Old vs new Ruger Single Six or Bearcat
Following up my earlier questions about .22 revolvers (I got great feedback by the way - thanks guys!) I am now pretty much decided between a Ruger Single Six .22LR/.22mag combo and a Ruger Bearcat .22LR. So the question is - should I buy an old, 3-screw model Single Six or a new one? Also which is better - the old or new Bearcat? Is the quality of the newer versions the same, better or worse than before? Which is a better value or investment? Thanks!
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Keep in mind they are distinctly different in physical size too. 0 -
As in the Bearcat fits a small womans hand, and not my small male hand. Go with a Single Six. Mine is new, stainless, and I would not trade it. 0 -
i've had the bearcats fun little gun but i had a hard time hitting with it just because it didn't fit me that well, so i sold it
i have a stainless new model with 5 1/2" barrel in the convertable , great gun shoot s really nice , won't trade it for any thing , i also have 2 older 3 screws love those 4 clicks and they also are great shooters but they don't see near as much use just because of what they are, they stay in the safe way more than they get shot , and last of all i have a blue Bilsey in 22 lr only , that hardy ever gets shot just because its so darn pretty
if any one of them gets taken out its usually the stainless first
because it is stainless and can take getting beat around a little
so if i was buying my first Ruger it would be either a 4 5/8" or 5 1/2 " stainless convertable0 -
I've had half a dozen or so of the Single Sixes in both old and new models. I prefer the old model and, if they haven't been converted, the old ones will usually carry more value. That said, I think you'd do well with either. I had a new model Bisley that was butter smooth and made me forget that it wasn't an old model. Same with a couple of stainless ones. If you do like stainless, by the way, it would have to be a new model. The one red light on old models. Many have been returned to the factory for the safety upgrade. O.K. if the original parts are still with it. They're easy to swap back in. If unavailable, though, I would avoid it. The conversions are crap and finding original innards can be hard and expensive. 0 -
Are you new to revolver shooting or getting it for a younger shooter? If yes to either buy the new model as they are a safer gun and a new revolver shooter is better off with the new model. 0 -
I got my Stainless S-6 in the early '70,s.
Wouldn't trade it for anything [;)]
I've had Bearcats and for a woman they are great.
But are too small for me, and my hands are not big.0 -
Update - I just bought a brand new Single Six in SS on gunbroker. Can't wait to shoot it! What gskyhawk said rang true. I will be less afraid to take it out and enjoy it if it is stainless otherwise I will be worrying about the bluing. I decided to buy new because the price difference between new SS and used SS was so small that is was not worth the doubt of what I would be getting. 0 -
Well done, Honk! You'll love it! 0 -
Glad to see you went with stainless.
Like I said, I've had mine for over 40 years.0 -
Just one last note, when you fire .22 mags in the revolver you MUST have ear protection!! The muzzle blast his very high pitched and loud enough to cause significant hearing damage - I found out the hard way. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by 62fuelie
Just one last note, when you fire .22 mags in the revolver you MUST have ear protection!! The muzzle blast his very high pitched and loud enough to cause significant hearing damage - I found out the hard way.
What? I found out the hard way too with a 6" S&W K frame 22 mag in the 70's. So did my friends...0
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