Range Review: Heritage Rough Rider Rancher Revolving Carbine

by
posted on January 17, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
heritage-rough-rider-rancher-revolving-carbine-f.jpg
I don’t know why I need it, but I do. That thought certainly applies to the new Heritage Manufacturing Rough Rough Rider Rancher carbine in .22 Long Rifle.

Heritage, which was acquired by Taurus some years ago, was one of the first operations to move from Miami to Georgia, foreshadowing Taurus’ big move. The very affordable Heritage revolvers, which we have covered extensively, snuck up on the entire firearms industry. They went from those inexpensive single-action .22s no one paid much attention to the No. 2 maker of revolvers in the United States. Ruger didn’t take kindly to that, thus the Wrangler revolver.


Last month, I had the opportunity to get a tour of the new Taurus facility in Bainbridge Ga., all 205,000 sq.-ft. of it, by none other than the president of Taurus, my long-time friend David Blenker.


The Heritage guns are made in the United States, and not long ago, a 16"-barrel gun was introduced. At first glance, it looks like a prop from a Batman movie one of Joker’s minions would have with the flag that comes out the end that says “Bang!” No, this was just like all the other .22-cal. revolvers made by the company, just with a longer barrel. Not a true Buntline, but close enough that it sold like hotcakes.


Now we have the Rough Rider Rancher carbine. It’s just like the other single-action revolvers just with a fixed walnut buttstock.


It is a six-shooter with an overall length of 32" that weighs just a little more than 4 pounds with its 16.125 inch barrel. The sights consist of a fixed-blade front and a Buckhorn adjustable rear. And it even comes with a handy leather sling.


Revolving carbines have been around for a long time, the Colt Model 1855 comes to mind, but this fun interpretation of the genre makes for a very affordable plinker. While I was in Georgia, the Taurus guys let me be one of the first to use their impressive, new test range. And I had to remember a lesson about the little carbine and that is, unlike most revolvers, there is a safety on the left side.


When a revolver is fired, its chamber is in the cylinder, and the bullet has to make the jump to the barrel. Depending on the amount of cylinder gap, you get certainly some flash but also sometimes lead spitting. That’s why you don’t get your thumb near the cylinder gap. That is certainly the case with the Rough Rider.

As a matter fact, that is why there’s an extra extension on the trigger guard for the weak hand. Keep your hands, feet and all other body parts away from that cylinder gap, and you will be rewarded with lots of plinking fun. All at an affordable MSRP of $297.93.

Latest

Gotw Tristar Arms Kr22 1
Gotw Tristar Arms Kr22 1

Gun of the Week: TriStar Arms KR.22

Semi-automatic .22 rifles have been a staple in the firearm marketplace for decades, and the TriStar Arms KR.22 brings yet another lightweight, affordable option that accepts Ruger 10/22 rotary magazines.

Political Report | Trump Reiterates National Right-to-Carry Support

I am repeatedly reminded of how critical it was that the NRA engaged early in supporting Donald Trump’s 2016 candidacy—and that he won. A recent example came in June, when President Trump spoke to American workers at a Mack Trucks facility in Macungie, Pa.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 21, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Norinco TU-33/40: A Rimfire Mauser Lookalike from China

The Norinco TU-33/40 is, at a glance, a copy of a Mauser 98k with a few choice details that give away the fact that it’s not a big-bore World War II workhorse.

AI Tools Enter the Used-Gun Market

Companies that deal in the used-gun market are not shy about sharing the advantages their AI-driven tools and services.

Standing Guard | Standing on the Line for Freedom

This past August marks 46 years since I raised my right hand and was commissioned as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. In the summer of 1980, I entered active duty with a firm sense of civic duty and a deep desire to serve our great nation. Like so many who wear the uniform, I was ready to contribute directly to the defense of freedom.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.