justiceisraped
Bearcat
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2011
- Messages
- 1
How many new Bearcat owners out there? Thinking this may be my next piece.
New Bearcat owners
- Thread starter justiceisraped
- Start date
DanChamberlain
Single-Sixer
I have one of the "new" models, but it's 10 years old or so.
Dan
Dan
contender
Ruger Guru
Welcome to the Forum!
THere are a bunch of us who own them.
Good little guns,, that can surprise you at how much fun you can have when shooting.
THere are a bunch of us who own them.
Good little guns,, that can surprise you at how much fun you can have when shooting.
Calthrop
Single-Sixer
Welcome to the Forum.
You really need to think this purchase over. When the search motor here works and sputters to life. You might enter the subject of the BearCat.
Some folks say it is a cult item and possibly the most popular .22lr around.
Some scorn it in favor of the Single-Six because with the Six you get the all important extra Magnum cylinder. However there is a little talked about group of BearCat shooters who rechamber their guns to handle the .22Magnum.
Some critics say the little gun is to small to shoot properly. Then a legion of ham handed owners including this writer who come to the little guns defense. Yes it is small that makes it 20 ounce packable trail gun.
Handling is sometimes a chore with the stocks that come on the blue guns. In MMVVHO they suck. There are aftermarket stocks that make the grip easier to manage. The ones that come with the stainless ones are good. I have a set made by a fellow member: Woodpile that a fine. There is a guy that makes some from antler and I think they are on sale now for about $70.00. Ruger wil sell you the ones that come on the stainless guns via the Store. They are wider and thicker.
To tell you the truth mine was not easy to learn to shoot at first. I was not the guns fault. I has a short sight radius and cowboy type sights. The shooter needs to do some research and buy a few kinds of .22 ammo and see what the gun preforms best with while getting used to the sight picture and sight alinement down. Once the ammo question is answered you just shoot it. Mine do fine with standard velocity.
However before I did any shooting I cleaned. I purchased a set of Ruger only screwdrivers from Brownells and took mine apart, gave it a good cleaning. I touched up some burs and had to dress the hammer face. The hammer face was crudely cast and needed a few strokes from a file and some fine grit sand paper to strike flush with the cylinder frame.
You do not say where your from yet Paco Kelly lives in Tucson, Arizona. He has a web site called Leverguns.Com. On that site he sells a product called [when I bought mine] the Nasty Nose. There are those who use this product on varmints to good effect.
To answer your question about new shooters of the BearCat. Like I said shooting a BC is like a fraternity. Whether it is OM or NM we are stewards of the little guns. Every time we pick them up it's like the first. If you decide to purchase one we are here to support you all the way. k Calthrop
You really need to think this purchase over. When the search motor here works and sputters to life. You might enter the subject of the BearCat.
Some folks say it is a cult item and possibly the most popular .22lr around.
Some scorn it in favor of the Single-Six because with the Six you get the all important extra Magnum cylinder. However there is a little talked about group of BearCat shooters who rechamber their guns to handle the .22Magnum.
Some critics say the little gun is to small to shoot properly. Then a legion of ham handed owners including this writer who come to the little guns defense. Yes it is small that makes it 20 ounce packable trail gun.
Handling is sometimes a chore with the stocks that come on the blue guns. In MMVVHO they suck. There are aftermarket stocks that make the grip easier to manage. The ones that come with the stainless ones are good. I have a set made by a fellow member: Woodpile that a fine. There is a guy that makes some from antler and I think they are on sale now for about $70.00. Ruger wil sell you the ones that come on the stainless guns via the Store. They are wider and thicker.
To tell you the truth mine was not easy to learn to shoot at first. I was not the guns fault. I has a short sight radius and cowboy type sights. The shooter needs to do some research and buy a few kinds of .22 ammo and see what the gun preforms best with while getting used to the sight picture and sight alinement down. Once the ammo question is answered you just shoot it. Mine do fine with standard velocity.
