For plinking and fun? What to choose?

[Jomax]

For a "fun" SA revolver in the .22LR/.22WMR category, would you buy a Heritage Rough Rider combo or spend twice as much and go for a Ruger Single Six combo?

I already own a couple of Rugers (not SA) so I know they're a quality gun but the difference between these two is almost the price of another small or "fun" gun.

Opinions?

 

[pv74]

I'll repost this picture of my little .22 pistol and revolver collection:

Colt Officer's Model (1935)
S&W K22 Masterpiece (1948)
S&W Model 63 Kit Gun (1977?)
Ruger Mark I (1956)



I would go for an older kit gun or even the new 317.

 

[Chief 101]

Jomax, you know that the better choice would be the Ruger as it will be of more value in the years to come. Something you can pass along to your kids. On the other hand the Heritage will be of little value in the years to come and likely will be non-functional if used a lot. The folks I know that have the Heritage .22's have a lot of fun plinking in the deserts around here and it's likely they would not have any firearms were it not for some inexpensive alternatives like this. I may be a firearms snob but I like my quality made guns, most if not all are at least 30 years old. All of them operate at least a good as when new and all are more valuable than when new. I have shot many many thousands of rounds, mostly revolver, and have only had one malfunction that can be blamed on the firearm. I can't remember what brand the gun was but it was a cheap copy of a S&W. The fact that I can't remember the brand should tell you something.
Sorry for the lengthy response but this is my story and I am sticking to it. Your choice is one quality revo that you can pass on to your heirs or two that you can have fun using and toss out in a few years. I know what I would do, and I respect thems that make the other choice. After all we can't all be snobs, nor do we all want to be..;Chief aka Maxx Load

 

[Chief 101]

Nice Collection Pv74. Chief aka Maxx Load

 

[Jomax]

I won't be passing along any guns to anyone so the idea of leaving it or them to someone else is definitely not a consideration for me.

Unlike a lot of folks, I have zero sentimental attachment for a lot of things I've bought with my own money and guns just happen to be at the top of the list. And, no one has ever given, gifted, bequeathed or willed any guns to me.

As I do not hunt nor do I collect, a modern day, mass-produced gun is IMO simply a tool that eventually wears out from regularly practicing with it. But I fully understand that many feel otherwise about such things and I do appreciate and respect their individual views. Some folks have very unique and rare guns or very old ones that have been passed down from generation to generation.

When I go, my guns must be sold off en mass to any of dozen local gun stores as per my written instructions for my heirs. No private buyers. No auctions. No gifts.

So, I think I've answered my own question here. The Heritage Rough Rider is the better choice for me.

Thanks!

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Definitely the Ruger. It's dollar-for-dollar a better buy, and you can have the satisfaction of knowing your children, grand-children and great-grandchildren will enjoy it.

 

[461]

Jomax, I understand your decision on not passing anything down, but depending on how many years you have left the Ruger may still be a better choice. In my experiences with both the Ruger and the Heritage, accuracy and durability both went to the Ruger in spades. If I didn't have much time left and just wanted to mess around with a .22 and accuracy didn't much matter then the Heritage may well fit the bill, on the other hand, if I didn't have much time left I'd be buying the best that money could buy.

 

[Eightball]

For a "fun" SA revolver in the .22LR/.22WMR category, would you buy a Heritage Rough Rider combo or spend twice as much and go for a Ruger Single Six combo?

Some of the HRR's I've seen did not seem like they'd hold up durability wise, and several guys I know who have the Single Six shot the HRR in the same pattern, and it broke within a year, while their SS's are still trucking onwards.

Might as well get something good, and get it right the first time.

 

[borrowedtime69]

Single Six

i recommend the Ruger single six. its worth the extra money. the fit and finish of the SS's is much nicer, its built tougher, and will last longer. i absolutely love my cowboy gun.

that being siad, i also think that the Heritage RR is a good enough gun and would provide you with years of service.

- Eric

 

[robert garner]

weeeeeel

The value of what you purchase will remain long after its cost is forgotten

 

[ZeSpectre]

Single Six.

 

[22-rimfire]

If the choice were mine, I'd hit a few gun shows and pick up a Smith Model 17 or 18 (double action 22) revolver. If you prefer a single action, the Ruger Single Six is the higher quality firearm (and yes at twice the price).

Some like the H&R's, High Standards, Charter Arms, or Rossi 22 revolvers if you find a good one and they are usually cheaper than the Ruger. Not First tier guns, but still many like them.

 

[harbinger_j]

I would say go with the cheaper gun, and buy more ammo.

 

[Brian Williams]

If the Heritage is accurate, for plinking it would be great, but the solidity of the Rugers lends to long term accuracy and ability to hold up.

Mine are a S&W 35-1 and a Colt Woodsman

 

[Ala Dan]

A 4" barrel Smith & Wesson model 34-1 .22LR "Kit Gun" would be nice~!

But, so would a S&W model 17 or 18, both in .22LR.