Well... After over a month of waiting, my .22 Wildcat BP showed up today. Ive owned a 22 synthetic BP Cricket for a little less than a year, so I figured I would post some quick impressions between the two great air rifles.
1. Quality of build: Boy this a close one but I have to give a tiny edge to my Cricket.
2. Weight: Not close, the Wildcat is noticeably lighter even though I have a bigger scope mounted.
3. Noise: Hands down the Cricket. Out of the box the Cricket is considerably more quiet. This one disappoints me given the posts I have read as to how quiet the Wildcat is. I have two stackable moderators on the way thankfully. The Cricket .22 BP is quiet, the Wildcat is questionable by comparison.
4. Trigger: Out of the box the Cricket has a slightly better trigger. Wildcat requires too much take up, but I'm sure this can be adjusted.
4. Magazine: Easier to load on the Wildcat, but Cricket holds more and indexing seems more precise.
5: Stock: Cricket is more durable and rigid. Wildcat is much lighter, but flexes a fair amount,and the surface treatment will wear and scratch much easier. Wildcat stock flts the hands better, more thought out design compared to the Cricket.
6. Cocking location: Wildcat is better, but Cricket is smoother right out of the box. I'm sure the Wildcat will be as good over time.
7. Ergonomics: Haven't had much time with the Wildcat but I can tell with the lighter weight, finger groove grip and angle, combined with the foward cocking lever the nod needs to go to the Wildcat.
There you have it, so if you're on the fence hopefully this helps you decide which one. If you can only buy one you would be happy with either one.
1. Quality of build: Boy this a close one but I have to give a tiny edge to my Cricket.
2. Weight: Not close, the Wildcat is noticeably lighter even though I have a bigger scope mounted.
3. Noise: Hands down the Cricket. Out of the box the Cricket is considerably more quiet. This one disappoints me given the posts I have read as to how quiet the Wildcat is. I have two stackable moderators on the way thankfully. The Cricket .22 BP is quiet, the Wildcat is questionable by comparison.
4. Trigger: Out of the box the Cricket has a slightly better trigger. Wildcat requires too much take up, but I'm sure this can be adjusted.
4. Magazine: Easier to load on the Wildcat, but Cricket holds more and indexing seems more precise.
5: Stock: Cricket is more durable and rigid. Wildcat is much lighter, but flexes a fair amount,and the surface treatment will wear and scratch much easier. Wildcat stock flts the hands better, more thought out design compared to the Cricket.
6. Cocking location: Wildcat is better, but Cricket is smoother right out of the box. I'm sure the Wildcat will be as good over time.
7. Ergonomics: Haven't had much time with the Wildcat but I can tell with the lighter weight, finger groove grip and angle, combined with the foward cocking lever the nod needs to go to the Wildcat.
There you have it, so if you're on the fence hopefully this helps you decide which one. If you can only buy one you would be happy with either one.
