Winchester Wildcat

[TimM]

Winchester Wildcat? Browning Take Down 22 Auto?

Hey gang,

I am looking to get a .22 rifle and the two that I am deciding between right now is the Winchester Wildcat, 22lr, 21in heavy barrel, Target and the Remington 572 FieldMaster 22 Pump. Both are about the same price I am torn between the two and my other problem is I don't know much about either.

I relize that they are two entirely different beasts and I might eventually end up with both - I have had a love affair with .22s since childhood.

Can somebody that has experience with either of these offer some input?

Thanks

 

[Avenger29]

We're referring to both new guns? Bud's gun shop is showing $490 for the Remington and $267 for the Winchester Wildcat heavy barrel. Either the Remington is going for a cut rate price or the Winchester is way the hell overpriced at wherever you are looking

The way I see it, there are two paths for you to spend your money sensibly...

Buy the Rem 572 at the ridiculously low price. Or buy the Rem at a normal price and enjoy a pump action .22.

Buy a CZ-USA CZ 452 .22 rifle instead of a ridiculously overpriced Winchester Wildcat if you want a quality bolt gun. They make a very nice heavy barrel .22, and it will be miles ahead in quality.

Whatever way you go, please don't get taken and pay for an overpriced Winchester Wildcat.

 

[chevyforlife21]

buy the winchester,cz 552, or ruger 77/22. i wouldn't recommend the Remington at all.

 

[Runningman]

I bought a Remington 572 pump new about 6 years ago it is a big disappointment, especially for what I paid for it. It looks good and seems to be reliable enough but accuracy is very poor at 50 yards. Get a CZ 22 or a Ruger 77/22 VBZ they both shoot much better than my Remington 572.

 

[akolleth]

The Wildcat is a great gun, very accurate. But I wouldn't pay more than $200 for it personally.

 

[garyhan]

I'm very fond of my Wildcat, but I paid $99 new for it. The Remington pump also seems overpriced to me. I'd look for better bargains.

gary

 

[cuervo]

Regular Wildcats are running around $200+, so ~$250 for a heavy-barreled version may not be too bad of a price.

One issue with Wildcats, though, is that their scope grooves are not standard .22 size. You will probably have to get some rings that tighten from both sides (like Millett Angleloc) in order to get a tight hold. (Despite the stock picture from Winchester, they do not come with scope/rings.)

They are accurate but require a pretty good jerk on the bolt to get a reliable ejection.

 

[W L Johnson]

One issue with Wildcats, though, is that their scope grooves are not standard .22 size.

Didn't have a problem with mine, I just used some regular 22 rimfire rings I had laying around. Bought it about 8 months ago if that makes a difference.

 

[TimM]

Thanks for the info guys. The Remington that I was looking at was a used (but looked new) gun for that price. Maybe a will just save a bit longer and get a Ruger or a Browning.

 

[Avenger29]

Thanks for the info guys. The Remington that I was looking at was a used (but looked new) gun for that price. Maybe a will just save a bit longer and get a Ruger or a Browning.

OK, I just didn't want you to get taken.

The 572 is one of those "odd duck" .22 rifles out there.

Like I said, look hard at the CZ series of rifles. Excellent is an understatement.

The Ruger 77/22s are also interesting rifles. I wouldn't mind owning one for the sheer novelty of being able to crank away with a 25 rd magazine.

Browning? Are you referring to the Browning T-bolt or the BL-22 lever action?

 

[BADUNAME37]

It seems that the Ruger 77/22 would have a large assortment of aftermarket parts, if you are so inclined.

Or am I thinking of the 10/22?

 

[gyvel]

Doesn't the 572 fire all three lengths of .22 interchangeably?

 

[Shadow 7D]

Look for a TOZ 78, it is the same rifle as the winchester and $100 less WITH the adjustable trigger STANDARD, the only thing you give up is the finsish in the stock, but the TOZ stock is larger on some models so its easier for a grown up to shoot.

The barrels are all target, the only difference is that the "Target" version doesn't have the barrel turned to cut weight.

 

[Avenger29]

It seems that the Ruger 77/22 would have a large assortment of aftermarket parts, if you are so inclined.

Or am I thinking of the 10/22?

You are probably thinking of the 10/22, which has an enormous assortment of aftermarket parts.

The 77/22 has some aftermarket parts available, just not nearly to the extent of the 10/22. Then again, there isn't really much you can do with a bolt action .22 as far as dressing it up, so there's mainly a few stocks, some barrels, some triggers, and a magazine release or two for the 77/22.

Doesn't the 572 fire all three lengths of .22 interchangeably?

I think so.

Look for a TOZ 78, it is the same rifle as the winchester and $100 less WITH the adjustable trigger STANDARD, the only thing you give up is the finsish in the stock, but the TOZ stock is larger on some models so its easier for a grown up to shoot.

I was going to say that, but couldn't remember exactly what rifle the Winchester Wildcat is. The Wildcat is a slightly more polished version of the TOZ 78 at a higher price that appeals to those who think they are getting a made in the USA "Gen-u-wine Winchester" rather than a "foreign trash rifle".

There is one thing on the Wildcat's side, and it comes with a good assortment of magazines. Although I hear you are supposed to have extra ones fitted at the factory...

 

[TimM]

Browning Take Down?

I am also looking at a Browning Take down 22 Auto. It is an older Belgium made gun but it has an old Williams scope mount and the rear sight is missing. If I got this I would want to replace the missing rear sight.

Does the older Belgium version of this rifle use a different rear sight than the new version? When looking at the parts list it didn't look to me like the sight that they had listed would work.

I also edited the title attract the knowledgeable Browning guys.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Funny, that "foreign trash rifle" has the reputation of shooting right up there with the "big", or at least expensive boys.

 

[Rancho Relaxo]

It doesn't sound like you're considering them, but you'd be hard pressed to do better than a CZ452.

 

[Avenger29]

Funny, that "foreign trash rifle" has the reputation of shooting right up there with the "big", or at least expensive boys.

Keep in mind I'm not calling it a foreign trash rifle, but there are a heck of a lot of idiots out there who think anything made outside of the US is foreign trash.

The Winchester Wildcat shoots OK. I just think it's a touch overpriced, but as long as you know and are satisfied with what you are getting...

I am also looking at a Browning Take down 22 Auto.

Beautiful little rifles. Dunno much about them, but failing all else, a gunsmith should be able to adapt a sight for it...

 

[rangerruck]

strange , a fieldmaster not being accurate, it will also have the ability to fire short, long and long rifle. which means you can use Aguila super colibri rounds, and fire it in your back yard, without freaking out the neighbors! I would get the winny as well, but in a light bbl version, that comes with the 4 mags, and has the rear express sites, which is way too cool. Any other version, i would not do the winny then, and yes it is the toz 78, just relabled.

 

[Shadow 7D]

I learned that the hard way, I thought hey this is a slick gun, bought it, read the toz part and they a week later across town I saw the TOZ, for about 80 bucks less, and adjustable trigger and the three flip sight and the hooded sight.

Yeah, every time I think of I still kick myself.

 

[wizzamen]

CDNN is advertising Winchester Wildcats for $169.99