Winchester Wildcat .22?

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ArmedBear

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Anyone shot one of these?

What is it, really? Eastern bloc gun with a sort-of-featherweight-looking stock on it?

How does it shoot?

(I have a gift card to spend and they're on sale at the store. I have thought about getting a .22 boltie off and on, but haven't given much thought to one of these before.)
 
I'd never heard of em so ran over to Gun broker and took a look. From what I could see I would anti up a few more bucks and for a CZ or look for an older Remington or Winchester. $259 at the auction, good older bolts should be available at that price.
Good luck, keep us informed
 
The Winchester Wildcat is a Toz 78 with a few different things. First the sighting system is different. I prefer the TOZ sights, but I should preface this and state that I have a Toz 99 and not a Toz 78 nor a Winchester Wildcat.

The Toz 78 is highly talked about on the Rimfire Central forums.
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=178

Hope this helps,

BV

EDIT:

Here is the Tula Toz website:
http://www.tulatoz.ru/en/toz78.html

TGI has done most of the importing, two dealers I am familiar with are:
http://www.ssmedwi.com/Rifles page 3.htm

For the Toz 99 I ordered mine from
http://www.tickbitesupply.com/firearms.html
 
New Marlins shoot well, too, and can be had for less, at least in the lowest trim. The little Marlin bolts are underappreciated.

That said, the things are on sale for $200, and I have a $100 gift card to spend.

OTOH they have a plastic-stock Marlin 795, basically a 60 with a detachable magazine, for $125. But I need that like a hole in the head, unless I want to do some mountain bike biathlon or something, and I don't know anywhere to do that around here. I don't already have a .22 boltie, though.:)
 
It is made by TOZ in Russia with IIRC an American made stock. Essentially the same concept as the Remington Model 5 (though obviously not the same gun).

EDIT: IIRC doesn't Marlin make a bolt .22 called the 925? IIRC they were under $200 in store last time I checked.

EDIT 2: Got beat to the post!
 
Thanks, bv.

I'd throw a scope on a .22 bolt gun anyway. How's the trigger?
 
I'd throw a scope on a .22 bolt gun anyway. How's the trigger?
Click to expand...

The trigger on the 78 I believe is adjustable (not on the 99) but it is highly regarded on the Rimfire Central forums. I would recommend reading over some of the threads.

BV
 
Remember Remington bought Marlin. Maybe now would be a good time to get a Marlin bolt.
 
I saw one of these for the first time at Gander Mountain last year. Instantly decided it would be my next 22...the ergonomics just fell in line. Alas I'm strapped for cash otherwise I would have picked it up right there.

Did some searching around, seems to be quite the shooter, better than guns costing $400+.

BTW what store has them on sale?
 
A good friend of mine bought one about 6 monts ago. He likes them so much he just bought another. The first ones I saw were not finished that well, but the one's I've seen lately are better. They are light and tackdrivers. I'm just trying to justify another .22.
 
I have the TOZ 78 that this is derived from...A GREAT little .22 bolt. I had a CZ452 that I let go in a trade like a dumbass... this gun has somewhat softened the knowledge that I am an idiot.

Barrel is rumored to be match grade because the TOZ factory only had a match grade manufacturing system in place for years. I do not know if that is true or not... but the gun shoots very well. 6" steels at 100 yds ping most of the time.. with iron sights.

I would risk $200 on that gun... you will not be disapoointed. I hear the newer Winchester guns that have been delivered are very high quality. I would try to look over a few from the store room.
 
I ordered one based on a good friend having 2 of them. He says they are tack drivers and come with 4 or 5 magazines. For $229 list it seems like a deal.
 
I just looked at one of these at Wally World today and I thought I would come here to see what the consensus is. I believe the price was $209. Worth it? Or should I look at the offerings from Marlin and Savage instead?
 
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I have read elsewhere that magazines must be individually fitted, so if you buy one, hang onto the original mags.

Seems to be a decent gun for the money, but no CZ.
 
If you like it, get it. It is a really good gun, great shooter. I have never heard the mag issue. Mine came with 3 mags, so know worries now. The wood I have seen on these lately has been much nicer then early deliveries. My Russian TOZ wood is tacky tacky tacky, but that is why I like the gun so much. It looks like crap and shoots like a biathalon rifle.
Check out rimfirecentral.com for more info.

It is no CZ, but about 60% of the price also.
 
it does come with 4 mags, which is a steal really. and they are great shooters. Now if you can find a TOZ model, the cost will only be about 150, but the stock will look like orange baby puke. The winnies do come with a better stock, and better finished as well.
 
As others have said the Wildcat is a repackaged TOZ-78.

I have the Toz 78-1, paid $100 for one less than a year ago. Free floated barrel, adjustable trigger, and accuracy you would not believe.

SOOOO worth every penny, even at the Wildcats price of $200
 
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