illinoisburt
Member
On sale at Academy right now for $99.
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/he...fire-revolver-122946591#repChildCatid=7729682
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/he...fire-revolver-122946591#repChildCatid=7729682
Heritage Rough Rider
- Thread starter BuckWildM9
- Start date
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ive got a $200 nine shot 22wmr/lr hrr as well as several more expensive, new and used, ruger single action 22 revolvers. i’ve put 1000s of both 22wmr/lr ammo through them. the hrr heats up and needs attention to loosened screws, especially after 100 rounds of 22wmr ammo at the range. the rugers run and run and run. my 5.5” ruger ss is wickedly accurate with 22wmr ammo, and it is in my emergency kit, not the hrr.
a new $100 six shot 22lr hrr is a fine buy, and becomes a fantastic buy if the choice is between paying for a hrr or an evening out on the town. the hrr is a decent enough plinker for home, training, a non rimfire or non gun or non handgun kinda guy or gal, a one off or first ever gun buy, tight budgets, just to have and shoot, etc. the hrr works quite acceptably in any one of these roles, but i would avoid both used ones and overpaying.
if you spend 2x + more for a ruger you will get a better piece, but do you care, does it meet your needs? if you will bring it away from civilization, absolutely always seriously need to rely on it, pass it to your unborn grandchildren...then i would find a used sub $300 ruger single six or bearcat, or a new sub $200 wrangler.
a new $100 six shot 22lr hrr is a fine buy, and becomes a fantastic buy if the choice is between paying for a hrr or an evening out on the town. the hrr is a decent enough plinker for home, training, a non rimfire or non gun or non handgun kinda guy or gal, a one off or first ever gun buy, tight budgets, just to have and shoot, etc. the hrr works quite acceptably in any one of these roles, but i would avoid both used ones and overpaying.
if you spend 2x + more for a ruger you will get a better piece, but do you care, does it meet your needs? if you will bring it away from civilization, absolutely always seriously need to rely on it, pass it to your unborn grandchildren...then i would find a used sub $300 ruger single six or bearcat, or a new sub $200 wrangler.
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MedWheeler
Member
desmobob writes:
Do they? I can't find one on my other gun, the 4.75-inch "plowhandle" one.
Do they? I can't find one on my other gun, the 4.75-inch "plowhandle" one.
desmobob
Member
I probably shouldn't have said that... I only have one Rough Rider ("Johnny Boy" combo), and it has a QR code on it. I would have thought that was very unusual but I remembered reading that others said their Rough Riders also had one.
I'll admit it: I'm almost 60, don't own a cell phone, and don't even know what those codes are for!
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ontarget
Member
I have 3 of them purchased in the last year. All 3 have the QR code.
I'm not sure when they started putting them on but my 1992 HRR doesn't have one...I don't think QR codes existed then though.
I'm not sure when they started putting them on but my 1992 HRR doesn't have one...I don't think QR codes existed then though.
C5rider
Member
Here's a thread I did a while back between my Heritage Rough Rider and my three-screw Ruger Single-Six. Interestingly, I got both for about the same price! (That WAS a few years ago though...)
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/heritage-vs-the-single-six.640428/
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/heritage-vs-the-single-six.640428/
Hondo 60
Member
On some the 22wmr cylinder comes with, some just have the 22lr cylinder.
When you go to buy one, just specify you want the 2nd cylinder.
They're priced inexpensively because they're made inexpensively.
You get what you pay for.
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I bought my RR with simple blade sight new in box at a USMC Exchange, to include the 22 MAG cylinder. I love it as a plinker; definitely fun to shoot. I have read (but not confirmed with Heritage) that if you want the 22MAG option, you have to buy the two cylinder revolver; the claim is you cannot order a 22MAG cylinder later.
When I decided I wanted a SA 22LR revolver I compared the RR (~$200), S&W (~$400), and Single Six (~$600). Acknowledging I only wanted it for simple range plinking, I quickly concluded you can buy a LOT of ammunition with the $200 - $400 cost difference among the three. In hindsight, I think I selected correctly.
(I have shot the RR and Single Six side by side, and yes, the Ruger is a better gun in construction and solid feel. Personal choice on whether it is $400 better.))
Of course, introduction of the Wrangler added a new dimension. I have handled, but not shot, the Wrangler. It feels more solid than the RR, and I do like the safety system better on it than the RR. Still, if I were buying now it would be a tough call. One plus for the RR - a lot of choices in models given sights and grips, as well as the 22MAG option, compared to the only 3 colors choice of the Wrangler.
