Heritage

Heritage Rough Rider: The Classic Single-Action .22

The Heritage Rough Rider is a single-action revolver chambered in .22 LR, .22 Magnum, or a combination cylinder that accepts both cartridges interchangeably. Its design is inspired by the Colt Single Action Army — the classic cowboy revolver — giving it a traditional aesthetic at a fraction of the price of a Colt or USFA original. The Rough Rider is the most popular entry-level revolver in the country for a simple reason: it works, it’s fun to shoot, and it costs less than a tank of gas to feed for a full afternoon at the range. The combination .22 LR/.22 Magnum models are the best value — one gun that handles both rimfire cartridges with a cylinder swap.

Heritage Roscoe: The .38 Special Double-Action

The Heritage Roscoe is Heritage Firearms’ entry into the double-action revolver market — a compact .38 Special +P with a 2” or 3” barrel, exposed hammer, and Heritage’s characteristic value-tier pricing applied to a platform that competes directly with the Taurus 856 and Rossi R351. The Roscoe ships in blued and stainless configurations with custom wood grip options including engraved American flag and Stars & Stripes panels that give the revolvers a distinctive appearance at Heritage’s accessible price. For buyers who want a compact .38 Special double-action at the lowest available entry price from an established American brand, the Roscoe delivers the platform without the premium of the Colt or S&W alternatives. The 5-round cylinder keeps the package compact; +P ratings allow defensive loads that maximize the short barrel’s terminal performance.

Heritage Revolvers for Youth and New Shooters

The Rough Rider’s .22 LR chambering, light recoil, and simple manual of arms make it one of the best first handguns for youth shooters and anyone new to firearms. The single-action mechanism requires deliberately cocking the hammer before each shot, which slows the shooting process and encourages careful trigger discipline — excellent habits for new shooters to build from the start. The Rough Rider is available in barrel lengths from 3.5” to 9”, with shorter barrels better suited for younger shooters who need a more balanced gun. Heritage also offers models with custom grips in wood, synthetic, and novelty designs that appeal to collectors and gift buyers.

Heritage Quality: What to Expect

Heritage revolvers are made in the United States and offer solid function at their price point, but they are not comparable in fit, finish, or trigger quality to S&W, Ruger, or Colt revolvers at higher price points. The Rough Rider’s trigger is workable but not refined — it improves with use and dry-fire practice. The Roscoe’s double-action pull is heavier than premium carry revolvers but reliable for defensive use. For buyers who want the finest revolver available, Heritage is not the answer. For buyers who want an affordable, reliable, American-made revolver for training, plinking, or entry-level carry, Heritage delivers strong value for the money.

Heritage vs. Ruger and S&W: When to Choose Heritage

Heritage makes the most sense for buyers on a strict budget, for first guns where the primary goal is learning fundamentals rather than maximum quality, and for gift buyers who want to introduce someone to shooting without significant investment. For anyone who plans to carry regularly or shoot frequently over years, stepping up to a Ruger LCR or S&W 642 is worth the price difference — the trigger quality, durability, and warranty support justify the premium for serious use. The Roscoe is a credible defensive option for buyers who genuinely cannot stretch the budget further. Browse our full revolver selection or see our .38 Special revolvers for all caliber options.