Ruger Bearcat in 22 mag (done after market by quality custom gunsmith)

[Lee Robinson]

22LR Ruger Bearcat in stainless with a trigger job, smoothed out in general function, barrel and cylinder gap reduced), cylinder bored to 22 mag by a quality custom gunsmith (one we all know here and speak highly of btw, but name unmentioned being I didn't ask him about posting a topic on such matters), and test fired for accuracy (grouping) and tested to be in line with the sights (for windage).

What would you thnk of such a gun for a first time handgun shooter (always observed of course until she really shows compentency) that has small hands. The person is my wife...who is 5 foot six, but is light in build weighing only about 120 and light boned. She has expressed interest in shooting recently...and I would like to get her something that she can handle (caliber), is reliable, is accurate (consistent groups), fun, and pleasing to her eye (engraving, stainless, etc). Being a single action, it would match the same "style" of gun I have with my Freedom Arms 45LC in a 97 frame...but would be closer to her size IMO for a starter.

Any thoughts?

[Tom C.]

If she has small hands, it should be ok, except that .22 mag is going to be very loud. Hearing protection will be even more important than usual. Consider picking up another Bearcat and leaving it .22 LR, or a Single Six if the Bearcat is too small for her hand.

[44 Man]

Yes, I would definately start her out on a .22 lr.  The .22 Mag has a LOT of muzzleblast in a short barrel and would probably not help her enjoy shooting or get her started out right.  Pick up a .22 lr, either another Bearcat if her hands are small or a Single Six.  44 Man.

[Lee Robinson]

Wouldn't muzzle blast only be a concern if you are not using hearing protection?...as we definately will have ear protection.

Or, does muzzle blast bother some individuals visually as well?

BTW, 44Man...I can't help but notice you have made 629 posts. You are not a S&W fan by any chance? LOL. 629. LOL.

[BlkHawk73]

  One important key to keeping a new shooter's interest is keeping them comfortable as possible with the gun they're to shoot.   In the case of the Bearcat, leaving it as is (.22 lr) would be best.  Let her shoot it and become acustomed to it and build up a good amount of confidence with it as a .22lr.   Even the .22 mag will have a bit more noticeable recoil in such a small package.  Keeping all effects from the gun to the shooter to a minimum will help build her confidence.   too many start off with too large of a chambeing.  Start small and work the way up to the larger cartridges. 

[daddywpb]

Doesn't the loud, fiery 22 Mag defeat the purpose of the quiet, handy, dare I say "cute" little Bearcat? I think the Single Six is much better suited to the 22 Mag. The right tool for the right job.

[Lee Robinson]

She wants something she can fit in her purse. I am surprise really of all the comments on the loudness of the 22 mag...because in my little american arms pocket pistol I don't notice much difference in the 22 mag and the 22lr in either noise or recoil. When these things were mentioned...it really caught be off guard because both seem about equally loud in that little 1 5/8" AA barrel and neither seem to have any recoil even though I doubt that AA weighs even 10 oz, much less 25. Oh well...I am glad I asked because maybe I am just not to aware of these things and I am a lot more "gung ho" so to speak than is my wife.

[Lloyd Smale]

I shot one that John Linebaugh did and it was a slick little package.

22LR Ruger Bearcat in stainless with a trigger job, smoothed out in general function, barrel and cylinder gap reduced), cylinder bored to 22 mag by a quality custom gunsmith (one we all know here and speak highly of btw, but name unmentioned being I didn't ask him about posting a topic on such matters), and test fired for accuracy (grouping) and tested to be in line with the sights (for windage).

What would you thnk of such a gun for a first time handgun shooter (always observed of course until she really shows compentency) that has small hands. The person is my wife...who is 5 foot six, but is light in build weighing only about 120 and light boned. She has expressed interest in shooting recently...and I would like to get her something that she can handle (caliber), is reliable, is accurate (consistent groups), fun, and pleasing to her eye (engraving, stainless, etc). Being a single action, it would match the same "style" of gun I have with my Freedom Arms 45LC in a 97 frame...but would be closer to her size IMO for a starter.

Any thoughts?

[S.B.]

but name unmentioned being I didn't ask him about posting a topic on such matters),

Good PR is what gunsmiths need to stay in business?

[sixgunner452]

Sir, did you have the barrel replaced or use the factory barrel on this bBearcat conversion. Thanks, Randy.