However before I did any shooting I cleaned. I purchased a set of Ruger only screwdrivers from Brownells and took mine apart, gave it a good cleaning. I touched up some burs and had to dress the hammer face. The hammer face was crudely cast and needed a few strokes from a file and some fine grit sand paper to strike flush with the cylinder frame.
You do not say where your from yet Paco Kelly lives in Tucson, Arizona. He has a web site called Leverguns.Com. On that site he sells a product called [when I bought mine] the Nasty Nose. There are those who use this product on varmints to good effect.
To answer your question about new shooters of the BearCat. Like I said shooting a BC is like a fraternity. Whether it is OM or NM we are stewards of the little guns. Every time we pick them up it's like the first. If you decide to purchase one we are here to support you all the way. k Calthrop
Zeus
Blackhawk
I have one that has been "improved" by Alan Harton. It really belongs to my 4 year old but I have shot it on one occasion. I was really surprised at just how well the little gun shot. My one complaint on the stainless gun was the aluminum ejector rod housing. Alan polished this one when he did his work and took off all the silvery paint. That worked but still didn't really fix the problem. BUT, not long ago, a new stainless ERH arrived at my house. Now that you bring this up it reminds me that I need to install that before I lose it 
anybody need a polished one
anybody need a polished one Tradhunter
Single-Sixer
I bought my son one also! I was also amazed how well that thing shoots.
resident
Single-Sixer
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2010
- Messages
- 412
Calthrop...that is one of the best short-reviews I've ever read. And I agree with you completely.
The little Bearcat is "cute"...but too small to be much of a real shooting tool. I have one of the original "Super Bearcats" and I bought it for my daughter who has small hands. She doesn't really shoot it because, as you say, it's got sorry sights and short radius, and not as useful as her Model 60 Smith & Wesson.
But she'll keep it because her Daddy gave it to her and probably pass the useless little cutie down to her sons and grandsons.
If I had it do do over...I'd spend my money on a more useful paperweight.
The little Bearcat is "cute"...but too small to be much of a real shooting tool. I have one of the original "Super Bearcats" and I bought it for my daughter who has small hands. She doesn't really shoot it because, as you say, it's got sorry sights and short radius, and not as useful as her Model 60 Smith & Wesson.
But she'll keep it because her Daddy gave it to her and probably pass the useless little cutie down to her sons and grandsons.
If I had it do do over...I'd spend my money on a more useful paperweight.
louiethelump
Buckeye
I like them very much, and all of them that I have had (4 so far) have shot very close to point of aim. Moreso than any fixed sight gun, and I have had a lot of them. Great little guns.
Zeus
Blackhawk
Here is one with real sights from Alan and Clements. I will say that the action on this one felt like gravel was stuck in it before Alan did his magic on it. Keith base pin from Kelye at Base Mountain Base Pins. Stocks are from our own Sack Petersen. I plan to have another set made by Paul Persinger in Ivory but just haven't done it yet. Its a great shooting little sixgun. I also have the Paco tools and one of the old Hanned SGB tools but haven't tried it on this one yet.
resident
Single-Sixer
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2010
- Messages
- 412
BULL - SHEET! THAT AIN'T NO REAL BEARCAT!!! :roll:
At least, not in MY books! A real Bearcat hss the original engraved cylinder! :wink:
Regardless...the "new" Bearcat is merely a trinket or toy for entertainment. Sorry if that irritates anyone...but it's a realistic appraisal.
At least, not in MY books! A real Bearcat hss the original engraved cylinder! :wink:
Regardless...the "new" Bearcat is merely a trinket or toy for entertainment. Sorry if that irritates anyone...but it's a realistic appraisal.
