Bearcat question?

[deerman12]

Hi guys, I have been looking at the bearcats along time and have about made up my mind to buy one.  Do any of you guys own and shoot one?  If so, how do you like it and how accurate is it?  Will it shoot a inch group at 20 yards?  Thanks in advance.

[Rangr44]

[Do any of you guys own and shoot one?]  I've owned & shot Bearcats & Super Bearcats since 1971, and currently have an Old Model SBC


[If so, how do you like it] Very much.  I like the compactness & petite styling, not to mention the old-style cocking/loading


[how accurate is it?]  Not very. These are not target guns, they are trail guns/plinkers, and are great for throwing in a tackle box.


[Will it shoot a inch group at 20 yards?]  NO - If you want a one inch group, get a S&W Model 41 Target

[BlkHawk73]

   What Rangr44 said.  They're obviously not a target model and expecting such is only setting one up for a letdown.  I own one as for what it's for, it's a fantastic little revolver.  Fun at the range and on the trail.   Classic little stying too, which I really like.
  If you want such accuarcy as you stated, you'll be looking at a model so designed.  the 41 is a great choice.  For me, I'd opt for something a bit different, Pardini, Hamerlli, All depends on what it's use would be...slow fire, rapid fire, competition level, plinker...

[obxmike]

I got one a few years back to train the kid on. We love shooting it! Great little gun. It'll shoot "minute of pepsi can" at that range all day long, and 15 yd shots on carpenter bees w/rat shot is a hoot as well. If I'm going strictly for accuracy, I'd go with a Ruger mkII or III, or the Smith 41 as others have mentioned. For what the "Bearcat" is, it's tops IMO.

[Ruger4Me]

At 15yd to 20yds I can kill a beer can every shot.

I popped a rabbit and 3 squirrels this past fall with the Bearcat. Great little gun.

I was worried that its size would be an issue because I have big hands 2XL gloves are a little small for me. But it is not it’s a GREAT GUN.

I stick it in a holster and away I go.

I would stick to the blue only because the stainless fixed sights are almost imposable to see in the sunlight. This is my Bisley Single Six Fixed site stainless.

[Ladobe]

Got a Bearcat in 1964, and then a Super Bearcat in 1971.   Gave the Bearcat to my son in the mid 80's, still have the SBC.   Way more often than not one or the other has gone along with me on outings since '64.   For many years I just stuffed them in a back pocket for carry - so light, compact and snag free its like it is not even there until you need it.   I do have a new old stock Hunter holster I've had for 25+ years, but never used it.   Finally had a custom cross draw made for the SBC several years ago.   Can't imagine how many 10's of thousands of rounds I've shot through both of these Bearcats over all these years, but yet they both remain as reliable as when new.   With so much use they also shot where I pointed them quite well.   Filled many a stew pot with meat on outings with them over the years, and both saved my bacon with rattlesnakes many times.

Here's an old picture I took of 3 of my Old Model Rugers to show a gent the size comparison between these models.   
'71 Super Bearcat wearing Hawaiian Koa (David Wayland)
'69 Single Six 22MAG wearing Stag (Ajax)
'72 Blackhawk 357MAG wearing Mexican Rosewood (David Wayland)
(have the factory wood for all and ivory sets from Boone for the SS & BH too)