OM Bearcat question

[rpludwig]

Just "inherited" an old model Bearcat ser A6XX. Probably 90-95% condition, slight blue loss at the muzzle, slight "Ruger ring" around the cylinder, otherwise mint. Can any of your Bearcat fans out there date this piece and give me a bit of history on the Bearcat, value, etc?

Thanks in advance,
Ron - (new to the forum)

 

[JCW64]

Probably shipped in Sept. or Oct. of 58, the first few months of production.
1-999 were produced, then the letters of the alphabet were used at the beginning of the serial number, with the exception of "O" I think. So yours should have been within the first 2000 or so probably. My opinion of value in that condition is around $350-$450. The box would add another $50-$75. Oh, and welcome to the forum!

 

[flatgate]

Welcome to Ruger Forum!

I have s/n B005, which is pretty close to A6XX and I value the gun at around $500 and its' box at $100. It's a 95% or better example, however.

Ruger Ring? That's only "normal" on the New Model revolvers. The OM's, like the Colt SAA, will only ring the cylinder when misused (or have damaged/severely worn lockwork parts).

JMHO,

flatgate

 

[rpludwig]

flatgate...thx for the reply, now you got me thinkin'...there is a very slight ruger ring, this piece has rarely if ever been shot, wondering what might be the cause, all appears functional and correct. When I figure out how to post pics here, will do so.

Ron

 

[chet15]

Just "inherited" an old model Bearcat ser A6XX. Probably 90-95% condition, slight blue loss at the muzzle, slight "Ruger ring" around the cylinder, otherwise mint. Can any of your Bearcat fans out there date this piece and give me a bit of history on the Bearcat, value, etc?

Thanks in advance,
Ron - (new to the forum)

Your gun doesn't happen to have three gold bands around the cylinder?
Chet15 (referring to the factory photo of an employee with three such guns on the workbench in front of him).

 

[rpludwig]

Chet...no gold bands...curious, if it had, what would that indicate?

 

[flatgate]

Chet...no gold bands...curious, if it had, what would that indicate?

That it was an EXTREMELY rare example. Chet15 is referring to a very famous photograph that depicts a worker assembling OM Bearcats and three of the guns on the bench have inlaid gold on the cylinders. NONE of these guns have been "discovered" nor are the FACTORY PHOTOGRAPH shown inlaid guns "verified".

Just another interesting Ruger Mystery!

flatgate

 

[rpludwig]

flatgate...pics are at www.ronleo.com/bearcat Notice the "Ruger ring" marks. Any idea the cause or a fix?

Thanks in advance,
Ron

 

[comanche]

Improper loading, cocking, uncocking, firing technique.

 

[rugerguy]

sounds like a nice early gun and yes, often the ring is only from "handling"
improperly,seen others that were NEVER fired, and have the ring, Bearcats got 'em quite easy, and often they are "wide" ones to boot........ :roll:

 

[chet15]

Chet...no gold bands...curious, if it had, what would that indicate?

That it was an EXTREMELY rare example. Chet15 is referring to a very famous photograph that depicts a worker assembling OM Bearcats and three of the guns on the bench have inlaid gold on the cylinders. NONE of these guns have been "discovered" nor are the FACTORY PHOTOGRAPH shown inlaid guns "verified".

Just another interesting Ruger Mystery!

flatgate

Munnell's collection actually included a letter prefix Bearcat with gold bands on the cylinder, but he could never get it to letter as such. He owned it before the factory photograph ever showed up. It is sn A754. The gun also has a high polish finish and was purchased by him with stag grips without medallions.
Chet15

 

[flatgate]

Ron, I wouldn't worry too much about THAT cylinder ring...

That's a NICE ol' Bearcat!

Chet15,

JD sent me these grips many years ago.

flatgate

 

[rpludwig]

Flatgate....thanks for the reply...beautiful grips!!! Wish I could find some!

...will be using this one sparingly to dispatch some pesky copperheads in the back yard. BTW, cleaned it up after those pics were taken, got the rust out of the screw heads and cylinder notches....looking good for it's age. What are your thoughts on the discoloration on the loading gate...looks rusty but is simply brownish looking? A unique old Ruger feature perhaps?

Regards,
Ron