Winchester Wildcat 22lr Rifle Review

[@PaulHarrell]

HEY EVERYONE: You didn't win any prizes. That's a scam. I have blocked it, but they create a new sock puppet account. I have reported it, but google is powerless to stop it.

[@otaconarcadia7372]

How can I win a prize?

[@jamesortiz5388]

Been there done that.

[@jamesortiz5388]

@@otaconarcadia7372 no prize it's a scam.

[@357-swagnumultramagax9]

It’s a scam that every channel has to worry about , almost every Chanel I’m suscribed to has a bot imitating them .

[@af7119]

@@otaconarcadia7372 Calm down boomer.

[@MadGunny]

RIP Paul. It’s hard watching your videos, but here I am. We’ll all miss you

[@morganmenser6773]

RIP KING! THE REAL OG ❤ FOR THE ALGO! IF YOU ARE DEBAITING BUYING THE WILDCAT OVER A 1022, DONT HESITATE!!!!! I BOUGHT ONE FOR THE WOMAN A COUPLE YEARS AGO, 10,000 ROUNDS LATER IT HAS YET TO FAIL! IT WILL RUN ANY ROUND THAT IS OVER 1000FPS, ANY BX25 MAG, NO FEEDING ISSUES AT ALL COMPARED TO THE 9 RUGER 1022 IVE OWNED! FOR A 200 BUCK RIFLE THAT CAN GROUP IDENTICAL TO MY BEGARA BXR AT 100 YARDS, A 650 BUCK RIFLE! I AM AMAZED! YOU WILL NOT FIND ANOTHER BX25 ACCEPTING PLATFORM THAT RUNS AS WELL AS THE WILDCAT, EVEN WITH A CAN! JUST THROW A DOT/SCOPE ON THE THING! I RECENTLY PICKED UP THE BOLT VERSION (XPERT 22LR) THAT ALSO ACCEPTS BX25 MAGS, AND IT GROUPS JUST AS WELL AS THE CARBON BARREL CHRISTENSEN ARMS RANGER BOLT I HAVE HAD FOR YEARS. DO NOT HESITATE TO SCOOP EITHER ONE UP FOR PLUNKING, HUNTING, OR A CHILDS FIRST PEW! HUGEEEEE W FOR WINCHESTER!

[@BELCAN57]

Knowledge Never Dies As long as these videos exist, Paul is thankfully still with us.

[@triple6758]

I'm just discovering Paul. A KZbinr I subscribed to passed away not too long before him. I recommend the channel....HoboShoestring. No guns, a window into a world most don't know still exists.

[@Darthdoodoo]

Everyone should go thru pauls old videos and systematically like and comment to help him with the medical bills

[@SpeckldspottyfuturE]

Good Idea

[@rootbeer2399]

Already have been doing that for many years.

[@kennardjohnson7875]

I agree

[@Umbra_Nocturnus]

That Wildcat was going right at him with intent. It's a simple case of self-defense.

[@jc.1191]

🤣

[@atticusthecat]

Agree. That thing was tying for him and it was armed.

[@1979augistine]

Miss this fella true gem of a person

[@Ductape667]

Would still consider getting one and putting a red dot on it. But that ending, damn, straight savage. I appreciate how genuine you are.

[@the_guitarcade]

Winchester, actually. I've never heard of a Savage having that problem.

[@12ealDealOfficial]

@@the_guitarcade Beat me to this comment.

[@GMULEMAN]

Brutal!

[@kylejohnson1308]

I was for real putting a Bushnell TRS-25 Red Dot on my Ruger 10/22 while watching this video lol. I was actually impressed with the Wildcats performance in the vid. I'd buy one.

[@sharkfinnigan]

I put your old videos on at night as a soothing ritual. Helps clear my head from the stress of the world. Takes me back to a happier time when my little boy was a new born and I rocked him all night watching your videos during the pandemic. He was a really colicky baby and never slept well laying down in his bassinet. He had to be upright. We spent night after night in the living room binge watching my new favorite gun tuber. I was late to the party, I had to catch up on a lot of videos and many were so good that they warranted a few views. I just bought him his first bb gun for Christmas this year. He is a little too young for it, but its what he asked Santa for, and now I can teach him firearm safety, much of which I learned from this channel. I owned 2 firearms before I became a fan, both of them were hand me downs. Now I have several safes chocked full of them. We miss you Paul.

[@BELCAN57]

Pass this knowledge on to your Son when he's the right age.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

Truth be told, as someone who does have to wear reading glasses, I do find peep sights/ghost ring sights a lot easier to use than other styles of sights.

[@JeepITguy]

Me too, so much so that I retrofitted them onto my 10/22s and my AK. I am looking for an option for my Mossberg 500

[@PBVader]

I find small aperture peep works exceptionally well on a 45 colt carbine. Forced focus for extreme nearsightedness is a real thing. Reading glasses were recommended, so I do not do well with large apertures. Qualified expert with the small aperture on the m-16/m-4.

[@waynehendrix4806]

I just point at dark shadows and shoot....😁

[@Coconutscott]

I was never crazy about the stock 10/22 sights.

[@JeepITguy]

@@Coconutscott me neither. I actually didn't shoot my 10/22 for over a decade due to the lousy sights, and that was before I needed correction. Then I found TechSights and it's one of my favorite guns now. I also fit them on my AK.

[@Glock-Tec1]

As soon as Paul walked away from the tree, I knew he was going to say, "No, Wildcat, don't do it." His humor is beyond comparison!

[@RT-hi1ms]

Further proof that Sir Paul is no shill for ANY manufacturer, always objective, to the point, and brutally honest. Keep up the good work!

[@submanusn3692]

I was saddened by the Wildcat's apparent inability to overcome its crippling depression. RIP Wildcat, RIP.

[@rob6850]

Oh boy, is it that bad? ...🍿

[@meatpuppet5036]

I can't believe the Wildcat was about to reveal evidence that would lead to the incarceration of the Clintons.

[@Misericorde9]

So Arkancide it was, then?

[@johnsmith-sp6yl]

goddamnit you spoiled it for me. still busted out laughing though.

[@davidsomerset8411]

@@rob6850 if the sight fell off ... yeah its that bad

[@altruisticscoundrel]

Breaks my heart to see another economically priced Winchester rifle commit suicide. Also, I'm reminded to NEVER FAIL PAUL'S CRITICAL TASK TEST.

