I own 4 Heritage Arms Rough Rider 22 Cal revolvers. My wife has two and I have the other two, We each have a 2 in Bar Keep and we love these two little guns. Heritage weapons are not cheap, just inexpensive and are a riot to shoot. I give a shoutout to this company for producing such well made and reliable guns.
Just got a Super Wrangler Monday because I wanted a .22 wmr. I've shot a few Heritage revolvers but haven't owned or or had any issues while shooting them. I went with the Super Wrangler for the steel frame & adjustable rear sight. I do want a Heritage Carbine tho, things cool. 👍
What makes Heritage so fun is the numerous bolt-on accessories like grips and cylinders to make the firearm personally yours. And I have never had so much fun plinking and small-game hunting with a firearm as I have had with the Rancher...
@James LaGasse, I understand where you're coming from on the gas deflectors, but I love my Rancher just like it is. I don't mind the blow-by and the Rancher provides the most fun I've ever had for target and small game plinking. For me, it's all just part of the allure of this firearm...
Bluing problem solved by me for my guns. Frame is aluminum and pot metal. It's bluing is a form of paint. The barrel and cylinder seems to be a cold bluing so because it appears to me as a blue black color so I use a "Sharpie chisel tip permanent Marker" to touch up scratches. It works. Inexpensive touch up and looks good. Or you can get Birchwood Casey "blacken it" and do your touch ups.
I own a Rough Rider revolver in .22 LR. Can't beat the price point. Thinking seriously of tracking down and buying the 'Rancher" carbine. My grandson and I had a ball just plinking with it.
Just bought a bar keep and order a 22 wmr cylinder took to range put 50 rounds threw it so far love the little bar keep with 22 wmr update love the bar keep so much I now own the 6 inch version put the 22 wmr in it
I never liked the cowboy styled guns, but I checked out a Rough Rider birds head revolver recently and really liked the way it felt in the hand. I did some research and had my gun shop order me one in the 4.75 inch barrel. I plan on using it for squirrel hunting mainly, and wanted the longer barrel for a little better sight radius, plus the added velocity I'll get from the longer barrel. For the price, I'll overlook any defects, as long as they're cosmetic. Most of my hunting weapons get beat up anyway. That's the nature of the beast. We shall see how it holds up. By the way, Heritage is owned by Taurus, and they're a respected company in the gun world, so that can't be a bad thing.
I agree with you on your points; QC is the biggest negative, to the point where I won't bother getting one when I can just spend a little more on a better gun, but budget-pricing for a fair-enough revolver is huge. As you, I'd love to see them branch out into other styles beyond their current line (I'd be VERY interested in the break-top) to increase interest. I even think they're able to put out a swing-out or even a double-action design. Hey, Heritage, are you paying attention??
Would love to see a break top model and see them come up with a transfer bar safety like Ruger. A lot of people say the guns are made of pot metal as if they know what they are talking about. The barrel is 1215 steel which is formulated for machinability, meaning you can machine it faster and the tools last longer. The cylinder is 12L14 which is leaded and leaves a smooth finish. The key to keeping costs down is cut down on time and operations without sacrificing quality. The one I have is accurate and reliable.
I have the Rancher carbine & love it. Bought 2 extra cylinders for it: 22WMR ($30) & a stainless 22LR ($34). The stainless cylinder looks awesome - matches the hammer nicely. Wish Heritage sold the 22WMR cylinder in stainless! Stainless is easier to clean (& keep nice).
I think they would absolutely dominate the single action market if they make different replicas,I would buy all of them in a flash. I would also love if they did have 2 different quality one of they make now like on fully steel and one "economical" like the ones we have now. I hope as they grow they get more innovative thanks for the video
I think Heritage is doing a phenomenal job of bringing true and actual VALUE to the industry. Trying too many new & different things could hurt them a bit, for their bottom line. Perhaps a version of 1858 New Army, along with your open top 1851 Colt idea, would have a big draw as well. A whole new line could be developed, with that concept. The 9-shot models are priced high enough that I haven't bought one. Probably never will. I would prefer a copy of the 1858 (priced under 300) over anything with a steel frame that was priced "accordingly."
I cured the 9 shot 22 revolver problem by buying two H&R 999 Sportsman breaktops in the 70s at a pawn shop when they were practically free cause no one wanted them. One manufactured 1936 the other 1952. I have yet to make the first repair. Accurate, dependable, and fast loading. Try finding a 999 now and if you do get ready for sticker shock.
I second the thought about a break top, and I would think something like the H&R Sportsman 999, with single/double action. Very popular configuration, and I wouldn't even care if it was their standard alloy frame, if it was strong enough. Betting there would be a really big market for it. That, and make a adjustable sight models more available, or offer a model an adjustable can be added to like I think they use to. The adjustable sight models are scarce as hen's teeth.
Right on. People that criticize "pot metal" are really ignorant of the technology. The said pot metal is like you said Zamak wich is a zinc based alloy. More than adequate for a .22lr or. .22wmr revolver. Better than polymer.
@@offyourocker5622 It's kind of like people thinking Taurus's are still made in 100 year old Blacksmith shops. I have a Model 65 and a Heritage Rough Rider both made by Taurus. I love them both very much !
I agree. Some retailers call it aluminum, some say "alloy," meaning Zamak. Heritage is not all that forthcoming about what it is. A shortcoming with the alloy is that it can't be blued, so it's sort of painted. I think this accounts for the dull and chippable finish on the frame. The steel barrel and cylinders are great. According to their website, they still make a steel frame model.
@@offyourocker5622 Absolutely! The high-stress parts (barrel, cylinder, hammer, trigger, etc.) are steel anyway. The zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and copper alloy that makes up the zamak in the frame (and in many receivers) is a far cry from the "pot metal" that got its name in the automotive industry heyday. That could include lead, iron, tin, or anything else they had lying around the factory, which could make it weak, soft, and brittle. Take it from me, I had to work with hundreds of such parts, like water pump or thermostat housings. They could ruin your day!
