INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR BLUED & STAINLESS STEEL CALIBER .22 Long Rifle RUGER® NEW BEARCAT® SINGLE ACTION REVOLVERS NOTE: This manual applies only to BEARCAT® revolvers with serial numbers above 93-00000 ! READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM For Product Service on This Model Please Call: (603) 865-2442 (See p. 23) STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc. Southport, Connecticut 06490 U.S.A.
State-By-State Warnings Certain states require by law that their own specified warning notices in larger-than-normal type be conspicuously included by the manufacturer, distributor, or retail dealer with firearms sold in that state. Sturm, Ruger sells its products in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Because our products may be sold in these states, we include the following: California: ! WARNING ! ADVERTENCIA “A los niños los atraen las armas de fuego y las pueden hacer funcionar.
Maine: “ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD IS A CRIME. IF YOU LEAVE A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO FINE, IMPRISONMENT OR BOTH. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATE. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION LOCKED UP. USE TRIGGER LOCKS.” Maryland: “WARNING: Children can operate firearms which may cause death or serious injury.
New Jersey: “IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR.” New York City: “THE USE OF A LOCKING DEVICE OR SAFETY LOCK IS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF RESPONSIBLE WEAPONS STORAGE. ALL WEAPONS SHOULD BE STORED UNLOADED AND LOCKED IN A LOCATION THAT IS BOTH SEPARATE FROM THEIR AMMUNITION AND INACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN AND ANY OTHER UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.
WHY ARE WE INCLUDING A FIRED CARTRIDGE CASE WITH EVERY RUGER PISTOL AND REVOLVER? Certain states and jurisdictions now require that all newly manufactured pistols and revolvers must be accompanied by a cartridge case, which has been test fired from that gun at the factory. The case must be placed in a sealed container bearing certain information concerning this test cartridge.
FIREARMS SAFETY-YOUR RESPONSIBILITY SAFETY MUST BE THE FIRST AND CONSTANT CONSIDERATION OF EVERY PERSON WHO HANDLES FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION. This Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in learning how to use and care for your RUGER® NEW BEARCAT® revolver properly. Please contact us if you have any questions about it. Only when you are certain you fully understand the Manual and can properly carry out its instructions should you practice loading, unloading, etc. with live ammunition.
! WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE ARE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES: Locking Devices Alterations Lead Exposure Ammunition Handling Firing 6 8 11 11 12 14 Safe Carrying Position Loaded Cylinders Disassembly Lubrication Storage Parts Purchasers 16 16 17 20 21 24 OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEAR THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL. FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONS– READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE USING.
Unlike the earlier single action revolvers which had four hammer positions – “cocked,” “loading,” “safety” and “all the way forward” – the RUGER® NEW BEARCAT® has only three hammer positions – “cocked”, “loading” and “all the way forward.” The RUGER® NEW BEARCAT® mechanism incorporates a transfer bar. The transfer bar – which is raised into firing position as the trigger is pulled to the rear – transmits the energy of the hammer blow to the firing pin.
The mechanism of the RUGER® NEW BEARCAT® provides maximum security against accidental discharge. As with any other firearm, however, it must be used with strict attention to correct safety practices. In addition, the revolver should be inspected frequently to assure that it is working properly. MECHANISM 3. Hammer nose on frame. Trigger forward. Transfer bar is below firing pin. This is the “Safe Carrying Position” for Bearcats with serial numbers above 93-00000 only. 4. Hammer in loading notch position.
! WARNING – LEAD EXPOSURE Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to the state of California to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure. SHOOTING OR CLEANING GUNS MAY EXPOSE YOU TO LEAD AMMUNITION The RUGER® NEW BEARCAT® revolvers are chambered for the .22 Long Rifle Cartridge, .
WARNING – HANDLING ! Any time the revolver is loaded, the hammer is cocked and the trigger is pulled and held to the rear, it will fire. Cocking the gun or pulling the trigger should only be done when you are ready to fire immediately. NEVER DROP OR STRIKE ANY REVOLVER – COCKED OR UNCOCKED – AND CARRY AND HANDLE THE REVOLVER IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THE HAMMER WILL NOT BE STRUCK. NEVER CARRY ANY REVOLVER WITH THE HAMMER COCKED. TO LOAD AND FIRE Always keep the revolver pointed in a safe direction! 1.
3. Grasp the revolver (if right handed) so that the thumb and forefinger of your left hand are firmly holding the frame, forward of the trigger guard. Thus, your left hand is in full control of the revolver (See Figure a, below). 4. Place your right thumb firmly on the hammer spur and, with your thumb securely in control of the hammer, squeeze the trigger only enough to permit the hammer to ‘break free’ of the trigger and carefully lower the hammer past the load notch position.
