My experience with the Winchester Wildcat

Gnome75

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The short version: Its awesome, go buy one.

For some reason there is very little talk about this gun and people are wondering about it. So here is my experience with it so far. I am going to admit to being a Winchester fan boy but its for a reason, I am yet to be let down by anything Winchester.

The rifle: This rifle feels very light which I enjoy. Its that light because of the extensive use of plastic. I know that's a turn off for alot of reasons to alot of people, I get it. With plastic getting better all the time and with the design of this rifle I don't see it being an issue. I am not going to go into huge depth on things because there are paid writers who broke things down quite well. Some people were confused by the opening in the stock. Its to save weight, not sure why that is such a foreign concept. Sling not included

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The magazine: It comes with one Winchester specific magazine that has a tab to lock the bolt open on empty. It also has a little wheel on the side that helps with loading. Its a fantastic magazine. BUT it only comes with one and they don't exist in Canada, yet. The saving grace is they do work with ruger 10/22 mags. The down side is the 10/22 mags won't hold the bolt open. You can drop the mags in two ways. The front tab like on a the 10/22 or the two side bars. They both work but the front tab drops the mag then stops it. You have to release the tab for it to fall out. The two side bars are the way to go. They shoot the mag into you hand perfectly.

Reliability: I put 600 ish rounds through using the factory mag and clear ruger mag. For ammo I tried CCI mini mag, Federal BYOB, Winchester 235 count, and Winchester Wildcats (obviously). It all ran flawlessly the whole time. I got 5 ish duds but I just put them back in the magazine and tried again and they all worked but one. That's just the nature of 22LR though. All 5 were the federal, just saying. The rifle has a different firing pin from what I am use to seeing. Its almost like an offset center fire. It works though so who cares. The cocking handle does not hit the rear of the opening like some kel-tecs. Not sure how long it will hold up. My beloved Cooey 60 is going strong for at least 60 years. Nothing is made like they use to. I don't think may budget firearms made in the last 10 years will live to be 60.

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I am not going to go into the disassembly because its already out there. It is as great as they show. After 600 of mostly cheap ammo it was dirty but it never cared. There was noticeable build up of 22lr crud. Probably some sand blow in too. That guide rod was especially gritty but you can only by looking at it.

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Accuracy: I use iron sights. I don't care much for scopes and battery powered stuff. I don't have any paper targets to show off mostly because I shoot stuff, not paper. This is an inexpensive semi auto so if you want super tight groups you already know where you should be looking. I spent the after noon shooting cans, pre broken clays and random garbage. Like most will do with a 22lr. I was consistently hitting clay broken clay pieces at 50m. I did not have much issue hitting clays at 100m either. I could also consistently hit shot shells 10m away. Honestly for plinking or hunting this will be fine. If you find its not hitting well its you. Suck less and/or practice more. This does have a plastic receiver with a metal barrel attached. Accuracy got better through out the day as I got more accustomed to the rifle. So the barrel shifting from heat build up for whatever is not enough of a difference to make a difference.

Sights: I am a fan of peep sights. Or ghost ring sights is you are of the tacticool nature. I had to put my rear sight as low as possible to get it to work. Not a big deal I guess. Front and rear are plastic. I guess it does have a modern rail (also plastic) so I could venture in the optics realm if the sights break.

All in, really like this rifle. It will give the Cooey a bit of break going forward. Really wish I could find some Winchester mags! I will answer questions for a time and can post specific pictures if it is worth the time.
 
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So how sturdy do you feel the sights are? If they caught on branches grouse hunting, you think they’ll last?

Thanks for the breakdown. I found all the paid “testers” annoying as they all had the same thing to say about it.
 
Thanks for this, I got one a few weeks ago haven't had a chance to take it out yet, but am now even more excited to now, a buddy has asked me to help with putting up an electric fence for his pigs, and we will take care of some gophers afterwards, just haven't been able to work it out.
 
So how sturdy do you feel the sights are? If they caught on branches grouse hunting, you think they’ll last?

