Wrangler Vers. Heritage

[test drive]

a friend came down to do some “plinking” last Saturday with his new Wrangler .22.
I must say, for the money it’s one nice gun. It has that “cow boy” feel to it fit and finish was good and action was fairly smooth. Sure it will get even better with use. Gun was accurate but shot a bit high, less than an inch. Only negative thing in my opinion was the type of finish, just didn’t have that slick blue feel but that’s no big deal.after a few boxes of shells it was time to get down to business . We shoot for dollar bills. So I get out my 3 year old Heritage 3 inch with birds head grip. Now I have shot hundreds and hundreds of rounds trough this thing but it’s still as tight as when I got it. Long story short, we kept trading dollar bills. I like the finish on the Heritage better. I wish they would offer it without the side mount safety (I know a lawyer thing) and maybe round out the trigger guard I just don’t see the extra money for the Wrangler. And mine came with a .22 mag cylinder ! I know at the end of the day the Ruger is better built but hey, .22 single actions are mainly “plinking” guns The Grand kid can hit that old can on the range just fine with the old Hreitage.

 

[silvermane_1]

Pics or it never happened test drive , but in all seriousness some pics of the targets would be interesting.

 

[BullRunBear]

If I was looking for another 22 SA, I would give the Wrangler a close look. But I've been very pleased with my Heritage Rough Riders for plinking. Unless the Wrangler offers a real advantage, which I haven't read yet, they seem to be on a par. I suspect a bunch will be sold just for the Ruger name and well-deserved reputation and some folks will be attracted to the two tone look.

If I'm worried about my guns going to future generations, they can have the Single-Sixes and Single-Ten (my favorite).

Jeff

 

[MedWheeler]

I own two of the HRR guns, including the 3.5-inch birdshead. I like 'em both, and they both shoot where I try to make them shoot. I also own a Ruger NM-SS.

If I had not yet owned any, and was looking for an inexpensive .22 SA, my turnoffs for the HRR would be the questionable finish and maybe the manual safety (though it does allow dry-fire.) For the Wrangler, they would be the Cerakote finish and the plastic grip panels (and maybe the lack of a .22WMR cylinder option.) For the SS, it would be its price point.

So, each gun would have its merits, and its drawbacks, in my situation.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

I really enjoy my Wrangler and have known many that have owned them over the years and feel the same. Not so sure Ruger is better made, not that it matters since they most likely will perform the same. When I bought mine, I could have opted for the "STEEL" version but others said to just get the standard as they perform just fine. When I hear things like a certain part of the Wrangler uses a screw, where the Rough Rider is glued, in a attempt to make the Ruger sound superior, I have to laugh. What do they think, we are going to believe they are using "Elmers glue"? Modern day adhesives on metal to metal have come a long way. Personally I would believe the adhesive is actually better than a screw. I doubt anyone could pull a Heritage apart.
That said, it comes down to cost and brand loyalty. Nothing against the Ruger, I am sure it is a fine gun, But down the road, I will go Heritage.
I still think we need to see how the Ruger holds up a year later. My Heritage is still running like new after 5 years. And I like the 22, mag cylinder. Also Heritage has so much more to offer in barrel lengths, all steel option, and different grips like the Birds Head.

 

[CraigC]

The barrel of the Single Six and presumably the Wrangler, is threaded and screwed into the frame. Like any other halfway decent revolver. The barrel of the Heritage is ribbed and pressed into the frame and held there with adhesive. T his means the barrel can never be turned to correct windage, as is customary on any other revolver. This means that the barrel can never be removed. If you send a gun to Heritage that needs a new barrel, they replace the gun. If you think that's somehow "better", I have some Arizona swampland that might interest you.

The Wrangler is a new product. Ruger is not going to introduce it with two dozen variations. They're going to test the water first and then if there is enough interest, only then will more variations come down the pipeline.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

But the bottom line is it works and it does it well. Not worried about a barrel replacement. And if that happens and Heritage has to replace the whole gun, that is fine with me. I have a life time warranty from Buds. And even if not, by the time I need a barrel replacement I could just buy a brand new gun for $126 and still have a magnum cylinder to boot.

Not interested in any land you are selling or anything else you are selling as well. Just do not buy what you have to say. Fair enough? But thanks for the offer.

 

[thomas15]

The barrel of the Single Six and presumably the Wrangler, is threaded and screwed into the frame. Like any other halfway decent revolver. The barrel of the Heritage is ribbed and pressed into the frame and held there with adhesive. T his means the barrel can never be turned to correct windage, as is customary on any other revolver. This means that the barrel can never be removed. If you send a gun to Heritage that needs a new barrel, they replace the gun. If you think that's somehow "better", I have some Arizona swampland that might interest you.

I would rather imagine that if you wear out the barrel on any of these makes it would not be worth the cost to replace the barrel.

 

[Waveski]

I would pay the small difference in price just to avoid the cheesy safety on the Heritage.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

I would pay the small difference in price just to avoid the cheesy safety on the Heritage.

Since a lot of folks actually buy a ton of these for youngsters starting off, The Heritage gets a few points over the Ruger. Why take away a good part of the market? And certainly not difficult to master. At least for most folks.