I have the same grips on my rough rider and the cylinder on your ranch rifle I also have on my pistol. Love the rough rider and you'd be hard pressed to find someone with anything bad to say about Heritage. My dad squirrel hunted with a rough rider, taught me to shoot with it and I've taught my son to shoot with mine.
I had a horrible luck with their customer service. I bought a Rancher brand new and the barrel was messed up from the factory. After seven months of fighting with them they told me that not only can they not get the barrel with the adjustable sight but it would be almost a year till I get mine back. Then when I asked if my warranty would be compensated because I only had it for a couple weeks they told me they would give me 90 days. So I lost 3/4 of a year of my warranty and my gun would be coming back with the barrel that's not as good as the one that came with. And from every gun shop I talked to any of the Heritage they'd had to send back it has been a nightmare dealing with their customer service.
I have two of the Heritage Rough Rider models 1. Is the 5.25 inch barrel 2. Is the new barkeep 2 inch barrel. And am getting ready to get the Rancher rifle model. Thing they make the best cowboy 22lr guns for the price. And I like your ideas about making others models of the cowboy 22lr revolvers , thing they would sell a lot of them.
I agree with you 100%, they need some new models. I have a $80 Schofield CO2 pellet revolver. When I got the pellet revolver I thought to myself, "This could of easily of been made into a .22 revolver." (with a little more work). I would also like to see a S&W Model 1 reproduction in .22lr.
Man, I never even realized how much I wanted an affordable .22 Open top/conversion revolver until you mentioned the idea. If Heritage started producing such a machine with birds head grips, I'd buy a matched pair! EDIT: Seeing their take on the Remington 1858 or 1875 would also be quite interesting, speaking personally. That would probably be even easier than an open top, as they could use the same frames and just add a web under the barrel, and a differently angled/longer backstrap for the grips.
In a 22 caliber firearm having an alloy frame is not and issue. The barrel and cylinder are made from steel. The Ruger Wrangler frame has an alloy as well. Closed top firearms are stronger than open top. The Colt Single Action Army 1873 design is iconic. I own 3 firearms based on the SAA 1873 Heritage Rough Rider, Heritage Barkeep and Ruger Wrangler. I have had zero problems with any of them. I've had my Rough Rider since 2015 and it remains in excellent condition.
Making a 9-Shot version of the concealable 3" Birds Head Rough Rider in an engraved .22LR & .22WMR cylinder would be must have for me.... Holding out TILL THEN!
I just got the one similar to the "Johnny Boy" except it's the shorter 4.75". The finish for the "case hardened" look was at first.....off putting. But then.....I started to like it. It actually looks better used up and hides any scratches due to it being multi-colored in-shine. Now it does show the casing imperfections, but it's livable. That makes the rear channel a little bright when aiming. But it is a straight shooter. The barrel is standard blued. And my grip is the cocobolo "green camo" layered laminate. All wood, just layered in the green and tans. It's a good looking gun. The other thing that drives me crazy is the base pin lock. It's sloppy. Just catches on stuff. There is an oversized grip now. I'm curious. I have to say, the additional .22 WMR cylinder is a hoot as well. Just fun, and cheap. I just wish I could have found a decently priced 9 shot. Maybe down the road.
The frame material is made out of a zinc alloy called Zamac, nothing wrong with it in a low cost gun. The one thing I don't like very much is the tumble polish that rounds off the edges where the grip and frame meet, but I guess it saves on manufacturing costs which are passed on to the buyer so I can live with it. Edit: IMO the best option is the brass/golden frame guns which seem to be cadmium plated against the black painted ones. The only parts that are actually blued are the barrel, cylinder and other few steel parts.
I was here looking up the steel frame version reviews. Right now I'm looking at a steel frame model and just wanted any info. as far as quality/etc. All the parts they have for these guns to customize is great. I've bought several cylinders and they drop in and time just like the factory installed ones. I just did a Tombstone/Doc Holiday with the Say When grips and the newer Tombstone characters engraved cylinder.
There are .357s with aluminum frames, the small bore frames are plenty strong for .22 and will last a long long time. What I would like to see is 9 shot in both the barkeep and the rancher.
I would love a flip top with the short "bar keep" length barrel. My only problem with the bar keep is I don't like the lack of a built in extractor. A flip top would take care of this problem.
The thing about colt is Sure they're an old company with a name Synonymous with quality and history But they're business practices are shit they force they're dealers to stock thousands of dollars of merchandise that no one buys The management doesn't listen to what the consumer wants Colts most iconic designs are public domain (peacemaker/government model 1911) sure colt has a quality product but we can buy many of the same guns for cheaper elsewhere and still have a high quality product Also colts reliance on government contracts Hurts them especially when they turn there theyre backs on the public but then embrace the public only to turn they're backs on the public again As far I'm concerned cz should restructure colt lower prices and listen to the consumer
I like the classic lines of the Colt single action. Wish they could make models with extended cylinder pins to block hammer (like Uberti) for those of us that don’t want two safetys. A breakopen model like the old H&R 999 would be a hot seller.
Several states have laws preventing sales of guns due to the low melting point temperature of the metal frame of Heritage revolvers. I know Illinois is one. They used to make big bore revolvers, but their 2021 catalog no longer lists them.
@@lieutenant146 you can swap out with the carbine too, check out the video I did with the Rancher! The downside is the escaping gases, make sure you wear eye protection.
Yes I to love heritage pistols just got the rancher 2 days ago and can't wait to shoot it ! Just raining to much but I also am interested in some of the very pistols you mentioned! I would go buy them tomorrow .I do wish the frames was all steel and would pay extra for the quality however still love the shit out of them oh and the spring that turns the cylinder is to weak I have replace 3 . They are simple to replace and hammer and spring only cost about 8 bucks !
