Handled both the Heritage and Ruger but both felt cheap to me. Guess I’m a gun snob. I have a s/s Vaquero .22 thats a great sa. Bought it a long time ago along with a used Marlin 39 for cheap SASS practice.

I have 2 revolvers and a rancher carbine. Got them for my grand kids they love them and you can't beat the price

Heritage Rancher revolving carbine, have a 22 mag cylinder for it also

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Not to sound ignorant, but where would one put their off hand with the carbine. Me being the experimental idiot that I am, I decided to lay prone and shoot some .22wmr. My off arm was just a little too far forward and got peppered with the blast from the cylinder gap. It wasn't bad since it was just a .22, but it looked like a rash for a couple hours.

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Please no more EZs...

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).

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Yeah, that is one of the great things about these inexpensive guns. Who wants to let their kids/grandkids knock around their $500-$1,000 Colt? Or who wants to put that Colt in a holster and go bumping around the woods with it? Not me...

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Send lawyers, guns & money...

Per the attached photo, it appears to me that most folks simply double up their grip to the rear of the cylinder-barrel gap.

Also, here's the NRA's review of the Rancher Carbine: Review: Heritage Rough Rider Rancher Carbine | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Attached Images

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

For some of us the Ruger Wrangler is not an option because of silly state guns laws.

"The aluminum frame doesn't meet tensile strength requirements nor does the zinc grip frame meet the melting point requirements for handguns in Minnesota"

This old silly law dates back to old "Saturday night special" fears.
I too have several nice .22 revolvers but my tackle box/plinker is a Heritage Rough Rider with the option of the .22 mag cylinder.

My grandson loves to shoot mine. I have a little Barkeep with both cylinders and it's really a cool little gun. I had one here that I gave my daughter around 6-7 years ago for Christmas, but I let her take it home since she's 22 now. I bought a used one for my grandson to call his own. It was used but it works great, for what it is. I've had no failures with any of them. The used one had a chipped tooth so I put a new cylinder on it and they had a pkg. with both cylinders, I think delivered under $35 or less. Perfect since he likes shooting the magnums. He likes shooting my(dad's) old K22, of course, but I think he likes fiddling with the reloading process on the single action too. Most of the guns here will probably be his in a few years.
I did buy a 357 Magnum version but the barrel was canted. Sent it back and after about 3 months they sent it back, untouched. I gave that gun away. All in all they're fun little guns, especially for both my grandkids.

It has a hook on the bottom of the trigger guard just for that

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

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.

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 .

The Colt Frontier Scout's frame components are made of Zamak (a zinc alloy) that also has been known to fracture.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

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.

Here's a review of the Barkeep version: Review: Heritage Barkeep Single Action .22 :: Guns.com

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

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 .

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+.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

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

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

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".

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

I’ve shot both and my SSS Ruger is by far the superior handgun, but the Heritage is a nice gun. Kind of Charter Arms vs. S&W quality wise. BTW, my Ruger was $179.99 in 1977.

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.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Years ago I purchased a R/R for my grandson's birthday. Went to Hobby Lobby and bought a presentation case. Lined it with green felt and put gold cording in it. I am at the top of the list of the greatest grandpa that ever lived.

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????

Are you speaking from personal experience, having owned one? If so, what problem(s) did you have with it?

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

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.

I was in C-A-L Ranch this morning and the Firearms Dept. Manager happened to be working the counter. I asked him about the Heritage Rough Rider, and he said they sold quite a few and had a hard time keeping them in stock. I then posed the question of how often after a sale the buyer came back to express dissatisfaction. He replied that over his time there (a bit over a year) he'd never had a single complaint pertaining to the Rough Rider. That's zero. Zip. Nada.

I then went over to my favorite independent gun shop in the area to chat with the owner (with whom I'm reasonably well acquainted). This is a pretty good sized operation that does a respectable volume. Unlike C-A-L Ranch, besides new Rough Riders they also take in and resell used examples. These pre-owned ones are on occasion taken to the range to have as many as several dozen rounds run through them prior to being put out. None so tested have done anything but function precisely as they were designed to. He also said that he couldn't recall having anyone come back to gripe about one, with the exception of one buyer who'd decided he didn't like that safety (an opinion voiced earlier in this thread as well).

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Colts and Smiths are made to "go bumping around in the woods", hunting, on the tractor /ATV, walking/cutting wood, in the truck........They ain't glass........They won't break..........That's how I enjoy mine........They get used....Won't get sold........I don't give a !!! what the next owner after I'm gone says or pays for them.

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S&W Accumulator

You wouldn't expect it, but a couple months back, the Rock Island Auction Co. actually offered up a Rough Rider. While there were no takers, I do wonder about the significance of the "NRA" impressed on the grip.

See: Heritage Rough Rider Single Action Revolver with Box | Rock Island Auction

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

I realize I am late in the game, and I have only read half the posts, but....

