Ruger Bearcat Safety Recall

[TKE JAW]

My dad just gave me the Ruger Bearcat he's had since he was a kid. I love this little pistol!! I brought it home, cleaned it up, and looked up the serial number to date it and find a manual for it. According to Ruger's website, it was manufactured in 1966.

While looking it up I saw that Ruger has a safety recall on it. Has to do with it possibly going off if you drop it (if the hammer is resting on a cylinder with a round in it). Anyway, I was looking for opinions here. Should I send it back to Ruger and have them install the parts that prevent this or leave it alone? For collectability, they return all original parts.

Because of its age and the connection to my father that I have through this pistol, it will likely be a safe queen until I pass it onto one of my kids, only coming out to be cleaned and admired, and maybe to the range once or twice a year.

All comments are greatly appreciated!

[normanvin]

You may not plan on shooting it at this point. But when it is passed on your kids may. Since they return all of the parts I say have the work done.

[TKE JAW]

Thanks for your opinion Normanvin!

Will they service the pistol too? I mean I cleaned it, but I did not disassemble it. I'm wondering, when they have it torn down, will they clean and lube everything up and comment on its condition?

Thanks again!

[normanvin]

I have not had to send anything back to ruger. It is my understanding that they will put it back to original condition.

Give it some time. Others will respond to your question also.

[gator39]

I think you should leave it as is.
The condition is inherent of the single action design.
That is why single actions were mostly carried hammer down on an empty chamber.
If it is now an heirloom, just teach your kids proper handleing of the single action designed guns.

[TKE JAW]

That's one vote to return and one vote to not return. I'm still on the fence.

I may call Ruger and find out what all is involved with the "modification". If there is any filing, grinding, material removal or addition I think I'll pass on it. If it is a matter of replacing a part or two, then maybe I'll do it. I also want to chat with them about whether or not they go over the pistol's condition while they are in posession of it.

[Koli01]

Dogs should be walked and guns should be shot.

Have the work done and shoot the gun. Your dad would want you to enjoy it.