Rough Rider 22 LR 16″ Blued Revolver Review

Heritage Rough Rider 22 Long Rifle 16in Blued Revolver

Welcome to our blog, where we dive into the world of firearms and bring you insightful reviews and analysis. In this Rough Rider 22 LR 16″ blued revolver review, we’ll look closer at features and quality and share our opinion of its value.

About Heritage Manufacturing

Heritage Manufacturing is a firearms manufacturer based in the United States. They are known for producing single-action revolvers that pay homage to classic designs and the Old West era. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

Heritage Manufacturing specializes in crafting affordable and reliable single-action

revolvers that capture the nostalgia and style of firearms from the 19th century. Their revolvers often feature traditional designs, such as the long barrel, exposed hammer, and walnut grips, while incorporating modern manufacturing techniques and materials.

About The Rough Rider 22 LR 16″ Blued Revolver

The Heritage Rough Rider series is a line of single-action revolvers that pays homage to the classic designs of the Old West era. These revolvers are known for their affordability, reliability, and nostalgic appeal. It’s chambered in a .22 Long Rifle, making it popular for plinking, targeting, and recreational shooting.

The Rough Rider series draws its inspiration from the legendary Colt Single Action Army revolver, a firearm that rose to prominence in the late 19th century. People widely used the Colt Single Action Army, also known as the Colt Peacemaker, during the Old West era, making it an iconic symbol of the American frontier.

Heritage Manufacturing introduced the Rough Rider series to offer a budget-friendly option for enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the aesthetics and functionality of the Colt Single Action Army but at a more affordable price point.

Unboxing the Rough Rider 22 LR 16″ Blued Revolver

Unboxing a new firearm is always an exciting experience. It’s important to remember the standard safety measures when doing so. This means that you should treat the firearm as if it’s loaded, keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire, never point the gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy and be sure of your target and what’s behind it.

In this case, we are unboxing the Rough Rider .22 LR 16″ Blued Revolver.

• Box: The revolver comes in a cardboard box featuring the Heritage Manufacturing logo.
• Contents: Upon opening, you will find the Rough Rider, a user manual, and a lock for the firearm.
• The Firearm: The Rough Rider .22 LR 16″ Blued Revolver is a single-action firearm, meaning the hammer needs to be manually cocked back before each shot. This model features a blued steel finish, a long 16″ barrel, and a cocobolo or synthetic grip. The firearm has a classic, western-style design refers to the era of cowboys and old-fashioned shootouts.

The handgun looks odd with the 16″ barrel, but it feels good in the hand. Not as off-balance as you’d think with a barrel that long. The finish, frame, and grips all look great.

Rough Rider Revolver Specifications

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR)
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Action: Single Action
• Barrel Length: 16 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 21.375 inches
• Finish: Blued
• Grip: Cocobolo or synthetic, depending on model
• Weight: Approximately 45.8 oz. (weights may vary depending on specific configurations)
• Front Sight: Fixed
• Rear Sight: Notch at Rear
• Safety: Manual Hammer Block
• Construction: Aluminum Alloy Frame, Steel Cylinder, and Barrel

Barrel

The Heritage Rough Rider 22 Long Rifle 16-inch Blued Revolver features a 16-inch barrel longer than the standard length typically on revolvers. The extended barrel length offers several advantages and characteristics, making it unique and appealing to shooters.

• Increased Sight Radius: The longer barrel provides an extended sight radius, which refers to the distance between the front and rear sights. A longer sight radius can enhance accuracy by allowing for better alignment of the sights, making it easier to aim and shoot with precision.
• Improved Stability: The added barrel length contributes to increased stability when shooting. The longer sight radius, combined with the weight distribution, helps reduce muzzle rise and provides a more balanced feel. This can lead to improved control and follow-up shots.
• Enhanced Velocity: The longer barrel allows for a more complete burn of the propellant, increasing muzzle velocity. The higher velocity can improve the bullet’s trajectory, delivering flatter shooting and potentially enhancing accuracy at longer distances.
• Aesthetics: The extended barrel length on the Heritage Rough Rider 22 Long Rifle 16-inch Blued Revolver adds a distinctive and classic appearance reminiscent of Old West-style revolvers. It can evoke a sense of nostalgia and appeal to those who appreciate the traditional design and aesthetics of firearms from that era.

