Issue winchester wildcat

S

Saemal

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Fort Smith, NT
Hi guys! I need some help, I can't figure out the issue with my rifle.

I have a .22 Winchester Wildcat, awesome rifle for 2 years, over a week of hunting, I shot a bunch of grouse and hare with no issue.
The rifle is slung on my back, shot 1 grouse, not issue, continued my ride, then the next grouse my rifle is off-set.

I tried to resight it, didn't work, I was reaching the maximum adjustment of the scope.
The mount for my scope was not the best, I though that it may have moved.
I bought a new mount, still the same issue.

Well, that's my scope who's broken, I put my old 30-06 scope that I knew was good before removing it.

I still can't sight it in, and the grouping is awful.

A friend told me to check if the stock bolts were tight, they were.
I also looked at the barrel and it seemed straight

I can't figure out why my rifle isn't shooting straight anymore. From the first to the second grouse, it didn't hit anything special (branches as usual)

Any idea?
Thanks!
 
Have you shot at targets to know 'how far off' it's shooting ? Do you or someone you know have a borescope? There may be a carbon ring after 2-years. Have you tried different ammo lately ?
The scope off your 30-06 likely has fixed parallax for 100 yds, so your shots might be 'off' enuf to let the grouses free ? Were your rings 'too tight' on the first scope, could have made it shoot off. On 22s the scope just needs to be ca 16 inch-pounds - just a bit past snug. Lotsa things to check, start with the simplest - targets. You gotta know where the bullets are going b4 you can make them go where you want.
 
I'd try shooting a few groupings off the bench with iron sights. That way I'd be certain if it's a rifle or scope issue.

I'd also look closely at the rail. Those things are plastic, and probably won't take much weight from a scope. I don't trust mine with anything heavier than a red dot.
 
I haven't 'seen' a wildcat but from other comments on RFC and looking on Win-website it looks like the rail is 'Poly' so accuracy and durability are questionable. Also it's been said that the accuracy is Very Dependent on Ammo, so try several brands - one might work for you. I'd still stay with SV if it will cycle the action with 'lower power'. Good Luck -

http s://www.rimfirecentral.com/threads/wildcat-impressions.1242165/?post_id=12634107&nested_view=1&sortby=oldest#post-12634107 AND http s://www.rimfirecentral.com/threads/wildcat-second-time-out.1243333/?post_id=12651241&nested_view=1&sortby=oldest#post-12651241
 
As mentioned above, I'd fire a group with iron sights. If it shoots fine, it's a scope/rings/mount issue. If it is still all squirelly, try a really good cleaning
 
Thanks, I will try cleaning it and do a shooting session with the iron sight.

I don't think anyone in town have a borescope in town and the closest gunsmith is at 8 hours of driving.

I'm always shooting the same box of 500 ammo. As it shoot the same ammo, I don't see why suddenly it would change that much.
 
I don't see a carbon ring causing this issue - you may have one, but it'll be right in front of the chamber, and won't throw your shots off the way you've described. Crown damage might, but I doubt it.

Out of curiosity, what kind of rings are you using? If you're using 3/8ths or 11mm dovetail rings, that could be your problem. You want Weaver or Picatinny style.

Also, I'd stick to aluminum, not steel for that composite rail. You don't want the rings to be harder than the base. You'd also want everything to be as light as possible.

You could try putting a dab of thread locker (blue) on the cross screws, and something to increase friction between the rings and base. Make sure the cross screws are pushed forward before tightening. Caution - 20-22(ish) inch pounds is more than enough here. Overtightening will make your problem worse.

Good luck - hope you're able to sort it out.
 
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