Ruger Bearcat refinishing

[tward]

I just bought an interesting Bearcat a 3 digit serial number from 1958. The gun is sound mechanically and very tight however it was stored in a holster and got wet leading to severe pitting on the barrel and ejector housing and lesser pitting on the loading gate and hammer. I have filed and sanded out most of the pits and I am now debating whether to duracoat with durablue or to send it to Ruger for rebluing. I need advice! Please chime in with your thoughts, thanks Tim :bigsmyl2:

[BNE]

I have had decent results from the paste bluing. Decent, not fantastic.

[contender1]

Wow,,, a true 3 digit gun is a desirable piece. But in the condition you described,,, I'd let Ruger do the refinish. They do it RIGHT,, and their prices are fair.

[johnson1942]

ever consider rust bluing?

[osteodoc08]

It all depends on budget.

Send to Turnbull if money is no concern.

[johnson1942]

who answered, the original poster or some one else?

[tward]

I called Ruger service and I'll send it after the 10th.Tim:bigsmyl2:

[Norbrat]

I called Ruger service and I'll send it after the 10th.Tim:bigsmyl2:

Are you SURE that Ruger will not send it back with the transfer bar system installed??

[tward]

Ruger said they will do any repairs/ refinishing after they do the safety conversion.Tim

[Norbrat]

So you want the conversion?

It seems a lot of folks don't like to have this done as they reckon it will decrease the value of the gun.

[tward]

They said they will return the parts, so if I don't like it I can put the old parts back. For Ruger it's a liability concern and they will not return any firearms with out the safety parts, so if I put the old parts back and load 6 rounds and shoot my self they are in the clear legally. As the gun is now I do the old load one skip one load four so the hammer is resting on a empty chamber. Tim:bigsmyl2:

[Texas by God]

I wish the old parts came with the used converted .367 Blackhawk I got last year! Ruger will do you right.
Best, Thomas.

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[osteodoc08]

They did the same for me on an OMBH. TBH, they did an "ok" job. It looks good but far from perfect but was the right price. It's not like they buff out nicks or scratches. They degrease, reblue, reassemble. The aluminum parts get a new bake on finish. They put in the new parts and sent the old back no problem.

[tward]

Update on Ruger Bearcat:got a email from Ruger today, the gun won't pass range test because the cylinder is worn. As a good will gesture they will give me a new Bearcat and they will junk the old gun. Since I'm a shooter not a collector I'm going to take their offer. I am very impressed with the customer service! Tim:bigsmyl2::bigsmyl2:

[contender1]

I'd get the gun back. A true 3 digit is a rare bird. A cylinder can be replaced. True 3 digit guns are worth more than a NM Bearcat.

[tward]

Just an update on Ruger customer service. I got notification of the replacement deal on Monday and took them up on the offer the same day. Today I got notified that the gun has been shipped to my ffl and should be there Thursday, not bad service! Tim:bigsmyl2::bigsmyl2:

[contender1]

tward & I have had a private discussion. Apparently his OM Bearcat is actually an Alphabet Bearcat,, with a letter & 3 digits. Much different than a true 3 digit gun.

Good luck on the new gun & enjoy it!

[telebasher]

Check with Tyler Gunworks in Friona Tx, and see what they can do to a Bearcat. It is stunning and unique !

[contender1]

He already has the done deal with Ruger.

[tward]

I picked up my Bearcat replacement yesterday, great looking gun. I opted for the stainless steel model. It feels good and I hope it shoots well, unfortunately I will not get to the range til Tuesday or Wednesday. Tim

[tward]

Been shooting the new Bearcat and I'm no great shot but I'm having a tough time learning to shoot it well. Any suggestions are welcome. Also on lubing the base pin, do most of you use regular gun oil or grease? Thanks in advance. Tim:bigsmyl2:

[ShooterAZ]

I use STP on all of my single action base pins. Works great.


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[osteodoc08]

I've always used a dab or RIG on my base pins where it goes through the frame and on the ratchets. I dont shoot them enough without cleaning to worry about them collecting gunk and not being serviceable.