[@showtime2629]

The fact this isn't the top comment is critical failure!

[@evilblackcat6357]

Must've been the 'Clinton Staffer' special edition.

[@dr.floridamanphd]

@@evilblackcat6357 nope. That’s the Epstein Special. Knew he was done so he kissed off.

[@sigmasquadleader]

I blame the mags.

[@Followme556]

I thought the rifle performed reasonably well. Put a red dot on it, who cares about the iron sight.

[@craigford9127]

So you shot it better than the stock 10/22. It was 100 percent reliable while using the mags that came with it. It is a lot more reasonably priced than the 10/22. The rear sight needs loc tire. Good info!

[@cosmonaught]

Id probably slap a red dot on it anyway so it's not a critical failure for me.

[@randallhackworth421]

That's what I learned too. Mostly because I just prefer Winchester though🤷‍♂️

[@joearledge1]

Plus ruger is woke as hell... like BLM antifa sjw woke... tried buying a single screw from them for a sight mount. They demanded proof of citizenship in the form of a copy of government issued ID, and a copy of my birth certificate or ssn card or green card or a 2nd government issued ID. Then they wanted the serial number to the firearm(s) that the sight mount was going to be used on... all of this to sell me a single 8-32 screw for a sight mount... I told them to kick rocks(I wasn't that nice) and found a spare screw in a scope ring set that worked fine after 10 seconds of dremel work... I'm a 100% disabled combat vet and never even had a traffic ticket... I still have the emails from ruger to prove all of this. I used to like ruger and wanted to buy several more of their products, until this happened.

[@wymonwatson1309]

Exactly, 99.9% of us will put an optic on it, nobody gives a shot about the rear sight.

[@mikemchugh949]

Y’all, I was extremely disappointed with the way this video ended. I thought it very unprofessional and I can say with 100% certainty that I can easily shoot a rabbit or squirrel at 30 yards or so without the rear sight. I mean give me a break. I’m sad to say that My wildcat is an upgrade from my 10/22, it just is. And those crappy 25 round ruger magazines malfunctioning, shouldn’t have even been in the video. I have a red-dot on mine and a real, quality 50 round belt fed magazine that cost $100, works flawlessly. Hands down, the wildcat is a better gun because ruger got lazy. And I absolutely love ruger firearms, especially rifles!!

[@rfdsrd]

The Wildcat is a FAR better overall value than the four 10/22 rifles I already have. As to the critical nature of the 'Cat's rear sight, I think Paul was being overly dramatic on purpose ... at least I hope so. RIP Paul Harrell.

[@tigerpisces5506]

Can it be resolved? Mixup put a red dot on it! Problem?

[@chrisgualtieri]

It seems like any time I have a question about ammo or firearms, you’ve made a video that answers it. Thank you so much for making all of them!

[@theritchie2173]

I know that Paul is very specifically an American Treasure, but can I just say on behalf of the wider International community - some of whom enjoy less freedoms in certain areas - that he's equally beloved elsewhere.

[@MikhaelAhava]

Indeed!

[@mikemorgan4774]

Yeah. I've had my 10-22 a lot of years and never felt any need to upgrade. Its a real nail driver. But it's a wonderful thing when a professional does a new product review and shows the good, the bad, and the ugly, and then has the nubs to take the appropriate action. Truly heroic stuff Mr. Harrell.

[@jamesthomas5895]

I guess I'm a lucky SOB, BIL passed, and I bought his 10-22 off his daughter, cheap. Put a cheap ass Red Dot on it, took it to the range, put target out to 10 yds. to get it on paper. Used 6 in. shoot and see target. First shoot, right in the bull's eye shot the bulls eye out with next 9 shots. At 50 yds it shot about 2 niches high, think I'll keep it LOL

[@georgeorwell126]

I have never experienced a stock 10/22 that was "a nail-driver". I own and will continue to own 10/22s but "nail-drivers" they are not. My stock Marlin 60s are "significantly" more accurate out of the box.

[@jackdundon2261]

Innacutate 10-22??? Your ammunition is cheep! Or you suck as a shooter?.. I have SEVERAL 10-22 CARBINES. I put so many bricks through my dad's old finger groove as a kid, I can't get it clean enough to cycle! (Need to soak it, to clean it). As a kid I used to shoot nails off "no trespassing signs"... NO PROBLEM. Today my goto is a 10-22 take down. At 100' I get SUB MOA GROUPS with CCI minimags. I have more expensive .22s but, the take down works well, and I don't mind if I wear it out in my life. But, the real world, my dad's 10-22 filled MANY deer tags.... (headlight hunting coming out of the woods). REAL WORLD crap! When your hungry, the 10-22 feeds the family. Try with a rest, a good scope, and good ammunition. The 10-22 may surprise you.

[@drummer0864]

@@mikemorgan4774 One of the cheapest, most accurate 22s ever built and has been around..........well I bought mine in 1969

[@nospam3409]

@@georgeorwell126 my results are the opposite. Quarter size groups at 50 yds would be exceptional for every model 60 that I've shot, even with match quality ammunition, where as every 10-22 has been capable of shooting nickel size groups or better with the same ammo. For my application, a quarter size group at 50 yds is an unacceptable failure of a critical critical task. Thus I don't own a model 60.

[@GyrefalconArgenteus]

It's difficult to communicate the idea of a critical failure to an executive sitting in an office. Paul could have just returned the rifle or written to the company, his solution nicely communicated the severity of having a weapon you may be depending on to put food on your table or protect your family critically fail.

[@ninja393]

@@deejayimm Eh, it was pretty funny. That coming from someone who wants to buy one of these rifles. I might hold out for a gen2 or some aftermarket extended mags with the bolt hold open still, but i genuinely want one and my opinion hasn't changed. I'm an AK guy though, so having to beat, harass, and harangue rifles to make them work the way i like is my bread and butter.

[@juanspicywiener]

@@deejayimm yeah not to mention there's this thing call loctite.

[@All_SportGG]

@@deejayimm even for a rifle that is predominantly bought for fun you still want it to hold zero. we aren't asking for much here LOL.

[@PaulHarrell]

@@deejayimm But your comment seems to endorse the idea that it's OK for a car manufacturer to equip the car with a radio that doesn't work because you'll probably install an aftermarket stereo anyway. Yes many people will put aftermarket optics on the rifle. Not an excuse to include such cheap, non functional sights.