When I decided I wanted a SA 22LR revolver I compared the RR (~$200), S&W (~$400), and Single Six (~$600). Acknowledging I only wanted it for simple range plinking, I quickly concluded you can buy a LOT of ammunition with the $200 - $400 cost difference among the three. In hindsight, I think I selected correctly.
(I have shot the RR and Single Six side by side, and yes, the Ruger is a better gun in construction and solid feel. Personal choice on whether it is $400 better.))
Of course, introduction of the Wrangler added a new dimension. I have handled, but not shot, the Wrangler. It feels more solid than the RR, and I do like the safety system better on it than the RR. Still, if I were buying now it would be a tough call. One plus for the RR - a lot of choices in models given sights and grips, as well as the 22MAG option, compared to the only 3 colors choice of the Wrangler.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
They are not a "steal" at any price. You're getting exactly what you pay for.
This is just false. There is a lot of difference in how they are made, materials used and finish work.
Receiver: Heritage is ZAMAK, Ruger is aluminum
Grip frame: Both are zinc-based alloys. Although you have the option of upgrading the Wrangler to aluminum, brass or steel.
Barrel: The Heritage is ribbed and pressed into the frame, held in place with adhesive. The Ruger is threaded into the receiver. We don't know for sure but Ruger is probably using the same blanks they use for the Single Six.
Finish: The Heritage has what looks like spray paint, even on the "blued" steel guns. The Cerakote finish on the Wrangler is considerably better and more durable.
The Heritage looks and feels cheap. The Wrangler does not.
ontarget
Member
desmobob
Member
I've seen a few YouTube videos that showed a coupon for purchasing the .22WMR cylinder that was included in the packaging with the .22LR revolvers.
ontarget
Member
That has been the case with the last 3 I've bought.
TTv2
Member
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- Mar 31, 2016
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- 4,987
The barrels and frames are threaded and fixed with threadlocker.
The finish on the Heritage isn't bluing, but to say the Wrangler's finish is better is subjective. I think its ugly and it's not like it's necessary given the metal underneath isn't steel.
desmobob
Member
It just drives some people crazy that other folks can enjoy a bargain. I wonder how many Rough Riders have been sold to date? Very many, I'm sure.
I currently own only two single action revolvers (planning to add a new Blackhawk next month).
In 1995, I bought a new, nickel-plated, 5.5" .45 Colt Single Action Army from the Colt Custom shop. It was expensive. It had to be sent back for a broken half-cock notch (right out of the box) and regulation. It has over-sized chamber throats and is inaccurate. I like it a lot but I sure wouldn't consider it a good value.
In 2019, I bought a Heritage Manufacturing Rough Rider "Jonny Boy" 6.5" .22/.22WMR. It was extremely inexpensive. It arrived in perfect condition, shoots to point of aim and is very accurate. I like it a lot and I consider it an outstanding value.
It's no Colt SAA and I didn't expect it to be. It's no Ruger Single-Six and I didn't expect it to be. What it is, is good, cheap fun. I own a bunch of handguns from Colt, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Beretta, Glock, CZ, etc. I also own handguns from Taurus, Daewoo, Heritage Manufacturing, etc. There is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying a great bargain like the Rough Rider.
If you don't like them, don't buy one, but why continue to run them down because they don't live up to some "standard" you have for quality or price? Their success in capturing a place in the market pretty much proves their value.
I currently own only two single action revolvers (planning to add a new Blackhawk next month).
In 1995, I bought a new, nickel-plated, 5.5" .45 Colt Single Action Army from the Colt Custom shop. It was expensive. It had to be sent back for a broken half-cock notch (right out of the box) and regulation. It has over-sized chamber throats and is inaccurate. I like it a lot but I sure wouldn't consider it a good value.
In 2019, I bought a Heritage Manufacturing Rough Rider "Jonny Boy" 6.5" .22/.22WMR. It was extremely inexpensive. It arrived in perfect condition, shoots to point of aim and is very accurate. I like it a lot and I consider it an outstanding value.
It's no Colt SAA and I didn't expect it to be. It's no Ruger Single-Six and I didn't expect it to be. What it is, is good, cheap fun. I own a bunch of handguns from Colt, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Beretta, Glock, CZ, etc. I also own handguns from Taurus, Daewoo, Heritage Manufacturing, etc. There is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying a great bargain like the Rough Rider.
If you don't like them, don't buy one, but why continue to run them down because they don't live up to some "standard" you have for quality or price? Their success in capturing a place in the market pretty much proves their value.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
They are not "threaded". They call it micro-threading. In reality, they're ribbed and pressed into the frame, not screwed and held in place with adhesive. This is why they want you to bend the front sight for windage adjustment, rather than turning the barrel as you would with any other revolver.
