Value Request - First Year 22lr Bearcat

[Xsales]

Looking at a 90% (what I believe to be) first year 22lr Bearcat as it has a 4 digit SN with no prefix - No box, no papers, just the revolver

Who has a good buy price value? thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Bkat]

The last RENE price list I saw listed a 95-98% four-digit Bearcat at $935.

 

[contender]

Actually, the first year (1958) Bearcats were all 3 digits,, (1-999). Then they went to the Alphabet Series, (1958-1960.) Also in 1960 they started with 1000, 1001, skipped some, & went from 2000 to 5599. In 1961,, it was 5600 to 17467.
RENE price guide;
1-999 serials; $895
Alphabet Cats; $555
Small serial numbers; $480

So a 4 digit,,, with small numbers in excellent condition about $480.

 

[Xsales]

"Also in 1960 they started with 1000, 1001, skipped some, & went from 2000 to 5599"

Contender:

Based on your info this would be a 1960
1) 4 digit SN starting with a 3
2) has NO alpha letter prefix

Will be seeing this one in hand soon

Thank You Sir

 

[Bkat]

My mistake--the $935 price is for 3-digits, not four. Contender is right about the 4-digit price.

Bkat

 

[Xsales]

Bkat - I appreciate your help

From what I know now
Blue is excellent
4" barrel

Has rosewood grips
Was Rosewood grips original? or would these be aftermarket?

 

[Bkat]

The rosewood-looking grips are actually a composite of plastic and I think silicone. They were original to the early Bearcats before Ruger went to walnut grips.

Bkat

 

[pete44ru]

.

FYI: The early/Rosewood grips were made w/o medallions.


.

 

[Fox Mike]

This is an early model: I won't tell you what I stole this one, w/box for.

 

[Xsales]

Very Nice Fox Mike

Low 3 digit - NICE

 

[GRAMPS 51]

FOX MIKE You made my heart skip a beat I have #250 single six and #250 357 man would I like to have the Bear Cat close but no cigar :lol: :lol:

Gramps

 

[RSIno1]

"Also in 1960 they started with 1000

They really stepped up the production my 1964 serial number is almost 46,000. Almost 12,000 per year?

 

[mohavesam]

I am probably wrong but 12000 annually/1000 shipped (avg) of just one model with just a couple hundred (how many in the early '60s?) employees total?
Ruger does not did not make consecutive serial number production runs.

3-digit guns are a mystery to me on pricing. First ya gotta find someone who'll pay that much.