This is awsome. 1969 i was 5 years old when mom sat me on her lap and let me shoot her bearcat. It had engraving and a gold trigger. Much more attractive than the new one. She is 86 now and still shoots it.
How nice ! 😁 bring her lots of ammo, cb caps for fun. I love shooting empty baked bean tins with a .22 LR revolver. 😁 I must say .22 LR is my favorite caliber. .38 Special is next.
My dad still has an original Bearcat from I believe the 50's. It has brass on on it with much more engraving on the cylinder. I loved that gun. A few years ago, Ruger sent him a letter saying they would insure it and pay shipping if he would send it to them to be refurbished. I had seen an add where they would refurbish them in a gun magazine. I called them and told them about the pistol and they contacted him. They added the bar to it and put new internals in it. They sent the gun back with all the old parts and it was like new. Very tight gun. My dad takes very good care of his guns. The gun always went everywhere with him, and when he sent it in, it was like new condition. He still takes it with him all the time. It is a much safer gun now. Thanks for the video
Owned one and was my favorite hiking gun as a kid. Many a rabbit or magpie found out it was accurate. For a handgun, it was my first gun to learn on for hand gunning. For the price and sheer fun it can't be beat. Thanks for the video, it brought back fun memories.
I ate peanut butter for 2 weeks in the 90s when they released the New Bearcat in order to get one. Awesome little revolver...now at some point I _must_ have a stainless Shopkeeper. In a couple of years when my mortgage is done, I'd also like a classic Bearcat or Super Bearcat. Oif course, after owning and shooting the great SP101, I'm achin' to try both a Security Six and newer GP100 too. I'm not greedy, just one of everything will do it. Love me those Ruger revolvers.
I have a security 6 on layaway. I've held a gp100 4.2 that is on my list to get in the next year or . My suggestion is look at pawn shops that is where I found my security 6.
Hi hickok45 , love your vid. You are one of the 'real' folk who deserve to be a shooter. I agree with your presentation top to bottom. I was 11 or 12 years old when I was home alone, and caught a prowler with my Rugar Bearcat as he was trying to enter. I held him at gunpoint while waiting for the police. My dad was a Marine, and taught me about guns. I was a competent handler by age ten. So, when the police arrived, my parents came back. The Policeman, asked me to show him my gun. He did not stress I still held it. He said "Point it down, and clear it, (as I was doing). I did and offered it, he took it in his hands, and looked it over, smiling all of that time. He said "this is a nice gun." He told me I was a good kid, then handed me back the gun. The Police finished their business with arresting the prowler, then once again complimented me, saying I was a good citizen and showed good judgment. The police invited me to visit the station anytime I wish. This was in 1962 or 63. Wow, this could not ever happen today. The police in a home, and being cool with a kid handling a gun? We have drifted far afield of our heritage. So now, a person who is lazy, sloppy, not careful, and drops his or her gun, it falls on the hammer and goes bang. Then they sue the manufacturer? Wow, I amazing our America has fallen so far as to have bred such dead beat idiots who blame the maker for their mistakes? If you drop a hammer on your foot, do you sue the people who make the hammer? People who take issue with the maker, are slimy and of low character. How about BEING CAREFUL? Don't leave the gun UNSECURED, and be AWARE of your movements. - A bit of being a responsible handler of the gun you bought, IS THE RULE, and not make a maker responsible for the stupid actions of the handler.
Well said my friend. I would have done anything when that age to have a Bearcat and a place to shoot it at that age. My dad was anti-gun and wouldn't even let me have a .22 Rifle at 16 that an Uncle gave me. I'm up in years and actually remember a Ruger Catalog of 1960 that listed this gun and fancy factory grips to fit. My first love was the Single Six and finally bought one when I turned 18. The first gun of many.
That Bearcat is a sharp little gun. Changing the subject totally, though, you've gotten a number of requests over the years to get a Sherman tank for a video. Will that be happening soon? I'm not sure what you can shoot on your range with a 75mm cannon. Probably just 2 liters. Also, I don't recall ever seeing any Federal ammo for tank guns. Still, it would be a cool video.
It would cost a tax stamp of $ 200 per round, not including the cost of the ammo itself. Hence why the .55 caliber Boy's Rifles were re-chambered to .50 BMG
I bought a Bearcat a few years ago and within probably 20 rounds the cylinder became harder to cycle and eventually wouldn't rotate without a lot of force. I noticed the brass had obviously been rubbed on the back of the cartridges and it turns out the cylinder had not quite been machined out deep enough for the rounds to fully chamber. But I sent it back to Ruger and they fixed the problem and now it will eat anything I put in it. Great little gun for camping/fishing. I'm quite amazed with how accurate it is as well.
I have a new one and I love it and I don't think there is anything wrong with the chambers but after about a box of shells you can't push them in far enough for the cylinder to rotate freely. It's sort of like you had shot a box of shorts in it and created a fire ring and then tried to stick long rifles in the same chamber. Some CLP and a bronze brush on a 3/8 ths drill and a lot of reaming it is like new and ready to go again. I have two revolvers with this problem. Brand of ammo seems to made no difference before that comes up. It does it with all brands.
