← Heritage Rough Rider reference page · This work order as JSON · Print

Work order — Heritage Rough Rider

Taking the firearm apart for a job such as refinishing, and putting it back together to specification. Generated from the Pew-Takedown entry last updated 2026-10-29. Confidence: medium.

Shop difficulty: Tier 2 of 3

Few parts (44 pieces in a list that includes caliber and grip variants) in an SAA-pattern .22, but the frame strip frees a flat trigger spring on a screw, a manual hammer-block with its own spring and detent, and a loading-gate spring and detent, and Heritage sends any disassembly to the factory or a gunsmith. 41 parts (Single Rough Rider small-bore list (41 line items) covering .22 LR/.22 WMR cylinders, 6/9-shot, barrel-length and grip-frame variants, so one gun has fewer). Pew-Takedown's rating, not the manufacturer's.

Bench time: strip ~20 min, rebuild ~35 min (estimate). Actual: strip ______ rebuild ______

Special tools:

• Fitted hollow-ground screwdrivers — Back strap, trigger, hammer and gate screws

Watch for:

• Heritage recommends that any disassembly beyond cleaning be done by the factory or a qualified gunsmith. (both; Heritage Manufacturing)
• The manual hammer block has its own spring and a captive detent that come free when the frame is stripped. (both; Heritage Manufacturing)
• The loading gate is held by a spring and detent that must be refitted under tension. (reassembly; Heritage Manufacturing)

1. Clear and make safe

Manufacturer's video: Loading and Unloading a Single Action Revolver. (Heritage Manufacturing)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuAuJIzixSk

1. Point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger.
2. Engage the manual hammer-block safety.
3. Open the loading gate on the right side of the frame.
4. Rotate the cylinder to bring each chamber in line with the gate and push the ejector rod rearward to eject the cartridge or case.
5. Repeat for every chamber.
6. Rotate the cylinder through a full revolution and look into every chamber to confirm each is empty.
   Warning: Every chamber, verified individually.
7. Confirm the bore is clear and remove all live ammunition from the work area.

2. Disassemble

Manufacturer's video: Heritage Rough Rider Modularity (Heritage Manufacturing)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUQftdu4mGg

Field Strip — Cylinder Removal

1. Complete the Clear and Make Safe procedure.
2. Open the loading gate.
3. Press the base pin latch and hold it in.
4. Pull the base pin forward and out of the frame.
   Warning: A small part the revolver will not function without.
5. Roll the cylinder out through the loading gate opening.
6. Clean the chambers, bore, cylinder face, and forcing cone. On a convertible model, clean both cylinders and keep them identified.

3. Refinish

The components the procedures above separate. Coating, masking and cure are outside this database; follow your coating system's instructions. A part the manufacturer marks "factory fit" should not be swapped or reworked.

The manufacturer's full parts list (41 parts) is on the reference page.

4. Reassemble

Manufacturer's video: Heritage Rough Rider Modularity (Heritage Manufacturing)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUQftdu4mGg

Reassembly

1. Open the loading gate and roll the correct cylinder back into the frame.
2. Align the cylinder and slide the base pin in from the front until the latch engages.
   Warning: Confirm the latch has engaged by pulling forward on the base pin.
3. On a convertible model, confirm the cylinder fitted matches the ammunition you intend to fire.
   Warning: Firing .22 WMR in a .22 LR cylinder, or the reverse, is dangerous.
4. Close the loading gate and perform the function check.

5. Torque

No manufacturer torque values are recorded for this firearm.

Notes: The manufacturer's documents give no torque value. They say: "Do not disassemble the barrel. 2. In special conditions, such as repairs, when disassembly is necessary, it is recommended the firearm be returned to the factory or sent to a qualified gunsmith." (Rough Rider Small-Bore Revolver Instruction Manual, p. 24 (Care and Maintenance))

Fit or check on rebuild

• Timing / carry-up: every chamber locks before the hammer falls, single and double action; cylinder gap and end shake — Standard revolver check after lockwork has been out; worn hand or cylinder stop gives the "does not lock up" fault under Common issues.
• Hammer block blocks the hammer in the up (safe) position and clears it when down — Heritage relies on the manual hammer block as its drop safety.

6. Function check

• Verify every chamber is empty before each check.
• Cock the hammer and confirm the cylinder indexes and locks at each chamber.
• Engage the manual hammer-block safety and press the trigger. The hammer must not fall.
• Disengage the safety and press the trigger. The hammer should fall.
• Confirm the base pin is fully seated and latched.
• Confirm the fitted cylinder matches your ammunition on a convertible model.

If any check fails, the firearm is not safe to fire. Stop and see a licensed gunsmith.

Sources

1. Heritage Rough Rider Owner’s Manual — Heritage Manufacturing primary
2. Rough Rider Small-Bore Revolver Instruction Manual — Heritage Manufacturing primary
   https://heritagemfg.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/heritage-rough-rider-small-bore-revolver-instruction-manual.pdf

Educational guide only. Some information comes from non-authoritative sources. Always consult your manufacturer's manual and a licensed gunsmith. Verify your firearm is unloaded before every procedure. Full disclaimer: https://github.com/Fundamental-build-LLC/Pew-Takedown

Legal notice: this material is third-party information compiled from sources of varying reliability and is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not gunsmithing, technical, safety or legal advice, it is not verified or endorsed by any manufacturer, and it must not be taken as fact. Any work on a firearm beyond the routine field stripping described in its own owner's manual should be performed only by a licensed and insured gunsmith. You use this material entirely at your own risk. Fundamental Build LLC and the project's contributors make no warranty of any kind and accept no liability for death, injury, damage or loss arising from its use. Full terms: LEGAL.md.