Rough Rider for Christmas

[rhoggman]

I received a Heritage Rough Rider for Christmas. I got the standard 6.5" w/ fixed sights. It has the standard blued finish as well.

First impressions of the gun was that it is obviously not and S&W, Ruger, or even a Taurus quality firearm; however, there is some hidden neat factor in the fact that it is a $150 new, functioning revolver.

Most of the moving parts had some serious friction, and "raspy-ness" to them. I fixed that with some quality firearm grease. Basically the hammer block (safety), ejector rod/ tube, loading gate, entire base pin assembly, and the gears on the back of the cylinder. This may sound like a bit much; however, it really smoothed everything out. Used sparingly, I would definitely recommend anyone who has one to do the same. It feels and sound like a different gun when the metal surfaces are not grinding on each other.

I shot a couple hundred rounds at my first outing and have to say I was very impressed by the accuracy. With a little practice I think I could become consistent enough to kill small game out to 25 yards. The single action trigger pull is not bad at all. In fact it was the only thing about the gun I was impressed with out of the box. I would love to see what it could do with a cheap scope affixed to it; however, I am relatively certain no one makes a mount for these.

The metal surfaces and bluing leave much to be desired; however, for $150 bucks you can't expect much. I believe this gun probably fits into the pot-metal category, but I love it. There is a warning in the manual not to dry fire with the safety off because the hammer will dent the cylinder

Overall I was so impressed that I have already ordered a 22 mag cylinder for the gun. If you can burn out/ wear out a Rough Rider I am definitely a prime candidate for doing so.

 

[w_houle]

First impressions of the gun was that it is obviously not and S&W, Ruger, or even a Taurus

I always hate this impression.

Most of the moving parts had some serious friction, and "raspy-ness" to them.

Gritty, raspy, perpetually crunchy even in milk kind of coarseness that can only be provided by guns that only you can add those final fit and finish touches to You just have to learn to love them.

I shot a couple hundred rounds at my first outing and have to say I was very impressed by the accuracy. With a little practice I think I could become consistent enough to kill small game out to 25 yards.

Yet with a little spit and polish, can be made to shine.

Overall I was so impressed that I have already ordered a 22 mag cylinder for the gun. If you can burn out/ wear out a Rough Rider I am definitely a prime candidate for doing so.

... For the love of all that's decent and holy, keep a round count

 

[powwowell]

I am as unhappy with my Rough Rider as rhoggman is happy with his. On Black Friday, I got the 4.75" barrel version with the .22 LR and the .22 mag cylinders. It shot 4 inches to the right and about the same high. At ten yards. Heritage advised me to bend the front sight, to the right. Did so, until the front sight looked deformed! I returned it to the dealer, who then sent it back to Heritage.

Heritage did get the gun back in 8 days. No charge to me from Heritage, or the dealer. I can say the warranty service was most prompt. I even got two emails from them. Heritage had installed a new, taller front sight. The revolver still shoots way to the right. I now think of it as a plinker only. I'll never get to use the .22 mag, as I planned. It's just a plinker.

If I had a chance to do over again, my first choice would be NO WAY! My second choice, would be to get an adjustable sight model. I understand that Heritage even makes a steel frame model for sale in SC. One of those SC models, with adjustable sights, would probably be the best choice, in a Heritage Rough Rider.

Sorry for the long post.

 

[jad0110]

There is a warning in the manual not to dry fire with the safety off because the hammer will dent the cylinder

And that is true of all rimfire firearms that I am aware of; there may be a few exceptions. Even the superb S&W K-22 should not be dry fired without snap caps.

 

[powwowell]

rhoggman, I was amiss in my post. After some reflection, I realize that I replied to your post, as an opportunity to bitch about my experience. My bad. I'm going to work with my revolver and make the best of it. As you stated, the gun is not a lot of money.

I'm sure the longer sight plane of your rough Rider is an aid for accuracy. I hear good things about the longevity of Heritage products. That's why I bought mine. Another big plus for Heritage, in my experience, they do answer emails, in a reasonable amount of time. Thanks for the tip about applying grease to various areas. Enjoy your new pistol and I expect you will have difficulty in your efforts to "burn out/wear out" your Rough Rider next year.

