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

W3645 AFF 8419+
W3645 AFF 8419+

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 7, 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.

Gun of the Week: Zev Technologies x Magpul FDP-C

One of the most anticipated firearm releases of 2026 was the Zev Technologies FDP, a folding pistol-caliber design that the company produced in conjunction with Magpul Industries.

Review: Taurus 22TUC

Taurus USA's 22TUC is a little, polymer-framed .22 pocket pistol with a tip-up barrel design that, unlike many of the company's guns, is made entirely in the United States.

Korea Coast Guard Increases KelTec KSG Tactical Shotgun Inventory

KelTec recently announced that the Korea Coast Guard has ordered more KSG shotguns to join those already in service aboard the branch's patrol vessel fleet.

Rifleman Review: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

In 2025, Mossberg added to the non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm category with its 990 Aftershock, which uses a semi-automatic operating mechanism while still maintaining a compact form factor.

Next-Gen Micro Red-Dot: The Steiner MPS 2.0

Steiner Optics has introduced the next-generation version of its Micro Pistol Sight, a red-dot optic that first hit the market in 2021.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.