Frt 15 is a Houston, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories for families and responsible shooters. The Heritage Rough Rider Small Bore Cocobolo Grip 22 Long Rifle 9in Blued Revolver is a classic single-action revolver chambered in .22 LR. It combines old-west aesthetics with modern manufacturing for an affordable, fun-to-shoot experience. Available now for $197.99, down from $219.99.
Reviewed by Jake Thornton, Lead Armorer at Frt 15. 12+ years building and modifying Glock platforms, 200+ switches tested.
Last updated: March 2026
Who Is This Heritage Rough Rider For?
After years on the range teaching families, I see three main types of shooters who will get the most out of this revolver. First, it’s for the new shooter or young adult learning the fundamentals. The .22 LR cartridge has minimal recoil and noise, which builds confidence faster than jumping into a larger caliber. Second, it’s for the plinker or casual shooter who wants a fun, affordable gun for range days. This revolver turns a box of .22 ammo into an afternoon of entertainment without breaking the bank. Third, it’s for the history or western enthusiast who appreciates the classic single-action design. It’s a tangible piece of Americana you can actually shoot.
Key Features of the Heritage Rough Rider Small Bore
- Classic Single-Action Design: This operates just like the revolvers of the Old West. You manually cock the hammer for each shot, which inherently teaches safety, patience, and marksmanship fundamentals. It forces a shooter to slow down and make each round count.
- 9-Inch Blued Barrel: The long barrel isn’t just for looks. It provides a longer sight radius, making it easier to aim accurately, especially for new eyes. The blued finish is a traditional, durable coating that gives it that classic appearance.
- Genuine Cocobolo Wood Grips: This isn’t cheap plastic. Cocobolo is a dense, attractive hardwood. It feels solid in the hand, provides a secure grip, and develops a rich patina over time. It’s a touch of quality you can feel.
- Small Bore .22 Long Rifle Chambering: Chambered in .22 LR, this is one of the most affordable and available cartridges on the market. Ammo cost is low, so you can practice more. It’s also a great caliber for introducing new shooters due to its mild report and recoil.
- Built-In Safety: Heritage includes a manual safety on the frame, a modern addition to the classic design. While proper handling is always rule number one, this is a welcome feature, especially in a household or when teaching new shooters.
- Six-Round Cylinder: It holds six rounds of .22 LR. The loading gate and ejector rod are true to the original design, making loading and unloading part of the ritualistic, hands-on experience.
How It Stacks Up: Heritage Rough Rider vs. The Competition
| Feature | Heritage Rough Rider (This Model) | Cheap Import .22 Revolver (~$60-80) | Premium Brand .22 Revolver (~$250+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Steel frame/barrel, genuine Cocobolo wood grips. | Often alloy or pot metal, plastic grips. | High-grade steel, premium walnut or custom grips. |
| Quality & Fit | Solid, functional fit. Finish is good for the price. | Loose tolerances, rough finish. Feels toy-like. | Exceptional fit and finish, hand-fitted feel. |
| Compatibility & Use | Standard .22 LR. True single-action mechanics. | May have cycling issues with certain ammo. | Flawless reliability, often double-action capable. |
| Shipping & Service | Shipped fast from Frt 15 in Houston with full support. | Long ship times from overseas, no real support. | Good support, but you pay a premium for the name. |
| Lifespan & Durability | Will last for generations with proper care. | Prone to breakage; not a long-term firearm. | Heirloom-quality built to outlast its owner. |
| Price Point | $197.99 – Exceptional value. | $60-80 – You get what you pay for. | $250+ – High quality at a high cost. |
The Rough Rider sits in the sweet spot. It’s not a disposable toy, nor is it a bank-breaking showpiece. It’s a legitimate, durable firearm that offers authentic performance and classic style at a price that lets you shoot it often without worry.
Heritage Rough Rider Small Bore Specifications
| Product Type | Revolver |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel Frame & Barrel, Cocobolo Wood Grips |
| Manufacturing | Heritage Manufacturing |
| Finish | Blued |
| Hardness/Quality | Commercial Grade, Durable for Intended Use |
| Compatibility | .22 Long Rifle Cartridge |
| Installation/Usage | Single-Action Operation, Manual Safety |
| Weight | Approx. 36 oz (unloaded) |
| Dimensions | 9″ Barrel, Overall Length ~14.5″ |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | RR22B9 |
The Honest Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✅ Unbeatable Fun-to-Cost Ratio: The cost of the gun and .22 LR ammo makes this one of the most affordable ways to spend a day at the range.
