Learning about Bearcats & Super Bearcats

[oldiron1]

Hi Guys, I seem to have been bitten by a "Bearcat Bug" recently and am looking to learn more about them in general and have a few questions as I read more:

I understand the "Super" Bearcat had a steel frame.....why did Ruger move to the alloy frame to the steel frame? Were there any other differences between the OM Bearcat and the Super Bearcat becides the trigger guard and frame material?

What constitutes an "Old Model" Bearcat from a "New Model" Bearcat? Was there a firing pin block added?

What frame material is Ruger using for the New models? I see there is a Stainless steel version offered as well as a blued alloy version per Ruger's website, but what confuses me is they are advertised as being the same weight....wouldn't the stainless steel frame be heavier?

Thanks in advance for the education!!

 

[rugerguy]

LOTS to say and tell and the books do cover it all ,but fear not there are a few Bearcat lovers on the Forum, and they like to talk about their guns......me , I just clean them for my wife, SHE "collects" them.........
the alloy frames were first, 1958, made for lightweight carry, ala "the kit guns" of S&W....the trigger guards are also alloy and finished in a gold anodize, looks like "brass",,,they stayed that way till the late 60's when Ruger came out with the Super bearcat, used a 91 prefix in the serial number at that time (Bearcats used the 90 prefix) as you noted the Super" was the steel version, mainly the cylinder/grip frame was cast in steel, one piece....still that way today, the "New Bearcats" are steel and stainless models were also available, steel , whether stainless or 4140 Chrome moly, are the same weight, so NO difference there..........there is NO firing pin block, the New ones as well as the "safety update" for the old models, use a transfer bar system.......please do get any of the Ruger books on Single actions and all this info will be covered in great 'detail'...I have just touched on the high pooints, lots of vaiations and other 'details' far too numerous for these old fingrs to try and type out..............they are cute, and neat , I have always liked and enjoyed them ( unless you have BIG hands or FAT fingers, then its something else...) :roll:

 

[Boge Quinn]

Welcome to the world of Bearcats! IMO they are simply wonderful sixguns, and far more accurate than their reputation allows. Here's some further reading...

Bill Hamm on the original Bearcat:
http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Bearcat.htm

Bill Hamm on the Super Bearcat:
http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_SuperBearcat.htm

Jeff Quinn on the New Bearcat:
http://www.gunblast.com/Bearcat.htm

Jeff Quinn on the stainless New Bearcat:
http://www.gunblast.com/Stainless_Bearcat.htm

Jeff Quinn on the 50th Anniversary New Bearcat:
http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-50thBearcat.htm

Terry Murbach on "The Sixgun God Smiled Upon":
http://www.gunblast.com/Murbach-Bearcat.htm

My beloved Bowen Bearcat convertible 22LR/22Magnum (it now belongs to one of my closest friends, the above-referenced Terry Murbach):
http://www.gunblast.com/Boge_BowenBearcat.htm

Bowen Classic Arms' "Perfected Bearcat":
http://www.gunblast.com/Boge_Bowen-PerfectedBearcat.htm

And my wonderful Harton 32 Bearcat, the first 32 Bearcat conversion Alan made. Mine is the blued one, the stainless one was made right after mine for my Yooper pal Lloyd Smale, who later gave his to Al Anderson's beautiful daughter Meg. American elk grips are by Eagle, fitted by Harton:

 

[rugerguy]

sorry Boge, I 'forgot'.............darn books, keep us old timers occupied :wink:

Gotta remember I still have a cell phone that is ONLY a phone.... 8)

 

[oldiron1]

Thanks a ton guys!!!

Boge, beautiful .32's! Man, I'm having "sensory overload" right now :lol:

 

[flatgate]

The above images were taken at the NRA Show a few years ago. Awesome display put together by a few Ruger Collectors' Assn. members.

The above display is centered on the "Alphabet" Bearcats.

I have a few Bearcats, too!

Here's a "Bearcat Trinket", a Ruger Employee Christmas Gift from SR&Co.

flatgate