Was really about these three Ruger single action rimfires, today. From top to bottom: Old model Ruger Bearcat 22 LR, 1970 vintage, then the Old Model Ruger Single Six 22 LR, 1965 vintage that I posted about, yesterday, and, at the bottom, our New Model Bisley Single Six 22 LR, 1986 vintage (first year for the Bisley). Pleased to report that all functioned, flawlessly and shot, beautifully. What a fine trio of single actions they are!
Old Model Ruger Bearcat 22 LR, 1970 vintage
Yes, this is another new in the box collectible we found from the same source as the OM Single Six.
These really are a little gem of a single action, especially these old models. Unlike so many of the current production Bearcats, these Old Models had some of the best triggers Ruger ever made in a single action revolver. This one is no exception. Trigger breaks like glass at about 2 pounds of pull, right out of the box.
Bearcats have never had a reputation for accuracy, but I can tell you from having shot many Bearcats, both old and new production, it's not the gun's fault. Believe it or not, Bearcats are inherently quite accurate. It's the gun's tiny size and feather weight and tiny fixed sights that make them hard to shoot. Nevertheless, if you work with these tiny 22s, they will reward you. This one shoots a bit high, but with just the right hold under, I got my little baby to shoot.
OM Ruger Single Six 22 LR. 1965 vintage
For a complete rundown on this one, see my post on it from yesterday. As for shooting it, well, of course I did, just today, and I'm glad I did. This may well be right there with the most accurate Single Sixes I've owned and I've owned a lot of them in my day.
Here's the sight in target (I never shoot revolvers from a rest, even when sighting in). As you can see, out of the box, it shot low and left. From there, I moved those groups up and a touch to the right by adjusting the sights. Just had one flyer, but otherwise, the gun shot very predictably in response to the sight adjustments.
Since the distance was only 16+ yards, decided to see what I could do with a smaller 2" bull, instead of my usual 3". Oh, yeah, this one is a keeper.
Ruger Bisley Single Six, 1986 vintage
Bill and both love this one and have shot it enough for it to be an old friend, now. Figured it would be a good standard of comparison for the others. It did not disappoint. This single action is true paper shredder.
And here's an interesting target that Bill shot, today. Some folks find that the Bisley grip is a natural for them and Bill is one of those folks. (Me, I do well with both kinds of SA grips.) Here's two targets he shot, one with the Bisley and one with his beloved, never go to the range without it, S&W 617. He was amazed to see that he could cut is group size down so well with the Bisley. I was, too.
Maybe old Quigley doesn't have any use for single action revolvers, but we sure do.