Zeus
Blackhawk
That is the original cylinder, just all the scratching on it was taken off and then fluted with a nice BP chamfer from Alan
trinket or toy????? Exactly what are the others that we collect then? This trinket could put meat on the table just as easily as my single sixes and others if I so chose. I think the little bearcats are pretty neat. Very small and portable and surprisingly accurate. Find me another "toy" that can fill a freezer with small game......I guess a slingshot could do it but I'd have trouble hitting my own foot with one of those!
trinket or toy????? Exactly what are the others that we collect then? This trinket could put meat on the table just as easily as my single sixes and others if I so chose. I think the little bearcats are pretty neat. Very small and portable and surprisingly accurate. Find me another "toy" that can fill a freezer with small game......I guess a slingshot could do it but I'd have trouble hitting my own foot with one of those!
resident
Single-Sixer
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2010
- Messages
- 412
Zeus said:That is the original cylinder, just all the scratching on it was taken off and then fluted with a nice BP chamfer from Alan
trinket or toy????? Exactly what are the others that we collect then? This trinket could put meat on the table just as easily as my single sixes and others if I so chose. I think the little bearcats are pretty neat. Very small and portable and surprisingly accurate. Find me another "toy" that can fill a freezer with small game......I guess a slingshot could do it but I'd have trouble hitting my own foot with one of those!
LOL!
That IS pretty re-work. Lot's of money now sunk in that trinket-toy. :lol: (Single-Six would be a lot less money for a lot more utility, IMO)
Zeus
Blackhawk
I have single sixes but this one was built for my 1 year old son at the time I wanted a nice 22 that he could start with and was small enough to handle easily. The single six is small but the bearcat is VERY small
I can't comment on the money sunk into it. I always request that an invoice not accompany the piece back home. I don't remember the numbers that way BUT, I do know that this one was super reasonable as we didn't really change any parts. I think the final bill on all of it was about $500, really cheap in the market of "customizing" a gun to your liking these days. The action is buttery smooth now which was worth the total cost to me if you had felt the original. The top strap was welded up and fitted with the Clements rear. Alan made the front sight and the barrel, cylinder, etc are all original. But, as I said, I did finally change out the base pin and the ejector rod housing. For such a nice little gun, I can't believe Ruger puts an aluminum part on it...oh well, its right now If ever in KC, let me know and you can shoot the trinket
I wanted a nice 22 that he could start with and was small enough to handle easily. The single six is small but the bearcat is VERY small I can't comment on the money sunk into it. I always request that an invoice not accompany the piece back home. I don't remember the numbers that way
BUT, I do know that this one was super reasonable as we didn't really change any parts. I think the final bill on all of it was about $500, really cheap in the market of "customizing" a gun to your liking these days. The action is buttery smooth now which was worth the total cost to me if you had felt the original. The top strap was welded up and fitted with the Clements rear. Alan made the front sight and the barrel, cylinder, etc are all original. But, as I said, I did finally change out the base pin and the ejector rod housing. For such a nice little gun, I can't believe Ruger puts an aluminum part on it...oh well, its right now If ever in KC, let me know and you can shoot the trinket VonFatman
Blackhawk
resident,
That is one slick shooting revolver. Zeus let me try that gun and it gave me one heck of a case of "Bearcat Fever" and now I have three of the little dandies. I have large hands but they fit well and shoot darn straight. I'd not feel to bad stuck in the woods with a Bearcat and some 22 ammo.
I also like S&W Regulation Police Revolvers...same basic size...in .38 S&W or .32 S&W Long.
Bob
That is one slick shooting revolver. Zeus let me try that gun and it gave me one heck of a case of "Bearcat Fever" and now I have three of the little dandies. I have large hands but they fit well and shoot darn straight. I'd not feel to bad stuck in the woods with a Bearcat and some 22 ammo.
I also like S&W Regulation Police Revolvers...same basic size...in .38 S&W or .32 S&W Long.
Bob
bennettfam
Single-Sixer
Taught all three of my kids to shoot with it. Perfect size for little ones. Also slips into my backpack for back country plinking.
DanChamberlain
Single-Sixer
resident said:
If you feel the Bear Cat is not a useful tool, you might want to consider using one a bit more. As for being a paperweight, you're right! I'm going to keep mine on my desk.
