 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
RARE Ruger Collectible Old Model Bearcat Revolver Factory Sample "S" Marked
Guns International #: 103256951 Seller's Inventory #: L250
Category: Ruger Revolvers - Bearcat - .22 Revolvers
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: lope
Company: Hansen & Hansen Arms & Antiquities
Member Since: 1/28/11
State: Connecticut
Country: United States
Premium Seller
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
4
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Bank Check, Money Order, Personal Check
About Us: We are Tom LoPiano and John R. (Jay) Hansen Jr. owners of Hansen & Hansen Arms & Antiquities. We specialize in fine and unusual collectible firearms and military items of all types and time periods. Modern firearms, Curio & Relic and antique. Civil War a specialty as well as German lugers. From flintlock arms and edged weapons of the Revolutionary war to arms manufactured in the present- we actively buy and sell all firearms related collectibles, documents and autographs, photographs, uniforms, old newspapers, collectible ammunition, swords, decoys, etc. Retail shop open to public for buyers as well as customers who wish to sell. Appraisals for estates conducted for a fee. Free verbal appraisals to all visitors.
Description:
RARE Ruger Collectible Old Model Bearcat Revolver Factory Sample "S" Marked
Offered here for sale and just acquired is a truly fascinating and rare piece of Ruger history—a first?issue Ruger Bearcat .22 single-action revolver, S/N 30803?S, 4″ barrel, early (“no?medallion”) grips, nearly all original black finish, and marked with a curious “S” suffix after the serial number.
With our offices and retail gallery in Southport, CT as well as the home of the Ruger Collectors Assc.(RCA) we have over the years acquired many fine Ruger collectible firearms-one of a kind prototypes, factory show samples, executive-owned specimens, employee “takehome” pieces-we have had them all. This is one of them.
This serial number 30803 places it just under the 1964 marker, firmly within 1963 to early 1964, during the tail end of first?issue “alphabet” Bearcats.On Ruger Bearcats, an “S” stamped as a suffix to the serial number (or on the frame) marks the revolver as a “used” or “second” specimen, meaning it was a trade?show sample, factory “second,” or otherwise unsellable as new. These are extremely rare—sometimes only a handful are known—with collector lore relayed in the Ruger Forum and ROCS discussions.
These early grips without the Ruger eagle medallion are consistent with Bearcats produced prior to the introduction of walnut grips with medallions, which started around S/N 35,000. These grips align with production before that change. The black finish nearly intact and minimal wear make it an excellent, high-conditioned example—further enhancing its appeal. Since this originally was a specimen which started out as a show sample and could not be sold as new (hence the “S”) it also appears that the bottom of buttstrap shows what may be a fault in finish - thereby additionally serving as a factory “second” or show sample revolver that could not be sold as new.
Here are some key historical production notes:
- First?Issue Bearcat: Produced from 1958 to approximately 1971, these featured aluminum alloy frames and fixed sights.
- Several small design tweaks over time:
- Front sight reduced from ¼″ to 3⁄16″ at around X165–Z999.
Feature
S/N 30803?SProduction around 1963–early 1964
“S” suffixSpecial specimen – show sample or second
No?medallion griipsEarly production, before walnut + medallion
Excellent black finishHigh collector grade, very desirable
A very fine collectible which should hold a high place in any Ruger collection or for that matter ANY COLLECTION.
In addition Hansen & Hansen will provide a letter from the RCA documenting its sale as a SAMPLE and acquired directly from former owner of the firearm.
Thanks for your review. Shipping for this item is $38 however final shipping amount is based upon geographical area. Handling is $18.00 for longarms only. We gladly accept money orders, bank checks and personal checks. Credit card orders (VISA AND MASTER CARD ONLY) charged 3.95% additional for use.
PLEASE CALL DALIA AT 203-257-5256 TO GIVE CREDIT CARD INFORMATION. Also, please view our at hansenguns. Click on "Online Catalog" and see All OF OUR ITEMS LISTED CONSECUTIVELY on or search online on that site with the ID “lope”...... OFFERED ONLINE AND AVAILABLE IN OUR RETAIL GALLERY IN SOUTHPORT, CT. Visit us also on Facebook at ://facebook/hansenguns/?fref=ts. We also own and/or operate Hansen Cartridge Co. and the Ruger Collectors Assc.(RCA). Hansen & Hansen wishes to expedite each order received, however we ship 80-100 items weekly, therefore orders paid by money orders or bank checks are cleared for shipping 5-7 days after deposited funds show in our account. Shipping date is scheduled ONLY AFTER VERIFICATION TAKES PLACE AND FFL/C&R IS RECEIVED (IF APPLIES). This is 5-7 days after WE receive order by mail - NOT customer date mailed and postmarked and after credit card funds are posted. Credit card orders exceeding $500 must be cleared through customer’s bank before shipping. Personal checks are accepted but orders are held UP TO 3 WEEKS after deposit of funds before items released for shipping. IF you have special instructions or require overnight or expedited shipping please advise at time of ordering and we will gladly prioritize shipping FOR AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE. THIS IS OUR POLICY and we encourage s to PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND OUR POLICY BEFORE . We would be pleased to answer ANY questions by phone (our toll free number is 1-800-571-7337 or e-mail cwlopiaol
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .22 Long Rifle