# Winchester Wildcat .22 LR Semi-Auto Rifle - Lightweight Precision **Brand:** Winchester **Category:** Semi-Automatic Rifles **Caliber:** .22 LR ## Specifications - **Caliber:** .22 LR - **Barrel Length:** 18" - **Capacity:** 10 rounds - **Finish:** Matte Blued - **Weight:** 64 oz - **Overall Length:** 36.25" - **UPC:** 048702026102 - **SKU:** UCr9wjm2 ## Description The Winchester Wildcat is a semi-automatic .22 LR rifle built around a polymer receiver with an 18-inch button-rifled barrel. It weighs 4.5 lbs. and runs 10-round magazines, though it also accepts aftermarket 10/22-pattern mags. The receiver carries a gray Perma-Cote finish on the barrel and a matte black upper, giving it a two-tone look. ### Key Specifications - **Brand:** Winchester - **Model:** Wildcat - **Action:** Semi-Automatic - **Caliber:** .22 LR - **Barrel Length:** 18 inches - **Capacity:** 10 rounds (accepts aftermarket 10/22 magazines) - **Weight:** 4.5 lbs. - **Finish:** Gray Perma-Cote with Matte Black Receiver Finish ### Features The polymer receiver keeps the weight low. 4.5 lbs. is toward the light end for a .22 rifle with an 18-inch barrel. An integral Picatinny rail runs the length of the top receiver, so a scope or red dot mounts directly without adapter rings or see-through mounts. The lower receiver separates from the upper with a single button push, which makes field-stripping and cleaning straightforward. Sights are ghost ring rear with a ramped post front. The ghost ring setup allows faster target acquisition than a traditional notch, and both sights are adjustable using included tools. The safety is reversible for left-handed shooters. The Perma-Cote barrel finish handles corrosion and surface wear well in typical range and field conditions. ### Usage At 4.5 lbs. with minimal .22 LR recoil, the Wildcat is easy to handle for younger or smaller shooters. The 10/22 magazine compatibility opens up higher-capacity options without proprietary accessories. The 18-inch barrel and optic rail make it practical for small game hunting or competitive rimfire shooting where a red dot or low-power scope adds value. Some owners report the rifle is particular about ammunition. Feeding reliability varies by brand, so it is worth testing a few loads before committing to a favorite. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What caliber is the Winchester Wildcat?** A: The Wildcat is chambered in .22 LR. **Q: Who makes the Wildcat?** A: The Wildcat is made by Winchester. **Q: What type of firearm is the Winchester Wildcat?** A: It is a semi-automatic rifle with a polymer receiver. **Q: What is the barrel length of the Winchester Wildcat?** A: The barrel is 18 inches long. **Q: How many rounds does the Winchester Wildcat hold?** A: It has a 10+1 capacity and also accepts aftermarket 10/22-pattern magazines. **Q: Is the Winchester Wildcat optic-ready?** A: Yes, it has an integral Picatinny rail along the top receiver for mounting a scope or red dot directly. **Q: What finish does the Winchester Wildcat have?** A: The barrel has a gray Perma-Cote finish and the upper receiver has a matte black finish. **Q: Where can I buy the Winchester Wildcat?** A: Compare current vendor offers on this page. ## What Reviewers Say *Quoted verbatim from YouTube reviews. Each link opens the video at the moment quoted.* > In all honesty the ease of cleaning and the last round bolt hold open are the two main features that persuaded me to purchase the wildcare. > > — [History With Ben](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsvbZwt-CwM&t=153s) > It has a tab on the back of the magazine right here that activates the bolt hold open on the rifle which is pretty neat i think. > > — [Budget Guns and Gear Reviews](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXG_W52iqLw&t=63s) > The other dislike I have is the trigger pool to put it bluntly the trigger pool is heavy. > > — [History With Ben](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsvbZwt-CwM&t=205s) > The worst of the two downfalls is that the magazines seem to just sometimes fall apart. > > — [History With Ben](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsvbZwt-CwM&t=179s) > Even with the problems I have had with 1022 I still think the Ruger 1022 is the king of semi-automatic 22 long rifle Firearms. > > — [History With Ben](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsvbZwt-CwM&t=321s) ## What Customers Say *AI-generated insights from customer reviews* The Winchester Wildcat gets consistent positive feedback on its weight and handling. At 4.5 lbs. it is easy to carry, and owners with younger shooters or smaller-framed family members mention that specifically. Accuracy at the range draws praise regularly, and the modular design, particularly the push-button takedown and accessible internals, is highlighted as a practical advantage for cleaning. Ammo sensitivity comes up in almost every honest discussion of the gun. Some owners have run into feeding or cycling issues with specific ammunition brands, and the general advice is to test several loads before settling. This is not unique to the Wildcat among semi-auto .22s, but it is worth knowing going in. Trigger feel gets a few critical notes. Some shooters find the pull heavier or less crisp than they prefer, though opinions vary and it is functional as shipped. Overall, the Wildcat lands as a capable .22 rifle for recreational and range use. Buyers who test ammunition compatibility and approach it as a rimfire plinker rather than a precision competition gun report high satisfaction. ## Pricing **13 offers available** | Vendor | Price | |--------|-------| | Gritrsports Com | $221.99 | | Shootingsurplus Com | $222.88 | | Kygunco Com | $234.82 | | Grabagun Com | $239.99 | | Buds Gun Shop | $249.99 | | Palmettostatearmory Com | $259.99 | | Guns Com | $262.99 | | Centerfiresystems Com | $262.99 | | Globalordnance Com | $266.80 | | Selwayarmory Com | $273.99 | *...and 3 more offers* ## Similar Products - [Winchester Wildcat .22 LR Semi-Auto Rifle w/ Reflex Sight](https://gunsnation.com/p/winchester-wildcat-22-lr-semi-auto-rifle-w-reflex-sight/UCr9wiNa) - [Winchester Wildcat Gen 2 .22 LR Semi-Auto Rifle - Timber Camo Precision](https://gunsnation.com/p/winchester-wildcat-gen-2-22-lr-semi-auto-rifle-timber-camo-precision/UCr9wj11) - [Winchester Wildcat .22LR Rifle - Precision Gray/Black 16.5" Semi-Auto](https://gunsnation.com/p/winchester-wildcat-22lr-rifle-precision-gray-black-16-5-semi-auto/UCr9wjmJ) - [Winchester Wildcat SR .22 LR - 16.5" Matte Black Semi-Auto Rifle](https://gunsnation.com/p/winchester-wildcat-sr-22-lr-16-5-matte-black-semi-auto-rifle/UCr9whdZ) - [Winchester Wildcat SR .22 LR Semi-Auto Rifle - True Timber VSX](https://gunsnation.com/p/winchester-wildcat-sr-22-lr-semi-auto-rifle-true-timber-vsx/UCr9wjRY) - [Winchester Wildcat Sporter .22 LR Semi-Auto Rifle, 18" Barrel](https://gunsnation.com/p/winchester-wildcat-sporter-22-lr-semi-auto-rifle-18-barrel/UCr9wj7W) --- *Data from [GunsNation](https://gunsnation.com)*