New For 2023: Heritage Tactical Rancher

by
posted on November 4, 2023
Heritage Tactical Rancher 01
Images courtesy of Heritage Mfg.

At first glance, the combination of “heritage” and “tactical” may seem to be a bit of an oxymoron. In the firearm world, however, “tactical” can also mean “practical” and this is the case with the Heritage Manufacturing Tactical Rancher, a traditional revolving carbine design updated with a few touches from the 21st century.

Heritage introduced the Rancher in 2020, a rifle version of the .22 rimfire single-action revolvers for which the company is known. The Tactical Rancher is built around the basic specs of the original Rancher carbine. At its center is a single-action revolving mechanism that uses a six-shot, carbon-steel cylinder that will handle .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle cartridges, as well as an accessory cylinder chambered for .22 WMR.

The aluminum-alloy frame loads through a hinged gate and unloads through the same gate with the assistance of a barrel-mounted ejector rod. The hammer-forged barrel is 16.12" for a rifle-legal length, and a checkered-wood,  straight-gripped stock is attached to the rear of the frame where a traditional revolver grip would normally be. A manual hammer block safety is mounted on the left side of the frame.

To keep the support hand safely behind the cylinder/barrel gap when firing, the rifle’s trigger guard has a spur extension added. The Rancher is offered in both a standard and “deluxe” version, which adds an adjustable buckhorn rear sight and sling swivels with a leather sling.

Left profile of the Heritage Mfg. Tactical Rancher, highlighting the fullstock and nylon sling.The Heritage Tactical Rancher adds practical modern features to the company’s traditional revolving carbine.

The Tactical Rancher adds some modifications for the sake of modernity, much in the spirit of the company’s Tactical Cowboy revolver. Gone are the iron sights. In their stead is a section of M1913 Picatinny rail atop the frame. This allows for the mounting of magnified or electronic optics, which will be appreciated by everyone from the beginning shooter to the seasoned hand with aging eyes. Quick detachable studs and sling swivels are present, but the provided sling is black nylon. The barrel’s muzzle is threaded 1/2x28 TPI for the attachment of muzzle devices and capped with a thread protector. The wood stock has a darker finish, and all metal parts are finished in a black oxide.   

The Heritage Manufacturing Tactical Rancher has an overall length of 32” and weighs 4 lbs., 2 ozs. It has an MSRP of $356. For more information, visit heritagemfg.com.

Latest

.300 Blackout illustration
.300 Blackout illustration

Handloads: A Thrifty Subsonic .300 Blackout

With suppressor wait times at a historic low, subsonic rifle cartridges are more popular than ever. Here is a recipe for low-cost, semi-automatic-friendly .300 Blackout range fodder that runs cleanly and is affordable.

Winchester Breaks Ground For New 6.8 mm Ammo Facility

Olin Corporation announced a new facility at Lake City for 6.8 mm ammunition will be part of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) Program.

Favorite Firearms: A Darling M1 Garand

In the 1980s, I was shooting competition at a state range in Rhode Island. A friend of mine asked me to join the high power rifle team he was putting together.

Review: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 NTS

In 2010, Smith & Wesson applied its "Bodyguard" moniker to a polymer-frame, .380 ACP semi-automatic pistol. Recently, the company updated that design with the Bodyguard 2.0 NTS.

The Armed Citizen® March 17, 2025

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

Wilhelm And Paul: Rx For Success In Rifle Making

Though many men have contributed to the design of the bolt-action centerfire rifle, none have done as much as Paul and Wilhelm Mauser to make this rifle a success.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.