.22 LR SA Ruger Bearcat

[Zulch]

Howdy everyone, I have this revolver which once belonged to my Dad, now deceased. I have been trying to locate the manufacture date. Ruger has a site for S/N lookup but it doesn't seem to know what to do with my entry? I did find a Ruger Information graphic chart with serial numbers. I think it is safe to say, based on it's serial number 61740, that this falls somewhere in the 1st run stage meaning from 1958 up until 1974 at which point they stopped manufacturing them and not the most recent 1993 and forward guns. The 1993-2023 guns have serial numbers beginning with 93_XXXXX.  If anyone has any ideas as to where I can get some good information on Ruger serial numbers/manufacture dates that would be great. It's a nice little shooter. Fun and cheap to shoot for sure. If you've ever owned one of these I would like to hear your stories. 

[Hawg]

Looks like 1973. You've been holding out.

[Zulch]

Thank you Hawg!! 😬

[Marshal Will]

That's pretty cool, Z. It's great to have heirlooms like that. You're most fortunate.

I have heard that the Remington design was Bill Ruger's favorite but he chose the Colt design for his Blackhawk because it was more recognizable to the general public. The Bearcat is much like the Remington NMA in design. Right down to the grip shape. They're a spectacular little pistol.

Never had one. Always wanted one. Maybe one of these days...

[Hawg]

I looked at one at a gun show once. The price was below right but it was just smaller than what I wanted at the time so I passed on it.

[Zulch]

That's pretty cool, Z. It's great to have heirlooms like that. You're most fortunate.

I have heard that the Remington design was Bill Ruger's favorite but he chose the Colt design for his Blackhawk because it was more recognizable to the general public. The Bearcat is much like the Remington NMA in design. Right down to the grip shape. They're a spectacular little pistol.

Never had one. Always wanted one. Maybe one of these days...

Marshal, Hey thanks man. I had never considered it's similarity with the Ruger NMA. I've never owned an NMA but I have seen pictures and now I see what you mean. 

[Captainkirk]

Looks like 1973. You've been holding out.

Indeed! Withholding information is no bueno.

[Zulch]

I looked at one at a gun show once. The price was below right but it was just smaller than what I wanted at the time so I passed on it.

It is indeed a small lil pistola Hawg.

[Zulch]

Looks like 1973. You've been holding out.

Indeed! Withholding information is no bueno.

Affirmative Capt. Kirk, you are correct. I will be on KP duty for the rest of the week.

[Marshal Will]

That's pretty cool, Z. It's great to have heirlooms like that. You're most fortunate.

I have heard that the Remington design was Bill Ruger's favorite but he chose the Colt design for his Blackhawk because it was more recognizable to the general public. The Bearcat is much like the Remington NMA in design. Right down to the grip shape. They're a spectacular little pistol.

Never had one. Always wanted one. Maybe one of these days...

Marshal, Hey thanks man. I had never considered it's similarity with the Ruger NMA. I've never owned an NMA but I have seen pictures and now I see what you mean. 

Replace the ejector with a loading lever that has the sail under it and bing! You have one.

[Captainkirk]

That's pretty cool, Z. It's great to have heirlooms like that. You're most fortunate.

I have heard that the Remington design was Bill Ruger's favorite but he chose the Colt design for his Blackhawk because it was more recognizable to the general public. The Bearcat is much like the Remington NMA in design. Right down to the grip shape. They're a spectacular little pistol.

Never had one. Always wanted one. Maybe one of these days...

Marshal, Hey thanks man. I had never considered it's similarity with the Ruger NMA. I've never owned an NMA but I have seen pictures and now I see what you mean. 

Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis? You had that fancy NMA you never shot and sold, remember?

[Zulch]

oops.....

[Hawg]

Stepped in that one.

[ShotgunDave]

I had a beautiful little Bearcat, once upon a time. I carried it when I went hunting. I love that thing. Wish I still had it.

You have a great little pistol there Tim. Made even better because it was your Dad's.

[Zulch]

I had a beautiful little Bearcat, once upon a time. I carried it when I went hunting. I love that thing. Wish I still had it.

You have a great little pistol there Tim. Made even better because it was your Dad's.

Thanks Dave. It is a nice small revolver.