Ruger New Bearcat Convertible .22 LR/.22 WMR Revolver, 4 in Blued, Roll-Engraved Cylinder, 1994, With Box, Manual, and .22 Magnum Cylinder
This 1994 Ruger New Bearcat Convertible is an early package that includes both the .22 LR cylinder and the factory roll-engraved .22 WMR cylinder. Ruger later recalled the .22 Magnum cylinders, making complete convertible sets less common. It is in excellent condition and features a 4 inch blued alloy-steel barrel, an unfluted engraved cylinder with bear and cougar scene, and smooth hardwood grips with Ruger silver-eagle medallions.
The convertible setup provides two factory-fitted, roll-engraved cylinders: one for .22 LR and one for .22 WMR. The spare .22 Magnum cylinder remains with this revolver, which adds desirability for those seeking a complete set from this period.
Built on alloy steel with a uniform blued finish, the New Bearcat maintains Ruger’s classic single-action-only operation in a compact six-shot format. It uses a transfer-bar safety and loading gate interlock, and this early example retains half-cock loading behavior for cylinder rotation during loading and unloading.
Sighting is straightforward with a fixed blade front and an integral rear notch. The unfluted cylinder is factory roll-engraved with the distinctive bear and cougar scene, a hallmark of the Bearcat line. The smooth hardwood grips with Ruger silver-eagle medallions complement the traditional look.
Made in the United States, this revolver represents an early New Bearcat Convertible configuration. Complete packages with the original .22 WMR cylinder, box, and manual are less common due to Ruger’s later Magnum-cylinder recall, which adds significance for buyers who value completeness and originality.
Condition
Overall Condition: Excellent condition, showing only faint signs of any prior use or handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There is little evidence of prior use. The revolver functions properly.
What’s Included
- Ruger factory cardboard box (yellow/black)
- Ruger New Bearcat Convertible instruction manual
- Spare roll-engraved .22 Magnum cylinder