[@seanoneil277]

@@deejayimm So good of you to bring your immense firearms experience and unmatched marksmanship to this fine channel. Surprised you don't have your own. You have plenty of opinions, and I'm sure that at least 4 or 5 people in YT's user base would find your "wisdom" at least worthy of typed mockery.

[@justingarber760]

I bought one of these for my son when he turned 13 almost exactly a year ago. We are both very pleased with it, and after a few thousand rounds the rear sight remains rock solid in place. I actually just ran and checked it. Sometimes you just get a dud, I know that from personal experience. Everyone I know that owns a Ruger Mk II raves about how accurate it is, can't even call the results I get with mine a group

[@steveinla8963]

Try different ammo. Try every different ammo you can find. My friend bought one cheap that was "inaccurate". It was a tack driver with it's preferred ammo.

[@leftcoaster67]

Hope Winchester watched the video.

[@pnotuner1]

Are you talking about the Savage Mark ii or the Ruger 10-22? Because my Savage Mark ii is as accurate as a June summers day is long. I had one 10-22 that was very accurate as well, but the 10-22 that I have now is pretty much crap. I'm glad you got a good Wildcat. I don't have one, so I don't really have a dog in this fight.

[@MoparNewport]

For someone as normally.... 'well behaved' as Paul to mag dump on a rifle that upset him, that's quite an impressive feat.

[@londomolari5715]

He has done it before and in the last year, I don't remember what rifle, but it took much more damage than the Wildcat did.

[@MoparNewport]

@@londomolari5715 Really? Dont recall that one.

[@N0sf3r4tuR1s3n]

@@MoparNewport yeah one of his guns decided to end it's life subscription with his AR 15.

[@MoparNewport]

@@N0sf3r4tuR1s3n which vid was that one?

[@N0sf3r4tuR1s3n]

@@MoparNewport I wish I knew, I'll be watching some of his videos in the following days to find out because I thought it was funny.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

Thanks for sharing honest experiences once more. I love how you share reality without bias like most bring to the show.

[@ctc2469]

@Robert Sears you should call winchester and explain to them they used the wrong sight😑

[@copcuffs9973]

@@PaulHarrell Don't let the haters "trigger" you Paul. ✌️

[@GB-zi6qr]

@@PaulHarrell wow, I'm looking at the comments about 3hrs later? Rob evidently deleted his comment.

[@peternorton5648]

@@GB-zi6qr too bad too, if you said it once at least have the cajones to leave your comment up. Even if you get heat for it.

[@kemonotaku]

Hopefully Winchester sees this, and learn from its mistakes, and makes the modifications necessary to salvage what could actually be a really nice platform.

[@haywoodyoudome]

Yeah, like including a little tube of loctite along with the allen wrench...

[@kobudo]

@@haywoodyoudome I was just thinking that this flaw could most likely be remedied with a drop of blue loctite. Two drops, if it’s coarse threaded.

[@workingguy-OU812]

@@haywoodyoudome Yes, but no - the issue was that the allen wrench is so tiny as to prevent the sight from being properly tightened down via torque. Redesign the sight to use an allen wrench that isn't a wire.

[@CT_Taylor]

@@kobudo good luck when you strip the head then and need to drill it out.

[@kobudo]

@@CT_Taylor Then just use the red stuff.

[@dorianshepard2841]

For anyone with this rifle, re: the Allen wrench you might benefit from buying a set of Allen drivers made for RC or other electronics hobbies, they tend to be stronger than standard Allen wrenches

[@PaulHarrell]

That's a good point, but what I'm inferring from your comment is that Winchester couldn't be bothered to include a decent allen wrench with their rifle. They saved a nickel and made the rifle useless without aftermarket upgrades.

[@veganconservative1109]

@@PaulHarrell Which makes me wonder what else they might have skimped on.

[@EastCoastMan603]

@@PaulHarrell Paul is getting it….Winchester or whoever they subbed this out to, is not. Thank you Paul, God bless you and yours.

[@JUDGERAMBO]

@@PaulHarrell You destroyed the rifle over a nickel.

[@dorianshepard2841]

@@PaulHarrell that could be true. Either way, I just wanted to make people aware that there are better options than the standard Allen wrench. The drivers I'm referring to have regular screwdriver handles and the stems are hardened to prevent bending, and are thicker than the super fine tip. I also find they don't strip nearly as easily

[@ToddKeys85]

Miss ya Paul

[@dude_mccallaster]

Thanks Paul, not for this review in particular but for all the hard work you do to make these videos, quality work brother.

[@jacobrodesh9019]

My fiance purchased this rifle in September as her first firearm. She loves shooting it, and she's a natural! Thank you for your review, Paul. God Bless.

[@jacobkrueger3296]

@Robert Sears "his reviews was very bad" -Robert Sears.

[@jeffouellette9946]

@@TykeMison_ 😆

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

@Robert Sears wait... I get that you disagree, but you said it was full of lies and was bad, but then call the very thing criticized "worthless" and should have never even been used. Your opinion is yours to have and I am not saying it is wrong, I'm only pointing out your statement seemingly invalidates itself within two sentences.

[@morganmenser6773]

YUP! 10,000 ROUNDS THROUGH THE OL LADYS 1ST PEW I GOT FOR HER AND STILL FLAWLESS TO THIS DAY! AND OUTGROUPS MY BEGARA BXR 😂😂😂

[@Redacted-Information]

For those who dont know TECH SIGHTS are the Peep sights that should be on the 10/22

[@Redacted-Information]

WORTH EVERY PENNY

[@kylejohnson1308]

I don't care for the 10/22 sights either. I was putting a red dot on my 10/22 while watching this video actually. Lol

[@bafumat]

People forget that the primary job of a good light 22 is taking small game. So Paul's shooting offhand is entirely appropriate. Not all the same things that make a great bench rifle make a great field rifle.

[@Predalien195]

Is it? Because most people I know use .22's for paper and nothing else. Everyone's different. Shooting off hand is important though to me for nearly every rifle that isn't a bench/target gun. Because I've never once found a nice set up ready to go bench in the field. I have brought shooting sticks before on hunts but even that's different and not the norm.

