[ROBSTOY]

OK...Much to my disappointment, the Ruger Bisley 22 has been discontinued. What do you guys think of the .22 Ruger Single Action Bearcat Revolver? How does it compare to the Ruger Bisley 22? Would you buy it? What would be a fair price. Thanks again for the info!!

[DMZ]

You well find very, very few used Bearcats for sale. They are keepers due to many positive characteristics:

-fun to shoot
-well made, reliable
-light weight
-easy to carry
-accurate (for a little plinker)
-very handy for campers/backpackers/hikers/fisherman
-point well, comfortable in the hand
-good for starting a young boy or girl out with handguns
-well last for several generations
-well fire just about any type or flavor of .22 rimfire ammo

[glassman]

My first pistol was a bearcat bought in 1968. My brother and I used it for plinking when we went into the woods and we both loved it. I went into the military and during my absence, my brother moved out of my parent's home and the bearcat went with him. It's still in his safe in Illonois.
I have never even seen a bisley so I can't compare it to the bearcat. What I can say is that the bearcat is a solid little pistol that is a joy to shoot.
I saw one in stainless in a gun shop a few weeks ago and they wanted $400 for it. I like the blued version and didn't have the money to buy it so it stayed on the shelf. It's a great little plinker and I will buy another one one of these days.

[rc135]

I can't answer most of your queries but I can say this: It's a very nice looking revolver. And its size won't scare away many of the more gun-shy types. If you have a friend who's never fired before, it'd be a firearm that they might be more likely to fire.

Unlike some other Ruger SA's, I don't think it comes with a second, 22Mag cylinder, though.

You might also look at Heritage Manufacturing (www.HeritageMfg.com), they have some nice SA revolvers at a reasonable price. Good shooting!


"A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies." -- Oscar Wilde

"Some Americans need hyphens in their names because only part of them has come over." -- Woodrow Wilson

"For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: "It might have been!" -- John G. Whittier

"I woke up one morning and all of my stuff had been stolen...and replaced by exact duplicates." -- Steven Wright

[Molasses]

I've got one of the new iterations in stainless, my wife's had one in blue awhile longer. Nifty little critters. Light and tiny enough to be hard to shoot well without putting a lot of extra effort into it; you'll know RIGHT NOW if your trigger control was the least bit off or whatever. A friend of mine just couldn't refine his technique enough and traded his off in frustration; it shot OK from a rest, but unsupported...he couldn't get groups, just patterns. OTOH, there's not a whole lot else like it when you don't want to be bothered with the heft and bulk of a holstered S&W model 41 while messing around outdoors. Plus it makes a useful CAS practice gun simply because it will tell you if your technique's getting sloppy, IMHO.

The New Bearcat is kind of a throwback in the Ruger lineup because the lockwork isn't like New Model Single Sixes and Blackhawks, instead it has a transfer bar and halfcock notch like an Old Model with the safety kit installed.

Heard there was intent to do a convertible model when it was brought back, and I have a vague notion of hearing that a few even made it out of the plant, but that it didn't work out and the convertible idea was dropped. That's if my Alzheimers isn't messing me up about stuff that might have been pure and errant BS at the time...;)

Final comment to the OP: if you're looking for an alternative to the Bisley Single Six, this isn't an even-Steven replacement. It's more of a specialty gun that's hard to shoot well, but if you're looking for something tiny in the kit gun category and are willing to deal with its' warts and all...

[mljdeckard]

My dad wanted a bearcat his whole life, as a snake gun when fishing mountain streams. A few years ago for father's day we got him a single-six, and he says he likes it much better than he remembered the bearcat being. He mostly loads snake shot into it, and likes the magnum cylinder better.

[GrandmasterB]

I really like my Bearcat. It needed a little bit of trigger work to feel real nice, but now it is great. I like the dimunitive size compared to the Single Six.

http://www.drivehq.com/file/df.aspx/publish/bungib/PublicFolder/guns/bearcat1.jpg

This one is an old model that I bought used last fall for $300.