Cylinder

The Heritage Rough Rider 22 Long Rifle 16-inch Blued Revolver’s cylinder houses the ammunition chambers. Here’s an overview of the cylinder and its features:

• Construction: The cylinder is made of steel, which provides strength and durability to withstand the pressures generated during firing.
• Capacity: The Heritage Rough Rider 22 Long Rifle 16-inch Blued Revolver cylinder is designed to hold six rounds of .22 Long Rifle ammunition.
• Rotation Mechanism: The cylinder rotates as the revolver is cocked and the trigger is pulled, aligning a chamber with the barrel for firing. This rotation mechanism is achieved through a hand or pawl system, which engages the notches on the back of the cylinder.
• Extractor: The cylinder has an extractor, a mechanism that facilitates the removal of spent cartridge cases from the cylinder chambers. The extractor is operated by pushing a rod, allowing quick and efficient extraction of the fired casings.
• Release Mechanism: A latch or release mechanism secures the cylinder, allowing easy removal and installation. This mechanism ensures the cylinder remains securely locked during firing and can be safely released for reloading or maintenance.
• Cylinder Finish: The cylinder is finished with the same blued coating as the rest of the revolver, providing a uniform appearance and additional protection against corrosion.

Finish

The Heritage Rough Rider 22 Long Rifle 16-inch Blued Revolver features a blued finish, a common and popular protective coating used on firearms. The blued finish offers both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Here’s an overview of the blued finish and its characteristics:

• Appearance: The blued finish provides a dark, deep blue-black color to the revolver’s metal surfaces. The rich, dark hue adds a touch of elegance and enhances the overall visual appeal of the revolver.
• Corrosion Resistance: One of the primary functions of the blued finish is to protect the metal surfaces of the revolver from corrosion. The bluing process involves chemically treating the metal, creating a layer that helps prevent rust and corrosion caused by exposure to moisture and environmental elements.
• Durability: While the blued finish offers some level of protection against corrosion, it should be noted that it is not as resistant to wear and scratches as certain other finishes, such as stainless steel or polymer coatings. Proper care and maintenance, such as regular cleaning and applying protective oils or waxes, can help preserve the blued finish and extend its lifespan.
• Traditional Appeal: The blued finish has a long-standing tradition in the firearms industry and is associated with classic designs. It adds a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to the Heritage Rough Rider 22 Long Rifle 16-inch Blued Revolver, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate the aesthetics of vintage or historical firearms.

Frame

The frame of the Heritage Rough Rider 22 Long Rifle 16-inch Blued Revolver houses various parts of the firearm. Here’s an overview of the frame and its features:

• Construction: The frame of the Heritage Rough Rider is steel.
• Design: The frame accommodates the internal components of the revolver, including the cylinder, barrel, trigger mechanism, and grip. It features cutouts and recesses that allow these parts to fit properly and function together.
• Trigger Guard: The frame includes a trigger guard, which surrounds and protects the trigger mechanism. The trigger guard helps prevent unintentional trigger manipulation and enhances safety.

Grip

The grip of the Heritage Rough Rider 22 Long Rifle 16-inch Blued Revolver is very comfortable, and they look great. The carvings look high-quality and add a lot of style to the handgun.