[@bafumat]

@@Predalien195 a light 22 with good balance and open sites is intended for action shooting. Small game on the move or at least gallery targets. The type of bench shooting you are talking about is best left to heavier guns with telescopic sites for most. Certainly there is a place for heavier unscoped rifles in offhand shooting but that again is at small stationary targets that require a barrel to sort of hang in space. Paul's focus on useability in fast hunting and or self defence situations is consistent. If you want to see bench shooting comparisons, I would suggest you look to other channels where they believe the tiny groups sizes of a primary use light Sporter is important.

[@Raven74947]

@@Predalien195 I don't know anyone who bought a .22 just to shoot at targets, and most people I know have a .22 and rely on the original sights.

[@Predalien195]

@@bafumat You aren't comprehending... Just because these are the reasons YOU believe what a light .22 are best for does not mean other people share the same opinions or even use them for the same things. I never said anything about bench shooting, I said shooting targets. Target shooting doesn't automatically equate to bench rest shooting. Simply pointing out to you that other people buy tools for different purposes, not what people think.

[@Predalien195]

@@Raven74947 Awesome, I do know people who bought them for exactly that. My point is simply that not everyone uses a .22 for whatever reasons the next person thinks it's good for and etc.

[@LuisMartinez-ou3kg]

My son didnt like shooting from Henry 22 with 4x scope. Couldn’t get past the lever action, 10/22 was too heavy, (young age). But the wildcat with red dot sight has both kid and wife shooting and ringing steel. First for both. Because the light weight, no recoil, reliability and accuracy… my son claimed his first prairie dog few weeks back.. im gonna turn this tablet weilding son of mine into a hunter. I’m happy with my purchase. Thank you.

[@steveinla8963]

...buy a spare sight. Seriously, if it works for you and your son, that's great. Cheers!

[@305dade8a]

My son enjoys shooting his Red Rider in the backyard but doesn't want the neighbors or anyone outside the family to see him because school has taught him that guns are evil. I wish I had a place where just him and I could go shoot.(a. 22LR) I don't think he'll be okay with going to the range bc everyone else will be shooting. He's 7

[@ketaminekarl5744]

@@305dade8a I am very sorry to hear that. Hopefully you can help him shamelessly appreciate his rights!

[@indalecio539]

@@steveinla8963 locktite that sucker in place.

[@dgilly6704]

Great video ! I love the honesty, humor and information.

[@alk7142]

I once had a carburetor off my 74 Chevy meet the same demise, only 357 was used. Good video.

[@sylviajones3355]

Quadrajet?

[@alk7142]

@@sylviajones3355 no was a Holly,

[@ronmartblog]

My son won a state championship with his and loves the darn thing. It was bought as a temporary rifle while we waited for his back ordered competition barrel (which cost way more than this rifle even at sponsored shooter price) The rear sight is garbage and fell off but he is a speed shooter so he didn’t care and actually does fine without it since he’s shooting from 10 - 25 yards at speed (overall avg .48 sec per steel plate) The mags feel like garbage but despite shooting 5k rounds we only had a issue with one that was replaced by warranty Zero jams and never needs cleaning but it’s easy to clean Yes it feels super cheap but it’s more durable than you think it’s going to be Biggest downfall is zero aftermarket and difficulty getting extra mags

[@zippitydoodah5693]

Uhm . . . no . . . the "biggest downfall" is the rear sight falling off in the field. The average customer is not buying a "Wildcat" for competitive speed shooting at 10 to 15 yards. The average customer *_needs_* a rear sight. < smh > Biggest downfall. Ha.

[@john-paulsilke893]

@@zippitydoodah5693 scope or dot. I’ve actually taken my rear sights off and even some fronts off my guns. However if you shoot irons, then this failure is critical.

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

@@zippitydoodah5693 calm down skippy, no need to get on your high horse and talk down to strangers on the internet. many people don't even use sights, and a dab of lok-tite will probably remedy the problem. far from ideal, but it isn't like it's prone to blowing up in peoples faces. you should probably take a break from the internet for the rest of the day, it seems you've had enough.

[@hux2000]

@@zippitydoodah5693 You know when someone gives their opinion about how something works or doesn't work FOR THEM, based on their needs? Well when they imply that the rear sight falling off isn't this rifle's biggest downfall, that is also part of the "how something works or doesn't work FOR THEM" part. It doesn't magically become an implied statement of fact that applies to everyone. Please chill out.

[@m118lr]

@@hux2000 ..well said

[@freerangejimbo]

I bought one of these last year to teach my boys on. It's been a good little rifle so far. A lot of fun for the kids (and me). Too bad you had a bad experience. My experience: - I zeroed the sight the first time we shot it, and it's held since. No issues. I thought I might put a red dot on at some point, but I like the ghost ring. - The little plastic cover broke off of the front sling mount like the 2nd time we shot it, but I haven't really missed it. - I bought 2 "Hot Lips" 25-rd mags, but I've given up on using them. I had to shave down the little nub at the rear of the mags to get them to seat reliably. Even then, I'd get 1 or 2 malfunctions per mag. No issues with the factory included mag, so I just use it. - I like that it comes with a threaded barrel. Maybe someday I'll get fancy and buy a suppressor. - It's small and light, making it good for young, small shooters, but it's surprisingly comfortable for a sasquatch like me to shoot.

[@rbhoward9123]

Didn't see THAT coming! Take away lesson; never underestimate the review potential of a firearms "Professional". Thanks Paul

[@isaiasmendoza9995]

Not only did you answer my questions about the wildcat, you also out-did yourself on that video! Best video ever!

[@Shinji0Ikari007]

I am so glad I sat through the whole video. Thank you for the honest evaluation. Sometimes the broken ones just need to be put down.

[@missouripatriot6926]

With that logic im off to shoot my m1 carbine and ruger target pistol in half cuz the sights fell off once which means the gun falied and will never work again

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

It seems that the rear sight needs a bit of blue Loc-Tite to prevent the screw from backing out. If it weren't for the rear sight issues, this little rifle looks like a real winner.

[@CT_Taylor]

Eithersurface insensitive or purple low strength

[@Dustin2112]

I think it now needs a lot more than Loctite.