Single action .22 revolvers are great fun. You don't burn ammo like with a semiauto. SLOW to load and slow to eject cases, real cowboy stuff. You learn to make every shot count. I don't have a Bearcat but I do own a KNR-5 and it is sweeet. Nice video Sir.
This reminds me of my Colt Frontier Scout. I bought it when I was twelve, at a yard sale. It was stolen some years ago, but I would love to find another. It was my first handgun, far from my last, but one of my favorites. The single action plinkers are just so much fun.
Yep I have the Colt Frontier Scout with box and paper work from 1967 and also the Colt Peacemaker as well from 1972 I believe both in like new condition with the .22Mag cylinder to go with them !! I bought them both online probably around 10 years ago !!!
A friend of a friend told me a revolver in .22 is a great way of doing something without getting caught since since you keep your brass and .22 hollows tend to break up totally into pieces
Absolutely love your videos Hickok45! I'm just starting my collection, but your videos have been a great guide for me. This revolver has been on my list for a while now, thanks for doing a video on it!
rambokicksass77 some councils are actually considering the use of suppressors as well but thats a long way from being implemented with the merit badges. theres some talk about adding a 3 gun type competition too but it will be a pilot program for older scouts for a long time before national accepts the program
By the way, I bet I know why you had trouble with the earlier Bearcat you mentioned: the tiny steel spring-loaded plunger on the end of the cylinder retaining rod came loose and got into the works. Happened to mine after a decade and completely jammed the works. It was a quick, cheap fix at a gunsmith's to get it back to its usual perfect operation. And yes, I completely agree, a western gun should never be polluted with a micrometer rear sight doohickey. Yuck.
The Bearcat is the first revolver I shot in, I believe 1963. It still belongs to my brother in law. Great little firearm. Enjoy your videos, keep 'em coming Hickock45.
I recently acquired a 1956 Single-Six 22 from my grandad (verified serial number with Ruger) lots of history in this very solid firearm. Sure glad it has made it's way to my safe for a new life!
My Grandfather handed me down an early 1959 Bearcat that I grew up putting rabbit and squirrel in the pot with. Can't say enough good about that gun!!! Excellent craftsmanship and fit, like it was custom made! Excellent trigger, crisp and very light! Except for holster rub at the muzzle, the gun appears as new! When Ruger came out with the New Bearcat, my wife wanted one because she so enjoyed mine so I ordered her one. The New Bearcat was terrible!!!!! Sloppy fit, especially the cylinder. Terrible creep to a 5lb trigger pull. Very inaccurate. Heavier than the old Bearcat. Within putting a box of 500 thru it, the cylinder pin lock sprung apart and the spring and cap were lost. My wife put the New Bearcat back in its case and it hasn't been taken out of its case since. I know that Ruger would fix the cylinder pin lock but the other issues, especially the massive cylinder slop, would keep me from shooting the gun again.
Thanks for the comment. I was looking for a shopkeeper for a new backpacking/hiking gun and couldn’t find one anywhere. Stumbled upon a used 1961 bearcat for just under 500 bucks. Glad I “pulled the trigger” on it! Gonna be using it for small game and plinking.
Have a '59... Grandfather bought new and gave to my father when he was 12... my dad passed it on to me when i was a kid too. shoots great still after all these years.. still in time but, only has about a 1 lb trigger pull now due to the thousands of rounds put through it. Great little plinker/kit gun. so much fun to shoot. I used to practice quick drawing it when i was younger. Had a nice custom made western holster with leg strap and would fan that action.... Thought I was Clint Eastwood...lol Got pretty good at it too... So much fun ...
We are on the same wavelength when it comes to adjustable sights. In terms of pure aesthetics, when you look at the adjustable rear sights on most revolvers, they appear to have been designed by someone other than the revolver designer. They often use thin metal blade sights coupled with a Rube Goldberg inspired system of screws, springs and pins. With their relatively sharp ouer edges, they are great for snagging on clothing when you feel the need to do a quick draw. The Bearcat you shot here is a fine example of single action revolver "elegance", with the nice round contours that flow and are visually appealing.
Great video! You actually part of the reason I picked up a reproduction Remington percussion revolver. I'm curious to ask everyone here if a chapter two on percussion guns would be cool.
I was introduced to the Colt SAA via Metal Gear Solid; it was Revolver Ocelot's sidearm of choice. Sadly, though I was exposed to Westerns as a lad, I never watched them (but I'm making up for that now! Got a year long marathon of Westerns and War movies).
I own 2 Bearcats. Bought the 1st one in 1964 for $ 37:00 and the second one in 1965 for $43:00. Love them. Millions of rounds through them. Couldn't afford a Colt back then
Just picked up a shopkeeper. Played with it for a while and it locked up on me too. Turns out if the rod for the cylinder is not pushed in far enough it locks up. This is good so you cannot shoot if the rod is not secure. Once I jammed the rod in there good it broke free and worked normally. The tolerance on this new unit is very tight and difficult to remove and insert. I suspect over time will become more user friendly. Love watching your videos!