 

[ThomasT]

The Wrangler is a new product. Ruger is not going to introduce it with two dozen variations. They're going to test the water first and then if there is enough interest, only then will more variations come down the pipeline.

Absolutely. I bet Ruger is watching these and already have variations planned as soon as the first run makes it off the shelf. I just went and looked at one at a local gun store. That have it priced at $199 plus tax. It was the all black version. The one I want. What a nice feeling gun it was too. And after handling it I didn't feel like I needed to wash my hands like I did when I looked at a Rough Rider.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

If your post is any indication of your age Ratshooter, when you get your Ruger please only shoot it under adult supervision.

 

[ThomasT]

If you post is any indication of your age Ratshooter, I certainly hope when you do get the Ruger, you only shoot it with adult supervision.

Whats the matter Jeb? Can't take a joke? I was teasing you. Didn't you see all the icons so you would know its a joke?

 

[ThomasT]

There Jeb. I removed my tease. Now we can be friends again.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

Heritage Rough Rider.Hickcock45 "I'm Impressed"

I still want the Birds Head, but the 9 round would be nice as well.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

Absolutely. I bet Ruger is watching these and already have variations planned as soon as the first run makes it off the shelf. I just went and looked at one at a local gun store. That have it priced at $199 plus tax. It was the all black version. The one I want. What a nice feeling gun it was too. And after handling it I didn't feel like I needed to wash my hands like I did when I looked at a Rough Rider.

Call me when they have the Birds Head and the all steel, and the 9 shot. Ask for Blue Boy. I will be the one holding my breath.

 

[MedWheeler]

Jeb Stuart writes:

(post 5)

I really enjoy my Wrangler and have known many that have owned them over the years and feel the same. Not so sure Ruger is better made, not that it matters since they most likely will perform the same.

I think you meant your Rough Rider in that first line, correct?

 

[GunnyUSMC]

I have always found that the gun people that buy the cheapest guns try so hard to prove that they are just as good or better then others. Those are the gun people that I put into the MacDonald's Happy Meal Toy Collectors Club.
Both of these guns have selling features that some like and others don't. For some people like Jeb, a birds head grip and a nine shot cylinder make the Rough Rider more likable.
For me the safety on the Rough Rider is a big turn off, and the transfer bar safety on the Wrangler a big plus. I could care less for a birds head grip or a nine shot cylinder.
I think that the biggest difference in the two guns are fit and finish. Just looking at the two guns the Wrangler comes out on top in the fitting and cleaner lines. Now for the finish? That is a little more personal. Cerakote has proven to be a very durable finish. Some people don't care for it and some people love it. To some it really doesn't matter. Some like the blued finish on the Rough Rider's cylinder and barrel, but like I said, it's more of a personal like or dislike.
Now some have chimed in about the Magnum cylinder. For my, I could care less about a magnum cylinder. I have a Magnum cylinder for my Single Six and have put less then 200 rounds through it in 30 years. But if a Magnum cylinder is something you want or need, then that is an added plus for the Rough Rider.
I am still unsure of what the Rough Rider's cylinder frame is made of so I emailed Heritage two weeks ago and asked them. As of today I have not gotten a reply from them.
The bottom line here is, Pick the Gun that appeals to you more and buy it. There is no reason to sit around and fuss about which is better, like a bunch of little schoolgirls fussing about which has the prettier pair of panties.
For me, I'm going to buy a Wrangler, just waiting for my LGS to get some in.

 

[thomas15]

Like politics and religion folks like to be in with the majority of thinkers, that their opinion or choice is the best value. They are "smart shoppers".

But take a step back and consider that we are talking about low cost budget hardware. Not mid-line, not high end custom work, but budget. Does it work? Yes. Is it elegant? For the cost maybe it is. For the cost.

I think at the end of the day most of us really don't care what anyone else does with their money or what handguns they own. But it is amusing to see some twist and contort themselves trying to make these revolvers into a boutique specialty item. Speaking for me that is why I think this subject is so entertaining. And it's not just here on THR, the boards in particular the Ruger boards are obsessed with this revolver.

----------------

I have always found that the gun people that buy the cheapest guns try so hard to prove that they are just as good or better then others. Those are the gun people that I put into the MacDonald's Happy Meal Toy Collectors Club.

^^ I think you are right. ^^

It's not just the handguns it's all of the accessories in particular leather holsters and rail mounted flashlights. But nothing comes close to the hard selling of budget reloading presses. There is an army of volunteer missionaries out there selling turret presses and plastic powder measures.

