First hand gun

[JFB]

I am sure this has been hashed before, but I have forgotten and had a firsthand experience Christmas.
I got my cousins Bearcats. Over the years I have given them 10/22s and BPSs so they are familiar with guns and safety.
But as I was showing them how to operate the intricate of a Single Action, I wondered if a double action might have been better.
However, they were more than ecstatic and seem to grasping quickly. Even though they did not always finish loading on an empty cylinder. (with only 5 rounds in hand, they wanted to “see” the first loaded chamber before closing the gate and putting the hammer down)

 

[22/45 Fan]

Current Bearcats have the same transfer bar safety action as current Ruger "New Model" centerfire single actions and can be safely loaded with all six rounds. If you got them the older model, then, yes, always carry it with an empty chamber under the hammer.

Look between the hammer face and the firing pin to see if it has the transfer bar.

 

[JFB]

my reason to teach the "load 1, skip 1, load 4" was that they have to take the hammer from half cocked following loading. doing that on an empty chamber until they devolp better dexterity.

one thing I did learn yesterday was that the Bearcat cylinder encloses the rim, thus one can not get a glismpe if it is loaded, thus having to do a half cock, open gate and spin to see if unloaded.

just my concern of hammer control with young fingers

 

[eveled]

Nice present. A Bearcat is a joy to own and shoot.

I dreamed of having a single six convertible for most of my child hood. My dad had one at one time, and raved about it, as well as most of his contemporaries. When it came time to lay down the cash a used .357 Blackhawk was screening my name from under the glass. So it was my first handgun.

I think a single action revolver is the very best way to start. It will slow them down just enough. A double action .22 would have been a mistake. Most are very expensive, and have heavy triggers.

 

[Mobuck]

I've never had a single action 22 revolver. Dad didn't think much of them and I guess it rubbed off.
The thing that really put me off wasn't actually the SA revolver but the operator(s) but the manual of arms didn't help either. Two guys showed up at my first CCW certification with a Single-Six. In the process of shooting 60 rounds, I firmly believe they pointed that revolver at everyone and everything on the range during loading/unloading.

 

[JFB]

WELL..not so good news...

the cousins went through the couple hundred low noise rounds I gave them then started using thier normal rifle ammo and the guns have FAILED.

It started with from half cock not being able to continue to full. and finally the hammer/trigger locked at half cocked!

 

[NH Rugerman]

Make sure the base pin(s) are fully inserted and locked into position....from the owner’s manual:

2. Note: The base pin must be fully inserted and locked in position by the base pin latch. If the base pin is not fully inserted and locked, the transfer bar may catch under the firing pin as the hammer is being cocked.

Good luck

 

[JFB]

between by poor eyes, and loss of dexterity. I "think" that is what happened yesterday. I know they took it to the Gun Shop where I bought them and heard it is working now.

edit...Nope, one of the two is still not right. When taken to 1/2 cock, it locks up cylinder. Holding hammer just before 1/2 cock click allows the cylinder to spin for load/unload so they were still able to shooting today. told their Father to emailing Ruger for R&R instructions