Heritage Roscoe .38 Special 2″ 5rd Black/Wood
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 22 oz unloaded — 3 oz lighter than S&W Model 642
- 5-round cylinder maintains slim 1.25-inch profile for concealment
- Double/single action provides 8 lb SA and 12 lb DA trigger options
- 6.75-inch overall length fits standard J-frame holsters
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights limit accuracy beyond 15 yards — no adjustment for windage or elevation
- Wood grips transmit full .38 Special recoil — painful with +P ammunition for extended sessions
- 5-round capacity falls short of modern micro-compact semi-autos by 3-5 rounds
- No optics mounting capability — iron sights only configuration
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Heritage Roscoe is a small-frame double/single action revolver chambered in .38 Special with a 2.00-inch barrel and five-round cylinder, designed for concealed carry and traditional shooting applications. It maintains a compact profile of 6.75 inches overall length with classic wood grips and fixed sights, manufactured by Heritage Arms with Taurus lineage. This revolver bridges the gap between modern concealment needs and vintage aesthetics, appealing to both practical shooters and historical firearms enthusiasts.
What is the Heritage Roscoe used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a concealed carry weapon and backup firearm, with its 2-inch barrel and 22-ounce weight making it ideal for deep concealment in ankle holsters or pocket carry scenarios. The .38 Special chambering provides adequate stopping power for defensive use, while the double/single action trigger offers both rapid engagement and precision shooting capabilities. I recommend it for urban carry where larger firearms might print or prove cumbersome during extended wear.
How does the Heritage Roscoe compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Roscoe revolvers offer immediate close-range defensive capability versus the Stevens 334's 100+ yard precision rifle application, representing entirely different tactical roles and ballistic performance envelopes. Where the Roscoe delivers 5 rounds of .38 Special in a 22-ounce package measuring 6.75 inches overall, the Stevens 334 .308 Win provides 3-round magazine capacity in a 7.5-pound platform capable of sub-MOA accuracy at distance. The rifle excels at hunting and precision shooting, while the Roscoe specializes in concealed personal protection.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 22 ounces unloaded and measures 6.75 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel and 1.25-inch cylinder width, making it one of the more compact .38 Special options available. The 5-round cylinder capacity keeps the frame slim at just 1.25 inches wide, while the wood grips maintain a traditional profile that won't snag during quick draws. These dimensions place it squarely in the micro-revolver category, trading ballistic performance for concealment advantages.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for duty carry or high-volume range use, given its limited 5-round capacity and fixed sights that limit accuracy beyond 15 yards. The small grip frame and substantial recoil from .38 Special +P loads make it challenging for shooters with larger hands or recoil sensitivity to control effectively. For those requiring higher capacity, optics compatibility, or extended range sessions, I'd recommend considering a modern semi-auto platform instead.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver with serialized frame, one 5-round cylinder, and the mounted wood grips as installed at the factory, along with standard safety materials and warranty documentation. Unlike many modern firearms, it does not include additional backstraps, speed loaders, or cleaning kits, reflecting its no-frills approach to traditional revolver design. Expect to purchase appropriate holsters and loading tools separately for complete operational readiness.
Is the Heritage Roscoe worth it at $341.99?
At $341.99, this revolver offers fair value for a traditional .38 Special carry piece, though it lacks the refinements of higher-priced competitors like Smith & Wesson's J-frames. The price positions it as an entry-level option for those wanting a reliable mechanical action without modern features like adjustable sights or alloy frames. For shooters prioritizing historical authenticity and simplicity over modern performance features, the price represents reasonable value for a functional defensive tool.
Key attributes
| upc | 727962709870 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | HR38B2W |
| 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 | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 1.85 |
| sights | Black Ramp |
| 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 .38 Special +P ammunition within SAAMI pressure specifications, though I recommend limiting +P use to defensive scenarios rather than regular range training. The steel frame construction provides adequate strength for occasional +P use, but expect increased recoil and accelerated wear with prolonged use. For daily practice, stick with standard pressure 130-grain FMJ loads to preserve the firearm's mechanical longevity.
- Does it fit standard holsters for 2-inch J-frame revolvers?
- Yes, the Roscoe's 1.25-inch width and 6.75-inch length conforms to most holsters designed for Smith & Wesson J-frame models with 2-inch barrels, though grip profile differences may require slight break-in period. I've successfully used DeSantis and Galco leather holsters sized for Model 642/442 patterns with minimal modification needed. Always verify holster retention before carrying, as minor dimensional variations between manufacturers can affect security.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically requires 3-5 business days from order processing, excluding the mandatory 3-day waiting period for background check completion once the firearm arrives. All shipments require adult signature confirmation and FFL credentials verification before release. During peak seasons or regulatory review periods, allow up to 7 business days for delivery to most continental US locations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand properly?
- No, firearms sales are generally final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations governing serialized weapon transactions, unless a legitimate manufacturing defect exists verified by the manufacturer's warranty process. I strongly recommend handling similar compact revolvers at a local dealer before purchasing, as grip comfort significantly impacts shooting performance. Heritage Arms offers a 1-year warranty covering mechanical defects, but not buyer preference issues.