 

[frankiestoys]

well as a mentioned the gun is inexpensive and some of the parts do feel cheap, but over all mine has been great. I bought it for my 9 year old son as well as my older girls they have all learned to shoot using it. Its accurate enough and hits where you point it.
It is definitly not one of my Ruger's or Smith's but its a cool gun to add to anyones collection. Good luck with yours.

 

[rhoggman]

"There is a warning in the manual not to dry fire with the safety off because the hammer will dent the cylinder"

And that is true of all rimfire firearms that I am aware of; there may be a few exceptions. Even the superb S&W K-22 should not be dry fired without snap caps

I was aware that you should not dry fire most rimfire handguns, but I was under the impression that usually this will lead to broken firing pins. actually forgot to load all the chambers in a cylinder yesterday and thus lead to one dry fire with the safety not engaged..... sure enough I checked later and there is a tiny dent in the cylinder. It did not effect operation one iota, but made me think how soft the metal must be.

 

[rhoggman]

rhoggman, I was amiss in my post. After some reflection, I realize that I replied to your post, as an opportunity to bitch about my experience. My bad. I'm going to work with my revolver and make the best of it. As you stated, the gun is not a lot of money

.

Your experience is no fault of your own. I would be mad as well. Look I don't care how much a gun costs... you should expect it to fulfill its stated purpose.

I would be curious to see where it hits when shot from a rest.

I have found that I actually shoot different w/ different pistols. I got rid of my XDM 9mm because I could not figure out how not to shoot high and to the left. I traded it for a CZ 75BD Police that is so accurate it is ridiculous.

I notice with the Rough Rider that if I do not pay careful attention I also shoot low and to the left. For me it has more to do with trigger squeeze than anything else, and is most noticeable outside of 10 yards.... This problem would be much more noticeable with a shorter barrel.

 

[BenB8290]

Its a decent gun for what it costs. Shoots anything I feed it. It pulls to the left w/ Winchester Wildcats. Its dead on w/ Aguila Super Colibris.

 

[mcdonl]

I have the 9" version, and with the 22 mag cylinder it is a deadly squirrel gun at 25 yards.

I never noticed the grinding you refer to, but... I do notice that after about 3000 rounds I do have significant wearing away of the blue in the area of the loading gate. Signs if use I say.

 

[bucktails]

Hi rhoggman, I think you will enjoy your Rough Rider. Hey it is what it is and for 150 bucks enjoy it while you have it. I'm not sure how many rounds have been put through mine but it's alot. I don't shoot it as much as I used to, the kids have kind of taken it over and they just love it. Good luck with yours.

 

[Nicodemus38]

be happy with it. the only other SAA that has the genuine 4 clicks to the lockwork would cost you around 1500, and thats if you dont mind the SO from beating you with it when they see what it cost.

 

[jighed]

I too got one for Christmas and am very proud of it. I have shot the cb shorts, long rifle and super colibri lr thru it. The colibri I picked up this evening on the way home from work, thinking they would be quiet, they are not. It sounded like a 22 short. I think it's a good gun for the dollar. $129 on sale

 

[sciether]

heritage arms are great quality for the price

I bought a Rough Rider, 22lr/22mag combo, satin finish, adjustable sight model for $150 off gunbroker, and was almost ready to buy a casket for it. First, the dealer apparently got it on pawn and didn't clean nor inspect the firearm before listing it, as it had a small pit in the barrel. Made it through 200 or so rounds and broke a cylinder spring. Called and bought a new spring from Heritage (which has awesome customer support), but at the time only sold hand and spring together. Put it back together and shot another 150 rounds and broke it again. I called Heritage and they sent just the spring, 2 of them this time. They then changed their website to sell just the springs. Once again, I got it put back together, shot a couple hundred rounds and broke the trigger spring. Needless to say I was getting ticked off, but made another call to Heritage and they shipped (btw their shipping from FL to KS is 2-3 days tops) me a new one along with a target grip. Once again I put it all together. It has run flawlessly for over 2000 or so rounds now, and is easily capable of shooting 2" 50 yard groups with the 22lr cyl. I have actually shot one .75" group @ 40yards. Now the 22 mag cyl shoots high right by 1-2 inches but the cost keeps me from using it often, not a big problem. Truth be told this gun can be repaired by anyone easily.