The revolver is now in its normal carrying condition — hammer and trigger fully forward and transfer bar lowered out of firing position. CAUTION: The hammer must be carefully eased fully forward before the hammer is drawn back to the full-cock position for the first shot. The hammer should be drawn with a firm positive motion to the full-cock position for each shot, thus actuating the working parts for complete indexing.
DRY-FIRING: Going through the actions of cocking, aiming, and pulling the trigger of an unloaded gun is known as “Dry Firing.” It can be useful to learn the “feel” of your revolver. Be certain the revolver is unloaded and that the gun is pointing in a safe direction even when practicing by dry-firing. The RUGER® NEW BEARCAT ® revolver can be dry-fired without damage to the firing pin or other components. “FANNING”: NEVER fan the Ruger Bearcat revolver.
! WARNING –SAFE CARRYING POSITION The safe carrying position for a New Bearcat Revolver is with the hammer fully down and the trigger forward. In this position the hammer does not contact the firing pin. See figure 3, on page 10. In older (1958-1973) Bearcats with serial numbers below 9300000, the hammer, when in the full forward position, does rest against the firing pin.
! WARNING – DISASSEMBLY 2 3 4 1 5 REPEAT FOR ALL CHAMBERS Never clean, lubricate, disassemble or work on a revolver while it is loaded. Never install or remove a loaded cylinder. A loaded cylinder can discharge if dropped or struck. Read instructions before disassembling gun.
TO DISMANTLE INTERIOR PARTS 1. Remove grip panel screw and lift grip panels away from grip frame. 2. Bring hammer back to full cock position and insert any convenient nail or pin into the small hole at the lower end of the hammer strut; then press the trigger and permit the hammer to move to a forward position. (It will be observed that the pin which has been placed in the hammer strut hole serves to confine the mainspring.) 3. Remove the screw which fastens the trigger guard to the cylinder frame. 4.
REASSEMBLY (Again, Make Sure Revolver is Unloaded!) 1. Assemble pawl to hammer and transfer bar to trigger. Partially insert hammer/pawl assembly in its recess in the frame. Insert trigger/transfer bar assembly in its slot in the frame. Then complete insertion of the two assemblies into the frame. 2. Align hammer in frame and insert hammer pivot screw. 3. Replace cylinder latch and spring. Then, install trigger pivot screw. 4.
Some cartridges with lead bullets deposit metal fouling in the chamber throats, in the forcing cone of the barrel, and in the bore. If ‘leading’ is noted in your revolver, clean it out before it builds up and interferes with reliable functioning and accuracy. A special ‘lead removing’ cleaning tool (for bore and chambers) is available from gun stores. The revolver’s internal mechanism can be lubricated without disassembly.
Store the revolver and frame in different locations. When disassembled in this manner, the revolver is inoperable. It is impossible to fire the revolver until the cylinder and basepin have been correctly replaced. To reassemble the revolver for firing, open the loading gate and reinsert the cylinder. Next, press the basepin latch on the frame and fully reinsert the basepin. Check to be sure the cylinder rotates freely in a clockwise direction.
CARE OF STAINLESS STEEL REVOLVERS Revolvers made of stainless steel are more resistant to corrosion than blued steel revolvers. However, in the interest of proper operation and long life of your revolver, inspect it frequently and clean, lubricate and apply an appropriate rust preventative. Sometimes surface discoloration may be noted, particularly in the grip area of stainless steel revolvers, resulting from perspiration. Contact with some types of holsters can also cause stains or rusting.
SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY If you have any questions with regard to the performance of your RUGER® NEW BEARCAT ® revolver, please write or call (603-865-2442) our Product Service Department, 411 Sunapee Street, Newport, New Hampshire 03773, fully describing all circumstances and conditions involved.
Work performed will bear a net minimum labor charge of $20.00 plus a $20.00 shipping and handling charge. The charge for rebluing the RUGER® NEW BEARCAT® revolver is $50.00 plus a $20.00 shipping and handling charge. We cannot “re-blue” nor “re-anodize” the aluminum frames of older Bearcat revolvers with serial numbers below 93-00000. Custom gunsmithing service or nonstandard alterations are NOT AVAILABLE from Ruger Product Service Departments.
Because it is a serial-numbered component, the frame of RUGER® NEW BEARCAT ® revolvers is defined as a “firearm” by Federal Law and is not offered for sale separately. IMPORTANT – REGARDING PARTS ORDERING. Ruger New Model Single Action revolvers are manufactured in Blued steel and Stainless steel versions. WHEN ORDERING PARTS BE SURE TO STATE WHETHER YOUR REVOLVER IS BLUED OR STAINLESS. ALSO, INCLUDE THE COMPLETE SERIAL NUMBER AND SPECIFY THE CALIBER AND BARREL LENGTH.
