Erich
Member
I'll play.
This one went to Mr. Bowen's . . .
This one went to Mr. Bowen's . . .
Ruger Bearcat
- Thread starter CZU
- Start date
Alk8944
US Veteran
I have always thought the Bearcat was one of the cutest pistols anyone ever produced. I have never owned one because I have had several Model 34s over the past 60+ years, but I have come close several times. I have never really been a single-action fan except for the nostalgia although I own and have owned several Rugers. They are great for hunting guns, but the tedium of loading them when used as plinkers is just too much!
If I couldn't have a Kit Gun I would be all over a Bearcat!
If I couldn't have a Kit Gun I would be all over a Bearcat!
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Never seen a Bearcat in real life, let alone a picture, without the brass trigger frame. What are these blued versions?
Alpo
Member
Erich
Member
Those are the post-'93 ones.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
What did you have Mr. Bowen do to yours??
Was the only handgun my dad owned. It protected us living in the country and on many trips across New Mexico riding in the glove box. Its holster was an old sock and resided in my dad's sock drawer. Only saw him remove it from the sock one time while trying to assist a stranded motorist at night. Different times for sure.
This one is called the "New Bearcat", I think they were introduced around 1993. The version that you recall was simply "Bearcat" and was introduced in the early 60's. Somewhere between those 2 models the "Super Bearcat" appeared, sometime in the 70's I think.
Alpo
Member
I'd add to the previous responses that besides the New Bearcat, late Super Bearcats (1972 to '74) can also be found with blued steel trigger guards instead of the "brass" ones. In addition, in 1966 there was a single shipment of 79 Bearcats (with serial numbers ranging from 73465 to 76339) which were annotated on their invoice as having "black trigger guards". Their composition isn't documented so far as I know (possibly simply black anodized aluminum). In any case, this variation constitutes a "grail" gun for the Ruger collector.
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I think some came with a spare cylinder in 22 mag.
I have a couple of Single Sixes that are a blast to shoot. I’ve always wanted a Bearcat ever since I couldn’t talk my friend out of his when he showed it to me many years ago. I think I’ve only seen one other over the years since but didn’t have the foresight to grab it when I had the chance.
Erich
Member
Hamilton did an action/trigger job and rechambered it, polished off the rollmark and reblued it, and regulated (for .22 Mag) and serrated the front sight (to make it stand out better). It took them a minute, but they're not doing these anymore so I guess I have something to pass down. Seems a little silly in retrospect. It throws 40-grainers at around 1450 fps. Those are Sack Peterson stocks and an unnecessary Belt Mountain cylinder base pin.
GypsmJim
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Tuesday is my range day. After reading this thread I took the Bearcat with me today.
I prefer handguns with adjustable sights, but I have a few single actions with fixed sights.
The 'ole Bearcat hit the bull better than my Wrangler. Nevertheless, I didn't take my K22 with me today because I knew it would shame them both.
I prefer handguns with adjustable sights, but I have a few single actions with fixed sights.
The 'ole Bearcat hit the bull better than my Wrangler. Nevertheless, I didn't take my K22 with me today because I knew it would shame them both.
Glenn R. McMannly
Member
Bearcat production is on permanent hiatus at Ruger so examples include the wild have become incredibly scarce and pricey.
Don’t let that one go!!
Don’t let that one go!!
Should have never opened this thread...
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