NRA Gun Of The Week: Heritage Rough Rider Tactical Cowboy

by
posted on September 9, 2022
** 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 Manufacturing has made a name for itself in the rimfire pistol market for its many iterations of single-action, rimfire revolvers. Reasonably priced, low-recoiling and bearing a resemblance to the classic single-actions of old, the Rough Rider revolver line has many different available models to choose from, each with its own aesthetic or unique characteristic, including different chambering and barrel lengths. The Rough Rider Tactical Cowboy is just one of these many choices, geared for more versatility. Watch the video above to see the Tactical Cowboy in use on the range.

man wearing protective gear ear muffs glasses hat shooting black revolver white range walls

The Rough Rider Tactical Cowboy is a convertible rimfire—a standard six-shot cylinder chambered in .22 LR comes with the gun, but the revolver is also compatible with .22 WMR when using an optional conversion cylinder. Controls include a trigger, spurred hammer and a built-in safety selector on the left side of the frame behind the cylinder. Right of the hammer is the gun's swing-out loading gate. A shrouded ejector rod is found under the barrel.

left-side view heritage manufacturing rough rider tactical cowboy single-action revolver black gun carbon-fiber stocks

A six-slot Picatinny rail segment is included on the top of the gun's frame. This allows the mounting of various optics right to the top of the revolver, if so desired. The rails have a notch cut down the centerline, which functions as the rear iron sight. At the end of its 6.5" barrel, the muzzle is threaded to allow for use with suppressors, and the gun comes with a thread protector attached. On top of the barrel, the front sight post holds a red fiber-optic insert for increased visibility.

rear sight view of heritage rough rider tactical cowboy revolver

On the range, Rough Rider Tactical Cowboy is enjoyable and easy to shoot. The revolver’s weight of just over 32 ozs. helps keep recoil tamed, even with the more potent .22 WMR option loaded. The ability to change between .22 LR and .22 WMR with only a cylinder swap is a perk, which expands the usefulness of this rimfire from plinking to varmint shooting. However, the conversion cylinder for .22 WMR is sold separately.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Heritage Manufacturing Inc.
Model: Rough Rider Tactical Cowboy
Action Type: single-action, rimfire revolver
Chambering: .22 LR
Barrel: 6.5"
Frame: aluminum
Finish: black
Sights: Picatinny rail; fixed square-notch rear, post front
Capacity: six-round cylinder
Stocks: carbon-fiber
Overall Length: 11.85"
Weight: 32.10 ozs.
MSRP: $212.88

Latest

Icarry Duty Holsters 1
Icarry Duty Holsters 1

I Carry: A Look at Today's Latest Duty Holsters

Duty holsters have their place, particularly in law-enforcement and security circles, and they do provide some benefits to civilian users, too.

Political Report | Oregon’s Hunting, Fishing, and Agricultural Gambit Accelerates the End Game

Gun control activists have become increasingly emboldened. The shift from targeting the margins to challenging the mainstream signals nothing is off-limits. Gun bans are being aimed at the most popular firearms in America. Now, even hunting—which survives in countries that ban defensive gun use—is being targeted.

ACGG Creates Doug Turnbull Firearms Restoration Arts Grant

The American Custom Gunmakers Guild Foundation announced the introduction of its new "Doug Turnbull Firearms Restoration Arts Grant," which is an expansion on the foundation's mission to support gunsmithing education in the United States.

The Armed Citizen® July 31, 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.

Review: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

Lipsey’s has teamed up with Smith & Wesson to revive a pair of short-lived, but highly sought after, Night Guard revolvers. The L-frame options include the Model 386, a seven-shot design chambered in .357 Mag.

Standing Guard | We Need to Stand Tall Together

In the short time I have been in this position—humbled and honored to be serving you and our cause—I have focused on streamlining our programs and services, refocusing our efforts on our competitions and other events, and committing resources to the many legal and legislative fights we are in to defend and, where necessary, to win back our Second Amendment-protected freedom.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.