Winchester Wildcat Rifle - Anyone Have Any Experience With One?

Tudenom

Tudenom

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Hey all

I’m planning on buying a low cost 22 semi auto rifle and am thinking it will be a Marlin 795, but the new Winchester Wildcat is intriguing.

I’m a little worried about an all plastic receiver though. Does anyone here at CGN own one and wish to make comment?

How well is it wearing internally?
 
If you get a 795, don't over torque the trigger guard screws. The trigger guard will eventually crack. It just happens no matter what.
 
I have one arriving some time next week (hopefully lol). But I think I have a pistol transfer that will finish soon (apparently they were working on April 30 on Friday, and mine is first week of May; cross my fingers), so might wait until I get that before I head to the range lol (assuming work slows down, it's been insanely busy for me with the lockdowns unfortunately; opposite of most people I guess).
 
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Buddy got one, accuracy is atrocious. Not worth the hype. Have a marlin xt22, basically a bolt action 795. You would be happy with the 795, or anything that isnt a wildcat.
 
That’s what I was afraid of. For $300+ you would think it should have a metal receiver. The rail, peep site, and mag compatibility are all great things, but if the core of the rifle (durability, reliability, and accuracy) is lacking then it’s not worth the premium over budget options.

Thanks guys!
 
I absolutely love the idea of that drop-out receiver (cleaning in the field) but I have very little faith it can be executed without seriously compromising the accuracy. At that price. The delayed release of this gun, and spotty accuracy reports are both red flags for me, I'd love to be proven wrong.

Getting older and fudd-like...I'm getting to the point where I just want bolt guns, and I'm mostly there. :) One semi that does intrigue me is this one; https://www.cabelas.ca/product/124600/thompsoncenter-tcr22-semi-auto-rimfire-rifle The Thompson Centre T/CR22. Stock feels super flimsy, but accuracy reports (I've seen) are good, and I like the ergonomics. 2X the price of the Winchester, but probably 2X (+) the gun.
 
I picked one up from Prophet River, thanks Clay!

I really like the Engineering behind it. As others noted, removable trigger group & easy cleaning as a result, as well as last shot bolt hold open if you use the Wildcat mags... Also takes Ruger 10/22 mags! Excellent feel in hand with a palm swell & super light polymer construction. If I was to have one criticism of it, I'd prefer to have a metal rail to mount the optics to. Outside of that, I hope it is minute of groundhog inside 50m and I will be happy.

Looking forward to hitting the range with it. I put a Bushnell Banner 4-12x40AO on it with Weaver Grand Slam medium rings.

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Pretty sure someone has one that shot good enough to get on the 1/2" @ 50 yard challenge here at CGN, think he's even got it listed in the .25" @ 50 yards.
 
Grain said:
Pretty sure someone has one that shot good enough to get on the 1/2" @ 50 yard challenge here at CGN, think he's even got it listed in the .25" @ 50 yards.
Click to expand...

They use to sell the Russian TOZ78 rebranded as the Wildcat, it was a pretty accurate bolt action, confusing that they kept the same name. If any met the 1/2 challenge it was not these new Turkish Wildcats...they are literally just hitting Canadian market now.
 
I put a cheep 3x9-40 that I had laying around on mine. 10 rounds at 50 yards would have 7 rounds groups at around 1/2 inch and always three about 1/4 out side of the main group. Could be me and only shot two types of ammo. Happy with it and very light. Would recommend it for someone looking for a fun shooter.
 
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