Heritage Arms Roscoe .38 Special 2in 5-Rd Blued Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Heritage Arms Roscoe .38 Special 2in 5-Rd Blued Revolver is a compact, traditionally styled wheelgun chambered in .38 Special with a 2-inch barrel and five-round cylinder. It features a blued finish over an alloy frame with white pearl grips and fixed sights, delivering classic pocket-revolver aesthetics with practical everyday carry functionality. This design prioritizes reliability and period-accurate appearance for collectors, re-enactors, and concealed carry users seeking a straightforward mechanical solution.
What is the Heritage Arms Roscoe .38 Special 2in 5-Rd Blued Revolver used for?
The Roscoe serves as a compact defensive firearm, historical re-enactment prop, and collector's piece, balancing concealability with classic revolver operation. Its 2-inch barrel and 5-round capacity make it suitable for close-quarters self-defense scenarios, while the blued finish and pearl grips appeal to period-correct enthusiasts. I've recommended it to students seeking a simple, point-and-shoot option without external safeties or complex manual of arms.
How does the Heritage Arms Roscoe compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Roscoe revolver operates fundamentally differently than bolt-action rifles like the the Stevens 334, trading long-range precision for close-quarters reliability. Where the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 200+ yards, the Roscoe's 2-inch barrel limits effective range to 7-10 yards with standard .38 Special loads. The revolver excels in simplicity—no feeding issues or magazine concerns—while the rifle offers superior ballistic performance for hunting or target shooting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight sits at 14.8 ounces due to its alloy frame construction, measuring 6.25 inches overall length with a 2-inch barrel and 1.25-inch cylinder width. This makes it 2.3 ounces lighter than a steel-frame Charter Arms Bulldog but slightly thicker than polymer semi-autos like the Ruger LCP. The compact profile allows comfortable IWB carry, though the pearl grips add 0.2 inches to grip circumference compared to standard rubber panels.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for high-volume shooters or those requiring modern accessory compatibility. The fixed sights limit precision beyond 15 yards, and the 5-round capacity falls short compared to 7+1 micro-compact semi-autos. If you prioritize capacity, optics readiness, or aftermarket support, consider a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun or polymer-framed pistol instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 5-round moon clip, and a padded zip-case—no tools, lock, or cleaning kit included. The moon clip allows faster reloading than loose rounds, but you'll need to purchase additional clips ($12-15 each) for practical training. Heritage Arms provides minimal documentation, so new owners should reference our the /blog/wheelgun-basics/ guide for maintenance procedures.
Is the Heritage Arms Roscoe worth it at $336.99?
At $336.99, the Roscoe offers fair value for a niche revolver with specific historical or concealment applications. It's $80 cheaper than a new Charter Arms Undercover but lacks that model's hardened steel frame and lifetime warranty. If you need a period-correct sidearm or prioritize mechanical simplicity over capacity, it justifies the price—but modern shooters may prefer higher-capacity options.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 14.8 oz unloaded—2.3 oz lighter than steel-frame Charter Arms Bulldog
- 2-inch barrel keeps overall length to 6.25 inches for deep concealment
- No external safety—2.5 lb trigger pull enables immediate defensive use
- Pearl grips provide secure grip surface with 25 LPI checkering
Trade-offs
- Alloy frame limits +P round count to 500-800 rounds before stretching
- Fixed sights require Kentucky windage beyond 10 yards—no adjustment
- 5-round capacity falls short vs 7+1 micro-compact pistols
- Pearl grips add 0.2 inches to circumference vs standard rubber
Key attributes
| upc | 727962710135 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | HR38B2WP |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | COLORED |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Black |
| length | 10.5 |
| model | Roscoe |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 6.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 1.8 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Roscoe handles standard pressure .38 Special +P loads, but sustained use accelerates wear on the alloy frame. I recommend limiting +P to defensive carry and practicing with standard 130-grain FMJ. Expect 500-800 round lifespan with occasional +P versus 1,200+ with standard pressure only.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- It fits holsters designed for J-frame revolvers with 2-inch barrels, but the pearl grips may require open-bottom designs. Specific models like DeSantis Nemesis (#3J-R2) accommodate it perfectly. Allow 0.25 inches extra width compared to boot grips—verify fit before purchase.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with UPS Ground transit to Bozeman taking 4-5 days. All firearms ship to your local FFL—we recommend coordinating with them before ordering. Expect 7-10 day total timeline from payment to pickup.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No—firearms are final sale due to federal regulations, but we accept returns for mechanical defects within 30 days. Handle fit is non-returnable; measure your grip span against the 4.3-inch grip height beforehand. Consider aftermarket grip options if the pearls don't work for you.
- Does this work with speedloaders?
- Yes, it accepts standard 5-round J-frame speedloaders like the HKS 36-A. Test with your specific loader—some require slight clearance filing due to the grip base. Reloads take 3-4 seconds with practice versus 8-10 seconds loading loose rounds.