I hear reports of Heritages failing after 2-3000 rounds and becoming a wall piece. I can comfortably rebuild every worn out Rough Rider with only a small flathead screw driver & a few parts in under ten mins. Try that with a single six for a few dollars, never happen.

For those looking for scope rails, there is a rail for fixed sight Rough Riders on Heritage's website for $10 or $15, although you do have to drill and tap it. I am currently working on machining a pin & screw base for the adjustable sight model i have (will replace rear sight). As soon as I get it made, I'll make a post about it for those looking for the same for their guns. Basically theres no possible way to get an adjustable fiber optic sight, target grip single six for under $300, so I opted for Heritage for less than $200.

Even after all the trouble, I still feel as if I came out ahead. Because they are low dollar guns usually means if you bought it used, the guy before used it like a cheap gun, doesn't mean there not any good. I love mine and see it going through 20,000 plus rounds in my lifetime, possibly even passing it on to my children.

 

[rhoggman]

I shot the super collibri's through it, and they are not so quiet. One or two shots in a residential area would not get a lot of attention. Basically sounds like a paint gun.

Other than that I am up to about 1000 rounds with this thing. I am still impressed. I have not shot the 22Mag cylinder as of yet.

Made the mistake of cleaning it with Hoppe's #9. I didn't completely ruin the finish, but it appears visably warn in some spots.

 

[Little Red]

I‘m new to this forum, but not new to rimfire fun. When I’m not shooting my BP revolvers, both copies or originals, I save money by practicing with the Heritage Rough rider in .22. Got mine for $169 with the WMR cylinder at a local sporting goods store recently. Based on my profile, one can see I have an interest in tearing things down or fixing them. That being the case, it did not take long for me to fit the grips to the frame better (they are rather chunky) which also resulted in some damage to the grip frame and trigger guard. Thus I removed the casting mark there too and refinished it as well. As I paint the autos I restore, I have some pretty bullet proof paints that seem to be holding up well. Also played with engraving the grips..that I have not done before, but overall pretty pleased with how they turned out. Also refinished the frame and removed that safety. First, none of my BP revolvers have it and I never carry loaded, so that being the case, why not. I for one am tired of seeing post by those that never owned one talking them down. Yes, compared to a Ruger they are a little less refined, but nothing that a hobbyist can’t find enjoyment working on.

 

[22-rimfire]

I for one am tired of seeing post by those that never owned one talking them down. Yes, compared to a Ruger they are a little less refined, but nothing that a hobbyist can’t find enjoyment working on.

I've never owned one. Don't plan on owning one. I have graduated the cheap gun stage of my life. But you have to start somewhere and certainly the Heritage Rough Rider is better than nothing at all. I have no problem with folks buying them and enjoying shooting them. You just have to understand the beast you are dealing with.

My first handgun was a cheap gun. Took a few years of shooting to understand the difference as I had nobody really instructing me. I probably would not have listened anyway. At that time, I would have considered it an insane waste of money and resources to own more guns than you can reasonably justify from a use perspective or spend $500 when you can buy something for $200 that shoots the same cartridge. Things change.

Oh, welcome the forum, Little Red.

 

[Little Red]

Wow, you make some assumptions, don't you? But first let me not forget my manners and say thanks for the welcome. My first handguns were far from "cheap" Did ya ever price an authentic 1858 Remington police edition in 36 cap and ball in very good firing condition? I could have had 3 or 4 Colt Peacemaker rimfire revolvers for the cost of just that one, not even talking about the others (I love antiques of all types), but I digress. My Colt Pony autoloader is not a inexpensive handgun either, and it is no more accurate then the Heritage, and a heck of a lot more expensive to shoot 50 rounds through when I want to. What I am saying is that this is a great way to shoot without busting the bank and mine seems to have an accuracy that is based on the round I use, but hey, learning which load is most accurate for a BP revolver is a normal procedure for shooters of blackpowder, and perhaps because of this I am aware of how drastic a load can alter shot placement. It is also a great canvas for trying some other skills, such as the work to the grips, that I've wanted to do. And just because it does not bust the bank getting into one does not make it "cheap", inexpensive perhaps, but cheap, no. It is also a great canvas for trying some other skills, such as the work to the grips, that I've wanted to do. So when you decide to try an inexpensive revolver that is not "cheap", feel free to do so with the Heritage rough rider.

