Ruger bearcat.

New or used? Sounds a lot like my vintage "Super Bearcat". I think mine is from the 70s - a great little revolver and a nice one for a "kit gun". Enjoy!
 
I understand that Ruger has recently brought back the "Bearcat" although I have never seen one myself, yet.

My Mother had a Super Bearcat, Dad got it for her in the 70s. Sweet little gun, but just a tad too small for me. Mom, on the other hand, wore a size 3.5 ring, and it was about perfect for her.

The Super Bearcat was the Bearcat with a steel grip frame. Her gun used the "traditional" Colt SA operating system, NOT the "new model Ruger" system with its transfer bar.

Check yours, if it doesn't have a transfer bar system, only carry it with 5, empty chamber under the hammer.
 
Called ruger and they confirmed 1958 manufacturing of my bearcat. He is going to email me a detailed list of information on my revolver. Said it will take about 3 days to get it out to me
 
I have the new model with the transfer bar and can load all six. It's a great little plinker and very accurate. If I had an older model I would send it in to Rugar for the up grade kit with the transfer bar. But I do wish it had the brass trigger guard, I like that better.
 
bearcats

I've got one too. Early model, can't remember the exact date I researched, but it was very early 60's as I recall. seen some use, but entirely functional and not abused. Surprisingly, Bearcats seem to get a lot of grief due to their tiny size, but for me, its that very thing, how small they are, that I find useful. They fit about anywhere. Mine has a steady home in the pocket of my big wool pants while bowhunting (legal here). I don't see it so much as a defensive weapon, but more as a signaling device,that could be pressed into use as a weapon. I find the sights a bit hard to see, and can't hit much with it past coke can distance. But for that sort of thing, their a hoot to shoot.

Last I looked into the Ruger factory "upgrade" to a 6-shot carry, Ruger indicated they would keep the old parts. Not for me. So mine stays as it was when first released, loaded with 5 and an empty chamber under the hammer.
 
Bob, you are correct. The trigger guards are anodized. There are very few factory brass trigger guard Bearcats.

A four digit serial number starting with "1" puts the gun at 1960 manufacture. Ruger's website is notoriously inaccurate regarding some numbers. The first Bearcats in 1958 were numbered 1-999 and then the Alpha Cats were started. Four digit serial numbers starting at 1000 began in 1960.
 
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