I have owned three over the years and loved em all! Unfortunately they make great trade bait and I have swapped them all away! I had both alloy frame and steel frame and liked the original style better(also because I felt the transfer bar ruined it)Thanks for the great videos! Fun and informative!
I was just handed down my Grandfathers Bearcat from my father. It is a fun little gun to mess around and practice your "quickdraw". It is an original but has been restored because when my dad was a boy the spring for the cartridge release came shooting out and landed in a river.
Totally agree with you on the sights, standard fixed sights or nothing. Like people who put non stock parts on a classic car. You are buying it for that look, and not to look modern.
+cokedaz To each their own. Not sure I would want adjustable sights, but Hey! If we put our values on other people you might have to kiss all guns good-bye. In Canada there is a bill before senate s223 I believe (heh heh kind of ironic) that would have us store our guns at ranges and only transport by armoured car. Kind of like Britain. Think about it. If everyone has to live by others values we are pretty much doomed. Freedom, baby. BTW I see a ton of classic cars with 17"+ wheels on them. Also if a person is limited by $ then get what you can to fulfill multiple needs.. Love this channel. I don't even own a tv.
Hickok45, You are the most amazing Firearms RUclipsr I have ever watched! I Live in Las Vegas and I hope that you See this comment and know that your show matters to me!
When you showed it next to the C&B Remington it reminded me of the old $39.50 MSRP Bearcat that I used to have with a brass trigger guard. The brass really makes the gun stand out, and they should bring it back. I remember that the Old Model Super Blackhawk used to be available with a brass trigger guard, but unfortunately mine has the standard one. As much as I think the transfer bar looks silly on a revolver, it is the transfer bar that makes the Henry the BEST lever action centerfire rifle.
At a fairly recent gun show, I found one of these for around $350. But we had the same "total seize-up" issue you described, Hickok. Perhaps there's something in messing with the base pin that causes this. One additional item to mention: The rollmark on the cylinder is pretty neat. It stands out more on bright Bearcats, though.
The cheapest in my area is $525. MSRP is $639 on a blued version. They are surprisingly expensive, especially when compared to a much better single six that can fire both .22 LR and .22 Mag, but costs about the same to purchase new.
I inherited my bearcat from my Dad who bought it in the late 1960's. It has shot many rabbits and squirrels over the years. I love it and keep it close when I am out in my garage and farting around my property. It is so fun to shoot and has stood the test of time so well! I recommend all to get one if you can swing it! Great family heirloom for sure!!
Mine is just like that one. I cut a flat bevel with a dremel tool on the back of the front sight and re-blued it, which really helped the sight picture. The rounded back of the stock front sight reflects a lot of light back into your eyes.
Currently $476 for this model at Buds. I have one from the early seventies with the alloy frame and brass trigger guard. It is one of my favorite guns.
I have one of the old Rugers circa 1958 and it doesn't have the transfer bar. However, there is a way to lock the hammer away from the primer by pulling it to the first click which is very close to being all the way down. It locks it in place very well. I still leave the hammer resting on an empty chamber just in case.
i watch the rifleman on a regular basis lol at first i wasnt into it but my uncle watches it all the time so i was stuck watching it as well came to find out its actually pretty cool for an old show
One of my favorite handguns. I bought one for my wife to carry(long before carry permit) after a perv exposed himself as she walked to work. She seldom carried it but she was a better shot than me, rifle or pistol. I sometimes carried it big game hunting and once took a grouse from the top of a big pine with it (headshot).
New subscriber here from the state of Maine! What a coincidence that today you would post a video about one of my favorite guns of all time. Really enjoy your channel happy to support, keep it coming and thankyou!
The little Bearcat was my first pistol. I have no fond memories except for that. That was back in 1978. It was just a plinker. Not a bad one but when I got a T/C Contender - It has been an affair that lasted nearly 40 years
My grandfather sold them in his sporting goods store. I started tending the store , while he worked in the engine repair shop behind the store when I was very young. It seems like the first ones he sold were $39.95, may have been 49.95. They came with a short,long,and long rifle cylinder, and a 22 mag cylinder.
I'm with you Hickok on the adjustable sights on a single action revolver. Adjustable sights on a single action 'cowboy type' gun is like putting training wheels on a motorcycle. CAVEAT - nothing against those who like/require them as an accuracy enhancer. That's why there's a market for them, they're just not for me.
I finally had one follow me home today in stainless. Non adjustable sights. A bucket list item for me. I Have several single six Ruger s, from pre wrangler days, and that might be my all time favorite model handgun. But this little bearcat is certainly growing on me
I hope to buy one some day. I've always been fascinated by the Colt-style revolvers but I'm not comfortable with some of the larger calibers. Also I'm used to the .22's recoil so I don't have to worry about blasting holes in the ceiling.
I have a "59 been in my family since new... has about a 1lb trigger pull now due to the thousands of rounds through it. Still in time and shoots wonderful... very accurate little pistol.
I love my bearcat. After shooting mine my dad and one sister-inlaw had to each have one. I really need to find one of them in stainless with the birdshead grip.
