Came across a cool old Bear-Cat---now it's home--pics added

[VonFatman]

I was at a gun shop that had a cool old Bear-Cat...it's s/n 176xx and I'd guess it's a 90% gun...it looks to be a 1962 vintage gun.

It felt pretty solid in my hands...heavier than I thought...it must have a steel ejector housing...I forgot to look.

The only drawback, the forward screw in the trigger frame has backed out a bit and the forward part of the frame has a very slight gap between it and the gun's frame....I did not check to see if it was stripped...guess I'll find out if I go back.

Never owned a Bear Cat...what do you Bear-Cat shooters like best 'bout these cute little rim-fires?

I'm kinda tempted to go back and buy that little critter!


Thanks

Bob

 

[mattsbox99]

You should buy it, but they didn't ever have steel ERHs. Bearcats are fun little woods packing pistols, they are quite a bit smaller than the Single Six.

 

[CajunBass]

You should buy it, but they didn't ever have steel ERHs. Bearcats are fun little woods packing pistols, they are quite a bit smaller than the Single Six.

Yes they are.

The Bearcat is maybe my favorite 22 pistol. Not for the range, but for knocking about in the woods. It's the perfect gun to carry when you don't want to carry a gun.

 

[flatgate]

..... they didn't ever have steel ERHs.

Hmm, only the first 60,000 or so had steel housings.....

flatgate

 

[VonFatman]

Thanks everyone. I am kinda tempted. I've never even priced a new one because I always thought I'd prefer the click-ity-click-click of a gun without a transfer-bar. This gun is $350. I doubt I could buy a new one for that money.

Bob

 

[transalp1961]

I could not resist one at my local gunshop. It came home with me today. Serial #112xxx. Don't know what year but it does not have the transfer bar. It also has the brass trigger guard. About 97% gun. Nice looking with the brass trigger guard.

 

[mattsbox99]

I guess I read the other thread on Bearcat ERHs wrong, sorry about that.

New right now they are about $400 or just under, but thats a pretty low SN and if its in great condition, I would buy it.

 

[VonFatman]

It came home with me...

I couldn't help myself! It's not a 90% gun, but it's very solid and tight...and who in their right mind can not take a run at an OM!!!

The front trigger guard screw was fine and tightened right up.

I just love that "click-ity-click-click" that just can't happen with a transfer-bar.

Well, I'd give this gun solid 75-80% cosmetically...mechanically, I'd put it up in the nineties.

Thanks for all the great replies.

BTW...I was simply astounded at the trigger of this "low-end" Ruger...man just unreal!

Here are a few pics...

Bob

 

[mattsbox99]

Nice score! They don't make them like that anymore.

 

[VonFatman]

Thanks mattsbox99! I'm very happy.

Bob

 

[SteveRuger]

Great old BearCat! Thanks for sharing! Love the story..

 

[WAYNO]

...what do you Bear-Cat shooters like best 'bout these cute little rim-fires?




Thanks

Bob

Best? They're really cute. :wink:

Nice gun.

WAYNO.

 

[VonFatman]

Thanks guys...
They are pretty darn cute! I recently got "interested" in OMs...this was bound to happen sooner or later.

Bob

 

[mattsbox99]

Really it is inevitable.

 

[CajunBass]

Nice looking little gun you got there.

Now go shoot it.

 

[bada61265]

those the original grips? i havnt seen them without the ruger emblem.

 

[VonFatman]

I don't know. I saw another in another g-store that were exactly the same. The gun was similar in age but worse condition and more money.

Bob

 

[flatgate]

Those are the correct grips.

The Bearcats didn't get real wood grips until late '63/early '64.

flatgate

 

[VonFatman]

flatgate,
Thanks for showing the difference. Nice Bearcats!!

Bob

 

[martyj]

very nice revolver