Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR
Model: RR22B4
Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR
Model: RR22B4
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Heritage Rough Rider is a single-action revolver chambered in .22 LR, made in Florida by Heritage Manufacturing (a Taurus subsidiary since 2012). The 4.75" barrel version weighs 33.4 oz unloaded — considerably heavier than any semi-auto .22 LR pistol in this category — and holds 6 rounds in a fixed cylinder that must be loaded one at a time through a loading gate. The 6.0 lb single-action trigger requires cocking the hammer before each shot. This is not a range efficiency tool. It's a specific type of gun for a specific type of shooter.
At around $200 street, the Rough Rider is the cheapest way to own a single-action revolver that functions and looks like a Colt SAA without spending $500+ on a Ruger Wrangler in similar trim or significantly more on a historical reproduction. For youth instruction, cowboy-action introductions, or cabin plinkers that live in a truck box, nothing else hits this price with this aesthetic. The convertible cylinder option (available on some models) adds .22 WMR capability, though the 4.75" fixed-sight configuration reviewed here is the most common variant.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- ~$200 street price is the lowest entry point for a functioning single-action revolver in this country. Nothing else delivers this format and feel at this number.
- Mechanically simple. No magazines, no recoil spring, no extractor to break. Owners report the Rough Rider runs bulk .22 LR without complaint — a contrast to semi-autos that prefer cleaner, higher-velocity ammunition.
- 6-round capacity loaded one at a time through the loading gate. Reloading takes 30-60 seconds even for practiced shooters. Anyone expecting semi-auto convenience will find this tedious.
- Fixed sights are not adjustable on the standard 4.75" model. If your point-of-impact is off with a given ammo brand, there's no easy correction short of drift-adjusting the rear notch or changing ammo.
- Aluminum alloy frame, not steel. At 33.4 oz it's not light, but the aluminum construction is the reason for the price point. Reviewers note the finish quality is commensurate with the $200 price — functional, not refined.
Category Rankings
How the Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR ranks among full-size .22 LR handguns.
Where to Buy
No prices available at this time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Heritage Rough Rider shoot .22 WMR?
Not without a conversion cylinder. The standard Rough Rider ships with a .22 LR cylinder only. Heritage offers a convertible cylinder kit that adds .22 WMR capability — these are available separately or as a factory option when ordering. The .22 LR and .22 WMR cylinders are not interchangeable and cannot fire each other's ammunition. If you want both calibers, confirm the specific model you're buying includes or is compatible with the conversion cylinder before purchasing.
Is the Heritage Rough Rider safe to carry fully loaded (all 6 rounds)?
No. Single-action revolvers without a transfer bar safety should be carried with the hammer resting on an empty chamber — load 5, skip one. The Rough Rider uses a hammer block safety rather than a transfer bar, which means a hard impact on the hammer (from a drop) could potentially fire the round under it. Heritage's manual recommends the 5-round carry protocol. Some later Rough Rider models include an updated safety system; check your specific model's documentation.
What barrel length should I get?
The 4.75" barrel is the most common and balances handling with sight radius. The 6.5" barrel gives a longer sight radius for more precise shots but is harder to holster and more awkward to carry in the field. The 3.5" barrel is the most compact but has a short sight radius that most shooters find limiting beyond 15 yards. For general plinking and youth use, 4.75" is the right choice. The 9" barrel is a niche option for small-game hunting where the extra velocity is worthwhile.
