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

Hornady 338 Arc F
Hornady 338 Arc F

Hornady’s 338 ARC

The latest hard-hitting Advanced Rifle Cartridge from Hornady, the 338 ARC, takes a swing at both established numbers and newcomers—after already producing successful offspring. 

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 8, 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.

Youth Firearm Education, Shooting Leagues On The Rise

Several states have instituted firearm education courses for students in public schools, and several scholastic shooting leagues have posted record attendance numbers in recent years.

Preview: Fix-It Sticks Rifle And Optics Toolkit With All-In-One Torque Driver

An optic coming loose can ruin a hunt or a range session, so having a pocket-size remedy such as the Fix-It Sticks Rifle and Optics Toolkit is a prudent hedge.

Glock Unveils Its GEN6, V-Series Pistols

"Perfection" is now in its sixth generation, as Glock introduces its new GEN6 line of handguns, which incorporates substantial mechanical and ergonomic changes compared to previous factory offerings.

Tisas Introduces PX-9 2.0 Duty Comp, Carry Comp & Tactical Comp Pistols

Many handgunners are seeing the value of muzzle compensators on their handguns, and Turkish gunmaker Tisas is answering the call with three new models: the PX-9 2.0 Duty Comp, Carry Comp and Tactical Comp.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.