Erich
Member
Bowen .22 Mag conversion with Sack Peterson stocks:
(It's cute.)
(It's cute.)
-
Forum Update: We've upgraded the software to improve security, performance, and the overall experience.
👉 Read why we made the change | Support the Forum
Ruger Bearcat is a cute gun
- Thread starter Faulkner
- Start date
Ruger New Bearcats
I used to have an old model Bearcat, but sold it many years ago.
I currently have two New Model Bearcats; a blue one I've had for 14 years or so, and a stainless one I just picked up within the last year.
They're lots of fun to shoot, but that's always been the case with these small .22's.
I used to have an old model Bearcat, but sold it many years ago.
I currently have two New Model Bearcats; a blue one I've had for 14 years or so, and a stainless one I just picked up within the last year.
They're lots of fun to shoot, but that's always been the case with these small .22's.
Old Corp
Member
Have always admired the Bearcats. I'm afraid if I got one now it would languish in the safe.
My S&W M63 4" with it's newly finished-reamed chambers fills the same niche.
My S&W M63 4" with it's newly finished-reamed chambers fills the same niche.
schutzen-jager
Member
Such a little darlin to have around.
DOB 1968, purchased in 2012, stock photo.
I bought one like that NIB around 1970 for $40.00. Wish I had kept it.
I had several of the old models that I bought new at the time. They are a well made piece of cuteness and always ended up trading them off because everyone thought they were cute. I never did much good at shooting them accurately except short range. Don't see a lot of them on used market around this area. People that have them hold onto them. They are a nifty little SA but they ain't a m34. Adj sights would have made a big difference on them.
I THINK the Old Model cylinder is too short to rechamber to .22 Magnum. My New Model has the transfer bar, but loads like an Old Model (half cock.)
Last edited:
Biggfoot44
Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2013
- Messages
- 2,060
- Reaction score
- 1,595
I have a one owner 1963 Bearcat . I knew the owner .
The husband died after years of bad health . She sold a lot of the guns to our mutual aquaintence FFL , then she passed within a month also .
Came with 1963 synthetic MOP grips, 1963 Buchiemer holster ...... and her name engraved on the bottom of the grip . The flip side is that was the reason I could snatch up a VG condition 1963 Bearcat affordably . Someday I'll get some custom grips that extend below the butt to both conceal , and fit my hand better . Meanwhile I'm contemplating either a piece of black electrical tape, or strategically placed black nail polish .
Yes , for pure shooting , Single Sixes fit me better , but as noted above , the Kit Gun equivalent size fits its own niche .
The husband died after years of bad health . She sold a lot of the guns to our mutual aquaintence FFL , then she passed within a month also .
Came with 1963 synthetic MOP grips, 1963 Buchiemer holster ...... and her name engraved on the bottom of the grip . The flip side is that was the reason I could snatch up a VG condition 1963 Bearcat affordably . Someday I'll get some custom grips that extend below the butt to both conceal , and fit my hand better . Meanwhile I'm contemplating either a piece of black electrical tape, or strategically placed black nail polish .
Yes , for pure shooting , Single Sixes fit me better , but as noted above , the Kit Gun equivalent size fits its own niche .
Not often do you see Ruger and cute in the same sentence, however, handsome and No 1 works.
Erich
Member
Certainly correct, sir! To follow up on what Biggfoot44 said, the Bearcat is a kit gun (not only a cute gun
), and is certainly not as easy for an full-sized adult to shoot with accuracy as the larger Single Six (in the same way that the Single Six is not as practically accurate for most adults as a Winchester 52 target rifle . . . but they fill different needs). I frankly find the tiny grip frame of the (Remington-derived) Bearcat to be not well proportioned for me to be able shoot the gun as well as many other small guns I own. But I wore my little Bowen custom proudly to a Lincoln County wedding!
schutzen-jager
Member
carried mine loaded with .22 shorts in my right hip boot when checking traps - also worked to discourage feral dog packs that roamed the meadows + swamps -
MCorps0311
US Veteran
Cute, nice looking,I like the look of the Bearcat revolver,hope to own one one day.
km101
Member
The Bearcat was the first gun I ever bought for myself. Bought it in ‘64 I believe. (I was 15 at the time) IIRC it was $38 and change with the box of .22lr ammo. That little Bearcat made many a mile with me for several years after that in the E. Texas woods.
Great little gun and I still have it. I plan to give it to my grandson for his next birthday. Maybe he will keep it as long as I have!
Great little gun and I still have it. I plan to give it to my grandson for his next birthday. Maybe he will keep it as long as I have!
Harkrader
Member
I was teaching people to shoot, using the Ruger Single-Six. VERY popular gun. Students became quite attached to "their" gun and often insisted on buying the one they were shooting.
As good as they were, they were still to big for some hands. I got a couple Bearcats and they were instant hits. When given a choice, children often chose them over the Single-Six.
Like the Single Six, I went through a few of them as students bought mine.
Both the Bearcats in this pic are of the early type, from the '60s.
As good as they were, they were still to big for some hands. I got a couple Bearcats and they were instant hits. When given a choice, children often chose them over the Single-Six.
Like the Single Six, I went through a few of them as students bought mine.
Both the Bearcats in this pic are of the early type, from the '60s.
Puller
Member
Didn't want to start a new thread if there was already one on Ruger Bearcats, but like Faulkner's original post, I recently purchased a used Bearcat and they are cute. Serial number look-up shows it was made in 2004, but it's very clean. After a quick trip to the nearest gravel pit for some target practice I was very surprised at how accurate it is.
I remember someone posted a picture of a cross draw holster for one some time back but I've not been able to find it.
I remember someone posted a picture of a cross draw holster for one some time back but I've not been able to find it.
Attachments
If you're looking for a nice holster for one, check out the one Ruger sells on their website. You talk about cute. The holster doubles the cute factor at least.
I suspect you two have been married long enough to know that translates to "It's mine now."Since this thread is rather dated, did you ever see it again Faulkner?
Last edited:
BrovoEchoSierra
Member
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2021
- Messages
- 142
- Reaction score
- 220
wanted one of those for sometime now. Never found one when I had the money in hand to buy.
The closest I came what 4 or 5 years ago, when I was on the hunt for a single six, and found both at a show. Sadly I only had enough money with me to buy one gun, and chose the Single Six over the bearcat.
Probably more practical gun in the S S but I still long for a bearcat, with adjustable sights. Maybe one day...
The closest I came what 4 or 5 years ago, when I was on the hunt for a single six, and found both at a show. Sadly I only had enough money with me to buy one gun, and chose the Single Six over the bearcat.
Probably more practical gun in the S S but I still long for a bearcat, with adjustable sights. Maybe one day...