I have the 4 inch revolver and the carbine. Happy so far just need a little help getting the nice leather sling on. I would get both of those if they did them. Both of mine are marked Bainbridge, GA.
I agree, the frame is a little dull, and chips easily, too. The frame is just painted. Not much you can do with aluminum or zamak alloy. Ruger cerakotes their whole Wrangler, which I find ugly. The Heritage's steel barrel and cylinders are blued nicely, though. They still list a steel-framed model on their website, but it seems to be pretty hard to find. The alloy frame is lighter and cheaper, so I guess it's a trade off.
Heritage uses Zinc Alloy for their frames and steel alloy for the barrel; Ruger (who are also very good) uses Aluminum alloy frames for their 22 cowboy style pistols.
My understanding is that the forcing cone allows a lot of blow-by, lowering velocities. You don't get much higher velocities with the longer barrels (16"), nothing like you would get with a real rifle. A 6 1/2 barrel with adjustable sights is sweet spot for me. Thanks for sharing.
If CZ can help Colt get back to being the quality company we always kenw they were, maybe it's for the better. I'm ok with it as long as the manufacturing remains U.S.
I buy the 16 inches with fiberoptic sigh and the Rancher with come wit the Crockett sights .Send it back they need to put new barrel on it was over 3 months and nothing. I'm not happy how long is take to exchange a barell??? My grandsons birthday coming up and looks like his birthday present will be late. The inspection should never let this gun out.This don't say to much about the quality of control.
They had mine for 7 months. My Barrel was messed up too. They told me that I would get it back with the non adjustable front sight and that it would be a year till I got it back. They also pretty much told me that the entire time they had it I lost my warranty for that whole time. I ended up getting a refund from the shop I bought the gun from because I was so tired of waiting.
Their customer service is some of the worst I've ever dealt with. I have a few other of their guns and I like them a lot but I had a lot of issues with that Rancher.
Heard bad stuff about customer service, but was older coment. It will take awhile on pho w them. Taurus bought them or partnered w Hrritage.. Btw blueing doesnt adhere to alloy well. Change frame, solve problem.
They need to make better internal parts and get rid of the dang safety and I will give them another chance. Till then I will stick with my Ruger Wrangler! But good job man.👍👍
Everybody hates the safety, including me. But the Wrangler can't fire .22 WMR, which is a huge drawback, in my opinion. It doesn't have the 4 clicks. Doesn't have the half-cock for loading, or the positive click timing for loading and ejecting. Trigger is worse, hammer pull is worse. The finish is ugly (granted that the frame finish is weak on the RR, but the barrel and cylinders are very nice). The flat barrel crown is ugly. In fact, it only superficially resembles a Colt SAA in appearance and function at all. But I recognize the Wrangler's attention to fit; it's well made.
If I remember correctly, the frames of the Rough Riders are made of Zamak 5. Heritage used to offer steel frames many years ago, for a higher price tag, of course. These were manufactured particularly for sale in certain not-so-freedom-friendly states because they had laws on the books that essentially made alloy frame guns illegal under "junk gun" laws. The Zamak 5 has too low of a melting point, so they claimed it was too easy to melt them down to destroy evidence. I think these laws went away because so many handguns, including those used by police, had plastic frames, which, of course, have a lower melting point than Zamak 5. I believe those laws were stricken from the books so police could use modern semiautos like Glocks, and so Heritage discontinued the steel frames.
Sadly IL still has a melting point law. Polymer guns are exempt but if it is made of metal it must have a melting point of 800 degrees or greater. It seems unconstitutional to me particularly since it allows polymers with lower melting points. No one wants to challenge it becase they fear the courts will just ban polymer guns. It really sucks.
According to their website, they still make a steel frame model. My understanding of the melting point laws was they were an attempt to legislate away cheap guns.
Colt had been in serious trouble since the 1960s and suffered from both a lack of imagination/innovation and being located in a highly taxed and anti-2nd Amendment northeastern state (Connecticut)
I own 6 Heritage 22 pistols and the carbine, I love them but the accuracy really suck, the point of aim and impact of each are way different. The nice thing is they are cheap and fun to shoot.
I just wish they would fix the light strike issue. I've watched too many vids with people complaining about "light strikes" for them not to know they have a problem!! I just purchased a 3.5" birdshead rough rider that my first time out with it failed to fire 19 of the first 100 rounds!! That is unacceptable!! 19% failure rate puts this thing in the garbage category as far as I'm concerned!
i have a few heritage pistols, they are cheap but they do work. you just have to keep an eye on them, also as far as the python, i have one of the old ones and 3 of the new ones, the new ones are made better and shoot just as good as the old ones. they had some with defects, but they have fixed all the problems. i have shot one of my new ones lots and lots and have not had any problems.
Sure wish they would come out with a Chrome or bright nickel finish. I am 4:28 an old poot shooter on Social Security. Great little revolvers at the price point. Sure wish they would do a chrome finish. I would pay a premium for one. Just some old man thoughts.
I have 2 Ruger Wranglers and a Super Single went out last weekend a picked up a Henry lever gun H001 I would not trade any of them for a truck load of any Heritage guns. Might pick up a lever gun in 22 mag to go with the single six. yee-haa ride em cowgirls
I have no desire to buy another pistol but if I could buy a 22 caliber open top like a Colt navy I would but one in a minute. The black powder one is just not to my liking, I had one and it was too much trouble. I hope Heritage does make a 22 that looks like a 71 Colt, that is one pistol I would buy.
The idea behind the heritage company was to make affordable guns for the poor so that they can also defend their lives, family, and possb even country. Kind of like what palmetto is doing w some their AR,s
Technically correct, same with bored through cylinders, but after the contract ran out colt developed their own top strap models. But I see where you were going there...I really wish a company would produce open tops
I've avoided Heritage because they looked cheap. It was that cast frame and plastic safety. Now the Rancher, that one interests me. Is that a Zamak frame or aluminum? I thought they went with aluminum because it was stronger.
