A modular, easily taken-down 22 Long Rifle that I waited two years to get. Here’s how to work the Winchester Wildcat.

by RK Campbell

I first read of the new Winchester Wildcat 22 Long Rifle semi-automatic rifle some two years ago. Then, a short time ago one showed up at the local shop. What I found is among the most interesting and useful lightweight rifles in the world. That is a bold statement but completely true. The rifle is well thought out, and while functional and accurate enough for most chores, the engineering is most interesting.

The Wildcat is the right rifle for the times. Winchester used modern engineering and CNC machining to create one of the more ergonomic rifles I have handled. And this engineering and usefulness doesn’t come at a high price, being only $249 retail. Lets look hard at the rifle.

Starting off, there isn’t much that will likely need gunsmithing in the short term that I can find. Tasks at the bench at first will probably be…

Read more in the October 2021 issue.

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