When you’re out on a Tennessee farm dealing with persistent varmints like groundhogs or cotton rats, or just spending a quiet afternoon plinking at a steel target in the woods behind your place, you need a rimfire revolver that’s dependable and versatile. The Heritage Rough Rider Rancher, model 87944, brings a classic single-action platform to your hand, chambered for both .22 LR and .22 WMR with a simple cylinder swap. Whether you’re teaching a new shooter at a range near Nashville or keeping a reliable sidearm in your truck glovebox for a quick shot at a coyote, this six-shot revolver is built for practical, everyday use.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Heritage Rough Rider Rancher is a single-action rimfire revolver designed for shooters who value simplicity, affordability, and versatility. It’s not a tactical piece or a high-speed competition gun—it’s a straightforward tool for target practice, small game hunting, and general plinking. This revolver is well-suited for Tennessee residents who want a low-recoil handgun for introducing new shooters to the sport, for ranchers and farmers dealing with pest control, or for collectors who appreciate the traditional single-action design. The dual-cylinder system allows you to shoot both .22 LR and .22 WMR, making it a flexible choice for anyone who wants one gun for multiple rimfire tasks.
Key Spec Breakdown
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR) and .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) via included interchangeable cylinder.
- Capacity: 6 rounds, single-action operation.
- Barrel Length: 6.50 inches, providing a longer sight radius for improved accuracy at moderate ranges.
- Finish: Black oxide finish on the barrel and frame for corrosion resistance and a low-glare appearance.
- Grips: Walnut grips with a classic, comfortable profile that fits most hand sizes.
- Overall Length: Approximately 12 inches (based on similar models).
- Weight: Around 31 to 34 ounces unloaded, depending on cylinder used.
- Sights: Fixed front blade and rear notch sight, standard for single-action revolvers.
- Action: Single-action only—hammer must be manually cocked before each shot.
- Safety: Includes a transfer bar safety system and a manual hammer safety notch.
- Handedness: Right-hand orientation (cylinder loading gate on right side).
Feature Deep-Dive
The dual-cylinder system is the standout feature of this Rough Rider model. The revolver ships with two cylinders: one for .22 LR and one for .22 WMR. Swapping cylinders takes about 30 seconds—remove the cylinder pin, slide out the current cylinder, insert the other, and replace the pin. This gives you the flexibility to shoot inexpensive .22 LR for practice and switch to the more powerful .22 WMR for hunting or varmint control. The .22 WMR delivers higher velocity and energy, making it effective for small game like rabbits or squirrels at distances out to 75 yards.
The 6.50-inch barrel provides a good balance between accuracy and portability. The longer barrel gives you a longer sight radius, which helps with precise shot placement during target shooting or small game hunting. The black oxide finish is a practical choice for Tennessee’s varied weather—it resists rust and wear from humidity and rain, and it doesn’t reflect sunlight in the field. The finish is applied to the barrel, frame, and cylinder, ensuring consistent protection across the revolver.
The walnut grips are carved with a traditional single-action profile that fills the hand well. They offer a secure hold without being overly aggressive, which is helpful when shooting the .22 WMR loads that produce a bit more snap. The grips are contoured to allow a natural point of aim, and they don’t have finger grooves, so shooters with different hand sizes can find a comfortable grip. The wood is finished with a satin sheen that resists sweat and oils from your hands during extended range sessions.
The single-action trigger pull is a defining characteristic of this revolver. It requires manually cocking the hammer before each shot, which promotes deliberate, accurate shooting. The trigger break is crisp and consistent, typically measuring around 4 to 5 pounds from the factory. This is a good weight for target work and small game hunting, as it reduces the chance of jerking the shot. The transfer bar safety system prevents the gun from firing unless the trigger is fully depressed, adding a layer of safety when carrying with the hammer down on an empty chamber.
Reloading is straightforward with the loading gate on the right side of the frame. You rotate the cylinder to align each chamber with the gate, load one round at a time, and then eject spent casings using the ejector rod under the barrel. While not fast, this process is reliable and keeps the revolver simple. The 6-round capacity is standard for single-action revolvers and is sufficient for plinking, pest control, or a few quick shots at a target.
