Range Review: Heritage Rough Rider Rancher Revolving Carbine

by
posted on January 17, 2020
** 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-rough-rider-rancher-revolving-carbine-f.jpg
I don’t know why I need it, but I do. That thought certainly applies to the new Heritage Manufacturing Rough Rough Rider Rancher carbine in .22 Long Rifle.

Heritage, which was acquired by Taurus some years ago, was one of the first operations to move from Miami to Georgia, foreshadowing Taurus’ big move. The very affordable Heritage revolvers, which we have covered extensively, snuck up on the entire firearms industry. They went from those inexpensive single-action .22s no one paid much attention to the No. 2 maker of revolvers in the United States. Ruger didn’t take kindly to that, thus the Wrangler revolver.


Last month, I had the opportunity to get a tour of the new Taurus facility in Bainbridge Ga., all 205,000 sq.-ft. of it, by none other than the president of Taurus, my long-time friend David Blenker.


The Heritage guns are made in the United States, and not long ago, a 16"-barrel gun was introduced. At first glance, it looks like a prop from a Batman movie one of Joker’s minions would have with the flag that comes out the end that says “Bang!” No, this was just like all the other .22-cal. revolvers made by the company, just with a longer barrel. Not a true Buntline, but close enough that it sold like hotcakes.


Now we have the Rough Rider Rancher carbine. It’s just like the other single-action revolvers just with a fixed walnut buttstock.


It is a six-shooter with an overall length of 32" that weighs just a little more than 4 pounds with its 16.125 inch barrel. The sights consist of a fixed-blade front and a Buckhorn adjustable rear. And it even comes with a handy leather sling.


Revolving carbines have been around for a long time, the Colt Model 1855 comes to mind, but this fun interpretation of the genre makes for a very affordable plinker. While I was in Georgia, the Taurus guys let me be one of the first to use their impressive, new test range. And I had to remember a lesson about the little carbine and that is, unlike most revolvers, there is a safety on the left side.


When a revolver is fired, its chamber is in the cylinder, and the bullet has to make the jump to the barrel. Depending on the amount of cylinder gap, you get certainly some flash but also sometimes lead spitting. That’s why you don’t get your thumb near the cylinder gap. That is certainly the case with the Rough Rider.

As a matter fact, that is why there’s an extra extension on the trigger guard for the weak hand. Keep your hands, feet and all other body parts away from that cylinder gap, and you will be rewarded with lots of plinking fun. All at an affordable MSRP of $297.93.

Latest

Christensen Arms Evoke Review 1
Christensen Arms Evoke Review 1

Christensen Arms Evoke: A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle Built For The Field

For hunters seeking a well-built, no-frills hunting rifle, the Christensen Arms Evoke offers a host of desirable features, all at a price that leaves room for hunting tags and travel costs.

Wholesale Change in Glock Lineup & Other Industry Moves

Fall 2025 has proven to be a volatile time within the firearm industry, with companies like Glock announcing major changes to its product lineup, while other companies announce expansions and moves.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1895 Lee Navy Rifle

In the 1890s, U.S. military small arms were evolving rapidly. The recent discovery of smokeless powder, along with the development of new operating systems and cartridge designs, led the U.S. Navy to adopt a radically new platform: the Model 1895 Lee Navy rifle.

Carry Comped: Smith & Wesson Performance Center’s Compensated Bodyguard 2.0 & Shield X

Smith & Wesson introduced compensated models of two popular concealed-carry handguns in its lineup, the Bodyguard 2.0 and Shield X, both designed to help handgunners improve recoil control.

An Appendix-Carry Primer

Although appendix inside-the-waistband carry of a defensive handgun has become increasingly popular, it remains controversial among some concealed carriers. Here, an AIWB practitioner outlines its pros and cons.

Favorite Firearms: A Hero’s War Trophy Returns

My father, Kenneth Cuddeback, graduated from high school in West Chester, Iowa, in 1942 and started at Iowa State University in the fall. When two of his high school friends were going to get drafted, he quit college to join the Army.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.