Heritage Rough Rider Rimfire: Jewel or Junk?
by "histed"
![Air gun Revolver Trigger Gun barrel Gun accessory]()
[My latest addition - 6.5" barrel and black synthetic pearl grips]
A few weeks ago I purchased the revolver pictured here for $131.00. It is a Heritage .22 LR single action revolver with synthetic black pearl grips and a 6" barrel. The first Heritage I bought was about 12 years ago. Here are my impressions based on this experience.
Pros:
Price has to top the list. Even the new Ruger economy revolver was nearly $70.00 more in my area. While I admit that this revolver was on sale at Dunhams AND I had a coupon, the Heritage sells regularly for between $129 and $149 in my area, depending on configuration, grip materials and whether or not it has a magnum cylinder - mine did not. There is no other rimfire revolver on the market at this sell point.
![Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Gun accessory Metal]()
[3.5" barrel with birds head grips - one of many models available]
Another plus is the number of variations available, 3.5, 4.75, 6.5, 9, and 16 inch barrels are available, as are both standard and birds head grips. Grip materials run the gambit from walnut through laminate, synthetic and semi-custom with American Flag motifs and pink mother of pearl. Models with both .22 LR and .22 WMR are also available. Pretty much anything for any one.
Cons:
As you might expect at this price point, the fit and finish leave something to be desired. Between buying the first and second of my revolvers, finish HAS improved, but there are still visible tool marks inside the frame, There is some drag in the cylinder (a gritty feel) and the trigger on both is rough. The roughness does smooth out somewhat with use, but it's still noticeable in the older revolver.
![Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Gun accessory Composite material]()
[My first Heritage - before having it tapped for a red dot sight]
Another problem is that models without adjustable sights can be problematic with respect to accuracy. My older revolver's sight are so far out of alignment (nearly 6" inches left and as many low at 15 yards) that I had it tapped to take a red dot mount. So far, the new one seem to be pretty close. That said, once POA/POI is established, both shoot rather well, holding 2" groups at 25' off sand bags. I should add that the older model did peen the firing pin after about 500 rounds (No, I didn't dry fire it). Heritage did send me a new pin for free.
Take Away:
For the price, Heritage Rough Rider rimfire revolvers are a decent buy. I'd not want to shoot competition with them, but they feel good in the hand, are easy to use, and work well for the average plinker. My limited experience with the customer service has been positive. If you're looking for a budget friendly plinker or starter for a new shooter, check these out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
![Nose Dog Dog breed Human body Carnivore]()
[Included to meet the "Feet requirement" for photos]
by "histed"
[My latest addition - 6.5" barrel and black synthetic pearl grips]
A few weeks ago I purchased the revolver pictured here for $131.00. It is a Heritage .22 LR single action revolver with synthetic black pearl grips and a 6" barrel. The first Heritage I bought was about 12 years ago. Here are my impressions based on this experience.
Pros:
Price has to top the list. Even the new Ruger economy revolver was nearly $70.00 more in my area. While I admit that this revolver was on sale at Dunhams AND I had a coupon, the Heritage sells regularly for between $129 and $149 in my area, depending on configuration, grip materials and whether or not it has a magnum cylinder - mine did not. There is no other rimfire revolver on the market at this sell point.
[3.5" barrel with birds head grips - one of many models available]
Another plus is the number of variations available, 3.5, 4.75, 6.5, 9, and 16 inch barrels are available, as are both standard and birds head grips. Grip materials run the gambit from walnut through laminate, synthetic and semi-custom with American Flag motifs and pink mother of pearl. Models with both .22 LR and .22 WMR are also available. Pretty much anything for any one.
Cons:
As you might expect at this price point, the fit and finish leave something to be desired. Between buying the first and second of my revolvers, finish HAS improved, but there are still visible tool marks inside the frame, There is some drag in the cylinder (a gritty feel) and the trigger on both is rough. The roughness does smooth out somewhat with use, but it's still noticeable in the older revolver.
[My first Heritage - before having it tapped for a red dot sight]
Another problem is that models without adjustable sights can be problematic with respect to accuracy. My older revolver's sight are so far out of alignment (nearly 6" inches left and as many low at 15 yards) that I had it tapped to take a red dot mount. So far, the new one seem to be pretty close. That said, once POA/POI is established, both shoot rather well, holding 2" groups at 25' off sand bags. I should add that the older model did peen the firing pin after about 500 rounds (No, I didn't dry fire it). Heritage did send me a new pin for free.
Take Away:
For the price, Heritage Rough Rider rimfire revolvers are a decent buy. I'd not want to shoot competition with them, but they feel good in the hand, are easy to use, and work well for the average plinker. My limited experience with the customer service has been positive. If you're looking for a budget friendly plinker or starter for a new shooter, check these out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
[Included to meet the "Feet requirement" for photos]
