Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this awesome single-action revolver today for a penny start auction, this is the Ruger Old Model Alpha Bearcat!
This model was manufactured from 1958-1970, making this a SECOND YEAR PRODUCTION FIRST ISSUE MODEL!
This example is a "Alphabet" Bearcat model, these were only made from 1958-1960, which also makes this gun a LIMITED PRODUCTION MODEL!
This model was manufactured from 1958-1970, making this a SECOND YEAR PRODUCTION FIRST ISSUE MODEL!
This example is a "Alphabet" Bearcat model, these were only made from 1958-1960, which also makes this gun a LIMITED PRODUCTION MODEL!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Ruger
Model: Old Model Alpha Bearcat
Serial: U431
Date of Manufacture: 1959
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Finish: Black Anodized / Brass Anodized Trigger Guard
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front & Rear
Stock/Grips: Epoxy Resin Rosewood
Action: Single
Markings: Standard / Roll Marked w/ a Bear & a Cougar Scene & w/ the Words “Ruger” & “Bearcat”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Ruger “Bearcat” .22 single action revolver was first announced in the August 1958 issue of the National Rifle Association’s American Rifleman magazine. Sturm, Ruger & Co. began shipping these fine little guns the same month.
The original Bearcat had a one-piece cylinder/grip frame made of an aluminum alloy that was blue anodized, a 4” steel barrel, six shot non-fluted steel cylinder that was roll marked with a “Bear and a Cougar” scene and with the words “Ruger” and “Bearcat”. The gun had a Colt style fixed grooved rear sight and a ¼ inch tall fixed front sight with no base. It also had a steel ejector rod housing, a concave faced ejector rod button, and a gold/brass colored anodized trigger guard. The grip panels were rosin impregnated rosewood without a medallion. The gun’s overall length was only 8-3/4 inches and it weighed in at a scant 17 ounces.
One of Bill Ruger's favorite automobiles was the Stutz Bearcat and it is said that he named this revolver after that automobile. It is also believed that the 1858 Remington New Police percussion revolver inspired many of the styling characteristics that can be seen in the little Bearcat.
Gun enthusiasts and outdoorsmen quickly took a liking to this light, compact, quality made, dependable revolver and its introduction was a great success. It quickly became a favorite sought after trail gun or backpack “kit” gun.
The Bearcat’s serial numbering began with number 1 and continued through 999. These guns were first shipped beginning August 1958 and some in early 1959. Then the so-called “Alphabet” Bearcat series was introduced. The “Alphabets” had a 3-digit number preceded by a letter of the alphabet (i.e., A001, B458, C937…..Z999). All of the letters of the alphabet were used in this numbering scheme except the letter “O”. The first “Alphabets” were shipped in October 1958, during the same time that the first 999 guns were still being shipped, and continued until early 1960. If 999 of each alphabet letter were produced this would be about 25,000 Bearcats produced in about 18 months.
Contents:
This gun will ship with the box pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: Old Model Alpha Bearcat
Serial: U431
Date of Manufacture: 1959
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Finish: Black Anodized / Brass Anodized Trigger Guard
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front & Rear
Stock/Grips: Epoxy Resin Rosewood
Action: Single
Markings: Standard / Roll Marked w/ a Bear & a Cougar Scene & w/ the Words “Ruger” & “Bearcat”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Ruger “Bearcat” .22 single action revolver was first announced in the August 1958 issue of the National Rifle Association’s American Rifleman magazine. Sturm, Ruger & Co. began shipping these fine little guns the same month.
The original Bearcat had a one-piece cylinder/grip frame made of an aluminum alloy that was blue anodized, a 4” steel barrel, six shot non-fluted steel cylinder that was roll marked with a “Bear and a Cougar” scene and with the words “Ruger” and “Bearcat”. The gun had a Colt style fixed grooved rear sight and a ¼ inch tall fixed front sight with no base. It also had a steel ejector rod housing, a concave faced ejector rod button, and a gold/brass colored anodized trigger guard. The grip panels were rosin impregnated rosewood without a medallion. The gun’s overall length was only 8-3/4 inches and it weighed in at a scant 17 ounces.
One of Bill Ruger's favorite automobiles was the Stutz Bearcat and it is said that he named this revolver after that automobile. It is also believed that the 1858 Remington New Police percussion revolver inspired many of the styling characteristics that can be seen in the little Bearcat.
Gun enthusiasts and outdoorsmen quickly took a liking to this light, compact, quality made, dependable revolver and its introduction was a great success. It quickly became a favorite sought after trail gun or backpack “kit” gun.
The Bearcat’s serial numbering began with number 1 and continued through 999. These guns were first shipped beginning August 1958 and some in early 1959. Then the so-called “Alphabet” Bearcat series was introduced. The “Alphabets” had a 3-digit number preceded by a letter of the alphabet (i.e., A001, B458, C937…..Z999). All of the letters of the alphabet were used in this numbering scheme except the letter “O”. The first “Alphabets” were shipped in October 1958, during the same time that the first 999 guns were still being shipped, and continued until early 1960. If 999 of each alphabet letter were produced this would be about 25,000 Bearcats produced in about 18 months.
Contents:
This gun will ship with the box pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $65.00
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
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