[timothy75]

I dont care for the bearcat myself. People refer to it as a fun gun but the one I shot was no fun at all. Terrible trigger, too small of grips, shot way low, and my friend and I couldnt get it to group well at all. IMHO their too much money for too little performance and person would be much better served with a single six. I think the bearcats marketed for kids anyway. Good luck

[461]

I bought a Bearcat for my Daughter and to be honest I shoot it a whole lot more. :D I love the Bearcat and would recommend it to anyone. You need to realize that the Bearcat is much smaller than the Single-Six and you may be better served for an all purpose gun with a Single-Six. I also have two Single-Sixes and wouldn't part with them either, I think the Single-Six is the better choice for an all purpose gun plus you get the benefit of th e.22Mag cylinder which is tons of fun.

[clang]

I really like my Super Bearcat:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/clang444/RugerBearcatRight.jpg
Even if it did turn plum, it's a fun little gun to shoot. As several posters have already mentioned, it can be difficult for some people to shoot accurately.

[ROBSTOY]

Quote: I bought a Bearcat for my Daughter and to be honest I shoot it a whole lot more. I love the Bearcat and would recommend it to anyone. You need to realize that the Bearcat is much smaller than the Single-Six and you may be better served for an all purpose gun with a Single-Six. I also have two Single-Sixes and wouldn't part with them either, I think the Single-Six is the better choice for an all purpose gun plus you get the benefit of th e.22Mag cylinder which is tons of fun.

I agree! Didn't realize how small the Bearcat was!

[MutinousDoug]

For those interested, a lighter main(hammer) spring reduced the target group of my new model Bearcat by half. It's a small gun and the heavy factory spring makes it hard to shoot offhand.
Filing a smidge off the front sight corrected the tendency to shoot low. Wet the bright metal with some machine oil and heat it with a propane torch just until it turns blue/black again.
I had to butcher a plastic Tyler t-grip device to fit and fill the area behind the trigger bow.
Now it's good for rabbits, grouse and snakes. Best kit gun I've owned (in spite of the "cowboy" rear sights).

[eliphalet]

I have had Single-Six's since the 60's, still have a OM Super. Finally bought a NM Bearcat a year or so ago, I really like it. Nice size for carry, shoots good enough to plink shotgun shells to 40 yards, at 20 you don't miss one often. Wish I woulda bought one 30 years ago, it's a definite "keeper". Another plus is they index correctly unlike Ruger's other NM's except the New Vaquero.

[MortalWombat]

Much to my disappointment, the Ruger Bisley 22 has been discontinued.They still list it on their website here (http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=11&variation=Blued&bct=Yes&type=Revolver). Or is there something I haven't heard about?

[ewayte]

Never trust a gun manufacturer's web page! If you read my posting on the original Bisley .22 thread, Ruger doesn't list the .22 or the .357 Bisley in their print catalog.

[YosemiteSam357]

Manufacturers just want a web presence. They don't care if it's accurate, apparently. Too often they don't even return email sent to them, if they publish an email address at all. Having someone to "deal with the web" is just another employee (headcount) to them.

To the OP: You can always get a Single Six and put a Bisley grip frame, hammer, and trigger on it. It's a bit of a project, but can be easily done, and then you'll know "your" gun inside and out. I've considered doing this with a stainless one, to make one to match all my other stainless (centerfire) Bisleys.

-- Sam

[ArmedBear]

Actually, Ruger's web page is generally pretty accurate. I've used it to find out what they discontinue. There are guns on the web page that aren't in my recent print catalog, and vice versa. The web page is more trustworthy.

They list the blue .22LR Bisley. I'd contact them and ask.

One thing to note, though. Ruger's intent to make something doesn't always mean it's currently shipping. Marlin, also. I don't think that most manufacturers have the space to keep tooling set up for every single model, so they'll tool up, do a run of as many as they think they'll sell in a year, then change their production line and run something else. If demand outpaces supply, the gun can disappear from shelves for a while. In Marlin's case, the 1894C is notoriously hard to get for many months on end, then available again the next year. The 39A, also.

[Neophyte1]

ewayte: Sir you are so correct. I've been looking and thinking about the
'Bisley Model'; actually got a Rugers Catalog, and didn't pay enough attention to see this.
All three .22,.44,.45 Low and Behold; on the Web Page! Ruger does some strange Cataloging

I've had the hots for the convertible 5 5/5" Single Six and have/am scouring the local country side for one. New; available next day. Don't want new.
Tried the Bearcat, just felt to little. Will have one some-day

My Single Six will be a walk-about for possibles, NC has a minimum barrel length for Small Game, 5 1/2"

[ArmedBear]

Neo- Read my post above.