Dan
Calthrop
Single-Sixer
I just bought a left handed holster. I am learning to shoot mine left handed. Why you ask. I will tell you fellow shooters.
Some days I carry a big honking Glock 20sf strong side and reload on the left. The BC fit right back there.
Around the place the weed eater is on the right side just were a gun would be. The practical notion is to learn to draw and shoot with the left hand.
There are all kinds of examples I could give. They all come down to making the BearCat the way you want it:{using it in a safe and proper manner, as I believe wanted us to do,} by cleaning up the actions & sights, turning them into magnums and putting bigger grips on them.
k Calthrop
P.S. Give Paco some business. Nasty nose work in Single Sixes too. I want to acquire a SS Hunter. Any trades for a real Vaquero in .357 Gloss .357 4 5/8? Sorry Flatgate.
Some days I carry a big honking Glock 20sf strong side and reload on the left. The BC fit right back there.
Around the place the weed eater is on the right side just were a gun would be. The practical notion is to learn to draw and shoot with the left hand.
There are all kinds of examples I could give. They all come down to making the BearCat the way you want it:{using it in a safe and proper manner, as I believe wanted us to do,} by cleaning up the actions & sights, turning them into magnums and putting bigger grips on them.
k Calthrop
P.S. Give Paco some business. Nasty nose work in Single Sixes too. I want to acquire a SS Hunter. Any trades for a real Vaquero in .357 Gloss .357 4 5/8? Sorry Flatgate.
TennVol
Bearcat
I picked up two of them a month or so ago and I really like them. They are fun little guns & they are both way more accurate than I expected. Also, my wife loves them!
I have a Bearcat (blued) that I sent to David Clements last year for adjustable sights. His work is impeccable and very reasonable. You end up with a "kit gun" that can accurately fire any .22, from Shorts to LR, any brand, with sight adjustment. Try that with stock Bearcat.
His trigger tune is A-1. My favorite "trinket"......but, let's keep the custom adj. sight Bearcats a secret. I despise going to "gun ranges" with all the experts there. But worth it, every now and then. Just to hear them say, "what the hell is that?' and let them shoot it. EVERYONE wants one.
His trigger tune is A-1. My favorite "trinket"......but, let's keep the custom adj. sight Bearcats a secret. I despise going to "gun ranges" with all the experts there. But worth it, every now and then. Just to hear them say, "what the hell is that?' and let them shoot it. EVERYONE wants one.
Old Judge Creek
Single-Sixer
Ayup, the New Bearcat is a good'un.
Here's grand daughter, Brianna, being coached by her Dad (my oldest son), prior to taking her very first shot. Of course, she's using my Bearcat...
Here's grand daughter, Brianna, being coached by her Dad (my oldest son), prior to taking her very first shot. Of course, she's using my Bearcat...
Muley Gil
Blackhawk
resident,
I'm sorry that you have such a low opinion of the BearCat. I've owned one OM and two New Model BCs and have been very pleased with all three. I managed to hang on to the stainless NM and it is one of my favorite plinkers.
When I was strapped for cash, I let go of an OM Single Six and kept the BC, which shows how fond I am of it.
Of course, different strokes for different folks.
I'm sorry that you have such a low opinion of the BearCat. I've owned one OM and two New Model BCs and have been very pleased with all three. I managed to hang on to the stainless NM and it is one of my favorite plinkers.
When I was strapped for cash, I let go of an OM Single Six and kept the BC, which shows how fond I am of it.
Of course, different strokes for different folks.
wheezengeezer
Bearcat
Bought an origional unaltered SS bearcat from forum member,medone1 about a year ago.I have twin grandsons and only 1 single six in 22 cal.Like many from the factory it felt like a rock crusher when cocking the hammer.Burrs and sharp edges were smoothed and the hammer was shimmed to keep it from rubbing the side on the frame.Much nicer to shoot now but not a sweet 500 dollar custom.I made a quickee ambidextrious holster from an old boot that belonged to their great grandpa.