I believe all of the small caliber frames are the same to keep costs down. For a 22 it's no problem, heck I've shot thousands of rounds out of my guns and have had no stretching issues or anything. Now what you do need to know about the rancher is it does spit out cylinder gap gasses relatively close to your face, after many outings I only shoot it with eye protection. Also you do need to keep your hands behind the cylinder to avoid burns from those same gasses. Otherwise, it's a very fun carbine.
@@rifleman17hmrshooter Good advice. If one is a real sport, you can go for the .44 black powder cap and ball versions of carbine revolvers that have been offered by Pietta and Uberti. Then, if you put your left hand out there to steady the barrel and you have a chain fire, you can blow your hand off. Yeah, definitely recommend the eye pro with those, too.
The quality of the Ruger is better but the bigger bang for the buck is in the Heritage. It’s affordable and does everything a Ruger can do. It just can’t compete in ware and tear. As often as I shoot and most people shoot a Heritage COULD last you a lifetime. It’s just my opinion. Enjoy your choice.
The Ruger competition to the RR is the Wrangler; the Single Six is in another class both in quality and in price. I own a few of the RRs and the Wranglers, so I think I can offer my opinion as a valid comparison. The Rough Riders are less expensive, and (IMO) it shows. The fit and finish on the Wrangler is better (although I understand some just don't like the Cerakote). This doesn't affect the functionality at all. The RR offers much more variety in its offerings, as far as barrel lengths and capacity goes, but the Wrangler comes in (at present) twelve different colors. Both (in my experience) shoot well (more accurate than I am). No malfunctions of the revolvers. When it comes to probable failure points, coil springs are far more reliable than flat springs. Most shooters won't have any problems in this area, but reliability favors the Wrangler over the long haul. While I have never had to use Heritage's customer se4rvice, a couple of my friends have, and it sucks big time. Over a year to get an ejector rod is not acceptable. Saying they are "out of stock" while they are being put on revolvers going out the door is just bad customer service. And it's an easily fixed problem, *IF* management wanted to. Like I said, I own multiple copies of both, and continue to buy both, so obviously I like both. But I like the Wrangler better.
Ruger Single-Six: $1,089. Heritage Rough Rider: $179 including .22 WMR cylinder. Both have "all metal" barrels, cylinders, and frames. But you are comparing apples to oranges.
I don't think Taurus wants to compete with Uberti or Pietta. Every video I have watched about Heritage rimfires has kept me from buying their less than quality products.
I own 4 Heritage Arms Rough Rider 22 Cal revolvers. My wife has two and I have the other two, We each have a 2 in Bar Keep and we love these two little guns. Heritage weapons are not cheap, just inexpensive and are a riot to shoot. I give a shoutout to this company for producing such well made and reliable guns.
Just got a Super Wrangler Monday because I wanted a .22 wmr. I've shot a few Heritage revolvers but haven't owned or or had any issues while shooting them. I went with the Super Wrangler for the steel frame & adjustable rear sight.
I do want a Heritage Carbine tho, things cool. 👍
Yes to any heritage productions of historic revolvers. If they sold a modern schofield replica I would buy 5 at least.
What makes Heritage so fun is the numerous bolt-on accessories like grips and cylinders to make the firearm personally yours. And I have never had so much fun plinking and small-game hunting with a firearm as I have had with the Rancher...
The Rancher with a gas deflector like the Circuit Judge would make it a more useable light weight rifle, i would certainly buy one.
Do tell, please.
@James LaGasse, I understand where you're coming from on the gas deflectors, but I love my Rancher just like it is. I don't mind the blow-by and the Rancher provides the most fun I've ever had for target and small game plinking. For me, it's all just part of the allure of this firearm...
Bluing problem solved by me for my guns. Frame is aluminum and pot metal. It's bluing is a form of paint. The barrel and cylinder seems to be a cold bluing so because it appears to me as a blue black color so I use a "Sharpie chisel tip permanent Marker" to touch up scratches. It works. Inexpensive touch up and looks good. Or you can get Birchwood Casey "blacken it" and do your touch ups.
I would like to see Heritage bring back the steel framed .32 H&R in either the Barkeep or Rancher.
I wish the rancher came in 9-shot cylinders.
I own a Rough Rider revolver in .22 LR. Can't beat the price point. Thinking seriously of tracking down and buying the 'Rancher" carbine.
My grandson and I had a ball just plinking with it.
Just bought a bar keep and order a 22 wmr cylinder took to range put 50 rounds threw it so far love the little bar keep with 22 wmr update love the bar keep so much I now own the 6 inch version put the 22 wmr in it
I never liked the cowboy styled guns, but I checked out a Rough Rider birds head revolver recently and really liked the way it felt in the hand. I did some research and had my gun shop order me one in the 4.75 inch barrel. I plan on using it for squirrel hunting mainly, and wanted the longer barrel for a little better sight radius, plus the added velocity I'll get from the longer barrel. For the price, I'll overlook any defects, as long as they're cosmetic. Most of my hunting weapons get beat up anyway. That's the nature of the beast. We shall see how it holds up.
By the way, Heritage is owned by Taurus, and they're a respected company in the gun world, so that can't be a bad thing.
Yes they are now and you can see the difference in manufacturing from the "blue boxes" to the "brown" and now the "white".
I agree with you on your points; QC is the biggest negative, to the point where I won't bother getting one when I can just spend a little more on a better gun, but budget-pricing for a fair-enough revolver is huge. As you, I'd love to see them branch out into other styles beyond their current line (I'd be VERY interested in the break-top) to increase interest. I even think they're able to put out a swing-out or even a double-action design. Hey, Heritage, are you paying attention??
Yes! DA/SA like H&R!
Would love to see a break top model and see them come up with a transfer bar safety like Ruger. A lot of people say the guns are made of pot metal as if they know what they are talking about. The barrel is 1215 steel which is formulated for machinability, meaning you can machine it faster and the tools last longer. The cylinder is 12L14 which is leaded and leaves a smooth finish. The key to keeping costs down is cut down on time and operations without sacrificing quality. The one I have is accurate and reliable.
