Winchester Wildcat .22LR

[rfd]

While I still think the 10/22 is a numero uno choice for a .22LR semi-auto rifle, I went ahead and bought a Winchester Wildcat to see what it's all about. Nothing in the way of after-market upgrades for it like can be had for the venerable 10/22, but the 'Cat isn't a bad gun at all. The trigger could use some lightening and some folks have done that by changing out the springs. This rifle takes all manner of 10/22 mags and its proprietary 10 round mag offers a bolt hold open. I bobbed the bbl from 18" to 16" to make it handier, added a Romeo5 red dot (the "iron" sights it comes with are borderline garbage but it does come with a Pic rail) and a light on its fore end Pic rail. Super lightweight, reliable action, easy handling and good accuracy make it fine fun plinker or a good first .22LR rifle. Killed a Norway rat that came up from the pond area to feed on bird seed; the cartridge was a CCI Quiet Semi-Auto and at about 8 yards it was a one shot and done.

 

[HaRrY]

I've messed with a 10/22 too, but the Wildcat seems fun for a change, that red dot + shortened barrel really make it handy for plinking.

 

[Dr Aim]

Now I will call that a proper evaluation, I actually grabbed a Wildcat myself a while back, mainly because my gun safe was looking a little too roomy. I'll tell ya, the moment I saw that bolt-hold-open feature on its mag, I knew it was secretly judging my 10/22 for not being as thoughtful. I agree on those iron sights, they’re about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Mine's been knocking down squirrels that dare look at my pecan trees funny. That rifle is so light and handy, it basically becomes your official "checking the mail" accessory.

 

[rfd]

The bolt hold open is just a mag feature and why the Wildcat will accept any 10/22 mags but not hold open the bolt with those mags. What was Ruger thinking? Hmm, clearly they weren't.