NRA Gun of the Week: Winchester Wildcat Rifle

by
posted on March 16, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Winchester Repeating Arms unveiled a semi-automatic rifle chambered for .22 Long Rifle at SHOT Show 2019. This brand-new line from the storied company encompasses the manufacturing capabilities of today in a handy and compact package. Nestled within a gray polymer stock, the Wildcat’s receiver utilizes a lower assembly that not only drops free for ease for maintenance, but also contains all tools necessary for full disassembly. Atop the receiver, users will find an expanse of Picatinny rail to host their optics of choice, though the rifle does include adjustable sights for out-of-the-box range utility. To learn more about the new Winchester Wildcat, check out this week’s NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman’s David Herman.

Specifications:
Model: Wildcat
Manufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms

Action Type: blowback-operated self-loading rimfire rifle
Chambering: .22 Long Rifle
Barrel: 18”, chrome moly steel
Sights: adjustable-rear ghost ring, ramped post front; Picatinny rail
Trigger: 6-lb., 2-oz. pull
Magazine: 10-round detachable box
Stock: gray composite
Finish: matte blue
Weight: 4 lbs.  
MSRP: $250

Additional Reading:
The Winchester Story
American Rifleman TV: Winchester Rimfire Ammunition
Snapshot: Winchester’s Rimfire Rout
Tested: Winchester Super X4 Shotgun
Tested: Winchester Long Beard XR 20 Gauge Shotshells



















Latest

attack in a back alley
attack in a back alley

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.