I have the Rancher carbine & love it. Bought 2 extra cylinders for it: 22WMR ($30) & a stainless 22LR ($34). The stainless cylinder looks awesome - matches the hammer nicely. Wish Heritage sold the 22WMR cylinder in stainless! Stainless is easier to clean (& keep nice).
Agreed, I wish they did the engraved wmr cylinders too
I think they would absolutely dominate the single action market if they make different replicas,I would buy all of them in a flash. I would also love if they did have 2 different quality one of they make now like on fully steel and one "economical" like the ones we have now. I hope as they grow they get more innovative thanks for the video
I think Heritage is doing a phenomenal job of bringing true and actual VALUE to the industry. Trying too many new & different things could hurt them a bit, for their bottom line.
Perhaps a version of 1858 New Army, along with your open top 1851 Colt idea, would have a big draw as well. A whole new line could be developed, with that concept.
The 9-shot models are priced high enough that I haven't bought one. Probably never will.
I would prefer a copy of the 1858 (priced under 300) over anything with a steel frame that was priced "accordingly."
I cured the 9 shot 22 revolver problem by buying two H&R 999 Sportsman breaktops in the 70s at a pawn shop when they were practically free cause no one wanted them. One manufactured 1936 the other 1952. I have yet to make the first repair. Accurate, dependable, and fast loading. Try finding a 999 now and if you do get ready for sticker shock.
I second the thought about a break top, and I would think something like the H&R Sportsman 999, with single/double action. Very popular configuration, and I wouldn't even care if it was their standard alloy frame, if it was strong enough. Betting there would be a really big market for it. That, and make a adjustable sight models more available, or offer a model an adjustable can be added to like I think they use to. The adjustable sight models are scarce as hen's teeth.
I own the Rancher. It is a barrel of fun to shoot. I bought it as a novelty gun but have had a lot of fun with it and it is fairly accurate..
The alloy they use in the guns is Zamak, a Zinc based alloy used in a WHOLE lot of guns. For a 22, which is a low pressure round, Zamak is fine.
Great info!
Right on. People that criticize "pot metal" are really ignorant of the technology. The said pot metal is like you said Zamak wich is a zinc based alloy. More than adequate for a .22lr or. .22wmr revolver. Better than polymer.
@@offyourocker5622 It's kind of like people thinking Taurus's are still made in 100 year old Blacksmith shops. I have a Model 65 and a Heritage Rough Rider both made by Taurus. I love them both very much !
I agree. Some retailers call it aluminum, some say "alloy," meaning Zamak. Heritage is not all that forthcoming about what it is. A shortcoming with the alloy is that it can't be blued, so it's sort of painted. I think this accounts for the dull and chippable finish on the frame. The steel barrel and cylinders are great. According to their website, they still make a steel frame model.
@@offyourocker5622 Absolutely! The high-stress parts (barrel, cylinder, hammer, trigger, etc.) are steel anyway. The zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and copper alloy that makes up the zamak in the frame (and in many receivers) is a far cry from the "pot metal" that got its name in the automotive industry heyday. That could include lead, iron, tin, or anything else they had lying around the factory, which could make it weak, soft, and brittle. Take it from me, I had to work with hundreds of such parts, like water pump or thermostat housings. They could ruin your day!
I have the same grips on my rough rider and the cylinder on your ranch rifle I also have on my pistol. Love the rough rider and you'd be hard pressed to find someone with anything bad to say about Heritage. My dad squirrel hunted with a rough rider, taught me to shoot with it and I've taught my son to shoot with mine.
I had a horrible luck with their customer service. I bought a Rancher brand new and the barrel was messed up from the factory. After seven months of fighting with them they told me that not only can they not get the barrel with the adjustable sight but it would be almost a year till I get mine back. Then when I asked if my warranty would be compensated because I only had it for a couple weeks they told me they would give me 90 days. So I lost 3/4 of a year of my warranty and my gun would be coming back with the barrel that's not as good as the one that came with. And from every gun shop I talked to any of the Heritage they'd had to send back it has been a nightmare dealing with their customer service.
That's unfortunate, I've always had great service from them. Maybe things have changed as far as that goes in recent years
I have two of the Heritage Rough Rider models 1. Is the 5.25 inch barrel 2. Is the new barkeep 2 inch barrel. And am getting ready to get the Rancher rifle model. Thing they make the best cowboy 22lr guns for the price. And I like your ideas about making others models of the cowboy 22lr revolvers , thing they would sell a lot of them.
I'd LOVE to see a Schofield style Heritage. Great stuff, thanks 👍
HR 999. Wven if it was only single action, I’d be buying! Never should have sold my HR999. Just too easy to go plinking a reloading.
I agree with you 100%, they need some new models. I have a $80 Schofield CO2 pellet revolver. When I got the pellet revolver I thought to myself, "This could of easily of been made into a .22 revolver." (with a little more work). I would also like to see a S&W Model 1 reproduction in .22lr.
I have a heritage rough Rider 6 with a six and a half inch barrel I believe is The Sweet spot for a rimfire cartridge
Man, I never even realized how much I wanted an affordable .22 Open top/conversion revolver until you mentioned the idea. If Heritage started producing such a machine with birds head grips, I'd buy a matched pair!
EDIT: Seeing their take on the Remington 1858 or 1875 would also be quite interesting, speaking personally. That would probably be even easier than an open top, as they could use the same frames and just add a web under the barrel, and a differently angled/longer backstrap for the grips.
My rough rider had many light strikes out of the box. They sent a ship tag and had it back in 10 days, runnning flawlesy.
Did they say what they did. Just a hammer spring?