I had one back in the 70's, I had the holster and belt (cowboy style) it was a great plinker. Mine had blue trigger and hammer though. I used to take it hunting as a snake gun. A Berretta Stampede has taken its place.
I have one that was made in 1996. I bought it used sometime in the mid- to late-2000s. In 2012 it locked up on me too. It had done so before but I was always able to work it loose but not this time. I sent it back to Ruger. They fixed it for free. The only cost to me was shipping it to them. My kids learned to shoot with that gun. I'd love to get another one.
Hey Hickok45 I just want to say thanks for all the videos of all the different weapons you shoot with perfect aim... I do have one question... I was just wondering is federal a good brand of ammunition to use with my Hi-Point 40 caliber? I know it's not a top notch gun but it is my first one and I love it but I would like to hear back from you or John... Love the Channel... p.s it would be cool to see a video on the Hi point 40 caliber
Great video, acquired a shopkeeper version in SS recently and it is just an absolute delight to handle and shoot. Shoots easier and better than my single six for me.
WWJWD what would John Wayne do? great video! I'd like to have one especially the shopkeeper model but man oh man is the firearms market out out control, everything is too expensive these days
I agree about the modern sights on a single action pistols. I feel the same way about the trigger guards on the Bond Arms derringers. I want my western guns to be John Wayne approved !!
I bought a Bearcat for my son when he was still in the womb. I locked it in the case and would put it in his crib with him after he was born. My wife kept taking it out and I'd sneak it back to him when she wasnt around. It was fun. Last year he was 12 and got his first blue grouse with it the day after he got his first mule deer with his Ruger M77 6.8 SPC. Best time ever.
Ammunition is a big factor for me and recently I've gotten back into airguns again, I really like my John Wayne pellet gun but my new model army Remington replica (Lyman) is one of my favorites since I bought it in the mid 70's. I would probably shoot my powder burners a lot more if it wasn't for the crazy price of ammo these days! Yes life is good :)
This is awsome. 1969 i was 5 years old when mom sat me on her lap and let me shoot her bearcat. It had engraving and a gold trigger. Much more attractive than the new one. She is 86 now and still shoots it.
How nice ! 😁 bring her lots of ammo, cb caps for fun.
I love shooting empty baked bean tins with a .22 LR revolver. 😁
I must say .22 LR is my favorite caliber.
.38 Special is next.
🤠👍Shoot while you can👵🎯
Dude that's a really awesome story, I hope you are both doing well
More power to your Mom. A retired senior here, I am going to the range tomorrow and will have a lot of fun with my Bearcat.
My dad still has an original Bearcat from I believe the 50's. It has brass on on it with much more engraving on the cylinder. I loved that gun. A few years ago, Ruger sent him a letter saying they would insure it and pay shipping if he would send it to them to be refurbished. I had seen an add where they would refurbish them in a gun magazine. I called them and told them about the pistol and they contacted him. They added the bar to it and put new internals in it. They sent the gun back with all the old parts and it was like new. Very tight gun. My dad takes very good care of his guns. The gun always went everywhere with him, and when he sent it in, it was like new condition. He still takes it with him all the time. It is a much safer gun now. Thanks for the video
I have a Bearcat . Love it . About a year ago I sold a bunch of my firearms . The bearcat was one I kept .
Revolvers are just fun not matter what the caliber is. Love the videos.
No matter what the caliber.
Owned one and was my favorite hiking gun as a kid. Many a rabbit or magpie found out it was accurate. For a handgun, it was my first gun to learn on for hand gunning. For the price and sheer fun it can't be beat. Thanks for the video, it brought back fun memories.
Love this littler revolver! I have one from 1964 that was my grandmother's bedside gun.
I ate peanut butter for 2 weeks in the 90s when they released the New Bearcat in order to get one. Awesome little revolver...now at some point I _must_ have a stainless Shopkeeper. In a couple of years when my mortgage is done, I'd also like a classic Bearcat or Super Bearcat. Oif course, after owning and shooting the great SP101, I'm achin' to try both a Security Six and newer GP100 too. I'm not greedy, just one of everything will do it.
Love me those Ruger revolvers.
Been there., done that. It’s amazing what sacrifices we make for the guns we just got to have.
I have a security 6 on layaway. I've held a gp100 4.2 that is on my list to get in the next year or . My suggestion is look at pawn shops that is where I found my security 6.
Okay Glenn, I have the Ruger Single Ten, stainless, you will never regret it, I love mine!
This is no doubt the best looking 22 of them all Ruger really did a great job with this 22 handgun
Hi hickok45
, love your vid. You are one of the 'real' folk who deserve to be a shooter. I agree with your presentation top to bottom. I was 11 or 12 years old when I was home alone, and caught a prowler with my Rugar Bearcat as he was trying to enter. I held him at gunpoint while waiting for the police. My dad was a Marine, and taught me about guns. I was a competent handler by age ten. So, when the police arrived, my parents came back. The Policeman, asked me to show him my gun. He did not stress I still held it. He said "Point it down, and clear it, (as I was doing). I did and offered it, he took it in his hands, and looked it over, smiling all of that time. He said "this is a nice gun." He told me I was a good kid, then handed me back the gun. The Police finished their business with arresting the prowler, then once again complimented me, saying I was a good citizen and showed good judgment. The police invited me to visit the station anytime I wish. This was in 1962 or 63. Wow, this could not ever happen today. The police in a home, and being cool with a kid handling a gun? We have drifted far afield of our heritage.
