Update - Advice/Opinions on converting a Ruger Bearcat to 22 WMR, please.

[skfullgun]

I've got a couple of OM Bearcats with the aluminum frames, so I know they are not candidates for the project.

I'm committed to purchasing a new model bearcat, preferably one of the shopkeeper models, and having it converted to 22 magnum.

I carry a Bearcat often and find it the perfect field gun. It would be "perfecter" in .22WMR.

I am familiar with Ruger briefly offering the Bearcat in 22 WMR, the recall and the supposed reason of the "timing" issue which led to the recall.

If NAA revolvers can handle 22 wmr, there's no reason a Bearcat will not. I have even heard that some are converting the Bearcats to 327 Magnum (5 Rd cylinders).

I think a Bearcat in 22WMR would be the perfect field gun.

I'm listening...

Who performs this conversion?

What should I expect to pay?

Concerns? Pitfalls?

 

[Lonesome Dove]

Buy me one please!

 

[skfullgun]

The "originals" made by Ruger are rare and expensive. I'm thinking/hoping it will be easier/cheaper to buy one and have it converted.

 

[skfullgun]

Buy me one please!

Right after I win the Lottery!

 

[Axxe55]

Subbed simply because it's an interesting topic.

 

[Moonpie]

A while back I owned one of the recently manufactured Shopkeeper versions of the Bearcat.
The chambers were very tight. The cylinder didn’t have much room for larger diameter chambers. I don’t know if there would be enough room to jam all that in there.
What about using a standard sized Single-Six and cutting it down and bobbing the grip?

 

[skfullgun]

The Single Six doesn't ride underneath my belly as comfortably as the Bearcat.

I found an 'original" for sale for $1,800, with both cylinders, box, etc. I was hoping to be spend significantly less for a stainless, shopkeeper version - including the conversion. I'm fine with it being a dedicated 22 WMR only.

 

[Vaquero]

Can a single six cylinder be fitted to a shopkeeper frame?

 

[skfullgun]

Can a single six cylinder be fitted to a shopkeeper frame?

I don't think so. Significantly larger circumference/diameter.

 

[seeker_two]

Is the Bearcat cylinder too short for .22Mag? I thought it had enough length, but it needed to be reamed out to the proper diameter.

 

[skfullgun]

Is the Bearcat cylinder too short for .22Mag? I thought it had enough length, but it needed to be reamed out to the proper diameter.

The Old Models were too short and had aluminum frames. Enter the Super Bearcat (all steel) in the 70's. That's when Ruger offered the convertible model, and then recalled them due to a timing issue with people "fanning" them and causing them to fire out of time.

 

[Moonpie]

Can a single six cylinder be fitted to a shopkeeper frame?

No. It’s larger. Will not fit in the bearcat frame.

Somewhere I read about some specialty gunsmith doing the conversions. I think it was over on one of the Ruger owners forums.

 

[V-Tach]

There is enough length and I think the cylinders are thick enough between chambers just looking at it....but I'm no gunsmith....

 

[skfullgun]

There is enough length and I think the cylinders are thick enough between chambers just looking at it....but I'm no gunsmith....

View attachment 305901

View attachment 305900

Yep. I need one like that to start the project!

 

[Roscoe]

I have a 4" model 651 .22 MRF that I've carried while hiking in the Hill Country. Always felt like it was enough gun (luckily)!!

 

[TexMex247]

I would think all it would take is an experienced machinist. A few concentric holes and I bet you are good to go.

 

[tonelar]

any decent gunsmith should be able to open up your 22LR chambers

 

[Sam Colt]

Check with Bobby at Tyler Gun Works.

 

[GasGuzzler]

A Shopkeeper is nothing but a New Model Bearcat with a different grip frame and a short barrel. Anything should swap between a Shopkeeper and a Bearcat. A Single Six is a larger frame and shares nothing with a Bearcat. Buy a used cylinder and rent a reamer and have at it. I know someone who did it himself. LR and WMR headspace slightly differently too. I can post pics of both of my cylinders on my Old Model Single Six if you need an example of the differences in finish/headspace.

 

[Younggun]

Not sure if it’s enough to matter, but .22 WMR has a .224 bore diameter Vs .22LR using .223.


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