FX Wildcat - Please tell me this isn't a problem waiting to happen....

[X-Hairs]

Good Evening All,

I am fielding opinions about a potential worry that I have with the Wildcat design. I have observed (on a number of user photographs) the development of wear grooves that develop in the fore/aft pellet loading breech area where the magazine center pivots are located. These protruding magazine ball pivots "hold in place" because they find a recessed channel/divot - but after a number of insert/removal cycles, I clearly observe that a channel is being worn into the breech block which may ultimately reduce the effectiveness of the magazine to "lock" into a positive position. If a deep channel develops with repeated magazine insert/removal cycles, I see no other option as to start replacing the entire breech top assembly. Finally, I think it's bothersome that the breech block shows such rapid signs of wear - NOT what you want from a new high end PCP investment. Thanks for sharing your opinions and thoughts as to whether this is a valid issue...

 

[BRS]

Could it be just the enamel-like blueing wearing off?

I wouldn't have thought a spring-loaded ball bearing would be able to gouge into metal.

 

[X-Hairs]

BRS - I agree with you that the anodizing is the first layer to go when metal contacts metal. I wish I had a better pic - but this one (not my photo) shows the wear channel forming - especially in the area forward of the mag: If that channel continues to deepen (and I see no reason why it wont) - there's a potential problem down the road.

Just got my new Wildcat ordered so I have real skin in the game - not trolling. However, it pains me to see this level of wear on a rifle that was recently deployed to customers. With the Bobcat plastic mag design - this isn't a factor. Perhaps we can hear from a handful of high shot count users to see how it's holding up in terms of wear.

Thanks!

 

[BRS]

I did post last night (here in UK) but it hasn't appeared !?


I dont see any loss of blueing/enamel in that channel (assuming you mean the small channel leading to the ball detent, at the base of the F for FX).

The original photographer has used Flash with what looks like Macro for an indoor photo - this causes the flare on the angled edges of the breech.

Which is why one should always use an indirect light source (NO flash) when taking a photo at fairly close range.

 

[FearnLoading]

"X-Hairs"Good Evening All,

I am fielding opinions about a potential worry that I have with the Wildcat design. I have observed (on a number of user photographs) the development of wear grooves that develop in the fore/aft pellet loading breech area where the magazine center pivots are located. These protruding magazine ball pivots "hold in place" because they find a recessed channel/divot - but after a number of insert/removal cycles, I clearly observe that a channel is being worn into the breech block which may ultimately reduce the effectiveness of the magazine to "lock" into a positive position. If a deep channel develops with repeated magazine insert/removal cycles, I see no other option as to start replacing the entire breech top assembly. Finally, I think it's bothersome that the breech block shows such rapid signs of wear - NOT what you want from a new high end PCP investment. Thanks for sharing your opinions and thoughts as to whether this is a valid issue...

I had a similar concern when I got my Hatsan AT44:10 TACTICAL. The mags in them are also made of metal and I did start noticing wear in the breech after using it for sometime. However I have put more than 10000 pellets if not more, and through the hatsan and I have yet to encounter any issues. I think the wearing out stops after the blueing comes out. Minimal friction post that didn't cause any problems in my gun. Granted it's not an FX but I doubt this wear will turn out to be an issue. 

 

[ekim1428]

There may be an easy fix for this to prevent further wear. Its a trick knife makers use to prevent titanium from galling and causing premature wear on titanium lock surfaces when they come in contact with the hardened steel blade of a folding pocket knife. We impregnate the softer surface (titanium) with a small layer of tungsten carbide through a process called carbidizing. The ball bearing used in the magazine is most definitely harder than the steel or aluminum breech block. The layer of carbide will slow the wear dramatically on the breech block. 

Its a process that only takes a minute but you need to find someone with a carbidizing machine or if you're savvy with electronics you can make one on your own fairly cheap.