Heritage Mfg. BORE Revolver: Precision Shooting with Classic Style

There are handguns that promise heritage and those that actually deliver a straightforward, reliable shooting experience built on proven design. For shooters who appreciate classic lines, simple mechanics, and approachable recoil, a rimfire single-action revolver can be both nostalgic and practical for training, plinking, and teaching fundamentals.

HERITAGE MFG. ROUGH RIDER SMALL BORE is a modern take on the Old West service revolver, and it’s been a staple for more than 25 years. This single-action revolver is offered in .22 LR and .22 Magnum chambers, with a six-round capacity and a 3.5″ steel blued barrel. The frame is aluminum alloy blued, the cylinder and barrel are steel blued, and the grip on the pictured example is a classic birds-head white pearlite. The revolver ships with open fixed sights, a 6 lb trigger pull, an overall length of 8.18″, and a weight of 33.4 oz — all for a street price around $166.99. Shop this product

Design and Build: Classic Aesthetics, Sensible Materials

The HERITAGE MFG. ROUGH RIDER SMALL BORE wears its inspiration on its sleeve: museum-style profiles, a birds-head grip option, and a compact footprint that fits a wide range of hands. Heritage built the frame from aluminum alloy blued material to save weight while using a steel blued barrel and cylinder where strength matters. The 3.5″ barrel balances sight radius and handling, giving the shooter a familiar feel without becoming bulky.

Action and Trigger Characteristics

This is a single-action revolver, meaning the hammer must be cocked for each shot. That manual cadence lends itself to deliberate shooting and is useful when teaching safe gun-handling and trigger discipline. The factory trigger pull is listed at about 6 lbs — manageable for most adult shooters and predictable for precision work in a rimfire package.

Ergonomics and Sighting

The birds-head white pearlite grip option provides a vintage silhouette and comfortable pocketable handling. Open fixed sights are durable and intuitive in daylight; the 3.5″ barrel keeps the sight radius usable for accurate target acquisition at typical rimfire distances. For shooters who plan to keep the revolver as a classic plinker or a truck gun, these sights are more than adequate.

Caliber Choices and Practical Applications

The SMALL BORE designation means this model is available in .22 LR and .22 Magnum. Each caliber has its strengths:

• .22 LR — Low recoil, inexpensive, ideal for marksmanship practice, youth introductions, and long-range rimfire drills. Great for learning fundamentals without flinch or fatigue.
• .22 Magnum — A step up in energy and velocity, useful for small pest control and when a bit more terminal performance is desired while still maintaining approachable recoil.

Both calibers make the revolver well-suited to backyard volleying, range fun, and training sessions where you want classic handling and the economy of rimfire ammunition. If you spend most sessions working on fundamentals, the .22 LR option will save you money and help build consistent technique.

Performance for Training and Recreation

At about 33.4 oz, the HERITAGE MFG. ROUGH RIDER SMALL BORE carries weight that dampens felt recoil and mitigates muzzle flip compared to ultralight pocket revolvers. The 6-round cylinder is traditional and encourages controlled shooting — there’s cadence built into the platform. Whether you’re running dry-fire drills, live-fire drills at 7–25 yards, or introducing a young shooter to safe range etiquette, this revolver is pared-down and practical.

If you want to confirm specs or buy now, View product details and pricing on the shop page where you can complete the purchase through the retailer.

Maintenance, Reliability, and Field Use

Routine maintenance on the ROUGH RIDER SMALL BORE is straightforward: keep carbon and lead fouling under control in the barrel and cylinder, lightly oil moving parts, and periodically check the timing and lockup if you put heavy use through the gun. The steel components at the barrel and cylinder make for durable metallurgy where pressures are highest, while the aluminum frame trims carry weight without sacrificing handling. For a casual to moderate use pattern, this revolver offers longstanding reliability when cared for properly.

Why Choose This Model?

Heritage Mfg. has kept this family of revolvers in production for over two decades for a reason — the combination of classic styling, single-action simplicity, and affordable price point makes it an attractive option for hobbyists, collectors on a budget, and instructors who need a basic rimfire single-action for drills. The 3.5″ barrel and six-round capacity hit a sweet spot between portability and performance.

Buying Considerations

At a price near $166.99, the HERITAGE MFG. ROUGH RIDER SMALL BORE is positioned as an affordable entry point into single-action revolvers. Consider which caliber fits your use case, whether the birds-head grip suits your ergonomics, and how the 3.5″ barrel length aligns with how you plan to carry or store the revolver. For many buyers, the combination of price and classic design makes this a sensible purchase for training, collection, or range enjoyment.

Ready to add a functional piece of Old West styling to your safe? Check current availability and complete your purchase on the shop page.

People Also Ask

What makes this product stand out from competitors?

This product offers superior quality and innovative features that set it apart in the market. Its design focuses on both performance and reliability, making it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Is this product suitable for beginners?

Yes, this product is designed with user-friendly features that make it accessible to beginners while still offering advanced capabilities for experienced users.

What warranty or support is available?

The product comes with comprehensive warranty coverage and excellent customer support to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind.

How does this compare to similar products in its price range?

This product offers exceptional value for its price point, providing features and quality that typically cost significantly more in comparable alternatives.

What maintenance is required?

Minimal maintenance is required thanks to the product’s durable construction and quality materials. Regular cleaning and occasional inspections will keep it performing optimally.