My first handgun was a Ruger Single Six, and over the years several more followed me home. ALL my singles are Rugers and ALL my doubles are Smith.

I ONLY bought a Wrangler because I was able to get a matched pair with consecutive serial numbers. Is the gun as nice as a SS?....NO. Does it shoot well?....YES. Sorry I bought them?....NO.

I have looked at Heritages at gun shows and thought they looked cheap. Cheaper than a Wrangler?....For sure.

So, when I saw the Heritage revolving fifle I thought it looked cool so I had to have one. Is it kinda cheap?....yes. Does it shoot OK?....yes. Does it have a stupid safety?....yes.

All in all (JMHO) if I wanted a single action revolver and was price constrained I would buy a Wrangler hands down. Is there anything fundamentally wrong with a Heritage?....no.

Got the Birdshead Wrangler today that I recently ordered. Solid Ruger quality with the solid steel barrel and cylinder and stainless internal parts. It's inexpensive but no, not as cheap as the Heritage. My thoughts are that if you want to wear out a Wrangler you better have a BIG stash of ammo.

While I appreciate your philosophy, I am just really hesitant to let inexperienced shooters bang around a revolver that is worth $500 or $1,000.

I'd rather teach them the basics of shooting with a $100 revolver - and then let them graduate to the "finer things" - once they have developed the basic skills of gun handling and appreciation of the sport of target shooting.

At that point they can really begin to develop a true understanding of the difference between a Rough Rider and a Colt or S&W 22LR. Until they have that most basic level of understanding and skills, I would rather not let them handle my more valuable firearms.

JMO, and YMMV...

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I've had a few Heritage revolvers pass through my hands. My daughter and my brother have a couple. 4" bbl. and 6" bbl. that are very good in the accuracy department. I used to have one with a 6" bbl. that was amazingly accurate.

I've only owned one Wrangler. It was a silver cerakote with the 4" bbl. It seemed well put together. Way better than the Heritages infact, but it was horribly inaccurate for myself and many others. Also shot it side by side with a $75 Heritage and it didn't even come close. I kinda thought that was just the nature of the beast, but after reading so many positive reports, I wish I'd kept it and sent it back. Instead I traded it off for some kinda camping/ hunting stuff with the forewarning that I was never able to hit a darn thing with it.

I like that the Heritages come in so many silly and fun variations. 1" bbl., 16" bbl, Rancher carbines, the "Tactical Cowboy", 9 shot versions, different grips, finishes, etc. It just adds an element of fun to what is to me...just a fun plinking gun.

I often find myself shopping for .22 revolvers, but then I remember that I have a 617, and a K-22, so I already have the most perfect plinking revolvers. Maybe I'll pick up a Heritage for a hard use and abuse/ semi expendable plinker some day? I mean...afterall, if I over turn my canoe, I'd much rather sacrifice a Heritage than my 617...

Finally, on Ebay you can buy a safety delete. It's just a well rounded piece of 3-D printed plastic, but it looks pretty nice and gets rid of the fiddly safety lever. I forget how it installed. it was pretty simple though. But...it does turn your gun into a five shooter in the name of safety. I might have pics around. I'll see if I can find them.

Link below is to an article regarding a laser that's now become available for attachment to the Rough Rider. Not exactly "cowboy" but eminently practical for varminting. It'd seem that it'll sell for about the price of the gun itself, though.

See: First Look: Viridian Laser for the Heritage Rough Rider Revolver | An Official Journal Of The NRA

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Personally, I've never understood the appeal of attaching modern peripherals to classic firearms designs.

To me, the appeal of classic firearms designs and replicas is their retro aesthetics, which are obviously spoiled by the presence of modern accessory rails, furniture, and peripherals.

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Shooting Comfort is bilateral.

I've been tempted to pick up one of the RR's in the past, just haven't done so yet. A buddy of mine has one and it's been a great little gun, never any issues to speak of and he's got many thousands of rounds through it. When we go plinking with the 22's he takes the RR and I bring along my Ruger. It's the only single action I have, bought it in 1982.

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Life Member GOA and NRA

Yeah, a modern $90 accessory for a $100 SA "Cowboy" revolver.
I guess there must be a market for it, but I guess I'm not the target demographic.
But thanks anyway...

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Send lawyers, guns & money...

This distributor is hawking versions of the Rough Rider that seem to rely solely upon grips and packaging for their claim to "specialness" -

Heritage Collection - Talo Distributors

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

This guy seems to have treated his Rough Rider rather, well, roughly.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

The gun mentioned in post #83 finally was sold just about a week ago.

See: Heritage Rough Rider Single Action Revolver with Box | Rock Island Auction

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

I'd commented earlier on in this thread about the numerous "special" Rough Riders that have recently been marketed. This one (photo attached below) is rather on the garish side, but they seem to have sold out.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

I have had a Birdshead similar to the one in Goony's OP for years now. Mine has both cylinders. I shoot it a lot and have no complaints. It has proven itself to be very reliable and a great value for the money.