Rough Riders?

I paid around $125 for this Single Six two years ago. The blueing was messed up on the barrel and the little button you push to remove the cylinder was missing. The button and associated spring were $10 total. A bottle of Cold Blue was another $10. It is a very good shooter and will easily outlast me.

The two I mentioned that I have are both convertibles. Magnum ammo is a little bit scarce around here, and I don't really shoot it because I don't really see a point for my uses yet. I did shoot maybe fifty rounds of it from my 4.75-incher; it makes a pretty good fireball, but no more noticeable recoil.

I don't see any reason that, in decently-skilled hands, that gun couldn't hit a soda can at 25 yards easily. To be honest, though, I haven't really tried it, being largely limited to indoor paper-punching around here.

I paid $210 for the first one at a LGS simply because it was "right there" and I had been wanting one, in November of 2012. The 3.5-inch "birdshead" one set me back $150 during a "Taurus blem" sale (Heritage is now owned by Taurus) at Bud's late last year. Both are convertibles.

The Chiappa runs as inexpensively, or even more so, but is often regarded as being even lower on the food chain than the HRR.

Just go get it already.

Cooldill said:

I see.

I wonder if I should spring for the extra $30 for the .22 magnum/.22LR combo?

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Unless you have a specific need for the 22 magnum, I wouldn't bother. I've owned a couple of 22/22 mags, and have never in my life fired a round of 22 magnum ammo. It's not necessary for paper punching or plinking, and just cost more.

I'm sure there are some hunting applications where it's useful, but I don't hunt much with a handgun. I have scared a squirrel or two, but the 22 LR worked fine for that.

craigc said:

Unless you're using speedloaders, the only advantage a double action has is in dumping empties.

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Funny, I don't remember having to index the cylinder to drop the rounds in my double actions when I'm not using a speedloader.

I bought a used Rough Rider Convertible 6 inch barrel with fixed sights a few years ago and it has been good for what it is. Hasn't been out of the safe since I got a Single Six but that has already been gone over.

Funny thing was I talked myself into buying the SS by telling myself I would sell the Rough Rider to cover some of the purchase price. I talked myself out of this before I even left the gun store. Decided I had rather have the RR to maybe give to a future Grandchild than the money I could have got for it.

I didn't use the Mag cylinder except to test for function once so your decision if you want that option. I would spend the extra money for adjustable sights. The fixed sights on mine were not what I needed but a couple other people with younger eyes shot it just fine.

I have a .22 Mag cylinder for my Single Six but I haven't used it either. Had a Hawes Deputy Marshal convertible years ago that I did use the .22 Mag cylinder...once. The noise and muzzle flash were enough to convince me to save my money buying more .22LR ammo instead of .22 Mag!

If I were to get another, I'd probably set my sights on this model...

http://www.heritagemfg.com/product_detail.cfm?prod_id=16

6.5" barrel
Adjustable rear sight
Fiber optic front sight
9 round capacity
22LR/Mag convertible

This ticks just about every box I would want in a SA rimfire.

Every time this comes up and folks complain bout not being able to find affordable used Single Sixes, I go to Gunbroker and find several in the $300 range. IMHO, if you're not finding them, you're not looking very hard and just want the convenience of that easy $100 Heritage at the local shop or big box store.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/656268048

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/654711027

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/656006032

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/654932592

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/655689316

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/656322077

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/654479367

45_auto said:

Funny, I don't remember having to index the cylinder to drop the rounds in my double actions when I'm not using a speedloader.

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I'm glad that YOU picked up on this little tidbit to argue about. Loading a DA, you have to deliberately insert each cartridge into each chamber. At best this is done two cartridges at a time, with three trips to your ammunition container. Loading an SA, all five or six can be grabbed at once and all you have to do is drop them into the loading port and gravity takes care of the rest. Perception and reality are often at odds. Especially for folks with limited perspective. Most people have little more than a passing interest and just 'think' SA's are inherently slow and accept that as fact, never bothering to actually learn to work them quickly.

More money but a better investment.

Cooldill said:

I see.

I wonder if I should spring for the extra $30 for the .22 magnum/.22LR combo?

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I beleive if you do not get the .22 mag cylinder when you buy it they will sell you one later

Mine came with the magnum cylinder but I have used it very little. I still like having the option of it though. I honestly have the most fun shooting CB's or CCI Quiet ammo out of it while walking around the farm without hearing protection.

I have had two different revolvers with extra 22 magnum cylinders. They didn't end up getting used much.

OT, one is a DA Taurus Tracker that has a clever cylinder change mechanism.

Blkhrt13 said:

Nowhere near Ruger quality.

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I have one that shoots a decent pattern but is 2" low & 1" left.
It's fine for plinking at the range, but I'd NEVER consider carrying it, not even for snakes etc.

And as Blkhrt13 said: it's "Nowhere near Ruger quality"

Cooldill said:

Glad people are proud of their single sixes. Think I will go ahead and get the $122 rough rider. If it's a dud then at least I won't be out much. Just looking for a simple plinkster.

