The Ruger Bearcat is a compact single-action rimfire revolver chambered in .22 Long Rifle with a 6-round cylinder capacity. You’ll find it features a lightweight 24-ounce aluminum alloy frame paired with a hardened steel cylinder and cold hammer-forged 4-inch barrel. It incorporates a transfer bar safety mechanism and fixed sights on its traditional cowboy-style frame. While MSRP ranges from $599-$799, this classic design’s blend of modern precision and old-west aesthetics offers more than meets the eye.
Key Takeaways
- Ruger Bearcat is a compact single-action rimfire revolver chambered in .22 LR with a 6-round cylinder capacity.
- The revolver features a lightweight 24-ounce aluminum alloy frame with hardened steel cylinder and 4-inch barrel.
- New Bearcats retail between $599-$799 MSRP, while used models typically range from $450-$650.
- Safety features include a transfer bar mechanism to prevent accidental discharge and fixed sights for reliable target acquisition.
- The classic single-action design requires manual hammer cocking and offers a crisp 4-5 pound trigger pull.
Description
The Ruger Bearcat is a single-action rimfire revolver chambered in .22 Long Rifle, featuring a six-round cylinder and a fixed-sight system.
You’ll find its design features include an unfluted cylinder, transfer bar safety mechanism, and cold hammer-forged barrel. The compact frame’s ergonomic considerations encompass a smooth, rounded grip profile and a balanced weight distribution that enhances pointability.
Price Range
Current market prices for a new Ruger Bearcat .22 LR revolver typically range from $599 to $799 MSRP, with actual retail prices varying by dealer and region. Customer feedback indicates availability fluctuates seasonally. You’ll find these price variations:
| Condition | Price Range | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| New | $599-$799 | Limited |
| Used | $450-$650 | Common |
| Collector | $800-$1500 | Rare |
| Custom | $900-$2000 | Special Order |
Specifications
The Ruger Bearcat’s compact frame weighs 24 ounces and features a 4-inch barrel crafted from high-grade stainless steel. You’ll find this single-action revolver chambered in .22 Long Rifle with a 6-round cylinder capacity. The revolver’s construction incorporates an aluminum alloy frame paired with hardened steel cylinder and barrel components.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 24 oz |
| Barrel Length | 4 inches |
| Frame Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Cylinder Material | Hardened steel |
Weight
Weighing just 24 ounces unloaded, Ruger’s Bearcat revolver offers a lightweight yet robust design that’s particularly suited for trail carry and plinking.
You’ll find its compact mass enhances concealability while minimizing storage requirements. The all-steel construction maintains structural integrity despite its modest weight, giving you a balanced combination of portability and durability in the .22 LR single-action platform.
Barrel Length
Standard production Bearcat revolvers feature a 4-inch barrel length, precisely machined from solid steel with a 1:14″ right-hand twist rate optimized for .22 LR ammunition.
The barrel configuration includes deep-cut rifling for enhanced accuracy. The barrel finish maintains a traditional satin blued appearance, protecting against corrosion while providing a classic look that’s consistent with the revolver’s heritage single-action design.
Material Made Out Of
Ruger’s Bearcat construction utilizes a solid steel frame and cylinder machined from AISI 4140 chrome-moly steel alloy, heat-treated to precise specifications.
You’ll find the revolver’s machining process incorporates high-grade aluminum alloy grips and coil springs. The manufacturing quality is evident in the one-piece frame design, which features hardened wear surfaces and precision-fitted components throughout the firearm’s construction.
Chambered In
The Bearcat revolver chambers the classic .22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridge, allowing you to feed it with standard velocity, high velocity, or hyper velocity ammunition rated up to 21,000 CUP (Copper Units of Pressure).
Your cartridge selection affects recoil management, though the .22 LR’s mild nature makes the Bearcat exceptionally controllable. You’ll find this rimfire round readily available and cost-effective for practice or small game hunting.
Capacity
Featuring a six-round cylinder capacity, Bearcat’s single-action design lets you load and unload through the traditional loading gate on the frame’s right side. The cylinder rotates clockwise, and you’ll need to manually manipulate the hammer between shots.
