Winchester Wildcat Sporter 22Lr 16.5 Sr S 10Rd

The Winchester Wildcat Sporter is a modern semi-automatic rimfire rifle built for shooters who want reliability, accuracy, and a traditional aesthetic in one package. Chambered in .22 LR with a 16.5-inch precision button-rifled barrel, this gun delivers the dependability rimfire shooters expect from Winchester—whether you're running it at the range, on small-game hunts, or just having fun in the backyard. The Sporter model sets itself apart with a satin-finished wood stock and checkered grip surfaces, giving you a classic feel that contrasts nicely with its modern polymer receiver and integrated rail system.

What makes the Wildcat Sporter practical for a wide range of shooters is its thoughtful design. The wood stock has a slightly longer length of pull than Winchester's composite variants, which means it shoulders more comfortably for larger-framed shooters. The barrel is threaded 1/2x28 for suppressor mounting, opening up quiet .22 LR shooting options. The ramped post front sight and fully-adjustable ghost ring rear sight come ready to go right out of the box, though the integral Picatinny rail on top gives you the flexibility to mount your own optics if you prefer a scope or red dot.

The Wildcat Sporter runs a 10-round rotary magazine with polymer body and metal feed lips—simple, reliable, and easy to manage. The magazine release is fully ambidextrous, so left-handed and right-handed shooters both get the same slick operation. A reversible manual safety button, sling swivel studs, and spring-assisted magazine ejection round out a rifle that feels well thought-out rather than over-complicated. This is a .22 LR that does what it's supposed to do without fuss, and does it consistently.

Since its 2023 introduction, the Wildcat has quickly become one of the best-selling semi-automatic rimfire rifles on the market—and the Sporter variant shows why. If you're after a trusty .22 that bridges old-school wood-and-steel appeal with modern ergonomics and modularity, the Winchester Wildcat Sporter deserves a hard look.

Key Features

• 16.5-inch precision button-rifled chrome-moly steel barrel with recessed target-style crown
• Satin-finished wood stock with checkered grip surfaces and longer length of pull
• 1/2x28 threaded muzzle with knurled thread protector for suppressor compatibility
• Rugged polymer receiver with integral top Picatinny rail for optics mounting
• Fully-adjustable ghost ring rear sight and ramped post front sight
• 10-round rotary magazine with polymer body and metal feed lips
• Fully ambidextrous magazine release and spring-assisted ejection
• Reversible manual safety button
• Sling swivel studs included

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mount a suppressor on the Wildcat Sporter?

Yes. The barrel is threaded 1/2x28 TPI, which is the standard threading for most .22 LR suppressors. A knurled thread protector is included.

Can I use a scope or red dot instead of the iron sights?

Absolutely. The integral Picatinny rail on top of the receiver gives you a solid mounting platform for any optic that fits your shooting style and budget.

Is the safety ambidextrous?

The safety button is reversible, which means it can be configured for either left-handed or right-handed operation depending on how you set it up.

What's the difference between the Sporter and other Wildcat models?

The Sporter features a traditional wood stock with satin finish and checkered grip, plus a slightly longer length of pull compared to the composite-stocked variants. This makes it more comfortable for larger shooters while maintaining the same core Wildcat reliability and features.