In a 22 caliber firearm having an alloy frame is not and issue. The barrel and cylinder are made from steel. The Ruger Wrangler frame has an alloy as well. Closed top firearms are stronger than open top. The Colt Single Action Army 1873 design is iconic. I own 3 firearms based on the SAA 1873 Heritage Rough Rider, Heritage Barkeep and Ruger Wrangler. I have had zero problems with any of them.
I've had my Rough Rider since 2015 and it remains in excellent condition.
I paid 180 for mine with the 22 mag cilinder it's a good little woods gun I love 💕 the 22 so fun.
Making a 9-Shot version of the concealable 3" Birds Head Rough Rider in an engraved .22LR & .22WMR cylinder would be must have for me.... Holding out TILL THEN!
I love my rough rider. I upgraded mine and did some repairs but I still like it.
I just got the one similar to the "Johnny Boy" except it's the shorter 4.75". The finish for the "case hardened" look was at first.....off putting. But then.....I started to like it. It actually looks better used up and hides any scratches due to it being multi-colored in-shine. Now it does show the casing imperfections, but it's livable. That makes the rear channel a little bright when aiming. But it is a straight shooter. The barrel is standard blued. And my grip is the cocobolo "green camo" layered laminate. All wood, just layered in the green and tans. It's a good looking gun. The other thing that drives me crazy is the base pin lock. It's sloppy. Just catches on stuff. There is an oversized grip now. I'm curious. I have to say, the additional .22 WMR cylinder is a hoot as well. Just fun, and cheap. I just wish I could have found a decently priced 9 shot. Maybe down the road.
The frame material is made out of a zinc alloy called Zamac, nothing wrong with it in a low cost gun. The one thing I don't like very much is the tumble polish that rounds off the edges where the grip and frame meet, but I guess it saves on manufacturing costs which are passed on to the buyer so I can live with it.
Edit: IMO the best option is the brass/golden frame guns which seem to be cadmium plated against the black painted ones. The only parts that are actually blued are the barrel, cylinder and other few steel parts.
Heritage has been bought by Taurus, since this video was recorded. Customer service isn't now, what it once was.
I was here looking up the steel frame version reviews. Right now I'm looking at a steel frame model and just wanted any info. as far as quality/etc. All the parts they have for these guns to customize is great. I've bought several cylinders and they drop in and time just like the factory installed ones. I just did a Tombstone/Doc Holiday with the Say When grips and the newer Tombstone characters engraved cylinder.
I saw a video recently that Taurus acquired Heritage.
I would like Heritage to have a DA/SA revolver in 22 lr/ magnum.
Love Heritage Rough Riders! Would pay twice the price if they were ALL steel (I live in Illinois), and if they had a better finish! Great pistols.
According to their website, they still make a steel frame model.
and drop the look ruining safety. Gots to be a classy way to beat the lawyers.
There are .357s with aluminum frames, the small bore frames are plenty strong for .22 and will last a long long time. What I would like to see is 9 shot in both the barkeep and the rancher.
The reason peeps dont care for the alloy frame is the paint doesnt adhere as well.
I would love a flip top with the short "bar keep" length barrel.
My only problem with the bar keep is I don't like the lack of a built in extractor.
A flip top would take care of this problem.
I've been eyeballing the 3" bird's head
The thing about colt is
Sure they're an old company with a name
Synonymous with quality and history
But they're business practices are shit they force they're dealers to stock thousands of dollars of merchandise that no one buys
The management doesn't listen to what the consumer wants
Colts most iconic designs are public domain (peacemaker/government model 1911) sure colt has a quality product but we can buy many of the same guns for cheaper elsewhere and still have a high quality product
Also colts reliance on government contracts
Hurts them especially when they turn there theyre backs on the public but then embrace the public only to turn they're backs on the public again
As far I'm concerned cz should restructure colt lower prices and listen to the consumer
I like the classic lines of the Colt single action. Wish they could make models with extended cylinder pins to block hammer (like Uberti) for those of us that don’t want two safetys. A breakopen model like the old H&R 999 would be a hot seller.
Don't call them cheep, call them inexpensive. I love my 7 Heritage firearms and plan to but more.
I've owned Heritage for quite a while I love it I've got it in several different links and if they came out with that 71 I definitely buy it God bless
Several states have laws preventing sales of guns due to the low melting point temperature of the metal frame of Heritage revolvers. I know Illinois is one.
They used to make big bore revolvers, but their 2021 catalog no longer lists them.
Ok 🙄 Can you explain the reasoning behind that law? I hope you don’t say it has anything to do with public safety.
Love the carbine, but wish it was available in .22WMR instead of just LR. I would absolutely be in on the open top idea (.22WMR as well).
You can definitely get the conversion cylinder! It's worth it.... However.... Beware of the gas blast from the cylinder gap with the magnum cylinder!
@@rifleman17hmrshooter I have the the LR/WMR combo single action pistol. Have never used the LR cylinder.
@@lieutenant146 you can swap out with the carbine too, check out the video I did with the Rancher! The downside is the escaping gases, make sure you wear eye protection.
Well that cost $30 extra. Don't be cheap, spend the extra $30. I'm glad I did.
Yes I to love heritage pistols just got the rancher 2 days ago and can't wait to shoot it ! Just raining to much but I also am interested in some of the very pistols you mentioned! I would go buy them tomorrow .I do wish the frames was all steel and would pay extra for the quality however still love the shit out of them oh and the spring that turns the cylinder is to weak I have replace 3 . They are simple to replace and hammer and spring only cost about 8 bucks !
Cool intro brother. That Rancher looks sweet.
I have the 4 inch revolver and the carbine. Happy so far just need a little help getting the nice leather sling on. I would get both of those if they did them. Both of mine are marked Bainbridge, GA.
The black coating on their alloy receiver not good. Agree. Think they would anodize it black? Much more durable.
