Anybody know a gunsmith that will work on a Bearcat? I'm looking for some custom work done on a new stainless one and can't find anybody interested. I want it rechambered to .22Mag (preferably linebored) and J-frame sights added to it. Not too big of a task I imagine but then again I could be wrong.
Ruger Bearcat
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Ruger made the Bearcat as a convertible for a while, but recalled all the .22 Magnum cylinders because of excessive recoil and excessive strain to the frame. They were trying to tell us something.
Installing an S&W type sight would weaken a Bearcat frame to the point where it would be dangerous. I doubt you could find anyone willing to rebore/rerifle the barrel, either.
Your best bet might be to look around for an S&W Kit Gun in a .22 Magnum or in a convertible; they sometimes crop up on the used gun market, and are already equipped with adjustable sights. They are about the same weight and size as the Bearcat.
Jim
Installing an S&W type sight would weaken a Bearcat frame to the point where it would be dangerous. I doubt you could find anyone willing to rebore/rerifle the barrel, either.
Your best bet might be to look around for an S&W Kit Gun in a .22 Magnum or in a convertible; they sometimes crop up on the used gun market, and are already equipped with adjustable sights. They are about the same weight and size as the Bearcat.
Jim
steveno
Member
the Bearcat would also have the wrong bore and groove diameter for the 22 mag. the 22 long rifle is slightly smaller in both dimensions
Actually on research, the Bearcat Magnums weren't recalled due to any strength issues at all, it was a timing issue with the switching cylinders being so small. A dedicated gun in either caliber is fine. The barrels on all new Bearcats is also the larger .224 bore for the .22mag as the tooling was never changed so re-rifling is not required.
Cylinder and Slide is going to do it for me. I'll put up some pictures when it's done.
Cylinder and Slide is going to do it for me. I'll put up some pictures when it's done.
Magnumite
Member
Why not just get a super single six? Frame size?
MatthewVanitas
Member
Phew, I was worried for a minute there. I open the Gunsmithing/Repair frame and see a Bearcat thread.
My first thought was "How in the living heck did 461 manage to bugger-up a Bearcat?"
Those critters are well-nigh indestructible. Glad to see that yours need recreational smithing only...
-MV
My first thought was "How in the living heck did 461 manage to bugger-up a Bearcat?"
Those critters are well-nigh indestructible. Glad to see that yours need recreational smithing only...
-MV
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