Bearcat vs Single Six
- Thread starter Harv
- Start date
VictorLouis
New member
The Six is to the Cat as a K-frame is to a J-frame S&W. There was a limited number of BearCats made as 'convertibles', but they are quite scarce.
bad_dad_brad
New member
I am considering both for plinking and cannot decide. The new Bearcats only come in .22 but the Single Six's have a .22 magnum cylinder as well. I guess it depends on what you want to do with it. The price difference is not that great.
If you want a little kit gun, then the Bearcat is probably the way to go. I am leaning towards it as fun little plinker. I think it is a better looking gun than the Single Six as well. I imagine operation is pretty much the same.
The Single Six is a lot more versitile with many different models and if you are in to target shooting, then a six or nine inch Six is pretty darn accurate.
Of course the only real solution is to buy both. So many guns, so little money!
If you want a little kit gun, then the Bearcat is probably the way to go. I am leaning towards it as fun little plinker. I think it is a better looking gun than the Single Six as well. I imagine operation is pretty much the same.
The Single Six is a lot more versitile with many different models and if you are in to target shooting, then a six or nine inch Six is pretty darn accurate.
Of course the only real solution is to buy both. So many guns, so little money!
Desert Pete
New member
What the other gentlemen are saying is correct. But if you're new to guns, what it translates into is that the Bearcat is smaller than the Single Six.
Steve in PA
New member
I just took out my Single Six and MKII, and the wife, to the range today. She shot the MKII and I had the Single Six.........both are a joy to shoot. The SS is accurate and fun!!!!!!! Started out punching paper.......which got boring real fast......moved on to aluminum cans......pieces of wood, etc at 25 yards. Can't say enough about the SS!!!!!
VictorLouis
New member
The Cat is small, but it has some heft.
I'd like to get one, someday. I especially appreciate the way that the chambers line-uo for extraction when the pawl clicks into place. Just like on the full-size Colt SAA(the way it should).
It would really come into its own as a 'kit-gun' if it were equipped with adjustable sights.
I'd like to get one, someday. I especially appreciate the way that the chambers line-uo for extraction when the pawl clicks into place. Just like on the full-size Colt SAA(the way it should).
It would really come into its own as a 'kit-gun' if it were equipped with adjustable sights.
I own both. My Super (adjustable sights) Single Six is a tack driver with 22WRF, a plinker with 22LR. The Bearcat is quite accurate, but because it is a smaller gun, it is more difficult to shoot accuractly without some practice. But once you get use to it, it is a ball to shoot.
For general plinking with someone who is not an active shooter, I wold go with the Single Six. If its a plinker for an experienced shooter, then the Bearcat wins hands down. I think I am going to replace the springs of both guns with Wolff's reduced power spring kit. I've shot several that had this done, and it was a true joy to shoot.
For general plinking with someone who is not an active shooter, I wold go with the Single Six. If its a plinker for an experienced shooter, then the Bearcat wins hands down. I think I am going to replace the springs of both guns with Wolff's reduced power spring kit. I've shot several that had this done, and it was a true joy to shoot.
I could be wrong, but.....
The Bearcats still use "half-cock" mode to load/unload the revolver, I believe. You put the hammer in half-cock mode before opening the loading gate.
Every other New Model Ruger single action revolver made today does NOT use that method. The newer models (including the Single-Six, Bisley, Vaquero, Blackhawks/SBH, Bis-Vaqs) only load/unload with the hammer DOWN.
I personally prefer the half-cock method.
The Bearcats still use "half-cock" mode to load/unload the revolver, I believe. You put the hammer in half-cock mode before opening the loading gate.
Every other New Model Ruger single action revolver made today does NOT use that method. The newer models (including the Single-Six, Bisley, Vaquero, Blackhawks/SBH, Bis-Vaqs) only load/unload with the hammer DOWN.
I personally prefer the half-cock method.
MatthewVanitas
New member
Try comparing them side-by-side if possible:
As stated above, the Bearcat is essentially a smaller Single Six with fixed (non-adjustable) sights.
The big question: if the Single-Six too big for you, or is the Bearcat too small for you? My dad has a SS, and I think it's great, but kinda bulky for a .22LR, and I never use that .22Mag cylinder it comes with.
On the other hand, for me personally, the Bearcat is a great, compact little piece. I'd much rather try and teach a new shooter with the Bearcat, and it is more likely to fit comfortably into the paws of children or the small-statured.
The Bearcat just came out in a stainless version this year as well, chalk another point up for it. Smaller and sturdier.
As stated above, the Bearcat is essentially a smaller Single Six with fixed (non-adjustable) sights.
The big question: if the Single-Six too big for you, or is the Bearcat too small for you? My dad has a SS, and I think it's great, but kinda bulky for a .22LR, and I never use that .22Mag cylinder it comes with.
On the other hand, for me personally, the Bearcat is a great, compact little piece. I'd much rather try and teach a new shooter with the Bearcat, and it is more likely to fit comfortably into the paws of children or the small-statured.
The Bearcat just came out in a stainless version this year as well, chalk another point up for it. Smaller and sturdier.
Harv,
I'm a small guy and like small guns. I've owned both a single six and a Bearcat; both '60s vintage. I owned the single six when I was a teenager and never thought it too big. I sold it and later bought a Bearcat. It always seemed like a toy gun; cute and classy, but I was never very accurate with it.
Now my accurate .22 handgun is a 6" S&W K-22 and my little plinker is a Browning Buckmark Micro semi-auto.
My vote is to go for the single six, especially since it's available now. You can always get a Cat later.
I'm a small guy and like small guns. I've owned both a single six and a Bearcat; both '60s vintage. I owned the single six when I was a teenager and never thought it too big. I sold it and later bought a Bearcat. It always seemed like a toy gun; cute and classy, but I was never very accurate with it.
Now my accurate .22 handgun is a 6" S&W K-22 and my little plinker is a Browning Buckmark Micro semi-auto.
My vote is to go for the single six, especially since it's available now. You can always get a Cat later.