Thinking about getting a new Ruger Bearcat >>

[Slugo]

just for plinking and having some fun with a lightweight .22 revolver. I used to have a beautiful S&W 617 with 6" barrel. The S&W was probably the most accurate revolver I ever owned, but it weighed a ton and was not all that much fun to shoot. So, now I'm looking at the Ruger Bearcat.

Any comments and/or recommendations appreciated. Thanks...

 

[skynyrd1911]

I've never shot a bearcat, but I have fondled them at the gunshows. I prefer the Ruger Single Six. Now that's a FUN revolver. Just my thoughts

 

[Slugo]

I also like the Single Six >>

4-5/8" barrel would be very sweet...

 

[isp2605]

My Single Six in 4-5/8" is usually the .22 that's with me when out small game hunting. It's a pretty decent shooter, the grips are a nice size, and the sights are pretty decent for picking up targets.
I never carry my Bearcat, not because it's not a good carry gun either. My wife bought me this Bearcat over 35 yrs ago before I went off to wear Uncle Sam's green clothes. So the only reason I don't carry it hunting is the sentimental value. It still goes to the range with me and it's a fun gun to shoot. The grips are small which someone with overly large hands might not like.

 

[Slugo]

Wow, great picture >>

and that Bearcat must be very special for you. I guess I'll look at the 4-5/8" Single Six also. I prefer it with fixed sights, just to preserve that old SAA look...

 

[isp2605]

The SS looks like it has discoloration a couple of places on the barrel. It doesn't. Those are just my fat fingerprints left on the oily coating that I didn't notice when I was shooting the picture. Same with the shiney strip on the recoil shield and top strap. That's just reflection of the flash.
The SS also came with a .22 Mag cylinder altho I think I may have only run less than 50 rds of Mag ammo thru it.

 

[moewadle]

If money is not too big a thing

you could consider a Colt New Frontier that was made in the 1970s and has an adjustable rear sight and ramp front. They have the 22 magum cylinder. You will have to buy a used one because the best ones were made without a cross-bolt safety and made from about 1970-76. They are a combination of blued and color case hardened and do have all steel frame, barrel, cylinder. On Guns America web site I see nice ones advertised for around 495 dollars I think. The counterpart of that gun is the Colt 22 Peacemaker that has the original SAA type of non-adjustable sights. I am promoting this because I thing the Colt is an extremely nice gun in these models and would make a nice heirloom gun to pass on. However, I am not knocking Rugers. They make a great product. But, I like something to shoot that is a bit more special. So, I have a Colt Peacemaker instead of a single-six. That is also why I found a nice 30 year old blued, wooden grips, SW 10 instead of buying a modern one. I just think it adds something to my shooting pleasure to have something special and a little historic instead of just a reliable shooter. I am fortunate that I have the money to spend a little more on a gun and not have to be quite so frugal. I think a new Single-Six can be had for like $350 and I am sure there are many excellent used ones around. I think the Bearcat would be really nice if you want something compact and light, a so-called kit gun.

 

[Slugo]

moewadle, the Colt Frontier was a great piece >>

and there are still a few around. I'm also not really interested in snag-sites and prefer fixed sites via SAA style revolvers. I think I really want a new stainless Bearcat and like you said, it's small and would make an excellent kit gun. Tin cans will be my primary targets!

 

[moewadle]

I bet you

will like the Bearcat. I have always wanted one...ever since I was introduced to them via a Navy buddy who had one in 1963. I am guessing I will have one before they plant me, long before they plant me. I love the looks of those older blued ones with the brass trigger guard.

 

[HammerBite]

My Bearcat is a lot of fun to shoot and has given me no trouble.

 

[Slugo]

I can't wait until I have one in my hands >>

too bad they don't come with an extra .22 mag cylinder like the traditional single six. Oh well, can't have everything!

 

[Seancass]

i'll handle one when i go shopping for my single six, but they just seemed SO small, to the point i wonder if it will bother me. but thats why i will fondle before i judge. the rolled cylinder is perty though, but i like flutes.

 

[Tom C.]

I have two Bearcats, a blued one and a stainless one. I also have a stainless Single Six. I also have large hands and long arms. The Bearcats have small, narrow sights. I have taken a file and opened up the rear sight notch so I can see the front sight. The Single six has the same grip and sights as the NMBH. I find the Single Six much easier to use.
Your decision will be based upon your personal preference.

 

[foghornl]

I had a Bearcat several years back, but it was just a tiny bit too small for my Sausage Fingers and Ham Fists..AKA "Fat Hands Syndrome"

I really enjoy my Single-Six...just the right size (for ME!) in a .22 revolver.

 

[mainmech48]

While the new Bearcat isn't as lightweight and sweet as the original alloy framed version (12 oz., IIRC) it's still a honey. Compact, simple, rugged, reliable, and as ideal a Kit/Trail/Tacklebox revolver as there is.

SS option just makes it better, IMO.

My only gripe is that it's gotten harder for me to shoot mine as well as I used to with the "traditional" half-moon front, as my aging eyes and bifocals can't pick it up as clearly anymore. My young nephews love it, as it's just the right size for them to handle offhand.

Where size isn't so much of an issue, the Single Six would be my pick for an SA utility revolver. I bought the Bearcat instead because its size was more suitable for introducing youngsters to handgunning early (age 7 or so).