Winchester Wildcat 22
Winchester Repeating Arms · Rifle · In Production · 2019
Also known as: Wildcat, Wildcat 22, Winchester Wildcat
Overview
The Winchester Wildcat 22 is a lightweight polymer-chassis semi-automatic rimfire rifle introduced in 2019, chambered in .22 LR. Built around a striker-fired action rather than a traditional hammer, the Wildcat delivers a lighter, crisper trigger pull than most rimfire autoloaders. It feeds from a 10-round rotary magazine with metal feed lips, and critically, also accepts aftermarket Ruger 10/22 magazines, opening it to a vast aftermarket. The ambidextrous molded polymer stock features a reversible safety, dedicated slide-lock and bolt-release buttons, and a speed load/unload magazine system. Sights consist of a fully adjustable ghost-ring rear and a ramped-post front, while an integral Picatinny rail tops the receiver and a second rail sits under the forearm. A rear barrel cleaning access port allows breech-side cleaning without removing the action. At roughly four pounds, the Wildcat is a nimble plinker, trainer, and small-game rifle. The Wildcat SR and Sporter SR variants add a 1/2x28 TPI threaded muzzle for suppressor use.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1814 g (64.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 921 mm (36.26") |
| Barrel Length | 457 mm (17.99") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, .22 Long Rifle, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Reversible Manual Safety
- Features: Rotary Magazine Metal Feed Lips, Ruger 10 22 Magazine Compatible, Ghost Ring Rear Sight, Ramped Post Front Sight, Integral Picatinny Top Rail, Forearm Underside Picatinny Rail, Ambidextrous Stock, Reversible Safety, Slide Lock Button, Bolt Release Button, Speed Load Unload Magazine, Rear Barrel Cleaning Access Port, Button Rifled Barrel, Target Crown, Molded Sling Eyelets
Variants
- Winchester Wildcat SR — Threaded Barrel
- Winchester Wildcat Sporter SR — Sporter
Production
Production years: 2019-present
Imported and distributed for Winchester by the Browning Arms Company. Exact production figures not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
MSRP approximately $280-$330 depending on variant. Standard model ships with an 18-inch barrel (36.25 in overall, ~4 lb); the Sporter SR uses a 16.5-inch threaded barrel (34.75 in overall, ~4 lb 4 oz). Ruger 10/22 magazine compatibility is a major selling point. The chassis splits into upper and lower halves for cleaning. Twist rate is 1:16 inches (~406 mm).
Background
Winchester broke with a century of lever- and bolt-action rimfire tradition when it designed the Wildcat from the ground up as a modern polymer striker-fired plinker, then made the contrarian decision to have it accept Ruger 10/22 magazines, the de facto standard of the rimfire world, ensuring buyers were never short of feed devices.