Bearcat #4 & #5

Traded a ABU 5500C reel on a Fenwick graphite rod for a Bearcat in about 1978... Little jewel was as new in the box with papers... Even back then there was collector interest in the little beasties. That one got traded away to a collector pretty quick. Traded for a pair of stainless Super Bearcats a few years back... Those were #1, #2, and #3 Bearcats... This morning we added 1507 and 27349 to our set. No boxes, no papers... 1507 is well worn but 27349 is 95% or better. The only real difference I see in the two is the dimpled ejector button on 1507. Haven't pulled my RENE stuff out yet but the coffee pot just beeped so I think it is time..
Here is 1507:



And 27349:

That Early Bearcat Looks like i 507 To me?

Just put my RENE references down.. There is no such thing as a 1507 Bearcat... This is in fact an Alpha Cat! "I"507
I had always wondered what the Alpha Cat stuff was about.. I had it pretty much figured out at a high level but I learned some details today and acquired my first Alpha Cat!

AXE--man you are on the move :!: WAY to go

I was laughing the second I saw the image label.......

Eye Five Ought Seven is a nice one, Axe!

27349 is GREAT! Now, LOOK OUT or you'll fall into the trap......



flatgate

I may need one or two more.... :roll:

For those who don't subscribe to RENE... The RENE reference says I507 is a 1959 (second year) Bearcat. 27349 is 1963 production...

Nice Cats Axe.

Must be the Cats of November. Last night we picked up Super Bear Cat 91-44676 and this morning Tusconite pointed us toward Apha V988 which we snapped up in a flash. Both boxed.

Congrats on your catches.

Whats an ABU 5500C reel on a Fenwick graphite rod worth now days? I have all my dads old rods and reels he used when he fished professionally in the 70's. I have not used them in 20+ years, he left them to me and they have kind of a sentimental side to em. Was reading your post and got me to thinking...you wanna trade back? lol

I haven't a clue but I think the Bearcat may have appreciated a little faster than most fresh water fishing equipment from the 70s and 80s. My tastes in fishing equipment has evolved to stuff like fiberglass rods, Zebco reels, crappie jigs and Beetle Spins.... 8)

Axe....does that 27349 Bearcat have the recoil plate cross pin going straight through the rear of the topstrap or does it angle into the loading gate opening of the frame? Either way it will improve a sn range for where that change was made.
Chet15

I'll look and post the answer tonight..

27349 Bearcat's recoil plate cross pin angles into the loading gate opening of the frame.

Axehandle said:

27349 Bearcat's recoil plate cross pin angles into the loading gate opening of the frame.

Click to expand...

Thanks Axe. Now I'm at least within a thousand guns of that change happening. Have it occuring between 26476 and 27349 at the present.
Chet15

HEY WRONGSIDE, there is a market out there for old fishing gear. you're stuff may be worth more then you think. in the past, i've seen Cabela's ads wanting old fishing gear. you may be able to get some info from them.