Ruger Bearcat: Accuracy?

[Panzerschwein]

For those that own the Ruger Bearcat .22 revolver, how accurate do you find them? I am wondering about the 4" barrel fixed sight model specifically. Yes, I know the inherent mechanical accuracy is probably very good, but what is the practical realistic field accuracy that can be expected by the average shooter?

Thanks!

 

[Sistema1927]

I don't shoot mine as well as I do my Single-Six. Probably due to the fact that the small grip doesn't fit my hands as well. However, the Bearcat is much easier to carry.

 

[Cump]

My bearcat's trigger is heavy for a single action, though the break is clean. Makes it a little harder for kids to shoot it well at first.

But I like it for trigger practice. And it's accurate enough for plinking golf balls.

 

[CraigC]

The smaller grip takes some getting used to for any consistency but once the stars align, walnuts at 30yds have no chance whatsoever.

 

[MutinousDoug]

I had problems with vertical stringing until I put a reduced power Wolff hammer spring in mine. Then I modified an old Mershon grip adaptor to address the odd grip/trigger interface.
It's taken it's share of grouse and rabbits at 15-20 yds.

Edited to add: it's my back country carry; I carry a bigger gun when hiking the Front Range after talking to DPW officers regarding the homeless and growers.

 

[BobWright]

Its accurate enough for casual plinking and target shooting, but as others have pointed out, its small grip and rudimentary sights aren't conducive to hunting accuracy. For small game, better off with a Single Six.

Bob Wright

 

[sean m]

I have one from around 71-73. The trigger was smoothed out to around 2lbs. It shoots about 1" high and right at 10 yards for me. Easy enough to apply a little Kentucky windage.

 

[murf]

pinky under the grip frame does wonders for this little gun. i have no problems with hitting golf balls at 20 yards. suggestion: check all screws often. they loosen up all the time.

luck,

murf

 

[Striker]

Accuracy can be a challenge with the little beastie, especially for those with large hands and old guys eyes. But, if I do my part, it's easily capable of minute of soda can at 20 yards.

 

[montanaoffroader]

My 1965 vintage Bearcat shoots pretty much to point of aim at 15-20 yards. My brother's (formerly Dad's) 1959 Bearcat tended to shoot a bit to the left, IIRC.

I have medium sized hands, so I have no trouble with the grips. My Dad's hands were larger, so that may have something to do with it shooting left. I will have to ask my brother how it shoots for him.

Both are plenty accurate for plinking at reasonable distances.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thank you so much, gang.

I was looking for a durable belt .22 single action. Was considering the Heritages but I understand the Rugers are more long lasting. I guess I need to snatch up one and find out for myself what it can do. Do you all recommend them?

 

[Picher]

I bought a stainless Super Bearcat and shot it from a rest to check accuracy because I couldn't hit anything with it. At 20 yards, if I'd been shooting a 10" diameter clock, it would have hit many of the numbers, but missed anything within the numbers. Each chamber hit a different spot along the circle. Fired 18 rounds and had 6 small groups of 3 shots each, about 1", but separated from other shots equally.

I tried checking chamber alignment and they seemed very good, so don't know why it didn't shoot where it was looking. I brought it back to the Kittery Trading Post (used guns guaranteed for 30 days) and bought a Beretta 87, semi-auto that shoots great and fits my hand like a glove!!!

 

[CraigC]

Do you all recommend them?

No. Spend a little more and get a used Ruger.

 

[Panzerschwein]

No. Spend a little more and get a used Ruger.

Sounds good. Why are the used ones better in this instance?

 

[Sistema1927]

I think he meant a used Ruger instead of a Rough Rider.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I think he meant a used Ruger instead of a Rough Rider.

Oh I meant snatch up a Ruger, sorry for the confusion there, gents.

 

[midland man]

I bought one last year and I tried all brands of 22lr ammo and some shot okay groups others leaded up the back of the barrel inside the forcing cone going into the barrel making accuracy not as good but I did find one load the bearcat loved and didn't cause any leading and that load is the Winchester m-22 ammo. these worked very well and ran clean in my barrel and shot the best groups at 10-15yrds over all the other brands types of 22 ammo! I even tried 22 shorts and some cci longs but the Winchester m-22 22lr was the very best loads for my bearcat! so guys you might try these and see if it helps yours shoot better!

 

[Milt1]

I have a Ruger Bearcat that I bought for my wife and neither of us have shot it. From experience with revolvers, I think the accuracy is going to be fine. I have the Ruger SR-22 which is a semi-auto pistol with a 3.5 inch barrel. I love shooting this pistol and just for kicks I decided to try it's accuracy at 25 yards. I shot it using iron sight over a rest at 25 yards at a 25 yard Slow-Fire Pistol Target. It shot a five shot group that measures 3 & 4/16 inches. If I kick out the "flyer" four shots measure 2 & 14/16 inches. Of these four shots one was in the 10 ring (bullseye) one was in the 9 ring, one in the 8 ring and one in the 7 ring and the fifth (flyer) in the 6 ring, or, outside the black. From experience I think the Bearcat with it's 4.20 inch barrel should out perform that SR at 25 yards.