Heritage Firearms was founded in 1992 by Jay Bernkrant and Maria Diaz, focusing on producing affordable, American-made, Old West-style single-action revolvers. The flagship Rough Rider .22 LR revolver, inspired by the Colt Single Action Army and Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders, debuted that same year. In 2012, Taurus Arms acquired the company, moving production to Bainbridge, Georgia, in 2019, where it continues to produce budget-friendly revolvers and long guns