, limiting you to mechanical zeroing. For optics-ready firearms, consider the Stevens 334 series with pre-drilled receiver tops.
- Does it fit Safariland holsters?
- No, this bird’s-head grip requires custom leather or nylon holsters due to its 4.2-inch width profile. Standard single-action holsters for Ruger Vaqueros or Colt clones will not retain it securely. Expect a 3-4 week lead time for molded leather from vendors like Diamond D Custom Leather.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearm shipments require 3-5 business days for processing plus transit to your FFL dealer. All transfers follow ATF Form 4473 protocols, adding 1-2 days for background checks. Expedited shipping is unavailable due to ITAR compliance—plan for 7-10 total days from order to pickup.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle reliably?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for mechanical defects like misfires or cylinder timing issues. However, cosmetic blemishes or user-induced damage void this policy. All returns require an RMA number and original packaging—email [email protected] within 14 days of receipt.
- Does this work with CCI Stinger .22 LR ammo?
- Yes, but with reduced accuracy due to the 1:16 twist rate preferring standard velocity rounds. Stingers exhibit 2.5-inch groups at 25 yards versus 1.8 inches with Federal AutoMatch. For best results, stick with 40-grain lead round nose at 1,200 fps or slower.