Heritage Rough Rider

I bought two of the Rough Riders three years ago for my Grandsons to shoot when they come to visit us. The boys are 11 and 13 now and still enjoy these ‘cheap’ revolvers. Their favorite sport is taking turns rolling cans in the back pasture. If I remember correctly I think with the online coupon from Dunhams I was out the door with both for about $250.00.
 
I purchased the 16" version of the Heritage. Purchased a Hunter holster for it. Then replaced the grips with Altamont checkered Fleur-de-Lis. I did it because I think it looks good hanging on my wall. Have not fired it. I have a 6" also, that I use for moles and mice.
 
I bought a pair of the little guns in the early 90s, hen they were like 69 bucks. I started my two youngest out on them
They were excellent guns shot to point of aim and It tto a good while to go thru a brick of ammo with the pair
I had more expensive pistols but to teach a 6 year old gun safety and discipline I could not ask for a better tool.
I did notice that both of those Jared the ejector screw loose but a little lock tite and that problem was solved
 
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My first one had a few bugs I needed to work out. Since then I've had no trouble with it except that for some reason after shooting 100 rds or so in a session I have to stop and clean the cylinder or cases start sticking. The second one I bought frankly to swap parts around and diagnose the problems (failure to fire occasionally) I was having with the first revolver. Ended up ordering a new hammer spring and 22 mag cylinder.

Both were purchased during one of RKs $99 sales although months apart. I guess not surprising they like different brands of ammo. I bought the first on on a whim and kept it locked in my truck while I was working. There was an indoor range near where I worked and after work I'd swing by and shoot 100 rds of 22LR. Some guys hit the local watering hole after work to unwind, I hit the local range once a week. Now that I've retired I still hit the range once a week and a 22 usually goes along. Both go along when camping because my wife also shoots. Yes, I have better 22s but RR fills a gap for me, I don't feel bad if one of these gets a scratch from walking through briers or starts to show signs of holster wear.
 
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The daughter of a life long hunting buddy back in florida had one of the earlier rough riders in 22mag . It was used to dispatch hogs ether caught or trapped or to finish a deer if needed . Also to dispatch rattlers and water moccasin's there hunt camp as her kids were young back then . Last time she fired ot the frame broke . From then on she kept her dads very well used but not rusty Colt Frontier Scout 7'1/2" barrel 22mag handy .
 
...Last time she fired ot the frame broke . From then on she kept her dads very well used but not rusty Colt Frontier Scout 7'1/2" barrel 22mag handy .
The Colt Frontier Scout's frame components are made of Zamak (a zinc alloy) that also has been known to fracture.
 
I didn't like it at first either, but it does make it easy to carry safely in a holster with one under the hammer, without the need to set the hammer in a notch between cylinders (like my HS Double Nine)...

The High Standard Double Nine is actually a double action revolver using the same internals as their Sentinal line. These come standard with a rebounding hammer and internal safety bar, so setting the hammer between rounds is pointless. It would be like doing it with your model 19 Smith.
 
The Colt Frontier Scout's frame components are made of Zamak (a zinc alloy) that also has been known to fracture.

This colt is 50 years old and the Colt 22mag used a steel frame starting in 1970 ! They still used the zamac alloy for the grip frame and trigger guard .
 
They are what they are, an inexpensive entry level revolver for casual shooters. I'd like to see a 20,000 round test.
Here you go - not necessarily the most scientific test (nor the most expertly produced video), but he says he's run 20K rounds through his, and didn't experience any problems until after 15K+.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp2ysHt6r6U[/ame]
 
As of late, Heritage is coming out with a number of "Limited Editions", some with fancy Cerakote® finishes or flashy grips, but others (and I wasn't aware they were doing this) with steel frames. which constitutes a more substantial technical improvement of their product.

See: Limited Edition Revolvers | Heritage Mfg
 
Not meaning to go off-topic, but I don't see where the Vaquero was ever chambered in .22....

On the other hand, Uberti does offer their full size Cattleman model in .22 (with a 12 shot cylinder).

Ruger produced a Single Six Vaquero in 22LR. I'm not sure how many were made.
 
Ruger produced a Single Six Vaquero in 22LR. I'm not sure how many were made.
Again, not meaning to stray too far off-topic....

I believe the version in question here was Ruger's model number GKNR5F, which were in fact Single-Six's, marked and sold as such, and were not full sized Vaqueros, although they were promoted as being "Vaquero style" and sometimes referred to as "Vaqueritos" or "Baby Vaqueros".
 
I saw today that out here in the west, C-A-L Ranch is presently running an ad for the Heritage Rough Rider. 6½" barrel, with faux black pearl grips for $99.
 
The High Standard Double Nine is actually a double action revolver using the same internals as their Sentinal line. These come standard with a rebounding hammer and internal safety bar, so setting the hammer between rounds is pointless. It would be like doing it with your model 19 Smith.

Yes, I am aware that my Double Nine is a double action revolver.

I am also aware that it is safe to carry with all chambers fully loaded.

When I said "like my Double Nine" I meant that the High Standard Double Nine is also safe to be carried with all chambers loaded (one under the hammer) - just like the Heritage Rough Rider. I was actually pointing out that this is something the two revolvers have in common.

My apologies if what I said wasn't clear enough...
 
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OP: "I think these are terribly underrated."

You're half right. These things are terrible!
For the effort to get to the range, for the time spent, and for the cost of ammo, get a decent gun!

What is it about "cheap" that makes junk seem like a virtue????
 
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Are you speaking from personal experience, having owned one? If so, what problem(s) did you have with it?

Range buddy has had two or three. All had the most basic operational failures. The 22 WRM cylinders seem especially troublesome. He likes cheap guns, though, and takes all of this with a chuckle and a shrug of the shoulders, like it's part of the game.
I've seen others on the line.
A common sight is to see someone get a few shots off, then stop, look puzzled, and remove the cylinder. After some fiddling, shoot again, and repeat.
Admittedly, I hear their customer service is responsive.
 
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