Muley Gil
Blackhawk
I needed to do a little practicing with the Glock 9mm since qualifications are coming up. I took the stainless BearCat and a 1947 S&W K22 along as well.
Drove to the back pasture and set up my target frame. Shot two courses of fire with the Glock and did OK (86.8% and 90.6%).
Then I got out the fun guns. The 6" K22 printed the tighter groups, but the little BC did good as well, despite the heavier trigger pull, shorter barrel (and sight radius), and lighter weight.
The BearCat is STILL a keeper!!
Drove to the back pasture and set up my target frame. Shot two courses of fire with the Glock and did OK (86.8% and 90.6%).
Then I got out the fun guns. The 6" K22 printed the tighter groups, but the little BC did good as well, despite the heavier trigger pull, shorter barrel (and sight radius), and lighter weight.
The BearCat is STILL a keeper!!
For those interested, Hamilton Bowen just told me that he has made some steel ERHs for both the stainless and blued Bearcats.
FT44
FT44
Here's another source for ERH's.
http://www.ewkarms.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=14
http://www.ewkarms.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=14
DanChamberlain
Single-Sixer
resident said:
I'd take that trade in a heart beat!!! Except, I don't have a revolver that starts with a .3! I'd never trade a quality .22 off, to get a revolver that starts with a .3! 22s are far more interesting. After that...they don't get interesting until they start with something like a .4!
Dan
rocketsteve
Bearcat
As a new owner of an OM Bearcat, I can tell you one thing for certain: "Now that I know what I've been missing, I'll never be without one ever again!"
Charon
Single-Sixer
I bought a stainless Bearcat at a gun show a few years ago, because I thought it was "cute" and I liked it. My wife thought it was a little small, which it is. I think the fixed stainless and shiny sights are not ideal. But loaded with .22 birdshot it has accounted for a heck of a lot of snakes. I carry it when I am out mowing, and both it and its holster have wear marks (some call them "character"). The grass and dirt from the mower don't seem to faze it.
COR
Blackhawk
Great shots of the boys and boy OH BOY do I love the history of that leather! They'll treasure that long after you are gone... Love the boots with the cut off jeans too...I betcha there's not a live chipmunk or frog within 20 miles of those two rascals! At 9yrs My dad used to hand me the Ithaca 49 Single shot and tell me to go up to the strip mine with a handful of 22 LR's and shorts....nowadays he'd be strung up for it
You want fun with a Bearcat? I buy the CCI CB 22 Shorts. The best starter load of any handgun out there. I have some hearing loss and tinitus (both ears) and I can shoot those CB's all day long with no protection. Even with a 22LR I ALWAYS need protection or my ears will ring all night.
The new pup also comes a runnin when that Bearcat goes off, I can't figure it but he isn't "gun shy", he's just weird, he'll sit beside me while I plink and his tail will just wag and wag. Doesn't sem to care what I am shooting AT either, just enjoys the smell of gunpowder I guess. I named him Elmer Keith so it makes complete sense, Go figure...
I have a set of stags for my Bearcat headed this way as soon as Sack Peterson whittles 'em up... Pics on this thread as soon as they arrive...
You want fun with a Bearcat? I buy the CCI CB 22 Shorts. The best starter load of any handgun out there. I have some hearing loss and tinitus (both ears) and I can shoot those CB's all day long with no protection. Even with a 22LR I ALWAYS need protection or my ears will ring all night.
The new pup also comes a runnin when that Bearcat goes off, I can't figure it but he isn't "gun shy", he's just weird, he'll sit beside me while I plink and his tail will just wag and wag. Doesn't sem to care what I am shooting AT either, just enjoys the smell of gunpowder I guess. I named him Elmer Keith so it makes complete sense, Go figure...
I have a set of stags for my Bearcat headed this way as soon as Sack Peterson whittles 'em up... Pics on this thread as soon as they arrive...