Thanks for the breakdown. I found all the paid “testers” annoying as they all had the same thing to say about it.

The front sight it quite solid. One piece of plastic that is braced/screwed on the barrel. The rear seems solid enough. I bumped it a couple times during handling and cleaning. Had it in my lap and leaned forward on it a couple times so its not fragile. I think if you don't abuse it, the sights will last. I would not worry about walking through the bush with it but I would carry it as appose to slinging it. If you had it on your back and turned into a tree that might break the rear, the front would probably be fine
 
Thanks for this, I got one a few weeks ago haven't had a chance to take it out yet, but am now even more excited to now, a buddy has asked me to help with putting up an electric fence for his pigs, and we will take care of some gophers afterwards, just haven't been able to work it out.

It would be a great gopher gun. I really wish I knew of place of my own to take the little bastards down
 
I appreciate the review/photos. Thanks for posting! I was really considering one of these guns before I heard about accuracy not being stellar. As an open-sighted plinker, I get the appeal and the way the action drops-out for cleaning is a great idea. I agree, top-tier accuracy isn't everyone's top priority...or there wouldn't be so many millions of rounds of unremarkable ammo flying off the shelves the way it does. With that said, I just reach for the less accurate guns...less often these days, so I'm less inclined to test the waters with any rifle I don't hear great things about.

I don't live in the west, but try to get out there every other year to shoot gophers. Covid wrecked this year's plans...so by next spring, you can bet I'll be giving them a bad time like they've never seen. :) Anyhow, there are certainly lots of opportunities to blast close-range ones, you could probably do that all day if you wanted to. However, we like to mix it up and really push the realistic boundaries of 22LR distances. :) Unless a rifle can shoot under 1" @ 50 yards reliably, it wouldn't make the cut. Fun, yes...but I just wouldn't reach for it.

If anyone has one of these rifles and has done some accuracy testing, I'd love to see the results. I want to want one of these rifles!
 
I appreciate the review/photos. Thanks for posting! I was really considering one of these guns before I heard about accuracy not being stellar. As an open-sighted plinker, I get the appeal and the way the action drops-out for cleaning is a great idea. I agree, top-tier accuracy isn't everyone's top priority...or there wouldn't be so many millions of rounds of unremarkable ammo flying off the shelves the way it does. With that said, I just reach for the less accurate guns...less often these days, so I'm less inclined to test the waters with any rifle I don't hear great things about.

I don't live in the west, but try to get out there every other year to shoot gophers. Covid wrecked this year's plans...so by next spring, you can bet I'll be giving them a bad time like they've never seen. :) Anyhow, there are certainly lots of opportunities to blast close-range ones, you could probably do that all day if you wanted to. However, we like to mix it up and really push the realistic boundaries of 22LR distances. :) Unless a rifle can shoot under 1" @ 50 yards reliably, it wouldn't make the cut. Fun, yes...but I just wouldn't reach for it.

If anyone has one of these rifles and has done some accuracy testing, I'd love to see the results. I want to want one of these rifles!

The rifle is probably really close to or meets your requirements of less than 1" at 50. I think we agree that in the pursuit of super accurate rifle, semi auto and affordable don't come to mind. Your clearly want the rifle, I say go for it. I like guns that are (in no particular order) light, affordable and reliable. This guns hits it for me. You already have super accurate and probably heavy guns, why not go into the other spectrum?
 
The rifle is probably really close to or meets your requirements of less than 1" at 50. I think we agree that in the pursuit of super accurate rifle, semi auto and affordable don't come to mind. Your clearly want the rifle, I say go for it. I like guns that are (in no particular order) light, affordable and reliable. This guns hits it for me. You already have super accurate and probably heavy guns, why not go into the other spectrum?