So now, a person who is lazy, sloppy, not careful, and drops his or her gun, it falls on the hammer and goes bang. Then they sue the manufacturer? Wow, I amazing our America has fallen so far as to have bred such dead beat idiots who blame the maker for their mistakes? If you drop a hammer on your foot, do you sue the people who make the hammer? People who take issue with the maker, are slimy and of low character. How about BEING CAREFUL? Don't leave the gun UNSECURED, and be AWARE of your movements. - A bit of being a responsible handler of the gun you bought, IS THE RULE, and not make a maker responsible for the stupid actions of the handler.
God bless you sir! This is the truth.
Well said my friend. I would have done anything when that age to have a Bearcat and a place to shoot it at that age. My dad was anti-gun and wouldn't even let me have a .22 Rifle at 16 that an Uncle gave me. I'm up in years and actually remember a Ruger Catalog of 1960 that listed this gun and fancy factory grips to fit. My first love was the Single Six and finally bought one when I turned 18. The first gun of many.
I have a Bearcat in stainless and the sights are right on at 15 yards. I put some real Stag grips on mine from Eagle Grips. Great little gun!!
That Bearcat is a sharp little gun. Changing the subject totally, though, you've gotten a number of requests over the years to get a Sherman tank for a video. Will that be happening soon? I'm not sure what you can shoot on your range with a 75mm cannon. Probably just 2 liters. Also, I don't recall ever seeing any Federal ammo for tank guns. Still, it would be a cool video.
It would cost a tax stamp of
$ 200 per round, not including the cost of the ammo itself.
Hence why the .55 caliber Boy's Rifles were re-chambered to .50 BMG
Your backyard is going to be a future lead and copper mine.
lol
thallium200 One day geologists will be surveying the property and be spending weeks trying to figure out what battle was fought there.
tonylwright
That would be the mythic "Battle of the Two Liters" where one man stood against many with the fate of humanity in the balance.
tonylwright n
@@SkyWriter25 😂😂
I bought a Bearcat a few years ago and within probably 20 rounds the cylinder became harder to cycle and eventually wouldn't rotate without a lot of force. I noticed the brass had obviously been rubbed on the back of the cartridges and it turns out the cylinder had not quite been machined out deep enough for the rounds to fully chamber. But I sent it back to Ruger and they fixed the problem and now it will eat anything I put in it. Great little gun for camping/fishing. I'm quite amazed with how accurate it is as well.
I have a new one and I love it and I don't think there is anything wrong with the chambers but after about a box of shells you can't push them in far enough for the cylinder to rotate freely. It's sort of like you had shot a box of shorts in it and created a fire ring and then tried to stick long rifles in the same chamber. Some CLP and a bronze brush on a 3/8 ths drill and a lot of reaming it is like new and ready to go again. I have two revolvers with this problem. Brand of ammo seems to made no difference before that comes up. It does it with all brands.
Single action .22 revolvers are great fun. You don't burn ammo like with a semiauto. SLOW to load and slow to eject cases, real cowboy stuff. You learn to make every shot count. I don't have a Bearcat but I do own a KNR-5 and it is sweeet. Nice video Sir.
This reminds me of my Colt Frontier Scout. I bought it when I was twelve, at a yard sale. It was stolen some years ago, but I would love to find another. It was my first handgun, far from my last, but one of my favorites. The single action plinkers are just so much fun.
Yep I have the Colt Frontier Scout with box and paper work from 1967 and also the Colt Peacemaker as well from 1972 I believe both in like new condition with the .22Mag cylinder to go with them !! I bought them both online probably around 10 years ago !!!
Ruger Bearcat! I love these little pistols. I have one of the 58's and it works like a charm.
I just got one of these in stainless. Thanks for making the video Hickok. Ruger is great for making 4.2" barrel firearms for Canadian gun laws.
A friend of a friend told me a revolver in .22 is a great way of doing something without getting caught since since you keep your brass and .22 hollows tend to break up totally into pieces
Absolutely love your videos Hickok45! I'm just starting my collection, but your videos have been a great guide for me. This revolver has been on my list for a while now, thanks for doing a video on it!
my scout camp uses the bearcat for a pistol program, awesome little .22s and the scouts who havent fired a handgun before really like them
rambokicksass77 yep
rambokicksass77 some councils are actually considering the use of suppressors as well but thats a long way from being implemented with the merit badges. theres some talk about adding a 3 gun type competition too but it will be a pilot program for older scouts for a long time before national accepts the program
@@Warpetrie Makes me think of the line in the movie "Red Dawn" ....a member of an elite paramilitary organization ......... Eagle Scout.
By the way, I bet I know why you had trouble with the earlier Bearcat you mentioned: the tiny steel spring-loaded plunger on the end of the cylinder retaining rod came loose and got into the works. Happened to mine after a decade and completely jammed the works. It was a quick, cheap fix at a gunsmith's to get it back to its usual perfect operation.
