Ruger Bearcat?

radio · Post by **radio** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:43 am

My buddy also has the Bearcat on his "must have" list and has already been in touch with the largest Ruger collector/appraiser/dealer in the area and will be meeting him at this weekend's gun show to pick one for his very own.

He has always wanted and will get one in the 1977 (maybe) range. I don't keep up with them, but that's the model/year (I think) he's after. The dealer has "many" to choose from ranging from beaters to shooters to collector quality.

I'd love to have one myself, but am hurting for gun funds right now.

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:31 pm

bigfatdave wrote:Tigerbeetle, that's a good point about carry comfort, I was thinking range toy more than carry.

ruger22, you're wanting an all-stainless .22lr/.22mag convertible single-action wheelgun?
Are you aware of NAA? North American Arms makes nice little target models with real sights as well as their little bitty mouseguns for navel carry.
With the right grips they're fairly comfortable to shoot, even ... and they're amazingly reliable.

My Single-Six IS an all stainless convertable SA. I just like the size and above even usual Ruger quality in the Bearcat (for the price it should be). I know about NAA's micro revolvers; just too, too tiny.

I considered NAA's Guardian autoloaders before I bought my first Beretta Bobcat. Didn't care for DAO, and they've had issues with spring breakage.

Jack D · Post by **Jack D** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 4:57 pm

I bought a new "Super Bearcat" when they first came available (paid $65). They were all blued steel and brass (no aluminum). Sold it a several years ago ($320) and bought a MkII stainless.

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 8:53 pm

Did you have the very first of the "Super" Bearcats? I think they came out in 1993. Had two cylinders, like a Single-Six, for either .22 LR or .22 Magnum. Some sort of cylinder index problem (wasn't idiot proof) ended the Magnum feature. The few that got out are very collectable.

Jack D · Post by **Jack D** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:12 pm

ruger22 wrote:Did you have the very first of the "Super" Bearcats? I think they came out in 1993. Had two cylinders, like a Single-Six, for either .22 LR or .22 Magnum. Some sort of cylinder index problem (wasn't idiot proof) ended the Magnum feature. The few that got out are very collectable.

It was much earlier than that....probably 70's.

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:21 pm

Jack D wrote: It was much earlier than that....probably 70's.

Well, you had one of the "Old Model" three-screw Bearcats, 1958-74. The Super Bearcat of that model meant the switch from an alloy to a steel frame, beginning in May 1971 (according to the Ruger book by R.L. Wilson).

Jack D · Post by **Jack D** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:37 pm

ruger22 wrote:
Jack D wrote: It was much earlier than that....probably 70's.
Well, you had one of the "Old Model" three-screw Bearcats, 1958-74. The Super Bearcat of that model meant the switch from an alloy to a steel frame, beginning in May 1971 (according to the Ruger book by R.L. Wilson).

Exactly! Fine piece it was, too.