More talk of adjustable sight bearcat

The Bowen "Perfected Bearcat" is a nice example... Hopefully Ruger uses it as a design guide.

http://www.gunblast.com/Boge_Bowen-PerfectedBearcat.htm

Cordite

As pictured , it's much more like the conventional Super Single-Six, complete with the "protected" rear sight.

Of course, that one may just be a "one-off" prototype, but . . .

The Bowen example is certainly more svelte and graceful, more fitting to the compact nature of the Bearcat.

I like how Bowen blends the front of the rear sight mount into the top strap of the frame.... Nice curved shape. Maybe too much to ask for a production revolver but it makes the adjustable rear sight look like part of the revolver design rather than something added on later.

Cordite

Well, given that the frame will almost assuredly be an investment casting, that neat contour should not be cost-prohibitive. Ruger's manufacturing gang should be able to make it nice, if the bean-counters say it's worth the effort.

One thought . . . if there's not much difference in the price between the "improved" Bearcat and the existing Single-Six I'm not sure this would be a viable product. Ruger wouldn't want to have two of its offerings competing with each other for market share.

On the other hand, with the addition of the Single-Nine, the Single-Ten, and now the Single-Seven in 327, perhaps Ruger feels the need to boost single action interest . . . hmmm?

:wink:

Ale-8(1) said:

One thought . . . if there's not much difference in the price between the "improved" Bearcat and the existing Single-Six I'm not sure this would be a viable product. Ruger wouldn't want to have two of its offerings competing with each other for market share.

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The way I see it is if you are going to compete for market share it's best to compete with yourself. The total top line sales number at Ruger should increase with both products in the mix, all other things being equal. If the two products are different enough the improved Bearcat should not depress Single Six sales to the point where both products are not profitable. Ruger Marketing dept. can help keep this on track. Perhaps Ruger can offer a special grip material for the improved Bearcat to help differentiate it... don't laugh; take a look at the automotive world. They change sheet metal all the time while the basic car underneath remains the same.

Mike Fifer has it right that new product introductions drive sales. Best to try many new things to possibly open up new markets. Corny baseball analogy... You won't hit a home run every time you step up to the plate but you won't hit any at all if you don't swing the bat.

Cordite

Well, if nothing else it would surely give the serious New Model collectors another one to acquire, and/or those who specialize in the 'Cats.

Jason at Lipsey's said:

Stay tuned guys.....

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Please give us a convertible.

I think it's interesting how many die hard EK fans don't like his idea; the protected rear sight;-) Or his input on the ultimate production Single Action, the Super Blackhawk...

Well, I have waited a long time for an adjustable sighted Bearcat.... Count me in, I will sure purchase one! I am also very happy when I hear Jason from Lipsey's tell us to "Stay Tuned" on it!

I know that means there are some good things coming down the line....I am standing by to see what it is!!!

RABULL said:

Well, I have waited a long time for an adjustable sighted Bearcat.... Count me in, I will sure purchase one! I am also very happy when I hear Jason from Lipsey's tell us to "Stay Tuned" on it!

I know that means there are some good things coming down the line....I am standing by to see what it is!!!

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+1. No need to say anything more, really; except perhaps "I'll take one!"

The best thing anymore about Christmas is shot show is only three weeks away, can't wait to see the new stuff!!

If the production model is anything like the prototype shown, it sure spoils the lines of the Bearcat.

nvbirdman said:

If the production model is anything like the prototype shown, it sure spoils the lines of the Bearcat.

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No more than it spoils the lines of the Single Six.
That front sight can use some smoothing, but I'll be they'll get it right. If they don't, at least the difficult rear sight will be taken care of and there will probably be an almost immediate aftermarket for front sight options, particularly if it's simply screwed into the barrel.

Triggernosis said:

No more than it spoils the lines of the Single Six.

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And no more than the Blackhawk spoils the lines of the Colt SAA. Sometimes you want "lines", sometimes you want a squared-up, all black sight picture.

Varminterror said:

I'm REALLY wishing they'd have used the old SP101 adjustable sight instead of the GP100/RH/SRH/BH/SBH style...

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The old SP-101's "adjustable" sights were only adjustable for windage and that was a major flaw. The current 4.2" SP's finally have real adjustable sights and it's a big improvement.

That Taffin Bearcat has a Bisley grip......now THAT'S a cool alteration for the eventual standard sighted Bearcat.

http://lipseys.com/itemfinder.aspx?mfg=Ruger&family=Bearcat+Series&type=Revolver

Bear Paw Jack said:

http://lipseys.com/itemfinder.aspx?mfg=Ruger&family=Bearcat+Series&type=Revolver

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That one DEFINITELY will have to find a home here. Gonna contact my Lipsey dealer today and try to get an order in.
UPDATE: Went to my LGS and watched as she placed the order.

I wonder what they weigh. I didn't see that listed on the specs anywhere, but maybe I'm blind.

It looks like they probably picked up a few ounces with the thicker top strap and the sights. But it should still be quite a bit lighter than the Single Six.

If it were a convertible, it might be perfect.

SR

The stainless one I picked up yesterday weighs just a hair under one pound ten ounces.

The sights do stick up a bit.
No Bisley grip, retains the Semi-Remy of the standard Bearcats.
Denis