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

@@Dustin2112 Yeah, you'd probably be better served with a 10/22 overall. It was a nice idea incorporating last shot bold hold open with this Winchester, but there are definitely a few issues to iron out. If I were in the market for a new .22 LR (I'm not, as I have one of the most coveted .22 LR rifles out there, a Marlin 39A ;) ), I'd probably get either a CZ 45x series bolt gun, or try and locate a used Ruger 77/22 in good condition.

[@PPISAFETY]

I've owned about a half dozen or so 10-22's over the decades and they are my "go to" .22 autoloading rifle. I got another one brand new last year (the least expensive model) for a special project, and decided to test it with 25 round magazines. I had a drawer full of different off brand mags, including two Butler Creek units. One of them worked reliably, the other didn't, and there were problems with all of the "no name" magazines. So I ordered up a total of six of the actual Ruger 25 round magazines. They certainly were not cheap, but in comparing them side by side to other brands, they are materially better made. I tested all of them extensively and have yet to have a malfunction with any of them, save for one dud round that would not fire no matter how many times it was tried in a number of firearms. In terms of high capacity magazines, I'm sold on the actual Ruger product in my Rugers. I think sometimes you do get what you pay for.

[@PaulHarrell]

In my 10-22 the butler creek mags work better than the Ruger mags. Each rifle and mag may have it's own idiosyncrasies.

[@nickkastenholz3252]

You don't always get what you pay for, but you never get what you don't pay for.

[@N0sf3r4tuR1s3n]

@@PaulHarrell that's rather strange, I don't own a 10-22 yet but I wonder what exactly causes this variance in their reliability with magazines. Hopefully Ruger gets around to fixing this at some point.

[@jc.1191]

@@N0sf3r4tuR1s3n Sounds like loose tolerances.

[@firefighterforlife6673]

Finally a review of this rifle by someone I can honestly trust and shows his work

[@robertwatson818]

talk-talk-talk. shoot the gun. Is it reliable--the most important thing. Is it reliable with various kinds of ammo? What accuracy is it capable of??. Color--weight--finish--length--gadgets-----none of this is important. Does the gun work all the time--yes/no. All I want to know is--how reliable is the gun. I've owned five Ruger 10-22s and ALL of them have been jamamatics with so-so accuracy. I have been looking for a reliable .22 semi auto for many years. I am considering this gun---but is it reliable? From all this---I can't tell. Accurate--can't tell.

[@hasstle9557]

The sights fell off robert watson so no the gun is worthless

[@darrylmchenryii809]

@@robertwatson818 What are you on about? He literally explains the reliability and accuracy of the rifle in this video. Paul Harrell isn't some cut-rate hack: he covers ALL of the information

[@InnerTranquility]

@@robertwatson818 Bot warning

[@robertwatson818]

@@real_mikkim Nylon 66---world's most reliable .22. Feeds anything, cycles with all power levels of ammo, accurate enough for almost all hunting.My last one had ver twenty thousand rounds put through it none summer---no malfunctions. Loaned it out--wound up at the bottom of a local river. I had a Marlin Model 60--also a jammamatic. It was given to me and after shooting it some I saw why. It did not work for the previous owner either.

[@Gunsforfreedom]

I like my Wildcat. And yes, the rear sight worked itself loose during my initial outing. Fortunately I had a Vortex optic that was just sitting in my safe. Put it on the Wildcat and she's good to go. And yes, I do currently own 3 Ruger 10/22's. Love them all!

[@1977Yakko]

Even if I never wind up purchasing the firearms he reviews I still find it interesting to watch. I can't afford any more firearms at this point but it's still interesting to watch and I definitely take note on how the ammo performs. Ammo I do still buy so that's important. Thanks Paul. Damn, that ending though. Here I thought things were going well. LOL!

[@tjfritts9013]

Nah. The way he said "Wildcat" at the beginning pretty much told the story of how the review was going to go.

[@timothybagrowski643]

Great Video Paul, I'm on the high side of my 50's and went the 10/22 route as a kid, I always felt like I missed out by not getting a Remington Nylon 66, The Wildcat reminds me of that in a more than a few ways, So I bought one as soon as they came out, Great little .22

[@Bulletstop75]

I can't imagine how badly that rifle pissed Paul off to the point of him going old yeller on it

[@keithplymale2374]

Buds Gun Shop has the Ruger 10/22 in stock from $283 to $321 with free shipping. Same source has the Winchester Wildcat 22lr Rifle in stock with free shipping from $235 to $312. That is as of 0820 EST this day of the video. Just giving this for reference not endorsing Buds Gun Shop.

[@jameskreth3681]

I laughed so hard at the end of the video! 🤣😂 Did not see that coming. Great video again as usual Mr Harrell. I've had my Ruger 10/22 since my 7th birthday and I'm 39 now. Still fires and functions great with thousands and thousands of shots fired.

[@anton1949]

I have one of those all-metal rifles also.

[@Snails204]

Fun fact, I have a Winchester Wildcat for the last 3 years that has pretty much never jammed, holds the sight in place and works like a charm. Sent roughly 9,000 rounds through it and you can hardly see any wear on it. More solid than he'd like to think.

[@bradmaas6875]

I have to say that last part caught me totally off guard. I have 2 10-22, one a compact (16" barrel) the other a standard (18" barrel) Both are nice, but I will start looking at peep sights. I also changed both trigger groups with the factory upgrade

[@tubaman6226]

I have tech sights on my 10-22. I'm a novice for firearm modifications but I think it wasn't too difficult to install.

[@jackdundon2261]

A gun smith can hone your sear to get a nice trigger on thr 10-22

[@mrpotatoheadracing]

What a surprise, I was expecting a review of the Winchester Wildcat ammo and they actually make a rifle thus named!

[@jasonstephenson793]

After 15 yrs in the US Army I learned when it comes to miss feeds or extractions, 99% of the time it's the mag or ammo not the weapon system.

[@taw1967]

Yep, those tend to be the primary culprits.

[@jaydunbar7538]

A new weapon can easily have issues that can easily be remedied with a bit of extra oil until it wears in a bit, many have a break in period in the manual that most don’t read.

[@lattina62]

After sighting in at 60 feet, I could easily cover 5 shots with a nickel kzbin.infoUgkxQt2uORDRfFOVSrO4idv4B90ThT6EOnEL ! Truly a pleasure to shoot! Scope was easy to adjust for eye relief. Only problem the varmints must have seen it delivered lol!Update: So impressed with shot groups at 30 yards I purchased a Hammers 3×9 with adjustable Objective scope! Now a true nail driver!