I believe that Ruger's website is more accurate than an older print catalog.

Other companies don't update their websites very often, so they can be out of date. Ruger does update it regularly.

Contact Ruger if you have questions. Don't assume anything.

Lipsey's lists them as currently available, BTW.

http://www.lipseys.com/itemdetail.aspx?itemno=RURB22AW&list=yes

[Neophyte1]

ArmedBear: Sir I did/do Agree with you.
Checking with Ruger, Catalog, Website, will get the correct answer.
Rugers site is closest to being correct.
Check with the Discontinued Line.
Ruger has recently up-dated ONLINE catalog
Ruger makes some SPECIAL runs

Who know what will appear:)

[ArmedBear]

I misunderstood. I wasn't trying to argue, just wanted to make sure that someone looking for a particular gun didn't give up without even calling.:)

Where is the Discontinued Line?

Yeah, I bought a special run non-catalog .22 pistol a few years ago. Love it. Hard to figure out what gunmakers catalog, and what they don't, as well as what they decide not to make. I'm not sure why Marlin doesn't make the 39M version of their .22 lever gun, when decent old ones sell fast and command top dollar. Clearly, people want them, and they use the same tooling as the 39A. Go figure.

[YosemiteSam357]

Ruger is also notorious for announcing products before they're available, ala the Gold Label shotgun. Wasn't it being advertised for 3-4 years before it finally shipped?

Also note: I believe the OP verified that the .22 Bis was out of production with Ruger. He had another topic around here asking about that model in particular.

-- Sam

[Neophyte1]

ArmedBear: Sir I took no offense:
at the Ruger site: go to the Instruction Manuel: I chose the Revolver
and there you are.
We cannot argue: Cause we agreed

He needs to get a Single Six and Monday Tell us all about it.


Craig

[Rugerforme]

I love my Rugers here is a picture of some of my Ruger family my .22LR Single Six Bisley, Old Army, & .357Mag. 3 screw. Don’t know why but Ruger didn’t provide a magnum cylinder with the Bisley but that would have been sweet. I also have a Bearcat New Model, 5.5” Single Six & a 44. Mag Blackhawk 50th anniversary.

The bearcat is awesome stick it in a holster and you almost forget it’s even there. It’s so light and very accurate and I have big hands 2xl gloves fit just fine.
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL151/1993630/13910178/227780753.jpg

[ArmedBear]

Ruger is also notorious for announcing products before they're available, ala the Gold Label shotgun. Wasn't it being advertised for 3-4 years before it finally shipped?

I asked about that at a factory demo shoot where I got to try one. Liked it. But it seems like I'd just have to get it engraved, and that would put it so far out of my price range, it's not even funny.

The Ruger rep kinda laughed sheepishly and said, "They should be easier to get now. Have your dealer call us."

[foghornl]

I had a 'previously owned' Bearcat for a while, and I liked pretty well, except that it was just a tiny fraction too small for my Ham Fists, complete with Sausage Fingers....AKA "Fat Hands Syndrome".

Now, my Single-Six Convertible....OH YEAH!!!! WAAAAYYY UP on the Fun Gun list.

[OBXMIKE]

I bought one three years ago for my son to learn on. He's almost 11 now, and we both love shooting "his" Bearcat. It is by far the best gun going for "bee season" out at the barn with snake shot. :D
I had to send mine back to the factory after a few cylinders were fired when it was new.....one chamber was drilled just a hair off and timing was a little off and was causing key-holing and some lead-splatter issues (ouch!). They installed a new barrel, cylinder, timed it up right and it's been a champ ever since.
As far as accuracy, as long as you go in knowing you're shooting a short-barrelled, iron sighted, small in the hand plinker, you'll not be disappointed. I'm happy with a fist sized group at twenty five feet......

[gezzer]

Even if it did turn plum

Yep, the same as their M77 rifles, this problem is cured using a 2 bath blue system with a cold quench between the 2 hot baths.