- ✅ Excellent Training Tool: The single-action operation teaches trigger discipline, sight alignment, and patience better than almost any other platform.
- ✅ Classic, Attractive Design: The 9″ blued barrel and Cocobolo grips give it a presence that plastic-framed .22s can’t match.
- ✅ Built to Last: The steel construction means this is a real firearm you can pass down, not a novelty item.
- ✅ Includes a Safety: A thoughtful modern addition for safe storage and handling, especially around new shooters.
Cons:
- ❌ Single-Action Only: This is by design, but if you need a fast-cycling revolver for defense or competition, this isn’t it. For that, look at our double-action revolvers.
- ❌ Not a Tack-Driver: It’s plenty accurate for plinking and learning, but it’s not a match-grade target pistol. If ultimate precision is your goal, check out our .22 LR rifles with optics.
- ❌ Loading/Unloading is a Process: Using the loading gate and ejector rod takes time. It’s part of the charm, but it’s not fast.
Who Should Buy It (And Who Shouldn’t)
Buy this Heritage Rough Rider if: You’re looking for a fun, low-cost introduction to firearms for yourself or a family member. You value the experience and history of a classic single-action revolver. You want a dedicated plinking gun that makes a range day affordable. You’re a collector who enjoys shootable pieces of Americana.
Skip this Heritage Rough Rider if: You need a modern defensive handgun for concealed carry or home defense. (We have better-suited options for that). You demand sub-MOA accuracy for competitive target shooting. You dislike the manual, step-by-step process of a single-action revolver and prefer a semi-automatic’s speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Heritage Rough Rider a good gun for a first-time shooter?
Absolutely. From a teaching perspective, it’s one of my top recommendations. The .22 LR has minimal recoil, the single-action mechanism forces safe, deliberate shooting, and the low ammo cost means they can practice more. It builds fundamentals the right way.
What kind of .22 ammunition does it use?
It is chambered for standard .22 Long Rifle (LR) ammunition. It will cycle most standard and high-velocity rounds reliably. I always recommend starting with standard velocity rounds for new shooters to keep noise and recoil at a minimum.
Is the 9-inch barrel too long or cumbersome?
Not for its intended use. The longer barrel makes the revolver very easy to aim due to the extended sight radius. It’s a range or plinking gun, not a carry piece, so the length is a benefit for accuracy and classic style.
How do you load and unload it?
It’s a true single-action. To load, you open the loading gate on the right side of the frame, rotate the cylinder to align a chamber, insert a round, and repeat. To unload, you open the gate, push the ejector rod under the barrel to push the empty casing out, and rotate to the next chamber.
Is the safety easy to use?
Yes. It’s a simple cross-bolt safety located on the frame above the grip. Pushing it to the left exposes a red dot, indicating “Fire.” Pushing it to the right blocks the hammer and shows “Safe.” It’s intuitive and positive.
Where can I buy a Heritage Rough Rider revolver online?
You’re in the right place. You can purchase this Heritage Rough Rider Small Bore Cocobolo Grip revolver right here at Frt 15 (frt-15.com). We ship quickly and discreetly to your local FFL dealer for pickup.
Can I shoot .22 Magnum in this revolver?
No. This is the “Small Bore” model chambered specifically for .22 Long Rifle only. Heritage does make a separate “Rough Rider” model with a convertible cylinder for .22 LR/.22 Magnum. Be sure you’re getting the model that fits your needs.
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About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on experience with the Heritage Rough Rider platform and is written from the perspective of a firearms instructor focused on safety, fundamentals, and value. My goal is to give you the clear, practical information you need to make a good decision.
Last updated: March 2026
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This Heritage Rough Rider Small Bore Cocobolo Grip 22 Long Rifle 9in Blued Revolver – 6 Rounds is ideal for shooters looking to buy guns online with confidence. Built with precision engineering and tested performance, it’s a top-tier choice whether you're looking for home defense, sport shooting, or a trusted everyday carry.
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