Heritage Rough Rider SA Revolver Review

Leather holster? Leather gloves! Why not, right?

The market for bargain guns right now is HUGE. I mean bigger than huge. While fine firearms still hold their value to some extent, and prices on them have dipped along with the rest, guns that break the sub $400 (See Ruger LC9) and especially sub $300 barrier (See Keltec PF9) hold their value better than most. They didn’t cost much to begin with, and because people are more likely to pay a few bucks for a used cheapo gun than they are a premium gun, it makes them more valuable in the long run.

The single action nature (think Colt .45) of this means it loads like one too. No crane, the cylinder stays put while you load 1 round at a time.

One of the worst parts about the gun was the finish on the frame.

With all that said, some of these guns are a win, manufactured with high tolerances, high expectations and high quality. Others however, seem to be pushed out the door just because the manufacturers are on to the above logic, OR quality control took the day off. The Heritage Rough Rider falls somewhere in between. At around $230, this is a super cheap single action (even cowboy style save for the adjustable fiber optic sights) Made in the U.S.A. revolver that is cheap in cost and maybe even cheap in finish. The frame itself has some sort of coating that scuffs easily and looks terrible when it does. The barrel and cylinder (it comes with a .22 Long Rifle (or any .22 for that matter) and a .22 Winchester Magnum cylinder) and even grip have a fantastic and evenly colored blue finish on them. The fluorescent yellow dot front and rear sights line up well and are very easy for the eye to pick up. The rosewood grips are also well crafted, fit evenly and matched the gun leather we used with it in a very attractive way.

The finish on the barrel and cylinder and grips help make up for the crummy finish on the frame.

While accuracy appeared to be mediocre at best (shooting off hand and compared to the Ruger Single 10) at a reasonable distance of 25 feet, the action between the hammer, cylinder rotation, and trigger manipulation were very smooth and comfortable. For a $230 revolver, Heritage should be proud of the function and feel. However the rear sight was lined up very poorly and required some hefty adjustment just to get the rounds hitting close to center. Upon inspection, it appeared as though the rear sight base isn’t on center with the frame and barrel line and while it didn’t affect the function of the gun, did cause some frustration while shooting in 20 degree weather trying to get the site lined up for the handgun/revolver review. A simple visual inspection before purchasing should help the user avoid a similar predicament. Weight is good, balance is good, and while I didn’t test the 22 Magnum cylinder, the 9-shot

Accuracy was OK at best. Funny sidenote. The cheaper the ammo got, the better this gun shot.

22 Long Rifle cylinder function was flawless and provided zero drag or refusal to cycle as the hammer cycled the action. Overall? It is what it is. A value based purchase AND shooter (.22 ammo is dirt cheap), the Heritage Rough Rider is pretty much what you would expect it should be. Had it provided greater accuracy I think I’d be thrilled rather than just satisfied with the product. Oh, AND I forgot to mention in the video that it actually has a safety on it. Left side of the frame, just forward of the hammer. I think a safety on a revolver is silly, thus I didn’t use it. So I’ve got no comment on how well it did or didn’t work.