There are plenty of firearms that would make for a good personal defense weapon or would be ideal for hunting big game in the Yukon. The Heritage Arms Rough Rider Rancher revolving carbine isn't designed for either, and at first glance, it is really a solution looking for a problem. 

After all, who really needs a revolving carbine—which only further begs another question, is it a rifle or a revolver?  

In this case, it is sort of both. 

The concept of a revolving rifle/carbine dates back to the mid-nineteenth century and none other than Samuel Colt offered such a design. Colts New Model Revolving Rifle isn't as widely remembered as the Colt Paterson, Single Action Army or Peacemaker but for good reason. It had some significant problems—which only served to prove that even a good gun designer and great business leader can have a few misfires along the way to perfection.

So the next question to be asked is why would Heritage Arms, which has made quite a name for itself producing cowboy-style single-action revolvers at an affordable price, introduce a revolving carbine? 

The answer is certainly obvious: because they can, and because there are still shooters out there who like the concept.

Apparently there are even enough that the Heritage Arms Rough Rider Rancher revolving carbine has been one of the best selling firearms in the top ten revolver category in all age groups for this year according to National Shooting Sport Foundation data from last month. Technically, despite being listed by the NSSF as a revolver, this really is no handgun. It features a full walnut wood stock and sixteen-inch barrel, which means the Rough Rider Rancher is actually a six-shooter carbine with an overall length of thirty-tow-inches. 

In this regard it does bridge the gap between a revolver and full rifle, offering the better qualities of each but also a few issues. Despite the fact that it is chambered for .22LR it is still a beefy weapon, weighing in at nearly sixty-six ounces. It is single action only, which is expected given that this is that category where Heritage Arms has made its name—so much so that the company has become the number two maker of revolvers in the United States after Sturm, Ruger & Company. 

As a novelty gun, the Rough Rider Rancher hits the bull’s eye. It seems to be an excellent plinker that ensures accuracy and range in its weight class. 

Yet, the biggest issue is that this is really an oversized .22LR revolver with a stock as noted by the lack of handguard. While it may take a great detail of shooting to heat up the .22 barrel, there is the fact that this is a single-action revolver, so gases can escape between the cylinder and barrel—which does not make for a pleasant experience. 

Seeing the problem, the gun’s designers came up with a solution.

The trigger guard offers a second faux trigger to accommodate a two-handed grip—but that still seems like it is far from ideal for aimed shots. Yet, given that there is essentially no kick or recoil and the balance is decent, the Rough Rider Rancher is entirely manageable. 

With an MSRP of just $297 this could be a good addition for those who want a simple target carbine that isn’t the same old thing. For ranchers dealing with actual rustlers, we’d suggest something a bit more powerful.  

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He is the author of several books on military headgear including A Gallery of Military Headdress, which is available on Amazon.com. 

Image: Reuters