.22 LR SA Ruger Bearcat

[Captainkirk]

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.

6 shot or 9?

[Marshal Will]

The Bearcat is SMALL. It only holds 6. They're really a pocket pistol size.

[Zulch]

The Bearcat is SMALL. It only holds 6. They're really a pocket pistol size.

That's right, 6 shot.

[Miguel Loco]

When I'm on rattle snake detail in Tombstone....My buddies Bearcat is my weapon of choice. I could just use the shovel, but it's not nearly as much fun.

[Zulch]

So this is the chart I found on the internet. My gun does not have the 91- before the serial number 61740. What say anyone?

[Hawg]

Unless I'm mistaken the Super Bearcat had the 91 prefix.

[tinhorn]

Yup, that's my understanding.

All I know about Bearcats is what I read on Wikipedia. VERY interesting story about why it was dropped in '74.

When the missus said she'd get her License to Carry, I started shopping for a .22 single action for her. Tried a Single Six and a Wrangler. They were okay but she wasn't enthused. I remembered seeing the smaller Bearcat decades ago and bought one. She loves it—good weight and balance, and perfect grip size for her. Problem was, I was liking it, too, and wanted one for myself.

Found a Super Bearcat on GB, seller had thousands of feedback with A+ rating, gun was described as excellent condition, so I bought it. When we opened the box my receiving FFL said, “This gun has problems.” I sent it to Ruger for the safety upgrade and they responded that the gun was beyond repair but they'd happily replace it with a new one. They even upgraded to a stainless model! I had to wait several months but my wife now has a stainless Bearcat with pearl Altamont grips.

Well, not wanting to wait for the replacement I bought another one to shoot. When we opened THIS box my FFL said, “It's never even been turned.” Sheesh—I wanted a shooter, not a collector item. Apparently the seller's father had bought it in the 70's, stuck it in the safe, then passed it on to his son nearly 50 years later. I can't bring myself use it.

So I had to buy another one, properly scarred and properly maintained. It's a sweetie.

Interesting that my 1849 Wells Fargo drops right into Bearcat holsters.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_Bearcat

[G Dog]

“When the missus said she'd get her License to Carry, I started shopping for a .22 single action for her.”

Tinhorn, that seems a very unusual category choice for a ladies carry piece - or for anyone.  Why .22 and why single action?  Sure, something is always better than nothing but that combo could create more problems than it may solve.

[Hawg]

I agree with G Dog. A .22 SA is not a good carry choice unless you have one and can't get anything else. Even then it's not a good choice. It just is what it is. My wife had weak hands and wrists from carpal tunnel surgery but she could handle a .38 special or a 9MM. She could even shoot a mag or so out of a .45 ACP 1911 before her wrists started to hurt. She went through a few 9 mils before she decided on a S&W 637 for a carry gun. I did have to change the grips before she could shoot it without a glove because the frame is aluminum. She didn't have any problems with a steel frame.

[tinhorn]

"License to Carry" is the state-required permit to own a firearm. Or ammo. Believe it not, even to possess an empty shell. She doesn't carry or I would be looking at little .38s.

I selected a single action for simplicity; .22 so she wouldn't be put off by noise and recoil. Baby steps. So far I think I've been correct--she's still put off by my .22 magnums. Don't want to spook her.