[@Chronix74]

how do you like the scope?

[@celmer6]

I've been using the Ruger 10/22 since the 1980's and they are THE 22 Rifle to beat. They are commonly available for $300 NIB around here in Texas. Although Bear Creek has a clone with Bull Barrel for $300 that I really want to get my hands on for testing. We miss you Paul and we're going to carry you with us through 2025 so get ready brother.

[@patrickcreath217]

I purchased a Winchester "wildcat" 22lr BOLT ACTION rifle for my wife 10 years ago. It came with 3 10rd and 1 5rd magazines. It's a sharp looking little rifle; engraved walnut stock, polished ss bolt, and a tack driver. She loves it, and the squirrels in the pecan trees don't stand a chance.

[@TheRedMenaceProductions]

Does your wildcat have a safety near the trigger guard? I was thinking Paul would be looking at it. I am a little sad that it wasn't because it is a really good gun. Fun fact, the wildcats are quite literally rebadged toz 78 rifles. Look up both guns on the internet and you will see (providing there isn't some other winchester wild cat that I don't know about).

[@UlookinMe]

Those are rebranded TOZ 78 Russian made rifles. Very accurate, mags are very hard to find.

[@patrickcreath217]

This rifle has a recessed ambidextrous safety in front of the trigger guard...it's on both sides of the rifle I should say.

[@jimhanty8149]

real cute ...ya shouldnt shoot a critter for trying to just eat a few stupid nuts.., and brag about it...thats pretty low rent...it gives real gun owners a bad name, in a time we dont need it,.

[@thats_odd]

@@jimhanty8149 why shouldn't they shoot the squirrel?

[@brysonfitzgerald5238]

Thank you Paul. I recently bought this exact rifle for my daughter. It has been very good for me, so far.

[@trashcompactorYT]

Great presentation as always. Really glad you highlighted the magazine compatibility issues. Especially since, as far as I'm aware, there aren't currently any 25 rounders for the Wildcat available.

[@jc.1191]

Idk why Winchester doesn't sell that product. I think it would do very well.

[@missouripatriot6926]

Tbh this is the most dumb and immature video I have seen paul do and the only one of pauls video I have put the thumbs down on 1 has he not got out of the stone age all the high cap mags he tested are chepo trash mags that half the time have trouble in rugers there is this cool thing called the bx25 made by ruger that works about 99% of the time in any ruger 2 He said it was reliblie accurate comes with rails out of the box has a bolt hold open and is really easy to takedown and clean and even works with some old crapo off brand ruger mags all pretty big wins 3 this is a 250$ budget gun for target shooting and hunting critters not a us army combat or home def rilfe so the 10$ plastic sight falling off is not a crtical fail when one most people will put a cheap scope on it anyway and never use the irons 2 loctite would have prob fixed it so ig lets throw a hissy fit and ruin a decent gun Ig with that logic im gonna go shoot my old ruger target pistol in half and my m1 carbine cuz rhe sightz fell off or it would be like taking a new 25,000 car to a car crusher cuz a tail light fell off and got loose cuz its a crtical fail

[@mkshffr4936]

But since the Ruger mags work it shouldn't be a big deal.

[@mderossett01]

I noticed the sight screw was kinda short when first adjusting it so I put a little bit of blue thread locker on it so it wouldn’t work loose. Besides that I only used the factory peep sight long enough to zero it. Immediately after I put a 1-4x24 lpvo on it and that thing is a tack driver. It’s still one of the lightest rifles I own and it’s a blast to shoot. I wanted to give my Nylon 66 a well deserved break and the Wildcat was perfect for the job.

[@tigerpisces5506]

Thanks for sharing..its not unfixable issues.

[@tigerpisces5506]

SOME 1022'S COMES WITHOUT A SIGHT JUST A SCOPE RAIL! WOW!

[@noammobro]

I just got my Wildcat a few days ago. In watching all the other videos of this rifle on KZbin and when I personally went to take a look at it, the rear ghost site was something I thought was "iffy" about the rifle. But the price attracted me to it and I eventually bought it on sale, along with a scope, because my intention is to try use it for hunting squirrels and I wanted a lightweight .22lr for the areas I planned to hunt. It's already been mentioned by a few others in the comments, but you see the rear sight fall off at 15:52-15:54 in the video.

[@davidcox3076]

It does looks like a handy squirrel gun.

[@John5.56]

Loctite it and I’m sure it’d be fine.

[@triggerbarPhD]

A Paul video in back to back weeks? Yup, sign me up!

[@tobydulanski3000]

As always another great informative presentation Paul and Crew.👍 The conclusion was magnificent !!!!!👏 I actually considered purchasing this rifle for my wife, glad you showed everyone your thoughts.🤣

[@michaelvaldez2966]

Great review . My brother in law has one of those wildcat rifles and we have been out shooting with it and I wholeheartedly agree with the end of this video. Lol

[@6dogs729]

Aww looking up 22 reviews seen this :( ❤ rip my man you was the greatest god was we lucky to get you’re opinion as well as the beautiful way you articulated you’re words

[@kennethmorgan2704]

Well, one thing about it, is he tells it like it is, I admire that in a person...

[@joemendez1511]

My Thompson Center TCR22 is another 10/22 clone with peep sights and some other “standard upgrades” like the rail and a red fiber front sight. Has loved every mag and ammo I have tried in it. My boys love it too.

[@oldmanSturzl]

TC was good value and I liked that they made a last shot hold open. Unfortunately they are "up for sale" and I can't get any of their rifles.

[@benm8973]

I've got the same rifle and it's my favorite .22 now.

[@KirkFickert]

Make sure you blue loctite the rear sight once zero. Also depends on the model. The original Wildcat was 18”. The SR is 16”. The Wildcat has all the tools on board to adjust sights and dissemble. And easy to clean.

[@spaghettijoe7803]

Had the same problem with my ruger mark 4s picatinny mount come loose. It's like manufacturers are scared of blue loctite. Nothing ruins a good range day more than having an optic come loose

[@nobody8717]

Needing to buy tires for your car because they'll fall off the first time you drive it, isn't exactly a promotional selling feature for most people. In fact, it's indicative of other potential corners having been cut throughout the rest of the product. No thank you.

