new_scopeshooter
New member
Just picked up a ruger bearcat!!! Looks like a nice little .22 revolver. I will try to post some pics
Ruger bearcat.
- Thread starter new_scopeshooter
- Start date
Glenn E. Meyer
New member
Yes, they are - which model did you get?
new_scopeshooter
New member
I don't know?.?.? Trying to post pics but they won't load
Glenn E. Meyer
New member
Did it have an adjustable sight? Was it blued? Was it stainless? Was it one of the new shorter Shopkeepers?
new_scopeshooter
New member
None adjustable sights blued with a brass trigger guard.
bedbugbilly
New member
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!
new_scopeshooter
New member
It is used I got it from a guy who is in his 70s. He said he doesn't remember when he bought it.
Glenn E. Meyer
New member
Well, enjoy it. I use mine to take a newbie out. Load one round and let them shoot it for a start.
Scopeshooter - look up your Bearcat's date of birth here:
http://www.ruger.com/service/productHistory.html#
http://www.ruger.com/service/productHistory.html#
new_scopeshooter
New member
If I'm correct mine has a 4 digit serial number starting with a 1. So would that put it 1958 production?
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.
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.
Glenn E. Meyer
New member
Might see if Ruger would modify it like they did with the other older single action guns.
new_scopeshooter
New member
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
color me envious
enjoy that neat little piece of Ruger history. You have a nice little gun there! 
bamaranger
New member
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.
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.
new_scopeshooter
New member
Bob Wright
New member
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that "brass" trigger guard is anodized aluminum.
Bob Wright
Bob Wright
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.
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.