Too bad you got soured on how much fun one can have with inexpensive (vs. cheap) handguns.

 

[ScratchnDent]

I have one, and am quite happy with it!
Yes, the fit and finish is about what you'd expect on a <$200 firearm, but mine has been mechanically excellent. The action and trigger pull are what sold me on this one over the Ruger sitting next to it in the store. I have put several thousand rounds of 22lr, and a few hundred rounds of 22 Mag through it, and it rides around with me on my tractor all summer getting dusty and covered with sweat for the last couple years.

 

[BCCL]

I haven't shot their .22 yet, but my 45 Colt RR is great.

 

[jad0110]

I was aware that you should not dry fire most rimfire handguns, but I was under the impression that usually this will lead to broken firing pins.

Yep, that can happen too.

---

I am on my 2nd Heritage Rough Rider now. The first was a 6.5" "blued" (aka flat black spray paint ) fixed sight 22LR/Mag that I paid $150 NIB in '06. I was a wonderfully fun gun that I stupidly sold a few months later to buy a Taurus 94 that turned out to be a total turd :banghead: .

For several years I regretted making that sale, until late last year when I decided to rectify my mistake by buying another NIB Heritage for $155, this one a 5.5" polished blue 22LR/Mag. Just like my previous RR, this one is a tack driver that has never had even the slightest hint of trouble. Offhand, it is pretty easy to hit spent cartridge cases lying on the ground from 10' away. I enjoy it because I dont' feel the need to clean it after every range outing, unlike my 4 screw S&W K-22. I just wipe it down with a silicone rag and put it back in the safe. Nice!

 

[dirty dave]

I also am pleased with mine.Traded a beagle pup for it.Carry it on hip rabbit hunting for the last 7 years.shoots better than most other single action 22's I have shot.for the price hard to beat.

 

[Mike J]

I bought mine a few years ago I really just wanted to use for .22 shot shells at the time but I have used it to plink a lot. It is a fun little gun. I didn't pick it for the flashy grips-it was the only one they had at the time. [/IMG]

 

[Little Red]

Wanna know what else I find interesting? Colt has made it a habit to have foreign manufacturers supply them with parts they finish and then sell under their name. All one has to do is research the 2nd addition BP revolvers they released back in the 70’s to confirm this. Other then being final finished by Colt, they were, in fact, produced in Italy.

Now take a look at the large bore Colt peacemaker, here is a quick link, http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20060421202552/guns/images/1/17/SAA_P1870.jpg
Notice the 3 screws in the frame? The shape of the frame, most notably over the cylinder, and how the grip buts up against the cylinder frame, no spacing between the two. Compare that to Colt's own .22 version of the Peacemaker which you can review here at this link, http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_i...11559&osCsid=4e88a511a793a7b37d2a7d64a1cea104

Go ahead, zoom in, check it out. This .22 Peacemaker has more in common with the Roughrider then with Colt’s own large bore Peacemaker. Seems out of character if you ask me. Seems they would have just modified the large bore more closely, instead, this a 2 screw frame, with the same slight slope in it above the cylinder as the Roughrider, the same frame for the grip characteristics (the spacing between the cylinder frame and the grips built into the grip frame), along with the trigger and hammer shape being nearly identical to the Roughrider. Would not be too much of a reach to think they may have contacted Heritage, or at least their overseas counterpart, and asked for unfinished/slightly modified (trigger guard) castings which they then finished to their own specs. How much more could/would Heritage charge to finish their revolver to the same degree as the Colt?

 

[gb6491]

Go ahead, zoom in, check it out. This .22 Peacemaker has more in common with the Roughrider then with Colt’s own large bore Peacemaker. Seems out of character if you ask me. Seems they would have just modified the large bore more closely, instead, this a 2 screw frame, with the same slight slope in it above the cylinder as the Roughrider, the same frame for the grip characteristics (the spacing between the cylinder frame and the grips built into the grip frame), along with the trigger and hammer shape being nearly identical to the Roughrider. Would not be too much of a reach to think they may have contacted Heritage, or at least their overseas counterpart, and asked for unfinished/slightly modified (trigger guard) castings which they then finished to their own specs.

I seem to remember the Colt Peacemaker and New Frontier .22s coming out in the early 70's (1970?); was Heritage Manufacturing making Rough Riders back then?
Regards,
Greg