I have several decisions to make. I would like to purchase a new FX Wildcat compact m3, my question is should I get the BT or tube gun, and also am trying to decide whether to swap barrels on my Impact from .22 to a .25 and get the wildcat in .22 0r get the wildcat in .25. Either way I would like to end up with both a .22 and .25. I am leaning to the wildcat tube gun in .22. Any thoughts ?
FX FX
- Thread starter coastal drifter
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Although it may be slightly heavier with the bottle, you will get more shots per fill. I had a 600mm Wildcat I in .25 Caliber and could only ever get 40ish shots per fill with the tube (300cc). With a bottle (580cc) , you'll likely get close to double that, depending on your tune of course.
Mike
Mike
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A Wildcat Tube Compact 22Cal is a magical thing. Its best at walk around offhand hunting in my opinion. Paired with a light scope they have incredible ergo and balance.
If you want a 25Cal the Impact is a better platform. The only issue buying a new gun to swap barrels is you will probably also need the correct hammer weight/spring for the 22Cal. Now if you only shoot from the bench the bottle Wildcat makes a lot more sense.
If you want a 25Cal the Impact is a better platform. The only issue buying a new gun to swap barrels is you will probably also need the correct hammer weight/spring for the 22Cal. Now if you only shoot from the bench the bottle Wildcat makes a lot more sense.
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Mine was tuned to shoot Hades and Nielsen 17.5g slugs at about 950-1000fps. Very accurate, good shot count, and it took down many critters including a 5lbs skunk. Unfortunately I traded it to a friend yesterday and it has left a hole deep down in my plums.
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What is your goal with this gun set up, aside from wood walk and hunt? I don't see much of a different between either other than higher shot count which will alow you to be able to shoot slugs if you want to and still have a decent shot count. On both platforms you could add a bipod too, but you would have to drill into the tube stock unlike the bt you could add a clamp, but that wouldn't be as rigid.
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I had the MK2 compact .22, I gave to my son so I can understand your feelings. I also had a MK3 sniper (tube) I traded off for a M3 Impact + a couple bucks. Palm Beach air guns have it in their used gun section. It is pristine. .25 cal.
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Most of my shooting is pellets and paper but on occasion I like to hunt mostly smaller game and pests up to raccoon size. I live in south Florida and get a few shots at some iguana now and then. A tech @ Utah Airguns told me the tube is better suited for pellets because of the valve to plenum ratio. I'm not anti-slug either under the right circumstance/use
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I think that if you are wanting to shoot lighter .22 cal pellets at a slower speed that would definitely be a determining factor. If you are not limiting yourself to lighter pellets and are willing to use heavier pellets say around 20 grains and higher at 850 or higher then I believe that you would be fine. Where in south florida are you located? I'm in west palm
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I would go .22 on the wc and .25 for m3. 40fpe gets about 3 mags with reg at about 110 on the compact tube and 25grainers. M3 bangs at 60+fpe with heavies and slugs.
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Doesn't the bottle gun have a second reg? That means more parts and o-rings. More tunability, but potentially more maintenance and headaches. If the tube gun meets your needs, I don't see a reason to go with a bottle.
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Bottle gun by all means. This gives you the versatility to use 300cc, 400cc, 480cc, 580cc or 700cc size bottles depending on your barrel length and caliber needs. I have a Wildcat MK3 BT compact in .22 cal with the 300 cc barrel which is a nice compact pester. I also have a VP in 25 caliber because I like the 600 mm barrel. I switched from the original 400 cc aluminum tank to a 480 cc CF tank for a little more capacity and 10 oz less weight. I really like that configuration.
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What pellets or slugs are you shooting with your W/C bt .22 and how's the accuracy? I have the 600mm on my Impact .22 with the 480 bottle. Shoot count is incredible.
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I have a Maverick .22 cal , 600mm with a 300cc bottle. I'm shooting 25.3g AEAs at 910 fps . It's more accurate than my bags, table and I can deliver , at this time. The one I pulled was still dime size . Target is at 50yd .
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I shoot mainly pellets and consider it a 50 yard gun, maybe 75. It shoots 18.1 JSBs at 935 and 25.4 at 833 fps. 935 is a bit hot and I should tune it down some. Anyway, I didn't keep any targets for this one as I usually do, but as I remember, it shoots quarter size groups at 50 yards.
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I love the tube guns... Wildcat & Dreamline. Shot count is not a big deal for me, especially if you're leaning toward a hunting gun. How many shots do you need on your average hunt? Refilling at the range is a non issue. I'd rather have the less bulky gun.
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