Bearcat cylinder base pin interchangeability?

bamaranger · April 18, 2012, 01:36 AM

Few years back I picked up an early 60's vintage Bearcat. The little revolver has NOT been back to Ruger for the 6 shot "upgrade", and I simply load it w/ 5 when I carry it. The revolver lacks the factory cylinder base pin, a homemade "field expedient" pin has been crafted from a screwdriver shaft!

It actually works OK and the fit is good, but its Bubba'd obviously.

The questions: I've located a new base pin on line. (Ruger will not sell the base pins, they apparently want the old models back for the 6 shot refit) Are new model, and old model base pins the same part, ie are they interchangeable? Are the base pins a "fitted" part?

WIL TERRY · April 18, 2012, 12:46 PM

I'D have a BELT MOUNTAIN base pin in that pistol so fast it'd make it and your head swim. BY 400PM today would make the deadline !!

bamaranger · April 20, 2012, 01:31 AM

I have not checked deeply, but what research I've done indicates Belt Mountain does not make base pins for the Bearcat. Somebody tell me I'm wrong.

jglsprings · April 20, 2012, 09:58 AM

google is your friend - not really, but here is the link...

http://www.beltmountain.com/ruger.htm

WIL TERRY · April 20, 2012, 11:28 AM

YOUR wrong. I designed the first one for him and it is in my NM BEARCAT, and has been for going on ten years[?]....maybe seven or eight....

Aguila Blanca · April 20, 2012, 05:14 PM

Wow! $25 for a base pin for a .22. I'm sure it's a nice part, but can we spell "overkill"?

A standard base pin from Numrich is $6.05. Unfortunately, they're sold out.

bamaranger · April 21, 2012, 12:56 AM

I'm glad to be wrong. I'd only looked in Brownells and Bob's Gun Parts in AR.
I'll pay $25. Ruger won't sell me one at any price.

So, the question remains (I think) will a current pin, either Belt Mtn or Ruger, fit my vintage revolver?

bamaranger · April 21, 2012, 01:01 AM

Checked for myself. Belt Mountain lists "old model" and "new model" so now I know. NOtice its listed as "NEW" offering. Wonder if it was available on my first research?

Anyhow.....WIL TERRY, you the man!

bamaranger · October 26, 2012, 03:43 AM

Thought I'd revive this thread to advise that I found an original old model basepin last week, (online) in excellent shape and bought /installed same in the little 'cat.

It looks a world better. I paid maybe a bit too much, for the part, but the revolver is now correct and unmodified.

Dang internet is a userful gadget sometimes.

April 18, 2012, 01:36 AM	#1
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 3,625	Bearcat cylinder base pin interchangeability? Few years back I picked up an early 60's vintage Bearcat. The little revolver has NOT been back to Ruger for the 6 shot "upgrade", and I simply load it w/ 5 when I carry it. The revolver lacks the factory cylinder base pin, a homemade "field expedient" pin has been crafted from a screwdriver shaft! It actually works OK and the fit is good, but its Bubba'd obviously. The questions: I've located a new base pin on line. (Ruger will not sell the base pins, they apparently want the old models back for the 6 shot refit) Are new model, and old model base pins the same part, ie are they interchangeable? Are the base pins a "fitted" part?

April 20, 2012, 01:31 AM	#3
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 3,625	maybe not I have not checked deeply, but what research I've done indicates Belt Mountain does not make base pins for the Bearcat. Somebody tell me I'm wrong.

April 20, 2012, 09:58 AM	#4
jglsprings Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2009 Posts: 1,255	google is your friend - not really, but here is the link... http://www.beltmountain.com/ruger.htm __________________ An Internet forum is like having a friendly conversation over a drink at a local tavern. Some guy at the end of the bar always has to stand up and shout something that makes no sense at all.

April 21, 2012, 12:56 AM	#7
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 3,625	great I'm glad to be wrong. I'd only looked in Brownells and Bob's Gun Parts in AR. I'll pay $25. Ruger won't sell me one at any price. So, the question remains (I think) will a current pin, either Belt Mtn or Ruger, fit my vintage revolver?

April 21, 2012, 01:01 AM	#8
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 3,625	self help Checked for myself. Belt Mountain lists "old model" and "new model" so now I know. NOtice its listed as "NEW" offering. Wonder if it was available on my first research? Anyhow.....WIL TERRY, you the man!

April 18, 2012, 12:46 PM	#2
WIL TERRY Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2000 Location: BLACK HILLS Posts: 986	I'D have a BELT MOUNTAIN base pin in that pistol so fast it'd make it and your head swim. BY 400PM today would make the deadline !!

April 20, 2012, 11:28 AM	#5
WIL TERRY Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2000 Location: BLACK HILLS Posts: 986	YOUR wrong. I designed the first one for him and it is in my NM BEARCAT, and has been for going on ten years[?]....maybe seven or eight....

April 20, 2012, 05:14 PM	#6
Aguila Blanca Senior Member Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 4,820	Wow! $25 for a base pin for a .22. I'm sure it's a nice part, but can we spell "overkill"? A standard base pin from Numrich is $6.05. Unfortunately, they're sold out.

October 26, 2012, 03:43 AM	#9
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 3,625	bagged one Thought I'd revive this thread to advise that I found an original old model basepin last week, (online) in excellent shape and bought /installed same in the little 'cat. It looks a world better. I paid maybe a bit too much, for the part, but the revolver is now correct and unmodified. Dang internet is a userful gadget sometimes.