Bearcat vs. Super Bearcat

[ShortBBL]

Can you guys who know, let me know what the differences are in these two models? I'd like to find me a nice older model but don't know which I would want and the differences between them. Also, is there a way when you see one out of the box, to immediately see it is one or the other? A sure sign?

And lastly, what years were they made? (I know they still make the Bearcat new models)

Thanks! Pictures are always welcome of course!

 

[rugerguy]

tough to be able to just "see" one if it was laying there, and not in hands reach...they look that much alike, UNTIL you pick up , feel the heavier weight of the 'Super', see the serial number 'difference' ( the early Supers, had a prefix number that started at #91)...the early bearcats had NO prefix, until the 1968 gun control act, and Ruger used the prefix #90 for them...again BOTH guns LOOK alike....later on the Supers used a 'steel' trigger guard, instead of the 'early' brass anodised (gold) colored aluminum ones......Bearcats ran from 1958 till 1970, Supers came out 1971
The SuperBearcat guns continued until the 'new model' era of Ruger in 1973/74, and "new model bearcats" came out about 20 years later ..........as the guys often, say" read the books" you can see pictures of all the differences, get "exact" serial number info and dates of any and all the changes....lots of them to choose from ( variations)
Flatgate probably has LOTS of pictures fo them he likes to 'show' :wink:

 

[Sam Johnson]

As rugerguy says the weight difference, 17 oz for the alloy frame Bearcat and 24 oz for the steel frame Super Bearcat. Also the early Bearcats did not have the grip medallions.
Sam

 

[ShortBBL]

Good info! Thanks guys!

 

[ShortBBL]

Oh, one more thing!

For holster making purposes.... how close are the original and the new bearcats, size/shape wise? Is the new model exactly the same out the outsides, as the old model or are there some changes?

Thanks again!

 

[rugerguy]

same holster size for any of them...............too small of a dimension 'change' to make a difference, the newer bearcats the cylinder is ever so slightly 'longer'..........and the company made the barrel about 1/8 inch longer for shipment into canada???? canadian 'laws' make it neccesary for this "longer" than 4 inch barrel........duh :roll:

 

[ranger1]

Also, is there a way when you see one out of the box, to immediately see it is one or the other? A sure sign?

All New Model Bearcats (1993-present), will be roll marked “Ruger New Bearcat” and serial numbered 93-00000 and above.

 

[ranger1]

Oh, one more thing!

For holster making purposes.... how close are the original and the new bearcats, size/shape wise? Is the new model exactly the same out the outsides, as the old model or are there some changes?

Thanks again!

As rugerguy stated, Ruger increased the barrel length from about 4.00" to 4.20" in 2009....according to their catalogs anyway :!:

 

[Sam Johnson]

Another difference is the New Model Bearcat has the wide hammer spur, easy to recognize on the table.

Thanks flatgate, corrected..

 

[rugerguy]

same goes for the ones that have the "safety update",BUT this in no way would make the holster configuration any different.......... I happen to like the look of the wide spur hammer besides........

 

[Ladobe]

Some info/picutres on the Super Bearcats 1971-1974...

http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_SuperBearcat.htm

And their approximate starting serial numbers for each year from the Ruger website.

90-09801 1970 ?
91-00051 1971
91-25001 1972
91-46701 1973
91-62904 1974

My Super Beacrcat is circa 1971.

 

[ShortBBL]

Great info! Thanks again!

 

[flatgate]

I believe the discussion above about "New Bearcat" triggers is actually making reference to the New Bearcat's Wide Spur Hammer.

It's easy to see the wide spur hammer and the "skinny" trigger.

Ruger's Super Bearcat, with its' investment cast steel "receiver" was introduced in July of '71, several months after the Bearcat was discontinued from production.

JMHO,

flatgate