26 Part Name * Barrel * Barrel *† Base Pin Assembly *† Base Pin Assembly Base Pin Latch Body Base Pin Latch Body Base Pin Latch Nut Base Pin Latch Nut Base Pin Latch Spring Base Pin Latch Spring Case, Only * Cylinder, .22 L.R. * Cylinder, .22 L.R. *† Cylinder Latch Assembly *† Cylinder Latch Spring Cylinder Latch Spring Plunger Cylinder Latch Spring Plunger Cylinder Latch Plunger/Spring Assembly Part No.
27 Part Name Cylinder Latch Plunger/Spring Assembly Ejector Housing Ejector Housing Ejector Housing Screw Ejector Housing Screw Ejector Rod Assembly Ejector Rod Assembly Ejector Rod Spring Ejector Rod Spring Firing Pin Firing Pin Firing Pin Rebound Spring Front Sight Front Sight Gate Gate Gate Plunger Gate Plunger Spring Gate Spring Retaining Screw Grip Panels, Complete with Screw Grip Panel Dowel Grip Panel Dowel Grip Panel Ferrule, Right, Not Illustrated Grip Panel Ferrule, Left, Not Illustrated Part No
28 Part Name Grip Panel Medallion, 2 Req’d Grip Panel Screw Grip Panel Screw *† Hammer *† Hammer Hammer Pivot Pin Hammer Pivot Pin Hammer Strut Hammer Strut Mainspring Mainspring Seat Mainspring Seat Mainspring/Strut Assembly Mainspring/Strut Assembly *† Pawl Pawl Plunger Pawl Plunger Spring Pawl Spring Retaining Screw Pawl Spring Retaining Screw Recoil Plate Recoil Plate Recoil Plate Cross Pin Recoil Plate Cross Pin *† Transfer Bar Part No.
29 Part No. KPR07203 PR03903 KPR03903 PR-3 KPR-3 PR01700 KPR01700 PR-34 KPR-34 PR-37A KPR-37A PR-37 KPR-37 B-39 KB-39 Model Stainless Model Blued Model Stainless Model Blued Model Stainless Model Blued Model Stainless Model Blued Model Stainless Model Blued Model Stainless Model Blued Model Stainless Model Blued Model Stainless Model † These parts are also available as a free factory safety retrofit for all older Bearcats manuactured between 1958 - 1973 with serial numbers below 93-00000, See p. 25.
RUGER® NEW BEARCAT ® EXPLODED VIEW 30
THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING We believe that Americans have a right to purchase and use firearms for lawful purposes. The private ownership of firearms in America is traditional, but that ownership imposes the responsibility on the gun owner to use his firearms in a way which will ensure his own safety and that of others. When firearms are used in a safe and responsible manner, they are a great source of pleasure and satisfaction, and represent a fundamental part of our personal liberty.
A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may penetrate a wall, ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person or damage property. Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing whenever you handle it, and be sure that you are always in control of the direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. 3. FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT IN USE.
5. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET BEFORE YOU SHOOT. Don’t shoot unless you know exactly where your bullet is going to strike. Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target, even when dry-firing with an unloaded gun. If you are in the field hunting, do not fire at a movement or noise. Take the time to be absolutely certain of your target before you pull the trigger. 6. WEAR SHOOTING GLASSES AND HEARING PROTECTORS WHEN YOU SHOOT.
8. DON’T SHOOT AT A HARD SURFACE, OR AT WATER. Bullets can glance off many surfaces like rocks or the surface of water and travel in unpredictable directions with considerable velocity. 9. NEVER TRANSPORT A LOADED FIREARM. Firearms should always be unloaded before being placed in a vehicle. A suitable carrying case or scabbard should by used to carry an unloaded firearm to and from the shooting area. 10. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHEN SHOOTING. Don’t drink until the day’s shooting is over.
A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF AN EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT: RUGER FIREARMS One of the few American firearms manufacturers whose management has remained unchanged since starting in business, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., had its beginning in a small machine shop occupying a rented frame building in Southport, Connecticut. In January, 1949, with an initial investment of only $50,000 and an idea, William B. Ruger and Alexander M. Sturm started production of a .
WHY NO WARRANTY CARD HAS BEEN PACKED WITH THIS NEW RUGER FIREARM The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require any seller or manufacturer of a consumer product to give a written warranty. It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must be designated as “limited” or as “full” and sets minimum standards for a “full” warranty. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