And yes, I completely agree, a western gun should never be polluted with a micrometer rear sight doohickey. Yuck.
I have my dad's. I shoot it rarely. It's such a beautiful little gun. He bought it in the early 60's.
The Bearcat is the first revolver I shot in, I believe 1963. It still belongs to my brother in law. Great little firearm. Enjoy your videos, keep 'em coming Hickock45.
I recently acquired a 1956 Single-Six 22 from my grandad (verified serial number with Ruger) lots of history in this very solid firearm. Sure glad it has made it's way to my safe for a new life!
As a kid, I always wanted one, but it was out of our price range. Nice to see you putting it through its paces.
My Grandfather handed me down an early 1959 Bearcat that I grew up putting rabbit and squirrel in the pot with.
Can't say enough good about that gun!!!
Excellent craftsmanship and fit, like it was custom made!
Excellent trigger, crisp and very light!
Except for holster rub at the muzzle, the gun appears as new!
When Ruger came out with the New Bearcat, my wife wanted one because she so enjoyed mine so I ordered her one.
The New Bearcat was terrible!!!!!
Sloppy fit, especially the cylinder.
Terrible creep to a 5lb trigger pull.
Very inaccurate.
Heavier than the old Bearcat.
Within putting a box of 500 thru it, the cylinder pin lock sprung apart and the spring and cap were lost.
My wife put the New Bearcat back in its case and it hasn't been taken out of its case since.
I know that Ruger would fix the cylinder pin lock but the other issues, especially the massive cylinder slop, would keep me from shooting the gun again.
Thanks for the comment. I was looking for a shopkeeper for a new backpacking/hiking gun and couldn’t find one anywhere. Stumbled upon a used 1961 bearcat for just under 500 bucks. Glad I “pulled the trigger” on it! Gonna be using it for small game and plinking.
One of the only truly legendary RUclipsrs!
Love your videos
Totally agree with the fixed sights on classic single action revolvers
Have a '59... Grandfather bought new and gave to my father when he was 12... my dad passed it on to me when i was a kid too.
shoots great still after all these years.. still in time but, only has about a 1 lb trigger pull now due to the thousands of rounds put through it.
Great little plinker/kit gun. so much fun to shoot.
I used to practice quick drawing it when i was younger. Had a nice custom made western holster with leg strap and would fan that action.... Thought I was Clint Eastwood...lol
Got pretty good at it too... So much fun ...
We are on the same wavelength when it comes to adjustable sights. In terms of pure aesthetics, when you look at the adjustable rear sights on most revolvers, they appear to have been designed by someone other than the revolver designer. They often use thin metal blade sights coupled with a Rube Goldberg inspired system of screws, springs and pins. With their relatively sharp ouer edges, they are great for snagging on clothing when you feel the need to do a quick draw. The Bearcat you shot here is a fine example of single action revolver "elegance", with the nice round contours that flow and are visually appealing.
I just have to say that camera work is amazing. I feel like I am right there with him. Awesome pistol! Awesome video. Thank you for sharing
Постоянно меняется громкость: от "очень громко" до "не слышно слов". Нужен микрофон-петличка.
Great video! You actually part of the reason I picked up a reproduction Remington percussion revolver. I'm curious to ask everyone here if a chapter two on percussion guns would be cool.
I grew up shooting a old Bearcat, dad got it from a hitch hiker around 1970ish and the bluing was gone then. Mom stil uses it on Squirls and such.
I was introduced to the Colt SAA via Metal Gear Solid; it was Revolver Ocelot's sidearm of choice.
Sadly, though I was exposed to Westerns as a lad, I never watched them (but I'm making up for that now! Got a year long marathon of Westerns and War movies).
I own 2 Bearcats. Bought the 1st one in 1964 for $ 37:00 and the second one in 1965 for $43:00. Love them. Millions of rounds through them. Couldn't afford a Colt back then
I have one from the 90's - I love that little revolver!
Just picked up a shopkeeper. Played with it for a while and it locked up on me too. Turns out if the rod for the cylinder is not pushed in far enough it locks up. This is good so you cannot shoot if the rod is not secure. Once I jammed the rod in there good it broke free and worked normally. The tolerance on this new unit is very tight and difficult to remove and insert. I suspect over time will become more user friendly. Love watching your videos!
I have owned three over the years and loved em all! Unfortunately they make great trade bait and I have swapped them all away! I had both alloy frame and steel frame and liked the original style better(also because I felt the transfer bar ruined it)Thanks for the great videos! Fun and informative!
I was just handed down my Grandfathers Bearcat from my father. It is a fun little gun to mess around and practice your "quickdraw". It is an original but has been restored because when my dad was a boy the spring for the cartridge release came shooting out and landed in a river.
I love my 1974 bearcat.
Thanks for doing this video and keep up the good work.
I have 2. One is out of very first 50 ever made. Love it!!
