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

Discontinued Models Walther Ppk F
Discontinued Models Walther Ppk F

Too Late: The Perils Of Waiting To Buy That One Gun

Gunmakers are often quiet when they discontinue a gun model. We’ve all felt the pain of suddenly discovering a firearm we’d love to own that is no longer available.

Preview: DA Targets Half-Size Silhouette Color-Changing Target

Replacing targets, time and time again, can be costly and time-consuming, which is where this U.S.-made product from DA Targets comes into play.

Return Of The Red Label: Ruger's New Red Label III Shotgun

Ruger's Red Label III marks the third generation of Ruger's classic over-under shotgun, which is finally making a reappearance after it was discontinued more than a decade ago.

Preview: GPS Bags Shotgun Shell Tote

Range visits are often more enjoyable with well-organized equipment, which is where GPS Bags comes into play with its Shotgun Shell Tote.

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat NULA Model 20

In our latest "Gun Of The Week" segment, we’re taking a closer look at Wilson Combat’s NULA Model 20, a lightweight, bolt-action hunting rifle that incorporates innovations first pioneered by the “rifle wizard of West Virginia."

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 2, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.