Bearcat accuracy?

[mtnbkr]

I don't know if I just can't shoot the little gun or if it doesn't have much inherent accuracy, but I'm getting frustrated with it. At 10yds, I can't do any better than 2.5-3". At 25yds, I have a hard time keeping my shots on an 8" plate. I've considered sending it out for adjustable sights, but I'm afraid to put that money into it and find out that the gun isn't that accurate to begin with.

This is the only SA I own, I wonder if SA just doesn't suit me. I don't feel as "awkward" with DA guns.

What kind of accuracy do you guys get out of your Bearcats?

Chris

[COR]

They are not target pistols first off. That being said, you need to buy about 10 different types of 22LR ammo and see what it likes. Rimfires need to tell you what they like. It is also complicated by the smaller grip but that can be just a matter of practice. I am fortunate in that mine likes the Federal bulk pack HP's. It shoots best with Aguila ammo but I feed it the Federals and the CCI 22 CB's.

[toroflow]

That's why I never buy a gun with fixed sights and expect any accuracy or long-range ability out of it. Adjustable sights are the way to go!

[erich]

POA/POI aside, I'd agree that they're not the most accurate .22s out there. When I got mine, I tried all manner of .22 LR rounds (this is standard procedure with me when I get a new .22) and wasn't especially impressed with the accuracy delivered by any of them.

Mine is a post-'93 Bearcat, though, and I suspected that some of the issue might have been the fact that (like the modern Single-Six) the bore was sized to accommodate .22 Mag bullets (this never changed, despite Ruger's having recalled the .22 Mag Bearcat cylinders). When mine returned from being so-converted at Mr. Bowen's, it was actually somewhat more accurate in the Magnum chambering.

Not a tack-driver, by any means, though, but certainly up to what a J-frame .22 can do: about 1" at 10 yards - but only with ammo that it likes.



It doesn't compare terribly to the 22/45, but it doesn't match it, either:



And with ammo it doesn't like? The Bearcat patterns at 10 yards.

[Frank V]

I have shot two Bearcats, neither at very long range. They are a cute, handy, easy to carry, gun. I think they are accurate enough to hunt small game with.
I usually get about 1-1/2" groups off a bench @ 15 yards. One I had when I ran a trapline in Alaska in the Army was accurate enough to hit a Snowshoe Hare in the eye from about 15'. That was all I required of it. I'd do as others have suggested & try one of each brand of readily available ammo in your area.

Pick a day when you are feeling good, & it is calm. Then I'd shoot a group of each ammo from about 15 yards from a good rest. They are small guns & it takes more concentration to wring accuracy from a small gun than it does a larger gun.
Good luck.
Frank

[AxeHandle]

So now I guess you guys expect me to send a Bearcat to Reeder for his treatment and then report on how it shoots? I just might do that but let me get the two Single Sixes back that I just sent out first. With custom cylinders and proper sized barrels for the 22 LR and the 22 Mag I have FA type expectations. Lord knows I'll have FA level money in them.. If they don't really show out I'll hold on to my Bearcat money for some other project.

[Boge Quinn]

Add a nice set of sights, and you see how well a Bearcat can shoot. My Bowen "Perfected Bearcat" does pretty well:
www.gunblast.com/Boge_Bowen-PerfectedBearcat.htm

[AxeHandle]

Sights? Come now Boge... Sights don't make the gun shoot any better! They simply enhance your ability to shoot to the guns potential.. Based on your own tales about your shooting ability if you are shooting hand held groups like that with this little gun there is really no telling how good the thing will actually shoot!

[Frank V]

Jun 14, 2012 13:27:59 GMT -5 AxeHandle said:

So now I guess you guys expect me to send a Bearcat to Reeder for his treatment and then report on how it shoots? I just might do that but let me get the two Single Sixes back that I just sent out first. With custom cylinders and proper sized barrels for the 22 LR and the 22 Mag I have FA type expectations. Lord knows I'll have FA level money in them.. If they don't really show out I'll hold on to my Bearcat money for some other project.

YOU BET!
I think you need to tell him to turn it into a bullseye gun! ;D
Frank

[Boge Quinn]

Jun 18, 2012 12:59:15 GMT -5 AxeHandle said:

Sights? Come now Boge... Sights don't make the gun shoot any better! They simply enhance your ability to shoot to the guns potential.. Based on your own tales about your shooting ability if you are shooting hand held groups like that with this little gun there is really no telling how good the thing will actually shoot!

Anybody who know me will tell you - I can't shoot worth a damn!

Not exactly handheld, though - I was firing from a good rest.

[paulg]

'Bout time you showed up Boge! I was beginning to think you were busy or somethin'.

[agrizz]

Jun 18, 2012 16:15:17 GMT -5 paulg said:

'Bout time you showed up Boge! I was beginning to think you were busy or somethin'.

I believe Boge just rolled out of bed after a much needed rest from last week.

I have a little Bearcat that I picked up about 1966 for the grand sum of $37.00 and wish I had purchased a dozen of them. I have carried it on a number of hunting trips as a small game getter. However it shoots about the same as all the others for me about 1 1/2 inch at 25.

[mtnbkr]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to try shooting it off the bench with a few types of ammo. If it does ok, then I may consider adjustable sights. If nothing else, the improved sight picture will be helpful. If I can't get decent, and repeatable groups out of it, then it'll have to go. I was hoping to get something good for my kids to learn with, but they don't need the challenge of learning to shoot and an dodgy gun.

Chris

[buck]

My old model shoots really high with most ammo.
I solved that by using hyper velocity ammo which naturally impacts lower as the barrel has not risen as much by the time the bullet is out.

CCI works best for mine, it is soda-pop can accurate at 25 yards when I do my part.

[COR]

Jun 18, 2012 19:58:20 GMT -5 mtnbkr said:

Thanks everyone. I'm going to try shooting it off the bench with a few types of ammo. If it does ok, then I may consider adjustable sights. If nothing else, the improved sight picture will be helpful. If I can't get decent, and repeatable groups out of it, then it'll have to go. I was hoping to get something good for my kids to learn with, but they don't need the challenge of learning to shoot and an dodgy gun.

Chris

if you want to really get your kids motivated...load up some 22 shot shells and put the can about 10 - 15 feet away. They will think they are a deadeye and you can cover the safe handling while building their confidence.