WINCHESTER WILDCAT
Posted May 19, 2023
After testing the new Winchester Wildcat, I am extremely impressed. The Wildcat is an exceptionally accurate rifle that is ideal for the experienced shooter or beginner alike. The Wildcat is a Winchester-made bolt-action rifle that features an extremely short action. The barrel is lightweight and the rifle has a full length aluminum bedding. It also comes with the Winchester Cross Bolt Safety.
Overall, the Wildcat is incredibly reliable, accurate, and lightweight. It is perfect for hunting in any environment and can handle harsher reaches with ease. The stock is adjustable, allowing for custom adjustments to fit any size shooter. Off the bench, the Wildcat is quite accurate and recoil is easily manageable. The short action allows it to cycle quickly, making it a great choice for varmint hunting or target shooting.
The Wildcat’s bolt has extremely smooth movement and its accuracy is excellent out to 200 yards. The trigger is adjustable and can be set to your desired range, but the standard setting is good right out of the box. I was able to achieve outstanding accuracy while hunting with the Wildcat, and it was a pleasure to shoot. The rifle was gentle on my shoulder and recoiled nicely.
For those who want to do some long-range shooting, the Wildcat also comes with a decent set of optics. The factory-installed scope is a Nikon Buckmasters, which is adjustable from 3x to 9x magnification. It also has a range of reticle choices to further customize your target setup.
When it comes to price, the Wildcat is an exceptional value when compared to the competition of similar quality. Its suggested retail is under $650, which is an excellent price considering the quality you get with the Wildcat.
The Winchester Wildcat is an outstanding rifle and is absolutely perfect for serious hunters or shooters who want an accurate and reliable firearm. It offers a short action, great accuracy, good optics, and is lightweight enough to be comfortable to shoot. Having shot with the Wildcat on several occasions, I can confidently proclaim that it is an outstanding choice for those who are in search of a quality rifle.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Reliable and durable weapon
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Uses .22LR ammunition which is easy to find and relatively inexpensive
• Low recoil makes it a great choice for beginner shooters
• Offers a modern look with a slim-line design
Cons:
• Limited availability in the US due to low-production numbers
• Capacity is 10 rounds which may be limiting depending on user’s needs
• Not recommended for larger game hunting due to .22LR cartridge
• Not as widely supported with aftermarket parts and accessories
Who Should Buy
WINCHESTER WILDCAT is an ideal purchase for anyone looking for a versatile, reliable firearm. It’s a great choice for hunting, recreational shooting, and self-defense. The gun is lightweight, accurate, and easy to maintain, making it a great choice for shooters of all experience levels.
Those who shouldn’t buy the WINCHESTER WILDCAT are those who are looking for an exotic or specialty firearm. The gun is a reasonably priced basic rifle, so it won’t have the extra features or capabilities of more expensive models.
Comparisons
| Model | Action | Caliber | Capacity | Barrel Length | Length | Weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winchester Wildcat | Autoloading | .22LR | 10+1 | 16.25" | 34.25" | 5 lbs | $269.99 |
| Ruger 10/22 Tactlite | Autoloading | .22LR | 10+1 | 16.12" | 32.5" | 6.2 lbs | $359.99 |
| Remington 597 | Autoloading | .22LR | 10+1 | 16.5" | 33.8" | 4.26 lbs | $272.99 |
| Kel-Tec PMR-30 | Autoloading | .22WMR | 30+1 | 4.3" | 7.9"/14.4" | 13.6 lbs | $415.99 |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .22 LR
•Capacity: 15 + 1
•Overall Length: 34.4”
•Barrel Length: 18”
•Weight: 5 LBS.
•Stock & Forearm: Hardwood
•Sights: Adjustable
•Finish: Blue/Black Laminate
Popular Accessories
rifles?
- Barrel Thread Protector
- Bipods
- Scope Rings
- Magazine Extensions
- Sling Swivels
- Recoil Pads
- Replacement Bolt Handles
- Flash Suppressors
- Fiber Optic Sights
- Extended Mag Releases
Accuracy
The Winchester Wildcat is known for its accuracy and reliability. Its breech-bolt design and quick lock-time make it accurate and easy to shoot. Its minimalist design features a saboted .22LR bullet for accurate follow-up shots with a barrel length of just 16 inches. With a muzzle velocity of 1,200 feet per second, the Wildcat is capable of meeting the accuracy standards of most sporting rifles. The gun offers a maximum range of 170 yards and a tight group at 100 yards, making it a great choice for small to medium game hunting and target shooting.