[@ctdieselnut]

Or red loctite if it's a fastener you NEVER plan on loosening (without heat at least). Blue goes a long way tho, anything is better than none.

[@ronmartblog]

Loctite doesn’t help - the issue here is that it’s polymer that you are screwing into will eventually wiggle it loose I’ve been through 3 and even red loctite wasn’t enough

[@zippitydoodah5693]

@@nobody8717 Well put.

[@NoChillMan]

In my 10/22 I've found that the butler creek 25 round magazines with the plastic feed lips malfunction several times per mag, but the ones with metal feed lips work fairly well.

[@nospam3409]

I've experienced similar lousy results from the plastic butler creek mags across several magazines and several rifles over the past 3 decades. Never tried the metal feed lips. Just went back to the 10 rnd factory mags. Plenty for picking squirrels out of trees.

[@melc8049]

Paul fixed his other rifle sights with duct tape and screws. Why couldn’t he do the same with the wildcat? So many good features. One critical flaw. Couldn’t that have a solution better than he firing squad?

[@CanuckBacon]

Straight up just reusable locktite and/or a fucking 1/20th Allen head screwdriver 😂 $10 CAD at my local Canadian tire and small enough to fit in the butt compartment 🙄. Boom issue fixed, reliable and better grouping rifle than a 10/22

[@jeromethiel4323]

The strength of the 10-22 is just the sheer number of aftermarket parts you can get for it. A big plus for the Winchester is using the same magazines. Using a magazine that is proven and available in a staggering array of configurations and capacities is just smart.

[@Joe_Not_A_Fed]

If I was walking home on the range, and I came across that perforated firearm, I would have assumed that somebody told the FBI that the Winchester was a dog.

[@tc6818]

Then those would be 9mm and .40 caliber holes. And far more misses than hits.

[@christianburden2401]

Here after hearing the story of Paul's favorite tree to destroy guns at on the Thanksgiving Special

[@XrayxRich]

Paul sent that rifle to the recycling bin appropriately.

[@louieHuelsman]

Gr8 video!! Thanks guys Paul is the Godfather of all gun reviews and Ammunition as well!!!

[@Captain1717Q]

Absolutely love Paul's humor.

[@LL-fi4rr]

I can't explain why, but the moment I saw the AR slung over his shoulder I immediately thought back to the video where he ended a rifle that kept malfunctioning! I just knew it was coming. To my surprise though, the Ruger did the deed. The final "for instructional purposes only" was incredible! 😂

[@joshwinkler9389]

Lord I wish he did more gun reviews 😂

[@emmanuelgoldstein3682]

Ruger 10/22's also have a model with very similar ghostring sights and a picatinny rail.

[@seanoneil277]

One may find aftermarket sights for the 10/22 also. The Thompson/Center T/CR 22 has standard peep rear, fiber optic front sights, which a gunsmith could be able to install on a 10/22. Aftermarket barrels for the 10/22 can be found with a front fiber optic sight pre-installed. There's also Tech Sights, TSR Aperture100.

[@sitkadiver40]

Yeah, mine is a “Man’s Best Friend “. Special Edition. Fun little rifle

[@Cityoftrees1911]

@@sitkadiver40 facts. I wish they would bring it back.

[@MrSay1981]

No one makes better gun reviews than Paul does. "For instructional purposes only" :) Thank you, Paul, and greetings from Ukraine

[@alekseyrozentuler9843]

i did not expect this at all. not your usual happy ending. thank you for the review. i guess i'll stick to my 10/22

[@paschallhouston]

I have a problem seeing my 10/22 open sights compared to my Marlin 60. I put a reddot on my 10/22 and makes me more accurate with it. I honestly think the Marlin model 60 is the king of 22s as far as price, accuracy, and reliability with tubular loading under barrel.

[@jackdundon2261]

EVERY BODY who has more than 3 guns knows what the 10-22 is, and likely owns one. The Marlin 60? What's that one? Is that the papoose I have in the back of the safe? I have a39a in the safe too... how many people here know what that is??? Only hard core gun nuts or Marlin fans... you simply can not beat the 10-22.

[@jackdundon2261]

@@richardsimms279 ruger 10-22 has NO COMPETITOR! like saying China is NASA's main competitor.... NASA is so far ahead, it has no competition. Same as the 10-22. The nylon 66 or 10c is also rugers main competitor. I have a Thompson .22 (semi auto bull barrel) that's an absolute tack driver, and other than Thomson, I can't tell you the model. Not saying the marlin 60 isn't a great gun, just saying in comparison it's not in the same league. (Can you find out how many models 60s have been made vs 10-22)? I would be interested in the numbers..- the 60, is it the tube feed? I have seen a few of them in the discount section of the used rack, never caught my interest as I have a few rugers and didn't need to spend money on a .22 that couldn't outdo what I already have.

[@paulp.6399]

Marlin (with a micro-groove barrel) is way more accurate than a 10-22.

[@jackdundon2261]

@@paulp.6399 I will bet you a week's pay that YOU can not consistently shoot one over the other OFFHAND AT 100 YARDS. Things like trigger pull, and a good rest are WAY more important than a bull barrel or twist rates, or micro-grooves.

[@paulp.6399]

@@jackdundon2261 I've shot both Mr Know-it-all and the Marlin shoots better. Get over it.

[@commandZee]

Thanks! I'd also love to see you do a review of the Savage 64 F, it's the other ultra affordable 22lr semi.

[@tjfritts9013]

Nice idea but it would fail too, for not costing $400.

[@scottsymonds6717]

Great review. Funny thing is I took my grandson out shooting. 22 s today. His was a Wildcat. Mine was a 10/22 (M1 carbine tribute variant). He had the same issues with his sight so I replaced them with a little 4x scope. The little Wildcat ran like a top otherwise. Thanks Paul. The humor was not lost on me.

[@nobodybetter9175]

Paul, That was one incredible review. O laughed so hard at the end. I almost knew whent was coming. Really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@MiguelRodriguez-zi4sl]

Oh my God, I am so glad to see some content from you! Thanks again!!