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I've had my rough rider for 9 years now, it's been in the saddle with me, in the truck, on the atv, in the fields, and general plinking fun. The screw holding the ejector rod likes to back out until I loctite it, and while still under warranty, the hammer spring needed replaced once, and never a problem since. I cannot shoot 40 gr bullets into a milk jug at the muzzle, but with 36 Hollowpoints (various manufacturers), it's lethal!
The high and right or low and left reports COULD be due to the similar issues I had. As another poster said, the grips are on the small side. I spent 30 rds trying to figure out the problem until I saw that my grip was holding the gun slightly crooked. For me, the tang needs to be in line with the heel of my thumb muscle to keep the sight radius straight. Once I solved that issue, I was quite happy with the results. The action was a little rough and if the hammer wasn't pulled straight back, it would not be cocked, however after just a few hundred rounds of regular use, it smoothed out..... truth be told, I kind of miss that, if anyone other than myself picked it up, they could NOT cock it, it wasn't necessarily ideal but I got so used to it, it was a non issue for me.
No, it's not a ruger, but I've still got mine and will likely pick up another couple over the next couple years as the kids grow more and more fond of mine lol.

For the money, Rough Riders are okay guns. I could see buying one or two for children use if I had such a need, but I don't. I'll stick with Ruger, S&W, and Colt for my 22's.

The convertible sounds like a wonderful thing, but the reality is that you will likely keep the same cylinder in it and never change it. I would rather have two guns.

Someone stop me if I'm wrong but I though 22 mag was a bit bigger diameter wise than 22lr. In which case if they are bored for mag 22lr will be less accurate.

Some Rough Riders have the steel frame, and the less expensive ones have an alloy frame of some sort. I have two of the alloy frame versions, both bought new, one is still unfired. The one I've fired works fine. If you get one, I'd get one with the mag cylinder, as it doesn't add much to the already (very) low price of the gun.

I like the idea of "Pervertable" SA revolvers. I have had Ruger Blackhawks in .45Colt/.45 ACP and I did switch cylinders in that fairly often and a Blackhawk .357/9x19 that I switched less often but did switch. Most of you are likely too young to remember the old Canadian surplus 9x19mm in 64 round boxes, or WWII euro stuff packaged the same way, well it was like buying .22LR almost so the idea of a 9x19mm SA with some barrel on it appealed to me.

I bought a H. Schmidt like the ones sold earlier in the US as the HS -21 in the first couple of years of the '80s that had a .22 mag and .22LR cylinder. (except for the safety, boy do those look like Rough Riders, puts one in mind of the FIE guns where FIE bought everything but the zinc frame from Europe to beat GCA '68....) Anyhow I used both but infrequently actually shot with the magnum. I felt it shot better with the .22LR and cheaper as well and so shot it mostly with .22LR. I did a couple of times carry it openly in a cheap nylon holster in the woods with the .22Mag cylinder in place.....mainly because I believed the .22 Mag CCI shot loads had more shot and a better pattern. When a friend used it as a night stand gun for a bit the .22 Mag cylinder was in place because....hey it has the word magnum in its title. I felt the pistol was more accurate with the .22LR ammo and have had Swingle Six folks tell me the same.

-kBob

Convertible cylinders are a great idea in theory and it's obviously a selling point for some folks but due to changes in point of impact, if you plan on actually using the .22Mag cartridge for something other than playing at the range or plinking, you're better off dedicating a revolver to its use. Thirty plus years ago, my first handgun was a Uberti Virginian .22 convertible that shoots 1"@25yds with the standard 40gr Winchester load and that's the gun I relegate to .22Mag duty.

Blkhrt13 said:

Someone stop me if I'm wrong but I though 22 mag was a bit bigger diameter wise than 22lr. In which case if they are bored for mag 22lr will be less accurate.

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Correct. How much will the accuracy be degraded with 22lr? Dunno.

Do a little research and you find that in theory the 22 mag is .001 bigger in bullet diameter. Thats .224 for a 22 mag and .223 for a 22 long rifle round. But dig out your trusty calipers or micrometer and you will find like I did that every 22lr round I have measured has been between .224 and .226 in diameter. So I think you can stop worrying about it because its a non issue.

I have owned several ruger SS revolvers all with 2 cylinders. And I DO shoot the 22 mag. In the 5.5" and 6.5" barrels they are a noticeable step up in power over the 22lr. No, the 22 mag is not a plinking round. Its a hunting round and I would feel pretty well armed with a 22 mag also.

I have my grandfathers SS made in 1961 and converted in 1973 and I have all the original parts to go with it. I am so glad he didn't buy a cheap disposable gun like the Rough Rider. His SS is still in top notch shape after who knows how many rounds down the barrel. It will be passed on to one of my two sons and I hope can be passed down to their sons. Try that with a cheap pot metal gun. There is an old saying, buy cheap, buy twice. Cheap is rarely ever a bargain.

Local Academy Sports is advertising buy a Tarus PT-111 for $289 and receive a free Rough Rider .22 6" barrel. Store is in Orange Park Fl.

Blkhrt13 said:

Someone stop me if I'm wrong but I though 22 mag was a bit bigger diameter wise than 22lr. In which case if they are bored for mag 22lr will be less accurate.

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From what I've read, ruger bores all of their single six barrels to accommodate a magnum bullet (.224), even those not intended for both LR(.223) and magnum, because in their testing there wasn't an appreciable difference in accuracy when shooting LR from a slightly larger diameter barrel.

I would guess Heritage does the same thing.