I own a good number of rough rider firearms, the only draw back, is the bluing wears of the aluminum quite easily
I agree, the frame is a little dull, and chips easily, too. The frame is just painted. Not much you can do with aluminum or zamak alloy. Ruger cerakotes their whole Wrangler, which I find ugly. The Heritage's steel barrel and cylinders are blued nicely, though. They still list a steel-framed model on their website, but it seems to be pretty hard to find. The alloy frame is lighter and cheaper, so I guess it's a trade off.
Heritage uses Zinc Alloy for their frames and steel alloy for the barrel; Ruger (who are also very good) uses Aluminum alloy frames for their 22 cowboy style pistols.
I'm a fan of both!
Steel frame body would mean less warping... hopefully. That would up the price and quality, both would be great.
Edit: brass is an interesting idea
My understanding is that the forcing cone allows a lot of blow-by, lowering velocities. You don't get much higher velocities with the longer barrels (16"), nothing like you would get with a real rifle. A 6 1/2 barrel with adjustable sights is sweet spot for me. Thanks for sharing.
I’d like to see them produce a 327 Federal mag with 7 or 8 round cylinder. And I would definitely buy a rancher in 327 mag.
If CZ can help Colt get back to being the quality company we always kenw they were, maybe it's for the better. I'm ok with it as long as the manufacturing remains U.S.
I buy the 16 inches with fiberoptic sigh and the Rancher with come wit the Crockett sights .Send it back they need to put new barrel on it was over 3 months and nothing. I'm not happy how long is take to exchange a barell??? My grandsons birthday coming up and looks like his birthday present will be late. The inspection should never let this gun out.This don't say to much about the quality of control.
They had mine for 7 months. My Barrel was messed up too. They told me that I would get it back with the non adjustable front sight and that it would be a year till I got it back. They also pretty much told me that the entire time they had it I lost my warranty for that whole time. I ended up getting a refund from the shop I bought the gun from because I was so tired of waiting.
Their customer service is some of the worst I've ever dealt with. I have a few other of their guns and I like them a lot but I had a lot of issues with that Rancher.
Heard bad stuff about customer service, but was older coment. It will take awhile on pho w them. Taurus bought them or partnered w Hrritage.. Btw blueing doesnt adhere to alloy well. Change frame, solve problem.
I’m curious. I’ve seen video’s of rifles being camouflaged. Could you take some care and spray paint it like they do rifles?
It's too nice to paint
O-YEAH ! I would love a Open top style 1871 .22lr . That would be AWESOME :)
I have a Smith and Wesson 38 top break, made in 1885.
They need to make better internal parts and get rid of the dang safety and I will give them another chance. Till then I will stick with my Ruger Wrangler! But good job man.👍👍
Everybody hates the safety, including me. But the Wrangler can't fire .22 WMR, which is a huge drawback, in my opinion. It doesn't have the 4 clicks. Doesn't have the half-cock for loading, or the positive click timing for loading and ejecting. Trigger is worse, hammer pull is worse. The finish is ugly (granted that the frame finish is weak on the RR, but the barrel and cylinders are very nice). The flat barrel crown is ugly. In fact, it only superficially resembles a Colt SAA in appearance and function at all. But I recognize the Wrangler's attention to fit; it's well made.
@@jeffnelson1672 you are right Sir, but I still would rather have the Ruger. The heritage just can't hold up with what I put through them.
22 break 9 shot 😳 Take my money 🙌🇺🇸🙌
If I remember correctly, the frames of the Rough Riders are made of Zamak 5. Heritage used to offer steel frames many years ago, for a higher price tag, of course. These were manufactured particularly for sale in certain not-so-freedom-friendly states because they had laws on the books that essentially made alloy frame guns illegal under "junk gun" laws. The Zamak 5 has too low of a melting point, so they claimed it was too easy to melt them down to destroy evidence. I think these laws went away because so many handguns, including those used by police, had plastic frames, which, of course, have a lower melting point than Zamak 5. I believe those laws were stricken from the books so police could use modern semiautos like Glocks, and so Heritage discontinued the steel frames.
Sadly IL still has a melting point law.
Polymer guns are exempt but if it is made of metal it must have a melting point of 800 degrees or greater.
It seems unconstitutional to me particularly since it allows polymers with lower melting points.
No one wants to challenge it becase they fear the courts will just ban polymer guns.
It really sucks.
According to their website, they still make a steel frame model. My understanding of the melting point laws was they were an attempt to legislate away cheap guns.
I'd like to see a big bore Rancher!
Doesn't Henry also use Zamak in their rifle receivers and of course they're not a Winchester, Marlin, Browning etc, etc. So much hate!
yep, and it works just fine..
Did you know that Heritage sold to Taurus??? The guns are now built in Bainbridge, Ga at the new Taurus plant.
I learned that shortly after the video came out
An open top would be awesome
Colt had been in serious trouble since the 1960s and suffered from both a lack of imagination/innovation and being located in a highly taxed and anti-2nd Amendment northeastern state (Connecticut)
I own 6 Heritage 22 pistols and the carbine, I love them but the accuracy really suck, the point of aim and impact of each are way different. The nice thing is they are cheap and fun to shoot.
@Jim Honda I saw a RUclips short where some guy 3D printed one. It looked pretty cool
Amen my brother I would love it it would be so awesome
I just wish they would fix the light strike issue. I've watched too many vids with people complaining about "light strikes" for them not to know they have a problem!! I just purchased a 3.5" birdshead rough rider that my first time out with it failed to fire 19 of the first 100 rounds!! That is unacceptable!! 19% failure rate puts this thing in the garbage category as far as I'm concerned!
My only complaint is their bluing is crap and they are noisy as all get out. I have a 6.5" barrel. Very accurate and easy to shoot.
i have a few heritage pistols, they are cheap but they do work. you just have to keep an eye on them, also as far as the python, i have one of the old ones and 3 of the new ones, the new ones are made better and shoot just as good as the old ones. they had some with defects, but they have fixed all the problems. i have shot one of my new ones lots and lots and have not had any problems.
