I stopped using an FX cylinder clamp on either of my Wildcats (one .22 and one .25) after several irritations, and been wondering whether other users had noticed the same things.
On this thread: /topic/wildcat-pressure-gauge-upside-down-difficult-to-read-can-it-be-rotated/ MartinT has found that the limited cylinder space available on the .22 means he is tempted to unscrew the cylinder half a turn (!!!) in order to be able to still use the fill port. I found it similarly awkward and now just use a bag, rather than a bipod, for the .22. I was also not happy with the POI consistency with the bipod on a clamp.
On the .25, there is plenty of room for the clamp, but I found there was a 1/2" at 20yard shift in POI when shifting between clamped bipod and bag resting (on forestock, not cylinder).
When zeroed and just using the bipod (on clamp) the POI was inconsistent, varying with terrain. Then it dawned on me that there was variable stress being transmitted to the front of the action, depending on terrain and how I was supporting the back of the action. There are at least 2 bunnies, still marauding through Staffordshire, that would have been in my tummy by now, if it were not for this problem.
I've solved it for the .25 by drilling the synthetic stock and countersinking an M6 pronged captive T nut, which takes a weihrauch bipod stud. Will probably do the same for the .22.
My conclusion is that the cylinder clamp is not really suitable for fitting a bipod on the WC and it would be wonderful if the stock came ready prepped for a bipod stud or picatinny rail. FX could sell 'em.
Does the panel agree?
PS, If FX supplied a short armed Allen key for removing the rear stock bolt... ...I would still have some hair
Edit: I've now taken a hacksaw to the long arm of an Allen key, so with a bit of luck, some hair will regrow.
Still love these guns.
On this thread: /topic/wildcat-pressure-gauge-upside-down-difficult-to-read-can-it-be-rotated/ MartinT has found that the limited cylinder space available on the .22 means he is tempted to unscrew the cylinder half a turn (!!!) in order to be able to still use the fill port. I found it similarly awkward and now just use a bag, rather than a bipod, for the .22. I was also not happy with the POI consistency with the bipod on a clamp.
On the .25, there is plenty of room for the clamp, but I found there was a 1/2" at 20yard shift in POI when shifting between clamped bipod and bag resting (on forestock, not cylinder).
When zeroed and just using the bipod (on clamp) the POI was inconsistent, varying with terrain. Then it dawned on me that there was variable stress being transmitted to the front of the action, depending on terrain and how I was supporting the back of the action. There are at least 2 bunnies, still marauding through Staffordshire, that would have been in my tummy by now, if it were not for this problem.
I've solved it for the .25 by drilling the synthetic stock and countersinking an M6 pronged captive T nut, which takes a weihrauch bipod stud. Will probably do the same for the .22.
My conclusion is that the cylinder clamp is not really suitable for fitting a bipod on the WC and it would be wonderful if the stock came ready prepped for a bipod stud or picatinny rail. FX could sell 'em.
Does the panel agree?
PS, If FX supplied a short armed Allen key for removing the rear stock bolt... ...I would still have some hair
Edit: I've now taken a hacksaw to the long arm of an Allen key, so with a bit of luck, some hair will regrow.
Still love these guns.