Ruger makes great guns , and I really love their single actions , Single Six , Bearcat , Blackhawk , and Vaquero
Totally agree with you on the sights, standard fixed sights or nothing. Like people who put non stock parts on a classic car. You are buying it for that look, and not to look modern.
+cokedaz
To each their own. Not sure I would want adjustable sights, but Hey! If we put our values on other people you might have to kiss all guns good-bye. In Canada there is a bill before senate s223 I believe (heh heh kind of ironic) that would have us store our guns at ranges and only transport by armoured car. Kind of like Britain. Think about it. If everyone has to live by others values we are pretty much doomed. Freedom, baby.
BTW I see a ton of classic cars with 17"+ wheels on them.
Also if a person is limited by $ then get what you can to fulfill multiple needs..
Love this channel. I don't even own a tv.
+Bob Wright Except that is a private members bill and is not going to go anywhere.
Agreed, but still they try.
It DID happen in Britain, so don't be complacent.
Never say it can't happen here. Could be the most famous last words ever.
You gotta love your Rugers.
Hickok45, You are the most amazing Firearms RUclipsr I have ever watched!
I Live in Las Vegas and I hope that you See this comment and know that your show matters to me!
When you showed it next to the C&B Remington it reminded me of the old $39.50 MSRP Bearcat that I used to have with a brass trigger guard. The brass really makes the gun stand out, and they should bring it back.
I remember that the Old Model Super Blackhawk used to be available with a brass trigger guard, but unfortunately mine has the standard one.
As much as I think the transfer bar looks silly on a revolver, it is the transfer bar that makes the Henry the BEST lever action centerfire rifle.
My dad bought a bearcat many years ago for my mom she loves it hers the cylinder is factory engraved
At a fairly recent gun show, I found one of these for around $350. But we had the same "total seize-up" issue you described, Hickok. Perhaps there's something in messing with the base pin that causes this. One additional item to mention: The rollmark on the cylinder is pretty neat. It stands out more on bright Bearcats, though.
The cheapest in my area is $525. MSRP is $639 on a blued version. They are surprisingly expensive, especially when compared to a much better single six that can fire both .22 LR and .22 Mag, but costs about the same to purchase new.
My friend has one .. always a fun day at the range when he brings it. I have a SW 317 that's a perfect match.
I inherited my bearcat from my Dad who bought it in the late 1960's. It has shot many rabbits and squirrels over the years. I love it and keep it close when I am out in my garage and farting around my property. It is so fun to shoot and has stood the test of time so well! I recommend all to get one if you can swing it! Great family heirloom for sure!!
Mine is just like that one. I cut a flat bevel with a dremel tool on the back of the front sight and re-blued it, which really helped the sight picture. The rounded back of the stock front sight reflects a lot of light back into your eyes.
I liked the ones with the brass grip frame and trigger guard. Pretty little revolvers.
Love the Bearcat! My current favorite is the little Shopkeeper model with the birdhead grip. It's a sweet little shooter.
Bearcats are the little jewel single action , hard to find in stock, i think ruger just produces a few a year. Great under rated gun.
thank you hickok45 for doing 22 cailber single action revolver i like all of your videos.
That's always been one of my favorites.
Currently $476 for this model at Buds. I have one from the early seventies with the alloy frame and brass trigger guard. It is one of my favorite guns.
Like your vids I am in England and love your gun culture ,envy your life style
I have one of the old Rugers circa 1958 and it doesn't have the transfer bar. However, there is a way to lock the hammer away from the primer by pulling it to the first click which is very close to being all the way down. It locks it in place very well. I still leave the hammer resting on an empty chamber just in case.
i watch the rifleman on a regular basis lol at first i wasnt into it but my uncle watches it all the time so i was stuck watching it as well came to find out its actually pretty cool for an old show
One of my favorite handguns. I bought one for my wife to carry(long before carry permit) after a perv exposed himself as she walked to work. She seldom carried it but she was a better shot than me, rifle or pistol. I sometimes carried it big game hunting and once took a grouse from the top of a big pine with it (headshot).
Too bad she did not cut off his bells.
New subscriber here from the state of Maine! What a coincidence that today you would post a video about one of my favorite guns of all time. Really enjoy your channel happy to support, keep it coming and thankyou!
I bought my Bearcat in 1967, from Montgonery Wards, in Dallas, Texas~~ for $21.67.
I understand that they sell for as much as $689.00 now!
The little Bearcat was my first pistol. I have no fond memories except for that. That was back in 1978. It was just a plinker. Not a bad one but when I got a T/C Contender - It has been an affair that lasted nearly 40 years
Almost 2 Million? Keep it up Hickok and son!!!
My grandfather sold them in his sporting goods store. I started tending the store , while he worked in the engine repair shop behind the store when I was very young. It seems like the first ones he sold were $39.95, may have been 49.95. They came with a short,long,and long rifle cylinder, and a 22 mag cylinder.
"Let's get him while he's down." - Hickok45, April 27, 2016
Using your channel to inventory a bunch of guns for my wife's grandmother. Thank you for the information.
22LR revolvers are fun as hell. I have a S&W DA/SA model 63. Great little plinker.
+Pepe Roni .. SW 17, 18, 617, 317, and looking for the SS version of the 317. Fun as heck!