[@Marcus_Shaw]

"Now you might not be able to hear it but this rifle is crying right now it's so distraught over it, so I'm going to let him sit over here for a while and see if he can collect his thoughts. . ." "And for instructional purposes only!" 🤣🤣🤣 Iconic! Thank you Sir for an interesting and informative instructional video 👍

[@phild8095]

When I first saw this review I thought it was harsh. Them my wife recently won a Wildcat in the local sportsmans club raffle. We just took it out yesterday. 250 rounds, various ammo, using the stock mag and two Ruger BX25 mags, no problems with firing, extracting cycling. Fit and comfort, I'm 5'8", my wife is 5'2", we both found the rifle comfortable. Because we both wear glasses and have problems with either seeing the front or rear sight, we mounted a scope. So we have no comment about the rear sight. Cleaning was much easier than cleaning any 22 I've owned or cleaned. However, Winchester does say spray the trigger group assembly with a polymer safe solvent, and some people may need to obtain that mixture first. I did. Opposite the ejection port are some small slits in the upper receiver. These did show some fouling. I found it interesting to have these included. A lot of thought went into this little rifle. That it is manufactured in Turkey does not bother me, they have been making fine tools there for centuries.

[@rbiggs67]

I don't know how many rounds I've put through mine, but it's several thousand. I use the BX-25 Ruger magazines and they have all work great. Still have the peep sight attached, but I use a red dot. Never a problem with mine. Nice cheap shooter.

[@raykettel1837]

My rear sight fell off too after 2nd range trip. I bought a Winchester Wildcat a few weeks ago in spite of this review. When I went to the range the 3rd time I discovered upon taking out the rifle that the rear sight had fallen off. Luckily it fell off inside the box. I have never touch the sight screw until I attempted to install it. I cannot tighten the screw properly as the tool slips as if if it was damaged at the factory. So now I need to obtain a new screw and will probably use blue Loctite on it if I can sight it at desired distance. As of now POI is an inch or more high at 50' with the sight moved all the way back as far as it will go. POI was about 2" high at 50' out of the box with the sight about 1/3 from the front of the range of adjustment. I called Winchester's parts department. They are sending me a replacement screw for free. They said the tool itself is not available from them. Someone on eBay wants $11 for a replacement slotted head screw. I would like to buy a replacement screw from the local hardware store myself for 10 cents that does not use a tiny Allen wrench. The size of the head appears to be about 4 mm.

[@clayed3311]

This was the First Paul Harrel KZbin I watch, been hooked ever since. Rest in peace Paul and the wildcat.

[@grbdevnull5611]

I was worried when you mentioned the sight changing zero in a day's time, but by the end, I think that would have been preferable.

[@robertgantry2118]

I didn't have much luck with the Butler Creek mags in MY 10-22 either.

[@Oxnate]

Woah. That ending!

[@phillewis1768]

That's your best video by a long shot!!!!! That was awesome.

[@brenteason9891]

That is how a review is done, folks!!

[@buffewo6386]

You can bet Winchester is not happy with this review. They shouldn't be. They should be looking at who approved the use of a wierdo size for the screw that necessitated them to provide a flimsy tool as part of the design. It is effectively creating a proprietary fastener/tool combo to hinder the owner's ability to work on the rear sight. I'm sure that replacements for both are cheap and easilly found... from Winchester. I actually had been thinking "Maybe I should get one of these" at the start of this video. Liked almost everything about it... but this is unacceptable. Thanks for an honest review. We expect nothing less than your honest opinion, but it is still nice to see.

[@OldWestGunslinger-vs9mx]

It's a great rifle.... if you use a scope or red dot.

[@nategaudette4228]

yea.. usually im mostly in agreement with the things you say and do paul, afraid this time i cant get behind it, it seems people may get the wrong impression and take away the wrong or "moot" points as you tend to put it from your choice to destroy the rifle at the end of the video, personally seemed kind of harsh to me, considering the rifle did outstanding in everyother test, as well as being packed with features, you being in properly tooled to adjust or locktite the peep site seems like an end user problem more then a design flaw, especially on a rifle most people in the modern day will likely put an optic of some sort or other anyway. just my .02$

[@ebabdbgbbbebbluesman6115]

Im glad you decided use cci mini mag to compare. Although "pricey", i think this is the default hunting ammo for people that have tested their rifles dilligently. Remington is the close second for cheapasses

[@BoomerHulk]

Paul, thank you for the great video and the laughs. Needed that this morning!

[@bri0n21]

Paul, I absolutely love your videos and have enjoyed watching them for years, mostly because of your humor and quirks, but of course your excellent info as well. I just wanted to counter some of the bad comments you mention a lot. Thank you, take care!

[@moniterlizard07]

The only issue i had with my 1st one was the magazine. I simply use ruger 10/22 magazines for it. I liked it so much i bought 2 more in different camo patterns. Even the most expensive guns can have flaws missed by QC. They are an accurate and extremely light squirrel gun that is a pleasure to carry in the woods. To each their own opinion i suppose

[@hermetic1]

I got my son that rifle for Christmas 2 years ago. Out of the box it was at zero so have never had to adjust the sight. I don't know how many rounds he's put through it with two Ruger 25 round mags but the only failures it's ever had were either user or ammo related. I know it's had at least a thousand rounds and probably close to 2000 through it so far and no problems with the sight, but now I'm wondering if we had ever had to adjust it if it wouldn't fail.

[@Ist_Geheim]

Hi, which exact ammo are you/your son reliably using in the Winchester Wildcat?

[@rickmcintosh1771]

J

[@Soli_Deo_Gloria_.]

I want one of these along with a whole host of other things... 😆

[@Soli_Deo_Gloria_.]

Correction : I wanted one of these, but I'll save my money for other stuff that isn't dumb... Thanks Paul ! 😆

[@sumrandomgaymer9945]

Hearing Paul's agitated "and for instructional purposes only" makes me imagine what some poor sap who breaks into this mans house at 2am would go through. It's pitch black you're rifling through drawers and here comes Paul, he doesn't have NVGs but he can still see you while you can't see him. You hear the distinct bang of his M16a1 loaded with Remington G&W box 55gr FMJ and are bleeding out onto the carpet. The last thing you hear, "And for instructional purposes only" *BANG*

[@GMULEMAN]

Without looking it up, I believe Paul has a m16a2 forearm on a m16a1

[@bigtinnitus6409]

Im not suprised with the results. I got mine on sale over a year ago and put 1000+ rounds with minimal cleaning and not a single issue to feed yet. Feels abit cheap and the mags kinda suck and are hard to find but besides that its a decent little .22lr.