To my eye and when I get ready to buy another plinker 22 of which I really don't need but will probably get anyway, I will most likely buy at that price point the one I think looks best. It is fashionable to be critical of Glocks because of the look but to my eye the finish on the Wrangler reminds me of the Glock look. But for $200 who cares about the finish? It's a plinking revolver, that is what it is.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

I have always found that the gun people that buy the cheapest guns try so hard to prove that they are just as good or better then others. Those are the gun people that I put into the MacDonald's Happy Meal Toy Collectors Club.
Both of these guns have selling features that some like and others don't. For some people like Jeb, a birds head grip and a nine shot cylinder make the Rough Rider more likable.
For me the safety on the Rough Rider is a big turn off, and the transfer bar safety on the Wrangler a big plus. I could care less for a birds head grip or a nine shot cylinder.
I think that the biggest difference in the two guns are fit and finish. Just looking at the two guns the Wrangler comes out on top in the fitting and cleaner lines. Now for the finish? That is a little more personal. Cerakote has proven to be a very durable finish. Some people don't care for it and some people love it. To some it really doesn't matter. Some like the blued finish on the Rough Rider's cylinder and barrel, but like I said, it's more of a personal like or dislike.
Now some have chimed in about the Magnum cylinder. For my, I could care less about a magnum cylinder. I have a Magnum cylinder for my Single Six and have put less then 200 rounds through it in 30 years. But if a Magnum cylinder is something you want or need, then that is an added plus for the Rough Rider.
I am still unsure of what the Rough Rider's cylinder frame is made of so I emailed Heritage two weeks ago and asked them. As of today I have not gotten a reply from them.
The bottom line here is, Pick the Gun that appeals to you more and buy it. There is no reason to sit around and fuss about which is better, like a bunch of little schoolgirls fussing about which has the prettier pair of panties.
For me, I'm going to buy a Wrangler, just waiting for my LGS to get some in.

Well said Gunny. both cheap guns for fun. And who really cares what another buys. If my Heritage falls apart tomorrow, I would not loose any sleep. No matter which one you buy, you are buying cheap. And you could say that someone that buy's a Ruger Blackhawk is buying on the cheap. But someone started a thread about two cheap guns and here we are. Bottom line, no one really cares. Just a friendly banter. No need to take things seriously.

What I do find interesting is how manufacturers go after the market. Ruger is obviously going in a new direction with Budget guns. Yes, some are a few higher end stuff, but really going to a new direction with the budgets. Heritage has been around a long time selling the "Budget Cowboy" gun. Ruger now wants to sell a Budget Cowboy gun. Go figure.
I do wonder how far Ruger will go? In college I worked a large Electronics store. It was amazing to see how poople will buy cheap. More than you think. It looks like the Wrangler will be about $50.00 higher than the Rough Rider. I think a lot of people will go with the lessor price. But then again, Ruger may match price.
For myself, the Heritage would be the way I go for a Plinking gun that I really do not shoot very often anyway. It is not a self defense gun, has a good reputation, and is what it is. Not going to spend more for something else. Just not a big enough deal.

I wonder how many folks are going to be so concerned about the same things posted on a gun forum about a gun going for the price of a toy?

Just for the sake of Marketing, it will be interesting to watch how things go. I wonder how much money Ruger will sink into advertising?

 

[ThomasT]

Bottom line, no one really cares. Just a friendly banter. No need to take things seriously.

I don't know, you seemed to take my "intended in fun" poke at you pretty serious in post # 12.

I have watched that Hickock45 video before. He can really make that gun shoot and hit what he wants. (As long as he remembers to hold high and right because it doesn't shoot to the sights)

 

[Jeb Stuart]

I don't know, you seemed to take my "intended in fun" poke at you pretty serious in post # 12.

I have watched that Hickock45 video before. He can really make that gun shoot and hit what he wants. (As long as he remembers to hold high and right because it doesn't shoot to the sights)

Nope, did not take it serious, just had a good time responding to you . And I still think you should stick with a cap gun, at least until you are out of middle school.

My cheap gun is better than your cheap gun.

 

[Mn Fats]

Heritage Rough Rider.Hickcock45 "I'm Impressed"

He's impressed with every gun.

I have always found that the gun people that buy the cheapest guns try so hard to prove that they are just as good or better then others.

So true. Very few are worthy of that claim. The Heritage is not imo.

 

[Speedo66]

The bottom line here is, Pick the Gun that appeals to you more and buy it. There is no reason to sit around and fuss about which is better, like a bunch of little schoolgirls fussing about which has the prettier pair of panties.

If they were college girls I'd be happy to serve as an impartial judge, but they'd have to be worn. Can't really give an objective review to a rumpled undergarment.

Jeb Stuart said
"Just for the sake of Marketing, it will be interesting to watch how things go. I wonder how much money Ruger will sink into advertising?"

The way all types of boards have been on fire about these guns, probably none is necessary.

 

[Old Stumpy]

The High Road may have to create a forum called: Wrangler Versus Heritage

Seriously though, you pays your money and you takes your choices.
They both use similar materials and the cost difference is minimal.

Heritage: steel barrel held in with loc-tite, blued steel cylinder, ugly plastic safety, flat leaf springs, painted finish, cheesy looking grip frame, usually accurate, wooden grips sometimes a bit oversize.

Wrangler: screwed in steel barrel, blued steel cylinder, transfer bar safety, loading gate cylinder release, music wire springs, superior appearance and fit, Cerrakote finish that some don't like, very accurate, sights are well regulated, internally the same design as a Single Six, plastic grips interchangeable with Single Six grips.