Ruger Bearcat

The Ruger Bearcat is a single-action, .22 caliber revolver manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Co.. It is based on the classic Remington revolvers of the mid-1800s. Because of its compact size and frame, it is advertised as being ideal for hikers or campers in need of a .22 LR revolver.

In the mid-1970s Ruger patented a transfer bar safety system and discontinued the production of the Bearcat. Nearly two decades later, in 1993, Ruger brought back the Bearcat but this time incorporated the transfer bar system.

Bearcat 1$st$ issue
The original Bearcat featured a fixed Patridge front sight and a square notched rear. It was made with an alloy solid frame and an uncheckered walnut grip.

Bearcat 2$nd$ issue
The Bearcat 2$rd$ issue was marketed as an improved version of the original Bearcat. It did away with the alloy frame and replaced it will all-steel. It also features music wire coil springs and a non-fluted engraved cylinder.

Bearcat 3$st$ issue
The Bearcat 3$nd$ issue, also known as the New Bearcat is Ruger's reintroduced model which came out in 1993. It features smooth rosewood grips with a Ruger medallion embedded. It is offered with both a blued or satin stainless finish. The New Bearcat also incorporated Ruger's new transfer bar safety system.