Ruger Bearcat Old Model .22 LR Single-Action Revolver, 4 Inch Barrel, 1964, Factory Roll-Engraved Cylinder
This 1964 Ruger Bearcat Old Model is a compact, alloy-frame .22 LR single-action revolver featuring the classic unfluted cylinder with Ruger’s factory roll-engraved scene and "RUGER BEARCAT" banner. It retains its blued steel barrel and cylinder, black-finished aluminum-alloy frame, gold-tone alloy trigger guard, and smooth walnut grip panels with Ruger medallions. As a pre-transfer-bar design with early non-prefix serial format typical of mid-1960s production, it reflects a key period in the Bearcat line.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive 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 widespread scratches and blemishes present. Minor carbon buildup is visible above the forcing cone, and scorch marks are present on the cylinder, consistent with common use.
What’s Included
- Ruger Bearcat Old Model .22 LR revolver
The Old-Model Bearcat is a trim, six-shot .22 LR single action with a 4-inch blued steel barrel and pre-transfer-bar lockwork. Its compact size and aluminum-alloy frame keep weight down while maintaining the classic Ruger single-action profile.
A standout feature is the unfluted cylinder with factory roll engraving, including the "RUGER BEARCAT" banner. This example pairs a blued steel barrel and cylinder with a black-finished alloy frame and a gold-tone alloy trigger guard, giving it the distinct two-tone accents associated with early Bearcats.
Fixed sights include a front blade and a rear notch in the topstrap for a simple, durable sight picture. An under-barrel ejector-rod housing and knurled base-pin head support straightforward loading and unloading.
Manufactured in 1964 in the United States, this revolver reflects mid-1960s Ruger production details, including the early non-prefix serial format. The Bearcat line debuted in 1958, with the Old Model configuration preceding later changes that introduced transfer-bar safety systems.