Ruger Bearcat Old Model .22 LR Single-Action Revolver, 4 Inch Barrel, 1963, Blued with Roll-Engraved Unfluted Cylinder
This 1963 Ruger Bearcat Old Model is a collectible, early-production single-action revolver with the pre–transfer-bar action. It features the factory roll-engraved, unfluted cylinder with a scroll scene and prominent "RUGER BEARCAT" legend, a blued steel barrel and cylinder, and a black-anodized aluminum-alloy frame with a brass-tone anodized alloy trigger guard/grip-frame insert. The Southport, Connecticut barrel address and classic fixed-sight layout further anchor it to the 1960s era.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The cylinder stop spring is missing, causing the cylinder to free spin. Gunsmith repair is needed for proper function and the revolver is sold "as is." Light blemishes and finish loss are present.
What’s Included
- Ruger Bearcat Old Model .22 LR revolver
The Old Model Bearcat uses Ruger’s pre–transfer-bar action, a hallmark of early Ruger single-actions. This example retains the right-side loading gate and a small round/button-style ejector rod head, reflecting the compact .22 design that made the Bearcat a favored small-frame field revolver of its time.
The unfluted cylinder is factory roll-engraved with a scroll scene and a large "RUGER BEARCAT" legend, giving this revolver distinctive visual appeal. Fixed sights consist of a front blade and a topstrap notch groove, consistent with the model’s straightforward, durable sighting arrangement.
Construction details include a 4-inch steel barrel; an aluminum-alloy frame with a black anodized finish; and blued finishes on the barrel and cylinder. A brass-tone anodized alloy trigger guard/grip-frame insert adds period-correct contrast. Smooth walnut grip panels and an external hammer with a checkered spur complete the classic layout.
Manufactured in 1963 and bearing the Southport, Connecticut barrel address, this six-shot .22 LR remains a noteworthy Old Model Bearcat for collectors focused on early Ruger production features and factory cylinder engraving.