Just bought a new 1961 Bearcat, should I shoot it?

[Willaminaor]

So I picked this up on a whim since I've wanted one for a long time. Then as I'm realizing more what I may have, I'm wondering if it's what I really want. I'd like to have a Bearcat for shooting fun, myself and kids. What it appears I have is a new in the box 1961 Bearcat. I can see it's been handled some but if it's been shot I can't tell. I feel like it'd be a shame to shoot it if it's gotten to be 54 years old without being shot.

What would I look for to tell if it's been fired? Is value going to drop if I do fire it since I can't say for sure it's unfired? Should I just resell it and buy a new one? Is it worth more than a new one costs? Anybody want to trade?

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!
To give a good honest answer to all your questions,,, we'd need a bit more info for some of it.
A NICE, As New In Box (ANIB) with all the papers, hopefully the shipper, (brown cardboard outer cover over the box,) etc is desirable to collectors. Next, for collectors such as myself,, we look at serial numbers to help us determine the values & desirability. Pictures of the gun help immensely. (You can go the the "Gallery" section here & get a tutorial on how to post pics.)
As for telltale signs of previous shooting,,, experienced collectors look at a lot of little things, that generally require hands on inspection. A properly cared for gun can be shot, yet when cleaned, appear unfired to the untrained eye.
One BIG thing to make sure you keep it in good looking condition. Always, always, always fully cock the hammer before lowering it. Never lower the hammer from the 1/2 cock position.
Do you want a serious shooter & not mess up a collectable grade gun? Looking for a trade or sale? PM me & we can discuss it privately.

 

[Fox Mike]

Would love to see some photos of it. If you might be interested in getting rid of it I know a guy, me, that would probably jump on it like a bird on a bug. :D

If you need more info on how to post it go to this post. http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=51390

 

[huntsman22]

I feel like it'd be a shame to shoot it if it's gotten to be 54 years old without being shot.

The real shame is not making up for lost time.........

 

[street]

I feel like it'd be a shame to shoot it if it's gotten to be 54 years old without being shot.

The real shame is not making up for lost time.........

That would not be possible as he didn't have this gun for 54 years. Had the previous owner or owners carries this gun in a holster, beat and banged it around in a glove compart of his pickup, and worn off most of the finish on both the bluing and in the process of scratching up the grips. Then this discussion wouldn't be happening. 54 year old guns that appear to not be shot and both have the box and paperwork are few and far between. There is a group of people that are beating the brush and looking for just such guns. These people are willing to pay a premium for such guns. They are called Ruger Collectors.

The smart play is to sell this gun to a collector and take the money and buy a used somewhat worn version and with the extra money you can buy a whole lot of ammunition and get 58 years worth of lost time shooting it up.

 

[Danjet500]

What Street said. :D

 

[rugerguy]

easy enough to know and find out, just remove the cylinder and look it over with a good light look at and then around the rear of the barrel, up under the top strap, and inside of the forcing cone, as well as the muzzle, you can and will SEE leading, fouling, whatever ,if its been shot and most have been few and far between for a gun that was NEVER fired,let alone handled.............there is more concern with how much handling, wear is on the outside, and around the cylinder, and the muzzle as well as the end of the ejector rod, this "wear" or loss of any "original" finish is what prices are based on..if it ain't "rode hard and put away wet" you'll be OK...see far too many guns with all kinds of handling wear and usage ( played with) and some are about "unfired" as can be,,,this happens with many guns that sit around in a shop, on the case shelf, handled and played with day after day, you can make a brand new gun look "well used" in a very short time.........
Nice to see some pictures and make a better opinion, all subjective and speculative....... :wink:

 

[Cholo]

So, it shows it's been handled. It's not LNIB, so shoot the hell out of it. My 2 granddaughters have liked my Bearcat more than any other handgun I own. I didn't know what I was missing until I bought mine in '96. It always goes with me when shooting.

 

[Willaminaor]

So I posted a picture on a forum with a very similar name as this one, if you all want to go see a picture. It's a lot easier to post pics there. I did get a chance to look at it in better light. It may have been fired a few rounds. The only real wear I see is a tiny little spot on the front edge of the cylinder, I'm guessing from moving around in the box and rubbing on the bottom.

Opinion seems to be to shoot it, have fun. I think if someone hasn't talked me out if it by Sunday I may take it out and see how it shoots.

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[Fox Mike]

So I posted a picture on a forum with a very similar name as this one, if you all want to go see a picture. It's a lot easier to post pics there.

Where on the other forum is the photo posted. Could you give us a link? I might just be interested but not until I can see it all. :)

 

[Uncle Howie]

So I posted a picture on a forum with a very similar name as this one, if you all want to go see a picture. It's a lot easier to post pics there.

Where on the other forum is the photo posted. Could you give us a link? I might just be interested but not until I can see it all. :)

I'm guessing this is the post:
http://rugerforum.net/ruger-single-action/138477-just-bought-new-1961-bearcat-should-i-shoot.html

Of course, I can't see the pictures over there, as I'm not a member of that forum! :mrgreen:

 

[rugerguy]

took a look at it, nice gun, a bit rough box but for what it is and what you got it for, USE it, just take care of it, as I said earlier "do NOT ride it hard and put it away wet..." :wink:

 

[Willaminaor]

Yeah, that's the post. Sorry, I didn't think about having to be Member there to view the picture. Can you private message me on this forum? Send me an email address and I'll email the picture I have.

Thanks,
Bryan