Editors’ Picks 2019: Winchester Wildcat .22 LR Rifle

by
posted on April 5, 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. **
edpicks24.jpg

Winchester Repeating Arms, for the first time in many years, has added an autoloader to its product lineup. The Wildcat, a blowback-operated semi-automatic chambered in .22 Long Rifle, will feed from 10-round rotary magazines of Winchester’s own design, however, it is also compatible with both Ruger 10/22 magazines and the various aftermarket designs that follow the 10/22 pattern. Weighing only 4 lbs. despite an 18" barrel, the Wildcat shaves ounces due to its skeletonized, thumbhole polymer buttstock and willowy contours. Sights consist of a fully adjustable ghost-ring rear incorporated into an integral Picatinny optic rail and a ramped post front. Depressing a button just behind the rear sight allows the striker-fired bolt and trigger assembly (which Winchester calls the lower receiver assembly) to be removed from the receiver. Doing so permits the Wildcat to be cleaned chamber-to-bore, as is ideal for all firearms. winchesterguns.com

Latest

1720 Cap And Ball Revolver
1720 Cap And Ball Revolver

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Lighter & Better: Savage’s Updated Ultralite Series of Rifles

Savage Arms kicked off 2026 by announcing a new generation of Model 110 bolt-action rifles, and now, the company has also introduced an updated series of Ultralite rifles.

Gun of the Week: Franchi Momentum Elite MULE

One of the latest entrants into the general-utility rifle market is Franchi with its Momentum Utility Lite Elite bolt-action rifle, also known as the MULE.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 11, 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.

Have .22 LR Handguns Finally Become Viable Options for Self-Defense?

Although .22 LR pistols and revolvers are plentiful and affordable, they still have notable limitations when it comes to self-defense applications. 

Aero Precision Returns with New Owners

An investment group comprised of family members passionate about firearms and the outdoor sports has purchased Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms and VG6.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.