The finish on the Heritage is akin to spray paint and prone to peeling. The finish on the Ruger is Cerakote and I don't know anyone who'd argue that it isn't better. I reckon it was necessary as a coating is the only way to result in the same finish on three different metals. "Better" in the context of quality is not subjective.
desmobob
Member
Did yours peel? You do have one, right?
I just did a web and image search for "Heritage Rough Rider finish peeling" and "Heritage Rough Rider finish coming off" and got nothing...
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Well if it didn't come up by Googling then surely it never happened.
Why does everyone who rushes to defend the Rough Rider think you have to own one to have a valid opinion??? The very fact that I couldn't talk myself into buying one and doing a torture test speaks for itself.
desmobob
Member
Well if it didn't come up by Googling then surely it never happened.
Why does everyone who rushes to defend the Rough Rider think you have to own one to have a valid opinion??? The very fact that I couldn't talk myself into buying one and doing a torture test speaks for itself.
If the very popular Rough Riders' finish is "prone to peeling" as you claim, it sure seems like at least one owner would have posted a photo or complained on a forum by now. Where did you get that information?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, for sure. It is questionable when your opinion is not based on experience yet you are determined to steer people away from a successful product that many people are obviously very happy with.
So, you think actual Rough Rider owners defending the product is more surprising than someone who does not own one bashing the product? My opinion is based on owning and using the product and comparing it to a range of similar products I also own and use. My purchase of that product was based on the opinions of others who owned and used the product. Those are valid opinions in my opinion!
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
So if you look at the thing, inspect the thing, apply everything you know from years of experience of shooting tens of thousands of rounds and buying hundreds of guns and can't bring yourself to pay a hundred bucks for one, then you just should just keep your mouth shut? Mmmmkay. Then maybe I'll buy one this week so you guys can no longer use that excuse to arbitrarily dismiss opinions that are contrary to your own. Hopefully I won't automatically fall into the, "I bought one and cannot stand for anyone to say anything bad about it" mentality.If the very popular Rough Riders' finish is "prone to peeling" as you claim, it sure seems like at least one owner would have posted a photo or complained on a forum by now. Where did you get that information?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, for sure. It is questionable when your opinion is not based on experience yet you are determined to steer people away from a successful product that many people are obviously very happy with.
So, you think actual Rough Rider owners defending the product is more surprising than someone who does not own one bashing the product? My opinion is based on owning and using the product and comparing it to a range of similar products I also own and use. My purchase of that product was based on the opinions of others who owned and used the product. Those are valid opinions in my opinion!
desmobob
Member
You forgot to answer my question about your statement on the finish.
I'm not arbitrarily dismissing your opinion because it's contrary to mine. It isn't contrary, really... I don't think the Rough Rider is a great handgun. I just think it is a screaming bargain and fun to own. (I shot mine today, as a matter of fact.)
And yes, I have almost 50 years of experience "shooting tens of thousands of rounds and buying hundreds of guns", hunting, and participating in competitive shooting disciplines with rifle, pistol and shotgun. I form opinions of guns I don't have and if I don't think they're something I'd enjoy or want, I don't buy them. I don't try to convince others not to.
I don't mind it in the least when someone says something bad about a firearm I own, even if they actually own one. I just question why some people just can't stand for others to be happy with a bargain, to the point where they would come into a thread about a firearm they don't even have and run it down.
If it was me, I'd be curious as to why so many people were so pleased with something that doesn't seem like it would be that great, and I might buy one to find out. And then I could form a valid opinion of it.
I'm sorry for clogging up this thread with my arguments!
Over and out,
Bob
TTv2
Member
- Joined
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- 4,987
We're not defending the Rough Rider, we're just calling out people who have never owned one and talk up the Ruger for being biased. I don't think anybody buys the Rough Rider over a Wrangler is expecting the finish to be better or to even care a scintilla as to how the barrel is affixed to the frame so long as the gun shoots fine and lasts.Well if it didn't come up by Googling then surely it never happened.
Why does everyone who rushes to defend the Rough Rider think you have to own one to have a valid opinion??? The very fact that I couldn't talk myself into buying one and doing a torture test speaks for itself.
Idk what the service life of the RR is compared to the Wrangler, time will be the determining factor of that, but as always it comes down to did you get your money's worth? On average, the Ruger is twice the price, so it's only fair to demand that it be twice as good in longevity, accuracy, and fit/finish. The fit/finish it seems to be, but I just don't like cerakoting on a revolver, at least not the Wrangler. It literally looks like the plastic cartridge Pokemon games I had for Game Boy 20 years ago.
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