Winchester Repeating Arms has always been a brand I trust when it comes to rifles. Whether hunting big game or enjoying range time with my family, their dependable performance gives me the confidence I need in every shot.

As an avid outdoors person, I feel a quality .22 caliber rifle is essential to any collection. Winchester, renowned for its long-standing history of crafting reliable and innovative firearms, has done it again with the Wildcat. This model elevates rimfire autoloaders to new levels of value and performance. The .22 caliber is not only one of the most accessible options available but also offers an enjoyable shooting experience, making it ideal for introducing new shooters to the sport or for honing your own shooting skills.

Here’s my review of why the Wildcat is a fantastic choice for any shooter.

he first thing that struck me about the Wildcat was its sleek, modern look and modular design. Weighing in at only 4 pounds, it’s incredibly light and easy to handle for a wide range of shooters. 

I also appreciated the easily reversible manual safety button, making it perfect for right- and left-handed shooters. This is particularly beneficial for someone, like me, who is right-handed but left-eye dominant. I shoot rifles and bows left-handed, and having the flexibility to set up the safety for a left-handed shooter while doing everything else with my right hand is a game-changer.

Moreover, the Wildcat can be field stripped in seconds without needing tools. Press a single button at the rear of the upper assembly, and the lower assembly drops out, making maintenance a breeze. The rifle includes a pair of Allen wrenches stored in the lower receiver assembly for easy access — one for adjusting the rear sight and the other for removing the stock. This feature sets it apart from many competitors and adds to its appeal for those who value convenience and ease of use.

The integrated Picatinny top rail allows for easy attachment of optics, and there’s a section of Picatinny rail on the underside of the forearm for attaching a bipod, light, or other accessories. This section includes a cover to protect your hand when accessories are not attached.

The Wildcat is fun to shoot. Its lightweight and well-balanced design makes it easy to maneuver, and the recoil is practically non-existent. This is expected from a .22 LR, but the smooth trigger pull adds to the overall experience. What stands out to me is how fast and easy it is to load the magazine. The rotary magazine has a thumbwheel that allows you to manually relieve spring pressure on the follower, making loading and unloading almost effortless — say goodbye to sore thumbs! 

Whether I’m firing quick shots or taking my time, the rifle performs exceptionally well. Thanks to its manageable size and user-friendly design, it’s an ideal choice for introducing new shooters to the sport.

As with any firearm, reliability is critical. The Wildcat’s impressive ability to handle a range of ammunition types is due to its striker-fired design, which provides faster lock time and a lighter trigger pull than traditional hammer-fired rimfire designs. A hemispherical firing pin also improves reliability with a wider range of rimfire ammunition. But reliability doesn’t mean much without accuracy, and the Wildcat delivers on both fronts. 

The rifle features a precision button-rifled, chromoly steel barrel with a recessed target-style crown, ensuring consistent accuracy at typical .22 LR ranges. This makes it perfect for target shooting and small game hunting. The fully adjustable ghost ring rear sight allows for fine-tuning, and the option to mount a scope on the Picatinny rail provides added versatility for those looking to push the limit.

Priced competitively, the Wildcat offers excellent value for its features and performance. It’s a cost-effective option for anyone looking to add a reliable .22 rifle to their collection. Plus, it’s widely available through various retailers, making it easy to find and purchase. Whether using it for fun, training, or hunting, this rifle gets you a lot of bang for your buck.

If you’re in the market for a .22 LR rifle that combines modern technology with classic reliability, the Wildcat should top your list. Its combination of modern features, reliability, and ease of maintenance make it a wise investment accessible to shooters of all skill levels. Whether plinking, target shooting, or hunting, the Wildcat 22 delivers reliable performance and exceptional value.