Gun Of The Week: Winchester Arms Xpert

Welcome to another American Rifleman Gun Of The Week video, and this time, we’re on the range with a Winchester Arms Xpert bolt-action rifle. This is one of the lightest, handiest bolt-action rimfires on the market, and there are a lot of features in this small package. Watch the video above to see this latest .22 bolt-action rifle in use on the range.

Winchester flipped the script a bit with its latest rimfire line. Typically, we think of bolt-actions coming before semi-automatics, but Winchester’s semi-auto Wildcat was first up in the line. There was a lot to like about this quick-firing rifle, but there are plenty of benefits to a manually operated turn-bolt, too, and that’s why Winchester followed up with the Xpert, which launched in 2022.

Styling-wise, there are some similarities to the previous Wildcat, notably when it comes to the injection-molded polymer stock. This is what cuts a ton of weight off the platform, all while remaining highly functional and ergonomic. The vertical grip on the stock improves trigger reach for those with smaller hands, and Winchester offers length-of-pull spacers and clip-on cheek risers for those who want to further customize the stock fit.

Where things get different, of course, is in the action and especially the barrel. Winchester builds the Xpert with accuracy and precision in mind. Unlike the Wildcat, the Xpert is cut with a tighter Benz-style chamber to improve accuracy while still ensuring reliable feeding across a range of ammunition types. A hemispherical firing pin inside the bolt is also designed to improve ignition reliability, as the impact is more positive on the cartridge rim. The 18” carbon-steel barrel is also button-rifled and features a target crown.

The accuracy potential of the Xpert really comes into play when you consider the trigger. For this platform, Winchester developed its Rimfire M.O.A. design, which is similar to the trigger found on the company’s Model 70 and XPR rifles. The clean break has virtually no overtravel and offers a crisp pull that ensures your sights stay on target as the shot breaks.

Speaking of the sights, Winchester put a different set on the Xpert compared to the Wildcat. This adjustable, ramped rear sight is located forward of the receiver rather than at the back. However, the receiver top is drilled and tapped for optics, and that gave us an opportunity to test out this dedicated 3/8” dovetail base and lightweight fixed 4X WolfPup riflescope from GruBee Optics, which made for a lightweight, compact package that allowed us to get on target easily.

Shooting the Xpert was an absolute joy and reinforced how fun it is to get on the range with an accurate, handy rimfire rifle. One element we particularly enjoyed was the gun’s compatibility with all 10/22 rotary magazines, and there are plenty of ways to get them out of the gun. You can either pull back on the red tabs at the side or use the centrally located tab at the bottom of the magazine well. The safety, located at the rear of the receiver, was easy to operate and intuitive, and we especially appreciated the large bolt handle that gave us plenty of leverage and room to operate. For an affordable and reliable rimfire rifle, the Winchester Xpert is one of the best options on the market today.

Winchester Xpert Specifications
Importer: Winchester Repeating Arms
Action Type: bolt-action, repeating, rimfire rifle
Chambering: .22 Long Rifle
Barrel: 18" steel
Receiver: composite
Sights: fully adjustable rear, ramped post front
Magazine: 10-round detachable box
Stock: synthetic
Overall Length: 36.25"
Weight: 4 lbs., 8 ozs.
MSRP: $320