Heritage Manufacturing builds these revolvers in the United States, and they are known for being reliable out of the box. The fit and finish are consistent for a revolver in this price range, with tight cylinder lockup and minimal play. The black oxide finish may show wear over time with holster use, but that’s normal and doesn’t affect function. The Rough Rider Rancher is a no-frills tool that prioritizes function over flash, which is exactly what many Tennessee shooters need for everyday carry in a truck or on a farm.
Ideal Use Cases
- Small Game Hunting: The 6.5-inch barrel and .22 WMR cylinder make this revolver suitable for squirrels, rabbits, and similar game. The longer barrel provides enough velocity for clean kills at ethical ranges.
- Varmint Control: Ideal for dispatching groundhogs, rats, or snakes around barns and fields. The .22 LR cylinder is economical for routine pest removal, while .22 WMR handles larger varmints.
- Target Shooting and Plinking: The low cost of .22 LR ammunition makes this revolver a great choice for casual range trips. The single-action trigger encourages accurate shooting, and the fixed sights are adequate for paper targets or tin cans.
- Training and Instruction: The low recoil and simple manual of arms make it a good platform for teaching new shooters safe firearm handling. The single-action operation forces a deliberate pace, which helps beginners focus on fundamentals.
- Collecting: The traditional single-action design and walnut grips appeal to collectors who appreciate classic revolver lines. The dual-cylinder feature adds a practical twist to a traditional platform.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: Use standard velocity or high-velocity .22 LR ammunition for the LR cylinder. For the .22 WMR cylinder, use only factory-loaded .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire ammunition. Do not attempt to fire .22 LR in the .22 WMR cylinder or vice versa.
- Holsters: This revolver fits most generic single-action revolver holsters designed for a 6.5-inch barrel. Look for holsters made for Ruger Single-Six or similar frames. Leather or nylon belt holsters work well for field carry.
- Magazines: This revolver does not use detachable magazines. Spare cylinders can be purchased separately if you want a pre-loaded backup cylinder for quick changes.
- Accessories: Heritage Manufacturing offers replacement grips, cylinder pins, and other small parts. Aftermarket rear sights are not common due to the fixed sight design. A simple cleaning kit and a bore snake are recommended for maintenance.
- Scope Mounts: This model does not have a drilled and tapped frame for scope mounts. It is intended for use with the factory open sights.
FAQ Section
1. Can you ship this revolver to my address in Tennessee?
No. Federal law requires all firearms to be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your state. We ship to FFL holders in Tennessee. After we receive your order, we will contact your chosen FFL to confirm they are willing to accept the transfer. You will then pick up the revolver from that dealer after completing a background check.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work for Tennessee residents?
When you place an order on tn-guns.com, you provide the name and address of your chosen FFL dealer. We verify their license and ship the revolver to them. Once it arrives, the dealer will contact you to complete the ATF Form 4473 and a NICS background check. You must be 21 or older to purchase a handgun from a dealer in Tennessee. The dealer may charge a transfer fee, which is separate from our price.
3. What ammunition is compatible with this revolver?
The revolver includes two cylinders. The .22 LR cylinder accepts all standard .22 Long Rifle ammunition, including high-velocity loads. The .22 WMR cylinder accepts only .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire cartridges. Do not mix ammunition types between cylinders. We recommend using reputable brands like CCI, Federal, or Winchester for reliable ignition.
4. What warranty does Heritage Manufacturing offer on this revolver?
Heritage Manufacturing provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty covers functional issues but does not cover normal wear, misuse, or modifications. If you have a warranty claim, contact Heritage Manufacturing directly with your proof of purchase. We at tn-guns.com are an authorized dealer and can assist with warranty service coordination if needed.
5. What is your return policy for firearms?
We do not accept returns on firearms once they have been shipped from our facility due to federal regulations. If there is a defect or damage during shipping, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with you and Heritage Manufacturing to resolve any manufacturing defects under warranty. We recommend inspecting the revolver at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer.
This Heritage Rough Rider Rancher model 87944 is available now at tn-guns.com. We ship to licensed FFL dealers across Tennessee, including locations in Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. If you have questions about this revolver or need help finding an FFL near you, contact our team. We are a Tennessee-based licensed retailer and are here to help you with your purchase.





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