Reising "It's a Bear" Target Pistol, .22 LR, New York Address, 6.75 in Barrel, Blued, 10+1, c. 1922–1924
This Reising Arms Co "It's a Bear" Target Pistol is a scarce, New York-address variant produced circa 1922–1924, with total production around 5,000. It stands out for its distinctive bear-head grip motif, finely executed blued steel construction, and quick-takedown hinged upper assembly. Evaluated by the U.S. Army in 1922 and 1924, it combines period target features with a straight-blowback, single-action design in .22 LR.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid shape. There are visible scratches and blemishes on exterior surfaces.
What's Included
- Reising Arms Co "It's a Bear" Target Pistol, .22 LR
- 1x detachable 10-round steel magazine with elongated witness slots, stamped numerals, and a small base tab
The New York address on the barrel places this pistol in the early production window from 1922 to about 1924. Reising produced approximately 5,000 of these target pistols, and this period example carries right-side barrel patent dates of May 16, 1916 and Oct. 25, 1921. It is a U.S.-made design that also saw formal evaluation by the U.S. Army in 1922 and again in 1924.
It uses a semi-automatic, straight blowback, single-action operating system with a 10+1 capacity in .22 LR. A tip-up, hinged upper assembly enables quick takedown. The design lacks an external manual safety and features an exposed, knurled-spur hammer.
The 6.75 in tapered steel barrel and blued steel frame, slide, and receiver showcase period fit and finish. The slide has rear vertical serrations for traction. Two-piece brown hard-rubber grips are checkered and molded with 'REISING' above a bear head and 'IT'S A BEAR' below, matching the model's branding.
Sighting is straightforward and precise for the era: a banded blade, screw-retained front sight pairs with a dovetailed rear notch that includes a set screw for drift adjustments. These iron sights complement the pistol's target-focused intent.