• Material: The grip is constructed from walnut, a popular choice for its durability, stability, and classic appearance. The walnut grip adds a touch of elegance and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the revolver.
• Ergonomics: The grip fits comfortably in the hand, promoting a natural and secure grip. The shape and contour of the grip are carefully crafted to ensure proper hand placement and control while shooting.
• Carving: Besides looking great, the carving on the grip also provides traction.
• Grip Panels: The grip consists of two separate grip panels, one on each side of the frame. These panels are attached to the grip frame and can be removed or replaced, allowing for customization or personalization. Some shooters may upgrade to different grip materials or designs to suit their preferences or achieve a unique look.
• Aesthetics: The walnut grip on the Heritage Rough Rider 22 Long Rifle 16-inch Blued Revolver adds a touch of classic and timeless beauty to the firearm. The natural wood grain and rich color contribute to the overall visual appeal and can evoke a sense of nostalgia and authenticity.

Safety’s

The Heritage Rough Rider 22 Long Rifle 16-inch Blued Revolver typically incorporates safety mechanisms to ensure safe handling and operation. While I don’t have access to the specific safety features of this particular model released after September 2021, I can provide you with a general overview of common safety mechanisms found on Heritage Rough Rider revolvers:

• Hammer Block Safety: Always use the manual hammer block. It is to prevent the hammer from being able to contact the firing pin. It must be up (safe) when you need it to work, not halfway or at some other point in its travel. Don’t play with the hammer block, and you will avoid accidents. Keep the hammer block in the up (safe) position unless firing.
• Trigger Guard: This is a physical obstruction that helps prevent unintended pressing of the trigger. Do not modify the trigger guard.

Sights

The Heritage Rough Rider 22 Long Rifle 16-inch Blued Revolver has a blade front and U-shaped rear sight. If you’ve read my reviews before, you may already know I dislike all-black sights. These sights provide a fair sight picture, but at the least, replacing the front post might be a good idea.

• Fixed Sights: The Heritage Rough Rider revolver has fixed sights. Fixed sights consist of a front and rear sight permanently attached to the revolver’s barrel and frame. These sights provide a consistent point of reference for aiming and can help improve accuracy.
• Blade Front Sight: The Heritage Rough Rider revolver front sight is blade-style. It is a narrow, vertical post that protrudes from the front of the revolver’s barrel. The blade front sight helps with target acquisition and alignment when aiming at a specific point.
• Notch Rear Sight: The rear sight on the Heritage Rough Rider revolvers is a notch-style sight. It features a rectangular or U-shaped notch cut into the rear of the revolver’s frame. The shooter aligns the front sight with the rear notch to establish a sight picture and ensure proper aiming.

Trigger

The trigger of the Heritage Rough Rider 22 Long Rifle 16-inch Blued Revolver has a nice smooth pull, very little travel, and a nice clean break. With the hammer cocked, the pull weight is comfortable, a little over 3 pounds. I would go so far as to say I ‘really am a fan of the Rough Riders triggers.

• Design: The trigger is a single-action trigger.
• Pull Weight: The trigger pull weight refers to the force required to pull and discharge the firearm. The trigger pull weight comes in consistently at a little over 3 pounds.
• Smoothness: The smoothness of the trigger refers to the ease with which it moves from its resting position to the point of release. The trigger has a nice smooth pull.
• Trigger Reset: The trigger reset is the distance the trigger must travel forward after a shot is fired before it can be pulled again. In a single-action revolver like the Heritage Rough Rider, the trigger must be released fully forward and reset before it can engage the sear and fire another round. A positive and audible trigger reset can benefit rapid follow-up shots and shooting speed.

Rough Rider 22 LR 16″ Blued Revolver Review Wrap

At first look, the Rough Rider didn’t appeal to me a ton, but it grew on me throughout the review. I’m a fan of the ergonomics, grip, and trigger. The sights and barrel length aren’t selling points for me, but all and all, I see this as a fun plinking and target gun with some potential for small game hunting.

The gun offers a classic appeal and quality components. It’s a tribute to the heritage of revolvers, capturing the essence of a bygone era while delivering modern functionality. When factoring in the MSRP comes under $170, this is a solid consideration for a fun gun.

Rough Rider 22 LR 16″ Blued Revolver FAQs