Gun Of The Week: Heritage Mfg. Roscoe

“Roscoe” is an early slang word for “handgun” and was commonly used in the 1920s and 1930s, especially within the context of detectives and the .38-caliber, snubnose revolvers they carried. Today, Heritage Manufacturing made it official with the release of its Roscoe .38-cal. revolver designed as a tribute to the classic, compact carry revolvers of the early to mid-20th century, such as the Colt Detective Special or the Smith & Wesson J-frame. Watch our video above to see the Heritage Roscoe 2" in use on the range.

In keeping with the classic style of those early concealed-carry revolvers, the Heritage Mfg. Roscoe is chambered for the .38 Special cartridge and has a five-round fluted cylinder. As a foundation for this particular design, Heritage used the Taurus Model 85 revolver frame, which is similar in size and overall feel to the Smith & Wesson J-frame revolvers of old. Two models of the Roscoe are available, one with a short 2” barrel and another featuring a slightly longer 3” barrel. Both guns feature an unshrouded ejector rod with a knurled end that’s protected from damage by a small steel extension just under the barrel.

Just like the classic J-frame of the mid-20th century, these Roscoe revolvers have a set of thin wood stocks that are checkered on either side. The frame, barrel and cylinder are all finished in a high-gloss black treatment that replicates the fine bluing seen on other early revolvers. The J-frame inspiration continues both inside and outside the revolver, as the Model 85-style lockwork is inspired by the Smith & Wesson design, though not directly interchangeable.

Control-wise, users will see the Smith & Wesson inspiration here, too, as the Roscoe uses an S&W-style, push-forward cylinder release on the left side of the frame. Otherwise, controls are as simple as the curved trigger shoe that offers a long, double-action pull, as well as an exposed and textured hammer spur for single-action operation. Sights consist of an all-black ramped front that’s textured to reduce glare, and it’s viewed through a channel in the revolver’s topstrap, providing a simple, classic sight picture that’s low-profile to accommodate snag-free carry.

Despite the retro design of the Roscoe, this revolver has a few elements that make it a viable option for daily defensive use. There’s a modern transfer-bar safety system incorporated into the revolver to allow for safe carry with all five chambers loaded, and the top of the barrel and frame have been treated with a matte finish to reduce glare when shooting in bright sun. At the range, the Roscoe was a reliable, consistent shooter with a decent pull in both single- and double-action. Best of all, the gun is affordable, so for those looking to live like it’s 1928, you’ll have money left over for a fedora.

Heritage Mfg. Roscoe 2" Specifications
Importer: Heritage Manufacturing
Action Type: double-action, centerfire revolver
Chambering: .38 Spl. +P
Barrel: 2" carbon steel, gloss-blue finish
Frame: carbon steel, gloss-blue finish
Grip: hardwood stock panels
Sights: fixed rear, ramped front
Capacity: five-round cylinder
Overall Length: 6.50"
Height: 4.80"
Width: 1.41"
Weight: 22 ozs.
MSRP: $364