Thoughts on the Winchester Wildcat?

[510dat]

My girlfriend has decided she needs a bolt-action rifle as her first fire arm, so after doing some online research together, we went to a couple local places to see what we could see. I've been nudging her towards .22lr because the cost of feeding it is so low.

She was immediately attracted to the Winchester Wildcat because of the way it looked, and the price ($250) was in her range.

We also saw Savage and Stevens set in synthetic stocks, and some CZ 452's that I liked, but were more than she wants to pay for.

Do any of you have thoughts or suggestions regarding the Winchester?

[Izzy43]

Go to Rimfirecentral.com in the winchester forum and search for Wildcat. Some folks like them. Also look at the Zastava Z5 (imported by USSG). Accurate, adjustable trigger, beautiful metal work, walnut stock, excellent iron sights and about $300 including tax and DROS. Oh and no plastic anywhere. Looks and feels like a centerfire rifle but not heavy. Only detracter is the magazine. Difficult to load 5 rounds but easy to overcome, just load four rounds or disassemble the magazine (easy to do) and cut some of the spring off at the bottom.

[checkenbach]

My Bro has one and it is an absolute tack driver, even with Remington golden bullets!!!! The only down side is the mags, which are hard to load,and supposedly need to be fitted to the gun if replaced.
Other options are: any CZ, the Trainer, or Youth has the same basic action as the others, but a cheesier trigger, CZ's are not as cheap as they used to be, but still a great value. Or buy something used for cheap.

[paradox]

I have a TOZ-78 which is the winchester wildcat with a craptastic russian stock. It is very accurate with an excellent trigger. The only downsides is that the paddle wheel iron sites is kinda odd and to scope it you need to use see through claw rings or a specialized russian mount. Well worth the $175 I paid for it, and even at $250 it is a steal. Love russian guns, rude, crude, tack drivers...

[510dat]

Thanks for all your advice, it's a great starting point for getting information on these guns. I never would have figured out the origins of the Wildcat on my own.

[Izzy43]

By the way I believe the Russian version has an adjustable trigger and the Winchester does not. But best to check for yourself before buying. Having an adjustable trigger is priceless.

[bigthaiboy]

I have a TOZ-78 which is the winchester wildcat with a craptastic russian stock. It is very accurate with an excellent trigger. The only downsides is that the paddle wheel iron sites is kinda odd and to scope it you need to use see through claw rings or a specialized russian mount. Well worth the $175 I paid for it, and even at $250 it is a steal. Love russian guns, rude, crude, tack drivers...

I also have a Russian Tula TOZ-78, I bought new for $99. It came with 2 x 10 rd and 2 x 5rd mags, and an excellent adjustable trigger. They are imported by TGI, but that seemed to have stopped when Winchester started importing them as the Wildcat. The main differences between the TOZ-78 and the Wildcat are mostly cosmetic (sights, polished bolt and stock shape / finish).

Winchester Wildcat:

My Tula TOZ-78:



My TOZ-78 is accurate and I love the light trigger setting.

[MASTERLAB]

did the wildcat come in a left handed option? and where would be the best place to get one around the LA area?

[Dirk Tungsten]

Hey OP, don't forget that there are 2 versions of the Wildcat: The heavy barrel Target/Varmint model and the standard. Of the 2, only the standard has iron sights. If you get the target, you'll need optics. I just picked up a Mueller APV for mine, now I just need to get it mounted and go shooting. Here's a good deal on the APV, plus free shipping AND a free sunshade: http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Muel...mapv451440.htm I bought from them and was very, very pleased with their service.

[JNunez23]

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to revive this thread because someone is actually interested in a Winchester Wildcat!! lol (just didn't want to start a new thread)

Anyway, my local pawnshop has one for sale for $200 out the door, but it is the standard model with the iron sights.

From what I have read, owners of this rifle seem pretty happy, but they're aren't many out there. Anyone on Calguns have any experience or words of wisdom on this one?? I have recently become obsessed with the idea of a .22 bolt action rifle, and now must have one! lol

Suggestions anyone???