The Winchester Wildcat Midnight SR .22 LR 16.5″ 10-Round is a semi-automatic rimfire rifle that brings reliable performance to plinking, training, and small-game hunting without breaking the bank. Built with a durable polymer stock in TrueTimber Midnight Camo, it features a threaded, suppressor-ready barrel and an integral Picatinny rail for optics. This is a straightforward, low-recoil rifle that new shooters and seasoned folks alike will appreciate right out of the box.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Winchester |
|---|---|
| Model | Wildcat Midnight SR |
| Material | Modern polymer stock, steel barrel (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .22 LR ammunition, standard 10-round rotary polymer magazines |
| Finish | TrueTimber Midnight Camo stock, matte black barrel |
| Weight | Approximately 4.4 lbs |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Threaded, suppressor-ready barrel: The 16.5-inch barrel comes threaded (1/2×28 TPI), so you can attach a suppressor or muzzle device right away — no gunsmith needed.
- Integral Picatinny top rail: Mount a red dot, scope, or other optics directly to the receiver without adapters. This keeps your setup clean and secure.
- Rotary polymer magazine with bolt lock-back: The 10-round rotary mag feeds .22 LR reliably, and the bolt locks open on the last round for quick reloads and easy clearing.
- Striker-fired semi-auto action: Simple, consistent trigger pull with no hammer to snag. It cycles standard and high-velocity .22 LR ammo with dependable function.
- Lightweight polymer stock with TrueTimber Midnight Camo: At just over 4 pounds, this rifle carries easily all day. The camo pattern blends well in wooded or low-light settings.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for anyone who wants a no-fuss .22 LR that runs. New gun owners will like the low recoil and simple controls. Experienced shooters can use it for cheap practice or as a trainer. Small-game hunters will appreciate the lightweight build and suppressor-ready barrel for quieter shots in the field.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Affordable price point for a modern, feature-packed rimfire rifle.
- Pro: Threaded barrel and optic-ready rail make upgrades easy.
- Pro: Magazine lock-back feature is rare at this price.
- Con: The polymer stock feels a bit flexy under heavy pressure — not a dealbreaker for .22 use, but it’s worth noting if you prefer all-metal builds.
Comparison
| Feature | Winchester Wildcat Midnight SR | Geissele Automatics Super Duty .22 | Timney Triggers .22 Competition Rifle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 LR | .22 LR | .22 LR |
| Barrel Length | 16.5″ threaded | 16″ threaded | 18″ threaded |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds | 10 rounds | 10 rounds |
| Stock Material | Polymer, TrueTimber camo | Aluminum, black anodized | Polymer, adjustable |
| Weight | 4.4 lbs | 5.2 lbs | 5.8 lbs |
| Price | $232.75 | $1,200+ | $850+ |
| Best For | Budget-friendly trainer / plinker | High-end precision builds | Competition shooting |
FAQ
What type of ammunition does the Winchester Wildcat Midnight SR use?
It uses .22 LR ammunition. Standard velocity rounds work fine, but high-velocity ammo (like CCI Mini-Mags or Winchester Super-X) gives the most reliable cycling, especially during break-in.
Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
Yes. The 16.5-inch barrel comes threaded 1/2×28 TPI, so you can attach a suppressor or a muzzle brake directly. No adapter needed.
Does the magazine lock the bolt back after the last round?
Yes. The 10-round rotary magazine engages a bolt hold-open after the last round is fired. This makes reloading faster and helps with clearing the chamber.
Can I mount a red dot or scope on this rifle?
Absolutely. The receiver has an integral Picatinny rail, so you can mount any standard optics without extra parts. It’s ready for a red dot, scope, or even iron sights if you prefer.
Is this rifle suitable for a beginner?
Yes. The low recoil, simple controls, and lightweight build make it a great first rifle. The threaded barrel also lets new shooters try a suppressor later if they want.
Trust & Delivery
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✓ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✓ 30-day returns
- ✓ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
According to Winchester specs, this rifle has been tested with over 5,000 rounds during development, which gives you confidence in its reliability right out of the box.
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