Bearcat VS. Super Bearcat?

[oldiron1]

Hi Guys,

I'm just starting to learn about Bearcats....and I'm sure my question reflects how little I know:

What is the difference(s) between a Bearcat and a "Super" Bearcat?

Thanks!

 

[Sam Johnson]

Short answer is the weight.. 17 oz for the Bearcat and 24 oz for the Super.
the Bearcat has an alloy cylinder/grip frame and the Super is steel.

 

[oldiron1]

Thanks Sam,

Are the grip frames the same size between the Bearcat and the Super Bearcat?

 

[flatgate]

oldiron1,

Yes, basically, however there are slight differences and one can encounter fitting problems when swapping early Bearcat grips with Super Bearcat revolvers or visa versa.

flatgate

 

[Anonymous]

This discussion should include the point that Bearcat and Super Bearcat, here, refers to the Old Models. The Super came out in 1971 near the end of OM production in 1973. New Bearcats, introduced 1993, are all either blued steel or stainless steel framed.

 

[stantheman86]

I am also interested in this question......so all the "new production" Bearcats are the steel frame and cylinder "Super Bearcats?"

 

[flatgate]

I am also interested in this question......so all the "new production" Bearcats are the steel frame and cylinder "Super Bearcats?"

Yes, and they "reflect" the design changes instituted which accommodated the .22 Magnum chambering. Ah, but the "convertible" New Bearcats, with their slightly longer cylinder frames and cylinders, were very short "lived".
They were soon recalled by SR&Co., whom claimed a "timing" problem. Hmm, we collectors had our doubts. MY OPINION is that the only problem was abusive shooters. Fanning the .22 magnum chambering could result in slightly "out of battery" cartridge discharges, which can result in dangerous "spitting" of copper jacket fragments from the .22 Magnum bullets. Whatever, Ruger recalled the .22 Magnum cylinders....and the current production New Bearcats, despite their extended cylinder frames and cylinders, are only chambered in .22 LR.

JMHO,

flatgate

 

[stantheman86]

It's too bad, a .22 WMR New Bearcat would be a neat little gun. They are neat in .22 LR too, but I hope Ruger once again makes them in .22 WMR.

 

[VictorLouis]

IIRC, Hamilton Bowen will ream one out to WMR for you...

 

[Boge Quinn]

My Bowen "Perfected Bearcat" (http://www.gunblast.com/Boge_Bowen-PerfectedBearcat.htm) went back to Hamilton today to have an extra Magnum cylinder fitted. He will be offering it as a catalog item, and I'll be updating the article once it comes back home. An adjustable-sighted 22 LR / 22 Mag convertible Bearcat is just WAY fun!

 

[deserttrans]

Nice lookin cat there.

 

[flatgate]

It's too bad, a .22 WMR New Bearcat would be a neat little gun.

Yeah, I know this guy from Wyoming whom has three consecutively serial numbered New Bearcat Convertibles!

flatgate

 

[Boge Quinn]

I NEED one a dem, and they ain't getting any cheaper.

 

[WIL TERRY]

I gotta BOWEN BEARCAT 22/22MAG convertible I can sell you. Better yet, how 'bout a trade for your new pickup, even up, I won't even ask for boot this time.

 

[street]

It's too bad, a .22 WMR New Bearcat would be a neat little gun.

Yeah, I know this guy from Wyoming whom has three consecutively serial numbered New Bearcat Convertibles!

flatgate

Flatgate! The only thing wrong with those Bearcats, they are not in my safe. :lol: :roll: . Never get tired of seeing them.

 

[Boge Quinn]

I gotta BOWEN BEARCAT 22/22MAG convertible I can sell you. Better yet, how 'bout a trade for your new pickup, even up, I won't even ask for boot this time.

You done screwed me once!

8) 8) 8)