..probably because I've already done that too many times. lol Ruger 10/22, Marlin 795 (x2), a Cooey 64 for a very brief period. The Marlins shot very well and I liked them, just never reached for them after the novelty of flying brass wore-off. lol The only reason I never took those out for gophers was the cleaning. We tend to push it physically, spending long days shooting until we've run out of energy and/or gophers. The last thing I want to do is take out an allen key, and start breaking down rifles for cleaning when I'm that tired. Bolt guns, whether at home being super meticulous or out west where I do the bare minimum-they're just easier to deal with.

Your point is a good one and you're right, there is room for all kinds of guns...for all kinds of fun purposes. In fact, I thought I was totally done with semis...now I'm fighting the urge to buy a Thompson/Center T/CR22. :) Why? Good accuracy reports, super-light, fast-handling, etc...and I even like the irons.
 
I appreciate the review/photos. Thanks for posting! I was really considering one of these guns before I heard about accuracy not being stellar. As an open-sighted plinker, I get the appeal and the way the action drops-out for cleaning is a great idea. I agree, top-tier accuracy isn't everyone's top priority...or there wouldn't be so many millions of rounds of unremarkable ammo flying off the shelves the way it does. With that said, I just reach for the less accurate guns...less often these days, so I'm less inclined to test the waters with any rifle I don't hear great things about.

I don't live in the west, but try to get out there every other year to shoot gophers. Covid wrecked this year's plans...so by next spring, you can bet I'll be giving them a bad time like they've never seen. :) Anyhow, there are certainly lots of opportunities to blast close-range ones, you could probably do that all day if you wanted to. However, we like to mix it up and really push the realistic boundaries of 22LR distances. :) Unless a rifle can shoot under 1" @ 50 yards reliably, it wouldn't make the cut. Fun, yes...but I just wouldn't reach for it.

If anyone has one of these rifles and has done some accuracy testing, I'd love to see the results. I want to want one of these rifles!

I have had a wildcat for about a month now and have tested it with an Eotech 552, Mueller tactical 25x scope, and factory iron sights. In each configuration I used CCI standard velocity, Eley Semi-subsonic, Federal Match, SK standard, Winchester Wildcat (because it’s almost required), and some Browning crap never to be spoken of again. The best performer was the SK standard, followed by Eley and CCI. I was able to accomplish a three shot group you could cover with a dime at 50 yards. But this was not the norm. Given the price point and the fact that it is a semi auto it’s not a bad shooter, but if it’s accuracy you’re chasing you will likely want to spend another couple hundred on a bolt gun. With the scope the rifle would frustrate me because all the misses are that much more dramatic. With the HWS it was better, but where this gun shines is with the factory ghost ring sights. I was consistently ringing a four inch plate at 100 yards and giggling about it. The trigger is also a point of conversation here. It has a stiff take up and then seems to find a neutral point before it breaks. When you see how the trigger release works with the striker it becomes apparent why. Again, you have to keep in mind what this rifle is designed to achieve. Don’t saddle up to the bench and expect to give the snob with the Anschutz any competition. But in the field this thing is light, easy to carry, shoulders quickly, and gets repeatable shots off on target quickly. In it’s designed purpose it is fun to shoot and never experienced a FTF, FTE, or misfire. The one area it let me down consistently is the last round bolt holdopen. It only worked about 10% of the time and the magazine was not the culprit. When the mag is empty a spring loaded post pops up and actuates the bot release lever upwards which engages the bolt lock. In my case the lever wasn’t being lifted high enough to move the locking lever into position. I remedied (almost bubba’d, but without duct tape) the issues by supergluing a piece of molded plastic to the bottom of the lever to increase the point of contact with the magazine post and it has worked flawlessly since.

My advice to anybody thinking of buying a Wildcat is be realistic about how much you’re spending and have realistic expectations. It’s a fun gun at an affordable price that has some really cool features. I’ve never had it so easy cleaning a semi rimfire (with the exception of my M&P 15-22). Buy it, shoot it, giggle and watch cans go flying. Don’t bother pulling it out for competition, but definitely take it out to the back forty and have fun.
 
Good to know, I was looking at one, it does check a lot of boxes. The store didn't know if it would accept Ruger mags.
 