Loctite makes a huge difference
Sure wish they would come out with a Chrome or bright nickel finish. I am 4:28 an old poot shooter on Social Security. Great little revolvers at the price point. Sure wish they would do a chrome finish. I would pay a premium for one. Just some old man thoughts.
That would be really neat, reminds me of the old h&r revolvers
I sure do hate it when people call a good firearm cheap instead of them using the proper term more as inexpensive
That's fair, but as long as you keep it in context it's fine
I have 2 Ruger Wranglers and a Super Single went out last weekend a picked up a Henry lever gun H001 I would not trade any of them for a truck load of any Heritage guns. Might pick up a lever gun in 22 mag to go with the single six. yee-haa ride em cowgirls
I have no desire to buy another pistol but if I could buy a 22 caliber open top like a Colt navy I would but one in a minute. The black powder one is just not to my liking, I had one and it was too much trouble. I hope Heritage does make a 22 that looks like a 71 Colt, that is one pistol I would buy.
Nine shot Rancher in .22WMR AND..... a forearm for it.
And a blast shield
The idea behind the heritage company was to make affordable guns for the poor so that they can also defend their lives, family, and possb even country. Kind of like what palmetto is doing w some their AR,s
Actually it's a Remington design. Because Colt didn't have a top strap.
Technically correct, same with bored through cylinders, but after the contract ran out colt developed their own top strap models. But I see where you were going there...I really wish a company would produce open tops
Actually Colt 1855 revolvers had a top strap before Remington ever came out with their New Model Army revolver.
Cool,man
Don’t change the pistol! If it’s not broken don’t fix it. The guns are ammo picky but the price is great and they are what they are.
Not saying to change it, but rather expand the selection to other models as well
Heritage needs more like the annie Oakley, like The Wyett Earp, The wylde Bill, The Doc Holiday,
Would really like a SA/DA like H&R!
Wait, the mag cylinder loosens the frame? Hmmm 🤔
Fukn love Heritage! Don't forget to buy your silver!
I've avoided Heritage because they looked cheap. It was that cast frame and plastic safety. Now the Rancher, that one interests me. Is that a Zamak frame or aluminum? I thought they went with aluminum because it was stronger.
I believe all of the small caliber frames are the same to keep costs down. For a 22 it's no problem, heck I've shot thousands of rounds out of my guns and have had no stretching issues or anything. Now what you do need to know about the rancher is it does spit out cylinder gap gasses relatively close to your face, after many outings I only shoot it with eye protection. Also you do need to keep your hands behind the cylinder to avoid burns from those same gasses. Otherwise, it's a very fun carbine.
@@rifleman17hmrshooter Good advice. If one is a real sport, you can go for the .44 black powder cap and ball versions of carbine revolvers that have been offered by Pietta and Uberti. Then, if you put your left hand out there to steady the barrel and you have a chain fire, you can blow your hand off. Yeah, definitely recommend the eye pro with those, too.
i was also thinking of the Scofield revolver, imagine that you can shoot one in 22lr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
does anyone remember Heritage's first handgun, the C1000 Stealth 9mm or .40 S&W?
Wish you could shoot 22WMR out of the carbine as well.
You can with the correct cylinder
@@rifleman17hmrshooter Is it interchangeable between 22LR and 22WMR like the rough rider is? If so I’m sold.
@@rifleman17hmrshooter oh I see it is. Sweet. I’ll have to get one
An open top .22? Take my freakin' money!
Believe my heritage looks like a S&W. Like the safety also.
HUGE difference between "cheap" and "inexpensive"
True
If only they would come out with carbine tactical with a pic rail & 9 shot, 22 magnum
Buy a Ruger single six, yes they are expensive but all metal
The quality of the Ruger is better but the bigger bang for the buck is in the Heritage. It’s affordable and does everything a Ruger can do. It just can’t compete in ware and tear. As often as I shoot and most people shoot a Heritage COULD last you a lifetime. It’s just my opinion. Enjoy your choice.
@@ratride1 ware and tare = quality, but I know money is always an object
The Ruger competition to the RR is the Wrangler; the Single Six is in another class both in quality and in price.
I own a few of the RRs and the Wranglers, so I think I can offer my opinion as a valid comparison.
The Rough Riders are less expensive, and (IMO) it shows. The fit and finish on the Wrangler is better (although I understand some just don't like the Cerakote). This doesn't affect the functionality at all.
The RR offers much more variety in its offerings, as far as barrel lengths and capacity goes, but the Wrangler comes in (at present) twelve different colors.
Both (in my experience) shoot well (more accurate than I am). No malfunctions of the revolvers.
When it comes to probable failure points, coil springs are far more reliable than flat springs. Most shooters won't have any problems in this area, but reliability favors the Wrangler over the long haul.
While I have never had to use Heritage's customer se4rvice, a couple of my friends have, and it sucks big time. Over a year to get an ejector rod is not acceptable. Saying they are "out of stock" while they are being put on revolvers going out the door is just bad customer service. And it's an easily fixed problem, *IF* management wanted to.
Like I said, I own multiple copies of both, and continue to buy both, so obviously I like both.
But I like the Wrangler better.
@@bigbill2444 Thanks bro, Ruger is always top notch.
Ruger Single-Six: $1,089. Heritage Rough Rider: $179 including .22 WMR cylinder. Both have "all metal" barrels, cylinders, and frames. But you are comparing apples to oranges.
I'll buy opentop and Schofield
I bought a heritage rough rider 22
Brand new it miss fires constantly lucky to greet 3 to 4 shells to fire per cylinder
Ugh contract customer service and send it back
You do know that Taurus has bought Heritage Arms.
Teddy was a badass!
I don't think Taurus wants to compete with Uberti or Pietta. Every video I have watched about Heritage rimfires has kept me from buying their less than quality products.
Made by Taurus. Taurus is building a new factory in the U.S.A. No answer at their phone number.
Safety glasses?
1860 ole Army most popular