Old bearcat base pin

[Skunkdynamite]

Sorry if this is redundant, couldn't find anything specific to this issue.
I have a bearcat that I use for vermin around the chicken coop with rat shot, somewhere in the yard the base pin fell out. It happens...everyone was out of stock for old bearcat base pins, except for one dealer. I ordered the pin based on the serial number 16636 and the pin doesn't fit. It's. .250. The person I talked to said that's the correct size for that model. The pin hole on my revolver is. 187, this is contradicted by the serial number and build? Aluminum frame and rosewood grips. I've since made one out of brass rod for the time being but Any help is greatly appreciated,.

[Bill DeShivs]

If you can make one out of brass, making one out of steel should not be a problem.
Have you tried Ruger?

[bamaranger]

Went through the similar thing with mine, but my replacement pin, acquired via ebay, fit. When I acquired my Bearcat, it had a homemade base pin from a Phillips screwdriver shaft.! Supposedly crafted when the family was homesteading in AK.

OK, so I will go measure my pin and give you a dia............. My 'cat is a very early model, no firing pin transfer bar, ser# range 9XXXX. Right....so my base pin mic'd .1855".

Not sure, but I suspect that Ruger will not supply you with a basepin, but rather, request you return your 'cat. Then, they will install the 6-shot transfer bar system and keep your vintage parts. I cannot vouch for this, but I have heard and read same via other shooters concerning Ruger SA's. Could be wrong of course.

Best of luck with your search

[Skunkdynamite]

I tried to call Ruger a couple of times, but I didn't get through to anyone. I'll make a steel one when I get the chance to use a lathe. Brass was quick and cheap chucked up in the mini mill. I did see mention of the transfer bar upgrade but I really appreciate the action the way it is, this is a yard gun for the most part. I definitely noted the safety there! I'll keep an empty cylinder under the hammer to be safe

I got this Bearcat as a happy accident in 2009. Went to the gun shop with a thousand bucks to get a 1911 and ended up finding one for 800 and the cat for 200 ������

[Dfariswheel]

Just buy a new one from Jack First.
They make new replicas.........

https://jackfirstinc.com/product/rug...-pin-188-pr29/

[Skunkdynamite]

That's is the one I ordered, it was too big.

[4V50 Gary]

Can't it be polished down to fit? Spin it against emery and mic it.

[Aguila Blanca]

It would take a heap of polishing to go from .250" to .1855". Better to start with a length of 3/16" steel rod and clean it up in a lathe (or by hand in a drill press, which is what the OP did to make his brass pin).

[4V50 Gary]

A pass on a lathe then before polishing

[bamaranger]

I just reread the initial post. Seems to me a basepin of .250" would be more akin to one for a Single Six, or even a Blackhawk. Could it be there was a mix-up in the order/commo somehow?

Ya might recontact the vendor and explore further.

[Seven High]

I would borrow a metal detector and sweep the yard with it. Another option is a large magnet tied to a rope. Slowly drag it thru the yard. Mine came from Harbor Freight. Another thought: Jack First sent you the wrong pin.

[Skunkdynamite]

I'm pretty sure I got the wrong part in the right bag, after poking deeper into the situation I found the specs for both size pins. The brass one is holding up great, she's back in action popping rats in the chicken coop like a carnival game!

[Aguila Blanca]

Keep the brass one lightly lubricated and it should out last you. It's not exactly a high-stress part.

[Jbar4Ranch]

Ebay, $24.99 delivered. 116552256339