This standard round capacity aligns with most single-action revolvers in its class, while the compact frame keeps the overall dimensions manageable.
Trigger Pull
With crisp break and minimal creep, Bearcat’s trigger pull measures between 4-5 pounds from the factory, exhibiting consistent pull weight across production models.
You’ll find the trigger smoothness improves with use, as internal components wear in naturally. The single-action trigger weight remains uniform throughout the trigger arc, delivering predictable performance for each shot. A skilled gunsmith can reduce trigger weight to approximately 3 pounds while maintaining reliability.
Safety?
Like most single-action revolvers, Ruger’s Bearcat incorporates a traditional transfer bar safety mechanism that prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pressed.
You’ll find this safety feature particularly beneficial during storage and cleaning operations. The transfer bar drops into place only when you’ve pulled the trigger completely, ensuring the firing pin can’t make contact with the cartridge unless you’ve intentionally activated the mechanism.
Action
The Ruger Bearcat operates on a single-action mechanism, where you’ll need to manually cock the hammer before each shot. You’ll experience excellent trigger responsiveness with a crisp break and minimal travel.
The design’s recoil management benefits from the gun’s traditional plow-handle grip and solid frame construction. When you’re firing .22 LR rounds, the six-shot cylinder rotates clockwise with smooth, positive indexing.
Optic Ready?
Since factory configurations don’t include mounting points, standard Bearcat models aren’t optics-ready. You’ll find limited optic mounting options for this classic single-action revolver.
While aftermarket gunsmiths can modify the top strap for sight installation, it’s not recommended due to the revolver’s compact frame size. The Bearcat’s design philosophy focuses on traditional iron sights, making holographic sight compatibility impractical for this model.
Review
The Ruger Bearcat’s robust single-action design and precision machining deliver exceptional reliability with both .22 LR and .22 Short ammunition through its 6-round cylinder.
You’ll find the all-steel construction offers durability and longevity, though the fixed sights and 4-inch barrel length limit long-range accuracy potential.
The compact frame size works well for smaller hands and recreational shooting, but the relatively high price point and slow reload speed might deter some prospective buyers.
Pros
Known for exceptional quality control, Ruger’s Bearcat revolver delivers remarkable accuracy in a compact .22 LR platform. You’ll appreciate its ease of use and comfort in hand. The single-action mechanism ensures crisp trigger pulls.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| All-steel construction | Lifetime durability |
| Transfer bar safety | Drop-safe operation |
| Fixed sights | No zero shift |
| Cold hammer-forged barrel | Match-grade accuracy |
The 4-inch barrel and six-round cylinder provide optimal balance and sight radius.
Cons
Several limitations of the Bearcat warrant consideration before purchase. You’ll find the revolver difficult to disassemble for thorough maintenance. Its short 4-inch barrel and fixed sights can present potential accuracy issues beyond 15 yards.
| Limitation | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Sights | Limited adjustment | Aftermarket sight upgrade |
| Short Barrel | Reduced accuracy | Practice closer ranges |
| Disassembly | Time-consuming | Regular basic cleaning |
| .22 LR Only | Caliber restriction | Accept rimfire limitation |
| Side-gate Loading | Slower reloads | Speed loader not possible |
Reliability
Despite its compact design, Ruger’s Bearcat delivers exceptional reliability when firing standard-velocity .22 LR ammunition. You’ll find the revolver’s timing and lockup remain consistent through thousands of rounds.
Ruger’s quality control ensures proper cylinder alignment and trigger mechanism function. If you experience any issues, their customer service department provides prompt support, though mechanical problems are rare with this well-engineered single-action revolver.
Similar Models
The Ruger Single-Six represents the closest comparative model to the Bearcat, sharing the same single-action operation but offering a larger frame size and additional caliber options including .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR.
You’ll find more accessory options with the Single-Six, including adjustable sights and longer barrel lengths. Its larger frame also accommodates more extensive aftermarket customization compared to the Bearcat’s compact design.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Major manufacturers offering comparable single-action .22 revolvers include Heritage Manufacturing’s Rough Rider, North American Arms’ Mini-Revolver, and Colt’s Frontier Scout.