The front sight it quite solid. One piece of plastic that is braced/screwed on the barrel. The rear seems solid enough. I bumped it a couple times during handling and cleaning. Had it in my lap and leaned forward on it a couple times so its not fragile. I think if you don't abuse it, the sights will last. I would not worry about walking through the bush with it but I would carry it as appose to slinging it. If you had it on your back and turned into a tree that might break the rear, the front would probably be fine

The rear sight DOES look pretty flimsy. I bet if you dropped the gun on it by accident it would have a bad day. One of the guys on TFBTV said he likes the Wildcat more than his previous go-to cheap plinker, the Marlin 795.
 
The rear sight DOES look pretty flimsy. I bet if you dropped the gun on it by accident it would have a bad day. One of the guys on TFBTV said he likes the Wildcat more than his previous go-to cheap plinker, the Marlin 795.

I would prefer a metal rear sight just for toughness reasons. You drop any budget sights or scope it will have a bad day. I would not describe the sight as flimsy, it does stay in place. If it does break its because you smashed it on something and the ring broke. It is possible for the screw loosen and it fall off. If you want top quality stuff pay top quality prices. I don't feel ripped off

I had and enjoyed the 795, I like the wildcat better.
 
I would prefer a metal rear sight just for toughness reasons. You drop any budget sights or scope it will have a bad day. I would not describe the sight as flimsy, it does stay in place. If it does break its because you smashed it on something and the ring broke. It is possible for the screw loosen and it fall off. If you want top quality stuff pay top quality prices. I don't feel ripped off

I had and enjoyed the 795, I like the wildcat better.

Theres a difference between paying for top quality and expecting a minimum of quality regardless of price... The Marlin 795 is cheaper than the Wildcat, yet has metal sights for instance. In fact I can't think of a gun with plastic sights made by any of the other big american brands? I think some of the GSG stuff has plastic sights, but thats the only one I can think of off the top of my head (although I certainly haven't shot every gun out there)... Interesting that you like it more than the 795, any specific reason? The mag release on the 795 is pretty terrible, but otherwise I really like mine.
 
Theres a difference between paying for top quality and expecting a minimum of quality regardless of price... The Marlin 795 is cheaper than the Wildcat, yet has metal sights for instance. In fact I can't think of a gun with plastic sights made by any of the other big american brands? I think some of the GSG stuff has plastic sights, but thats the only one I can think of off the top of my head (although I certainly haven't shot every gun out there)... Interesting that you like it more than the 795, any specific reason? The mag release on the 795 is pretty terrible, but otherwise I really like mine.

I like the wildcat better than then 795 for the following reasons in no specific order:

- magazines release
- I like the flush fit mag
- more reliable
- easier take down for cleaning. Really hate screws to take apart a gun. The 795 is alot more complicated and has plenty of plastic in the internals anyway
- The overall design is much simpler. Its a striker over a hammer like the 795. I feel this is the superior operating method. Not saying that hammer firing guns suck
- you can sling shot the bolt close
- the bolt release is better positioned
- lighter weight
- looks cooler
- better rail. I knows its plastic but I tried a scope on the 795 and it slid forward and backward on the rail

the sights are a draw. The sights on the wildcat are better but they plastic. If the wildcat had metal sights it would be another point. The 795 has a reputation of breaking trigger guard. Will have to wait and observe the wildcat for breakage so not a fair comparison yet.

The 795 is a nice rifle and I would never discourage any one from buying one.
 
