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FX Wildcat

FX Wildcat

Fredrik Axellson is clearly an inspired individual, and as one of the foremost airgun designers in the business, he must be in a satisfying position. For FX Airguns is the Swedish operation that exists to put his intriguing ideas into practise and those ideas have come thick and fast.

Trends come and go, but one thing’s for sure – bullpups could be the next big thing in airguns, and whilst a plethora of companies are now bringing out their own take on this long established theme, eager to get a slice of the cake, FX were seemingly ahead of the game all along; with several of these curious creations in their product line-up a few years back. Never ones to rest on their laurels though, the company has recently seen fit to launch a brand new model, the Wildcat, and it’s a bold move. Momentum is undoubtedly growing for the concept, and FX aren’t shy to get involved, and cater for this newfound demand.

What makes bullpups so unusual, is the way the main action is set right towards the back of the stock, giving it an ultra compact configuration. The end result is a fast handling gun with weight distribution naturally more central or towards the rear. Military rifles, such as the SA80, have long since adopted the concept, but as the phenomenon creeps into other areas of the shooting world, opinion is understandably divided, given such radical configurations

Relatively Affordable

It’s fair to say that FX have a reputation for fairly pricey products at the higher end of the market, so let me start by stating that this new model is apparently priced to sell. £899 undoubtedly represents a significant outlay, yet the Wildcat’s RRP actually comes in significantly lower than several other comparable models in the FX line-up; and against some notable rivals in this sector, it looks positively cheap.

First impressions are of a super compact sporting PCP, with a purposeful profile, that’s been very well thought-out. As with any FX model, it’s clearly brimming with features, and that means there’s quite a bit of ground to cover. Regulated action, fully shrouded barrel, thumb hole composite sporter stock, 8-shot magazine system, and a semi match two-stage trigger, all add up nicely. So here we go then, for an overview on just what the new Wildcat can offer today’s discerning enthusiast.

Build-quality and final finish of FX products hasn’t always come up to scratch, especially given the asking prices, but there’s been dramatic improvement over the last couple of years. No more thin black paint on the cylinder, easily worn at the edges. Instead, a prevailing feel of fine engineering and attention to detail. The new design features a high grade aluminium cylinder, with a new tactical finish, specially formulated to be resistant to fingerprints. I would describe it as matt anodised, and it feels reassuringly durable. A small section of barrel is visible, and this is conventionally blued. The rest of the barrel sits within a screw-on, full-length shroud, which can be easily removed for cleaning purposes.

Admittedly, the remote cocking linkage is on show and slightly detracts from the slickness of it all, but I doubt very much whether devotees of this style of gun will lose too much sleep over such detail.

Quite the Sight

One common feature of bullpup designs is a high sight line, created by the way the cheek has to sit above the rear of the action. A special mounting rail, or inter-mount is utilised, and in the case of the Wildcat, this takes the form of a nicely machined mounting rail, sitting on two supports that span the main cylinder. Everything is boldly styled, and executed, which means the dovetails cut into the rails, are particularly positive. Fixing a scope in place is therefore a synch.

Having the breech area so near to the face is a perceived drawback of any bullpup, but in the case of the Wildcat, two sections of aluminium form a full-length cheekpiece. These are subtly shaped, perfectly comfortable, and do a good job of shielding off the business area.

One key area where FX have excelled has been in the production of composite/ synthetic stocks, and their particular brand of imaginative furniture, has won them many fans – and for good reason.

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For touch these stocks and that almost warm, silky, yet slightly grippy feel instantly wins you over. I’m a boring traditionalist, I don’t deny it, firmly in the walnut camp, but the quality of execution and end result where these stocks are concerned, not only makes a bold statement, for the company’s creative abilities, but goes a long way to converting anyone that encounters them.

The Wildcat’s thumbhole ambidextrous grip is extremely comfortable, and the moulded rear section allows for alternative grips as required. The butt is fixed, but nicely shaped, so my only real niggle concerns the fact that the fore-end stops a little short. Of course, I’m built like an orangutan, but a couple more inches would add little additional weight overall.

FX specify this model with a fill pressure of 230 bar, and this is achieved by inserting the probe style adaptor (supplied) into the air valve, at the front of the cylinder, accessed by the neat rotating cover. A clearly marked manometer sits at the front of the cylinder, so residual pressure is known at all times.

So, with a full tank of air, it just remained for me to ready the magazine. The Wildcat features a simple cast 8-shot rotary design, and the simplicity is part of the appeal. Just pull the side -lever rearwards, snap out the mag from it’s spring loaded housing within the action, push a pellet head first into all eight chambers, then snap it back into position. At this point, a gentle nudge on the mag allows it to click and align itself. Push home the lever, and the first shot is ready to go.

Feel & Function

With the Wildcat primed and ready, it’s time to get down to business. Handle this model, and it soon becomes clear that ergonomics have not been overlooked. For unlike several rivals, this model has been designed as a bullpup from scratch, as opposed to an existing production model, that’s just been ‘bullpupped’. The main relevance of that concerns the side-lever, used to cock the action. On the Wildcat, the lever is perfectly situated in an easily accessible central position. The hand falls naturally to the lever – just as you want it.

 

Cocking the Lever is Near Effortless and Very Slick.

Subsequent shots are available as fast as you can cycle the action. That said, whilst conducting the chrono test, and shooting very quickly, I did manage to double load the action. This means the pellets leave at a greatly reduced velocity, and a subsequent jam of the barrel brought a temporary halt to proceedings. A quick rod out later, and I’d learnt my lesson. Stick to a more deliberate positive cocking motion, and all should be fine, but yes, double loading is possible.

FX triggers are always pretty good, and the two-stage specification here is a perfect complement, sporting not only an adjustable release, but also a match blade, adjustable for position. At 5.8lbs, the Wildcat is a relative lightweight, and by its bullpup definition fairly light at the front. I would add front weight for personal taste.

As for stats recorded, the brand new regulated action, based loosely on the Bobcat, returned 200 shots within 22fps, using FX’s own quality ammo – which is pretty stunning performance. You can expect up to 250 shots with this model, but it’s largely academic, given that most shooters top up after a session. As for accuracy, I managed easy sub ½ inch clusters centre to centre over 40 yards, in some less than favourable conditions. Enough said!

Conclusion

With an army of devotees banging the drum for bullpups right now, it looks like they could finally be here to stay. I wont pretend to love them, but having now spent time with FX’s new baby, I can at least appreciate the principles at work, the quality of engineering, and the general execution.

Ultra compact, brimming with features, and highly effective in confined conditions, the Wildcat won’t disappoint.

PRICE: £899
CONTACT: Anglo Spanish Imports 01728 688 555, www.a-s-i.co.uk

  • FX Wildcat - image {image:count}

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  • FX Wildcat - image {image:count}

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  • FX Wildcat - image {image:count}

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  • FX Wildcat - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • FX Wildcat - image {image:count}

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gun
features

  • Model: FX Airguns Wildcat
  • Calibre: .22 on test, .177 and .25 avail
  • Weight: 5.8lbs
  • Overall length:: 26 inches
  • Barrel length: 19.5 inches SmoothTwist
  • Magazine: 8-shot rotary in .22
  • Stock: Synthetic compound
  • Trigger: 2-stage adjustable semi match
  • Power Source: External pump or bottle
  • Fill Pressure: 230 bar
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