Early Ruger Bearcat question

[P&R Fan]

I have a client who's late husband left her a really nice Ruger Bearcat, serial number 77xxx. I believe it dates to 1966. Somehow she mis-placed the base pin. I have found them available online but I'm wondering if they were changed at any time during production, or will a later pin work in this one?
Also, even though she has no plans to sell it, what would one in really nice shape be worth?
Thanks.
Jim

 

[bigolddave]

I can't speak to the base pin problem, but I gave my wife one for Valentines Day in 1967, and the serial number is 59xxx. This is one where the box can add quite a bit to the value; I would think it would be hard to find one for less than $350, with the box adding $75. I have seen the early ones as high as $500, but that seems like too much.

 

[Stevie]

Don't know about the cylinder pins...but the new production grips will plug right on a steel framed old model Bearcat.

Ruger's website says they won't but they are a perfect fit.

Call Ruger and ask about the cylinder pin...

 

[Dan M]

I am pretty sure that all Bearcat base pins should work while a New model probably has the plunger pin in the end but it will still work.
Forum member dant usually has a few spare parts in his stash and I might have one but it is buried right now, but I will look this weekend for you.

Dan

 

[P&R Fan]

Thanks for the replies.
She has the box and it's in really nice shape too, although I don't think there's any papers in it.
Dan, if you have a pin let me know. I know she would really like to get it back together, and so would I.
Jim

 

[Dan M]

Jim,
I dug out my Ruger parts bin and I had everything but a Base pin, Sorry Try PM'ing Dan T his username is dant.

Dan

 

[P&R Fan]

Update:
No luck at Brownells or Ruger, but Numrich arms had one. Got it yesterday. Apparently the Old Model is different. Ruger told me if it has the transfer bar it is slightly different.
Now to put it together and shoot it. My client just got her carry permit, and I'll bet she keeps it in her car, loaded with 5 Beans in the Wheel, of course.
Guess it's better than a harsh word.
Jim

 

[mod34]

They changed the base pins a bit in general configuration, but not size. Shoot me a PM and in the mean time I'll look in my little box of goodies, I may have one of that vintage.

 

[P&R Fan]

Thanks. I haven't had a chance to install it yet, but if it doesn't fit I'll do that.
Jim

 

[mod34]

p.s.
Regarding value, I'd say a really nice one with box and paperwork around $425 or so. A nice "Alphabet" Bearcat might bring a little more.

 

[P&R Fan]

p.s.
Regarding value, I'd say a really nice one with box and paperwork around $425 or so. A nice "Alphabet" Bearcat might bring a little more.

I'm not really up to speed on these. What is an Alphabet Bearcat?
Jim

 

[dant]

Jim, glad you got a pin for her gun, new or old, it should work,only difference is a 'plunger' on the end, and will not interfer with 'old ' model operation....(the plunger pushes against the transfer bar ,IF there was one in the gun....)
as for the '
alphabet bearcats, that is a term they use for the early Bearcats in 1958, when Ruger used each letter of the alphabet to number their guns, starting with "A" , it was A001-through A999, then "B, then C and so on...they used all the letters of the alphabet EXCEPT "O" as it is too close to being as "0" (zero)............
Ruger did some "odd" things with their serial numbering way back when,jumped around, goofed and "duplicated", had to go back , and stamnp a "D" in the serial number, some in front, some on the end (prefix & suffix)
sounds like a nice gun she has and if there is a box also, its a solid $350-400 value, plus value...........