Bearcat information needed

[Fox Mike]

I had this also in the Rimfire section but perhaps I will do better here. I am wondering if anyone knows when the Bearcat started to be made with the 4.20" barrel. I know why but cannot find the timeline on the change. Best WAG I can come up with is 2009.

 

[pete44ru]

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What's the "why" that you know ?

I'm thinkin' that if the "why" is the change in frame size between OM BC's & NM BC's, then 1994 (when the LR/WMR convertible was introduced) is the date you're looking for.

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[Fox Mike]

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What's the "why" that you know ?

I'm thinkin' that if the "why" is the change in frame size between OM BC's & NM BC's, then 1994 (when the LR/WMR convertible was introduced) is the date you're looking for.

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The why is so they could be legal in Canada. They require a barrel be longer than 4" for a handgun. Actually the size remained the same but went from an aluminum to a steel frame in the Super. The 'new model' was introduced with a transfer bar. The frame sizes are still the same.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Yeah, prohibited handgun barrel length in Canada is "less than or equal to 105mm" or 4.134" so I guess Ruger just "rounded up" to be safe.

Over the years, I've noted tolerance in barrel length of +/- 1/6" or so.

:roll:

 

[flattop44]

Mike, you are correct, according to the RENE "Reference of Ruger Firearms, Vol. 1" is indeed 2009.
Bill

 

[Fox Mike]

Good enough. Thanks for the reply.

 

[pete44ru]

Actually the size remained the same but went from an aluminum to a steel frame in the Super.

The 'new model' was introduced with a transfer bar.

The frame sizes are still the same.

Hmmmmm

It was my understanding that the New Model BC cylinders are longer to better accommodate the WMR cylinder in the 1999 (recalled ) convertibles, including a larger frame/opening.


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[Fox Mike]

Actually the size remained the same but went from an aluminum to a steel frame in the Super.

The 'new model' was introduced with a transfer bar.

The frame sizes are still the same.

Hmmmmm

It was my understanding that the New Model BC cylinders are longer to better accommodate the WMR cylinder in the 1999 (recalled ) convertibles, including a larger frame/opening.


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You are correct. I should have said that the basic frame design remained the same. The NM is just a wee bit larger.