I like cheap fun semi guns...but I still want then to be durable. Reason why I won't own any of the GSG offerings regardless of how neat they look.
This is still the funnest walking around cheap plinker I have, all steel and wood, good trigger, surprisingly accurate, and it shoots everything reliably. They go on sale for $160, I'd love a real Browning version but then it's not cheap anymore lol.
I'm still waiting for more Wildcat reviews, kind of caught my eye, but there are a lot of things I'm not real exited about like the plastic rail and not great accuracy. Maybe I'll run into someone with one at the range and I'll give it a good look over. Until then this thing is my walking stick lol.
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I like cheap fun semi guns...but I still want then to be durable. Reason why I won't own any of the GSG offerings regardless of how neat they look.
This is still the funnest walking around cheap plinker I have, all steel and wood, good trigger, surprisingly accurate, and it shoots everything reliably. They go on sale for $160, I'd love a real Browning version but then it's not cheap anymore lol.
I'm still waiting for more Wildcat reviews, kind of caught my eye, but there are a lot of things I'm not real exited about like the plastic rail and not great accuracy. Maybe I'll run into someone with one at the range and I'll give it a good look over. Until then this thing is my walking stick lol.
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For a second I thought I saw a custom rear peep sight!... Then realized its just the wiper jet on the truck behind it! Lol
 
For a second I thought I saw a custom rear peep sight!... Then realized its just the wiper jet on the truck behind it! Lol

Could probably put a peep on easy enough...d&t version, or dovetail the top. Not sure it would hold zero after takedown...I guess I should try it and see, I have a couple of them, not like it would hurt the value any lol.
I put a small light scope on one, but even that throws off the balance. Such an ugly looking design, but they were made 100+ years ago with ergonomics in mind, they carry and point very naturally. The bottom ejection makes for interesting shooting off the bench, not great if you are wearing sandals either...
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I thought the idea was neat: easy break down with zero tools, compatible with ruger 10/22 mags, semi tacticool appearance. Then buddy got one. Couldnt sight it in at 25yds, 10yds, any yds. Ruger mags dont sit properly in it, (brand new mag too...), felt durable enough.

Hes not happy with his purchase, he just wants to be able to hit something in front of himself. It was grouping 6" at 20yds.

I would wait in all honesty for a revision or 2 to maybe work somenbugs from the rifle as it is a cool concept. But as for being worth it? There are better cheaper options out there that you could chase a can down the field from 10 to 100yds with no issues. Buddy always winds up shooting my 597, and thats about 100 bucks cheaper off the hop.

As a side note, he has had 3 or 4 people try to sight it in, and we all have had the same issues. Its not the shooters, its the gun sadly. Glad yours is shooting above average though. Maybe buddy got a lemon :shrug
 
There are some good gun making shops in Turkey, and some not so good. The pistols coming out of there are pretty good, majority of shotguns as well, some of the shotguns are lousy though, usually the cheapest ones.
ATA came out with Turkeys first commercial rifle a few years ago, and it was a flop...not surprised the first rimfire is not great.
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I thought the idea was neat: easy break down with zero tools, compatible with ruger 10/22 mags, semi tacticool appearance. Then buddy got one. Couldnt sight it in at 25yds, 10yds, any yds. Ruger mags dont sit properly in it, (brand new mag too...), felt durable enough.

Hes not happy with his purchase, he just wants to be able to hit something in front of himself. It was grouping 6" at 20yds.

I would wait in all honesty for a revision or 2 to maybe work somenbugs from the rifle as it is a cool concept. But as for being worth it? There are better cheaper options out there that you could chase a can down the field from 10 to 100yds with no issues. Buddy always winds up shooting my 597, and thats about 100 bucks cheaper off the hop.

As a side note, he has had 3 or 4 people try to sight it in, and we all have had the same issues. Its not the shooters, its the gun sadly. Glad yours is shooting above average though. Maybe buddy got a lemon :shrug

6" @ 20yds is entirely unacceptable. That rifle needs to go in for warranty work or something. Smoothbores shoot better than that!

There are some good gun making shops in Turkey, and some not so good. The pistols coming out of there are pretty good, majority of shotguns as well, some of the shotguns are lousy though, usually the cheapest ones.
ATA came out with Turkeys first commercial rifle a few years ago, and it was a flop...not surprised the first rimfire is not great.
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At first I was like that looks cool! Then I looked at it longer and I can't figure out why the stock has to be so substantial under the action. Kinda reminds me of the Johnson Automatic Rifle.
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