Actually the Ruger Bearcat was based upon this…
This is an ASM/CVA copy of a 1863 Remington Pocket .31, 5-shot. Remington made them in mostly iron frames. It was much stronger than the Colt which was several pieces screwed together making the frame. Remington had a “top strap” enclosing the cylinder, also making a provision for a groove and rear sight plane. The grip and frame were all one piece, like the larger and earlier model 1858. It’s a bit unique, with a spur trigger and no guard. The trigger cover was the port for all the internals.
Bill Ruger liked the design of the Remington and patterned the Bearcat and its aluminum one piece frame after the 1863. They did make a one year steel frame “Super” model. Most of the 1863 had 3.5” barrels I believe. Power is anemic but on par with the 1849 model Colt .31. The .315-.320” 47gr. round ball hustles around 650-850 fps, right in .25 ACP territory. You’d certainly figure more though, given the heavy boom, plume of fire and smoke. It is cute and would easily drop in a pocket. The Ruger Bearcat is a dandy too. I favor the alloy first editions myself.
The little cap and ball is fun and works just like the larger ones. I’m not very good with it much past 50 ft. But it shoots!
![[image]](images/uploaded/202512182035226944658a31489.jpg)
![[image]](images/uploaded/202512182033346944651e49192.jpg)
It was made for close up work. Eye to Eye. eye.
- No text -
It will sure do that. I can hit a man size at 15 yds.
but head shots are a waste for me. I think it would shoot, I just can't see the teeny sights nor hold it steady. I'd still like a 1849 Colt just for the collection, cause I think it's cute.
It shoots the same balls (0.315") as my little CVA squirrel rifle (with 0.010" patches). 22 grs. makes quite a crack! It's quite accurate!
![[image]](images/uploaded/20251218225342694485f6a1502.jpg)
Bearcats are all steel frames now . . .
. . .either blue or stainless, and include the transfer bar arrangement. 
I had a mint condition original Super
that I got from Jason Parr (Puffy) several years ago. It was actually too nice to use much. I mean really. So I sold it to a collector for good money. I'd like to have an original alloy frame with a little honest wear. I had one as a kid, learned to shoot with it. We shot turtles and frogs in the ponds at 100 yds. You could see the hits in the water and it taught us a lot. My buddy had an OM Single-six too. So I got to shoot it, but the fixed sight Bearcat had good sights and hit point of aim. It was stolen out of our home when I was 17. I still have my holster I toted it around in as a teen.
I'd also like to have a late modern "Store Keeper" model with 3" and round butt like Jim has. But I can't find one worth the money when I have some. lol They are just so cute, who wouldn't want one with some prissy grips on it.
First handgun I bought myself . . .
. . . was a '64 original model -- aluminum frame, pre-transfer bar -- I bought new at a mall in Kokomo. Sill have it. 