New Model Super Bearcat - 22 LR

[naphtali]

The only Bearcat revolver I've seen is an old model - thirty-some-odd years ago. I was not favorably impressed.

Is new model Super Bearcat a more precise machine?
1. What standard of accuracy should be expected from the revolver?

2. Is its grip frame sufficient to maintain a firm grip during use?

3. Please identify gunsmiths who offer installation of an adjustable rear (and front??) sight?

4. How transparently, how difficult is it, to align chambers with ejector rod, poor alignment causing wear on chambers' dimensions and deteriorating accuracy?

[carl]

See my reply on Ruger Forum......

flatgate/Carl

[bfrshooter]

I had an original and it was not very accurate. The single six is not too good either. The most accurate .22 revolver is the Freedom, next is the S&W K22.
The .22 is the hardest gun to make accurate in a revolver. Then ammo sucks today.

[nonpcnrarn]

Dec 6, 2009 23:27:23 GMT -5 bfrshooter said:

I had an original and it was not very accurate. The single six is not too good either. The most accurate .22 revolver is the Freedom, next is the S&W K22.
The .22 is the hardest gun to make accurate in a revolver. Then ammo sucks today.

I had heard that the Single Six was chambered in 22 lr and 22 mag and would shoot good with one or the other but not both. Also I wonder if Paco Kelly's accurizer tool that reshapes the nose of 22 rf ammo will improve accuracy? Anybody use that tool? There are various permutations of that tool out now that will change the shape of the bullet depending on what you want to do ie target shooting vs hunting. One thing it does IIRC is that it slugs up the bullet to a slightly larger diameter which helps with obturation in the barrel.

[Steve]

I can not speak for the Bearcat, but must stand in defense of the single six. My 7 1/2 inch SS will hold 3/4 inch or smaller 6 shot groups at 50 yards using 22LR and slightly better with the 22 Mag cylinder. I will admit that this setup is using a Leupold 2 x 7 scope, and sitting at the bench with sandbags. It took quite a bit of testing to find the ammo that will do this and when I did find it I bought up all I could lay my hands on. This setup has accounted for many squirrels, Prairie Dogs, bunnies, a few badgers and several coyotes. I would like to replace it someday with a Freedom Arms 97 in one of the 32 caliber rounds, but until that day comes, the Ruger Single Six works and works well.

[Dennis]

The new model Bearcat I had about 3 years ago was one of the most accurate 22s I've ever owned, and I've had a bunch! It shot very tiny groups to point of aim with Federal Lightning ammo.....it was hard to let that one go.

Dennis.

[bfrshooter]

The original Bearcat was really poor.
Today the problem is ammo. If your gun is rifled for target rounds then you can get accuracy but Rugers do better with high velocity rounds.
I found CCI Mini Mags are the best. WW, Rem and Fed are junk with all kinds of different reports and many that will not even fire. I hate it when one will "crack" and the next goes "POOP".

[cubrock]

Dec 7, 2009 13:01:29 GMT -5 bfrshooter said:

The original Bearcat was really poor.
Today the problem is ammo. If your gun is rifled for target rounds then you can get accuracy but Rugers do better with high velocity rounds.
I found CCI Mini Mags are the best. WW, Rem and Fed are junk with all kinds of different reports and many that will not even fire. I hate it when one will "crack" and the next goes "POOP".

Federal Bulk Pack from Wal-Mart shoots really well out of every .22 I own, giving match accuracy out of some of them. CCI Mini Mags don't. .22s seem to be the pickiest of any caliber gun as far as what ammo they like or don't like.

As has been mentioned, Paco Kelly's Acurizer really helps, as it allows you to tailor a bullet to your gun.

[akray]

I think you should buy the next Bearcat you find at a good price. If you shoot with it and aren't satisfied it should be an easy gun to resell. Lots of people are interested in them.

[cubrock]

I'm surprised that anyone is willing to dismiss a model based on one bad experience. I've had a number of Bearcats over the years, both Old and New Model. All have shot well for the purpose intended. The Bearcat was never intended to be a target gun. It was meant to be a small, handy kit gun or gun for those with small hands.

I'm willing to bet that most of them will shoot well for any of us with proper ammo and PRACTICE. The Bearcat is one of those guns where I have to work to get good accuracy, simply because of its grip size and shape. A S&W K-22 just seems to point and shoot naturally for me. But, it doesn't slide in a pocket like a Bearcat.

[Boge Quinn]

Dec 7, 2009 13:01:29 GMT -5 bfrshooter said:

The original Bearcat was really poor.

I couldn't disagree more.

As a single-action "kit gun" the Bearcat is without peer. It was never intended to be the 1000-yard tack driver to which shooters like you are accustomed.

I have custom Bearcats from Hamilton Bowen and Alan Harton. With the upgraded sights, I'm sure even a shooter of BFR's caliber would find something to love.

www.gunblast.com/Boge_BowenBearcat.htm

[wickerbill]

I've had a couple of the Bearcats and they both shot fairly well with the right ammo. As for Single Sixes, I've got one OM and one NM and with the ammo that each one likes, they are more accurate than I am. The Old Model likes Rem bulk packs and the New Model(Bisley) likes CCI Mini-Mags.

22's are the most individual weapons out there. If they don't like something, they are simply not going to shoot it well. You have to find what they like. The Bearcats were both old models and they both liked the same thing, WW Super X HP. Like said before in other answers to this thread, These are not target guns.
Bill

[461tim]

I had Alan Harton do a little massaging to my daughters Bearcat and it's now one of the most accurate guns I own. It was good before, but now it's great.

[Boge Quinn]

Here's my Harton .32 Magnum Bearcat. It shoots better than I can. The blue one is mine, built on an Old Model Super Bearcat, and the stainless one was built just after mine for Lloyd Smale. Grips are Eagle, fitted by Harton.

[Deleted]

I'm envious Boge. Those are really nice Bearcats you have there. As for the old Bearcats I have one from the late 1960's and it shoots dead on. Good accuracy and good fit too.