You’ll find the Rough Rider’s 4.75″ barrel similar to the Bearcat, while the NAA Mini-Revolver offers enhanced concealed carry options at just 4″ overall length. The Frontier Scout matches the Bearcat’s holster compatibility, though it’s discontinued.
All share the Bearcat’s single-action operation and .22LR chambering.
Maintenance
Regular cleaning and lubrication ensure optimal performance of your Bearcat’s single-action mechanism. After each shooting session, disassemble the cylinder and clean all chambers with a proper-sized brush. Apply light oil to the cylinder pin, ejector rod, and base pin latch.
For storage, keep your Bearcat in a moisture-free environment and periodically check for any signs of rust or corrosion.
History
Introduced in 1958, Sturm, Ruger & Company’s Bearcat revolver filled a niche market for lightweight, single-action .22 caliber revolvers. The manufacturing process initially focused on an all-steel construction with a 4-inch barrel.
In 1971, you’ll find Ruger enhanced the design evolution by introducing aluminum frame variants, reducing weight while maintaining reliability. The Bearcat’s production continued until 1974 before its reintroduction in 1993.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Holster Material for a Ruger Bearcat?
You’ll want to focus on holster fit and retention for your compact single-action revolver. Premium leather provides excellent holster retention while molding to your specific firearm over time.
Kydex offers rigid protection and precise fit but lacks traditional aesthetics. For optimal everyday carry, consider a high-grade leather pancake or belt slide holster with reinforced stitching and a secure thumb break. You’ll find these materials maintain their shape while protecting your firearm.
Can the Bearcat Handle Snake Shot Ammunition Effectively?
Snake shot’s a tricky beast in any small-frame revolver. You’ll find the .22 LR CCI shot shells work decently, though they’re not exactly powerhouse performers.
When it comes to caliber selection, these tiny pellets disperse well from the short barrel, offering minimal recoil management concerns. Your accuracy’s best within 6-8 feet – think close encounters with rattlers or copperheads.
Just remember, you’re trading stopping power for spread pattern effectiveness.
How Often Should I Replace the Cylinder Springs?
You’ll want to inspect your cylinder springs during regular maintenance intervals, typically every 2,000-3,000 rounds. Your spring replacement interval depends heavily on usage patterns and storage conditions.
If you’re noticing sluggish cylinder rotation or timing issues, don’t wait for a scheduled maintenance – replace them immediately. For optimal performance, establish a cylinder maintenance schedule that includes spring checks every 6-12 months, even with minimal use.
Is the Bearcat Suitable for Left-Handed Shooters?
Ah, the eternal “southpaw” dilemma! You’ll find most revolvers don’t discriminate between right and left hands, thanks to their ambidextrous operation. While the standard grip configuration might feel slightly right-hand oriented, you can easily customize the grips for left-handed shooting comfort.
The cylinder release and hammer are accessible from either side, though you’ll want to practice your reload technique. Consider single-action revolvers like this one require a slight adaptation to your manual of arms.
What Type of Grips Provide the Best Control for Small Hands?
For smaller hands, you’ll find custom rubber grips provide excellent control and ergonomics. They’re designed to compress slightly under pressure, reducing felt recoil while maintaining a secure hold.
Consider polymer grip inserts, which can be customized to your exact hand dimensions. You’ll want grips that allow your middle finger to wrap fully around while maintaining proper trigger finger placement. The slimmer profile of these materials helps prevent grip shift during recoil.
Conclusion
The Ruger Bearcat’s .22 LR six-shot cylinder works like a well-oiled Swiss timepiece in your hands. You’ll find this single-action revolver’s 4-inch barrel and transfer bar safety mechanism deliver consistent performance across decades of use. Whether you’re plinking or collecting, the 24-ounce weight and adjustable sights keep you on target. Regular maintenance of the aluminum frame and hardened steel cylinder ensures reliable function for generations.
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