I’m right there with you about the western gun sights and adjustable sights. I like my old school sights better.
I love Hickok45's not pandering to the world of the plastic gun and tacticool.
+Michael Medley he's a glock guy, though...and has plenty of various black plastic rifles too
bighunterman77 But he doesn't dwell on modern firearms.
that's true
I'm with you Hickok on the adjustable sights on a single action revolver. Adjustable sights on a single action 'cowboy type' gun is like putting training wheels on a motorcycle. CAVEAT - nothing against those who like/require them as an accuracy enhancer. That's why there's a market for them, they're just not for me.
I finally had one follow me home today in stainless.
Non adjustable sights.
A bucket list item for me. I
Have several single six Ruger s, from pre wrangler days, and that might be my all time favorite model handgun.
But this little bearcat is certainly growing on me
I agree with you on not having adjustable sights on a SAA. They make it look weird.
I hope to buy one some day. I've always been fascinated by the Colt-style revolvers but I'm not comfortable with some of the larger calibers. Also I'm used to the .22's recoil so I don't have to worry about blasting holes in the ceiling.
I have one of the originals and it's still going strong without any problems.
+MyHollowpoint nice, I have a german copy
+MyHollowpoint Mine's 1963 vintage. Still tight and shoots well. Makes a great trail gun.
I have a "59 been in my family since new... has about a 1lb trigger pull now due to the thousands of rounds through it.
Still in time and shoots wonderful... very accurate little pistol.
I love my bearcat. After shooting mine my dad and one sister-inlaw had to each have one. I really need to find one of them in stainless with the birdshead grip.
I had one back in the 70's, I had the holster and belt (cowboy style) it was a great plinker. Mine had blue trigger and hammer though. I used to take it hunting as a snake gun. A Berretta Stampede has taken its place.
it can't take down a bear, but maybe a cat! (don't shoot a cat.)
+Schroeder_2000 ...or a cat that thinks its a bear?
Your name
+Schroeder_2000 When Chris Mcandelles went into the wild he took down a moose with 22 rifle and brown bear was in his diary of things he'd eaten.
But as long as you don't look, it might still be alive. Lol.
+reptilianresearch He only crippled the moose. When the moose realized the predicament of being made lame by a 22lr he promptly died of humiliation.
I have one that was made in 1996. I bought it used sometime in the mid- to late-2000s. In 2012 it locked up on me too. It had done so before but I was always able to work it loose but not this time. I sent it back to Ruger. They fixed it for free. The only cost to me was shipping it to them. My kids learned to shoot with that gun. I'd love to get another one.
Hey Hickok45 I just want to say thanks for all the videos of all the different weapons you shoot with perfect aim... I do have one question... I was just wondering is federal a good brand of ammunition to use with my Hi-Point 40 caliber? I know it's not a top notch gun but it is my first one and I love it but I would like to hear back from you or John... Love the Channel... p.s it would be cool to see a video on the Hi point 40 caliber
My goodness that gun looks tiny in Hickok45's meaty paws.
Uhhhh...The Bearcat is small.
Big meaty claws
Bud's is a great company.
I’ve got one! Love it!
this guy needs a tv show about guns....
Great video, acquired a shopkeeper version in SS recently and it is just an absolute delight to handle and shoot. Shoots easier and better than my single six for me.
That would make an excellent survival gun in a waterproof tin of 1,000 rounds of ammo.
I have a 60s bearcat and a new one love both very much.
Still have the one that I bought in 1967 19.95 love it
WWJWD what would John Wayne do? great video! I'd like to have one especially the shopkeeper model but man oh man is the firearms market out out control, everything is too expensive these days
That was my first pistol a Ruger Bearcat man did I love that thing
What happened to it?
I agree about the modern sights on a single action pistols. I feel the same way about the trigger guards on the Bond Arms derringers. I want my western guns to be John Wayne approved !!
I'm jealous of how accurate you are able to shoot handguns, I can barely hit a 2ft x 2ft piece of plywood with mine.
Bomani Chisulo - he is a wizard
Arco Cola I'm starting to think he might be
Love your videos man keep up the good work
I bought a Bearcat for my son when he was still in the womb. I locked it in the case and would put it in his crib with him after he was born. My wife kept taking it out and I'd sneak it back to him when she wasnt around. It was fun. Last year he was 12 and got his first blue grouse with it the day after he got his first mule deer with his Ruger M77 6.8 SPC. Best time ever.
Thanks Hickock
This is a great one to teach a young person to shoot with. Ive even seen one in .32 (H&R I think, maybe .32 long?).
Ammunition is a big factor for me and recently I've gotten back into airguns again, I really like my John Wayne pellet gun but my new model army Remington replica (Lyman) is one of my favorites since I bought it in the mid 70's. I would probably shoot my powder burners a lot more if it wasn't for the crazy price of ammo these days! Yes life is good :)
Could not agree more with the sights on a single action revolver, I never really get used to that.
I could sit at the range all day with one of those. Ruger does 22 right.
I have a bear cat 22 rifle bolt action single shot love it sweet shooting gun