Wildcat Predator 12 Sound Moderator

The Predator 12 is a large unit, but it’s certainly worth the effort if your priority is maximum sound reduction on larger rifles with a lot of gas to restrain. The modular reflex design is available with up to 12 baffles in the 50mm diameter tube, which can be fully disassembled for cleaning and maintenance. Wildcat supply high temperature, Putoline ceramic grease to coat the threads, so they won’t gall and lock up. I’m not a regular mod cleaner myself but I often change threads for different review rifles, so easy modularity is appreciated. The available thread sizes include 1/2x20 UNF, 1/2x28 UNEF, 5/8x18 UNF, 5/8x24 UNEF, 14×1, 15×1, 17×1, 18×1 as well as a metric spigot and custom sizes.

The ‘+1/ 250mm’ I have reviewed has been used on both of my .260 Remington rifles, whose long barrels offer enough space for the rearward extension to clear the stock. I’d like to have tried in on a .223 but it was too long for my compact varminter. However, optional sizes are available, specified in detail on the Wildcat website, so any build can be matched to your barrel length.

The details

All the aluminium, stainless steel and titanium components, as well as the threads, show excellent machining standards for a smooth assembly. You can also add a rear barrel bush if below the maximum 28.25mm barrel size accommodated (the largest barrel diameter currently in my armoury is 22mm for example).

The overall length is 394mm and 245mm of that extends rearward from the muzzle thread’s shoulder, with 149mm in front. Weight is a significant 760-grams but the function is prioritised before portability here, and the test rifle was already 7kg naked, so it’s more a range/precision mod, rather than a hunting unit.

The large internal volume helps to prevent the moderator from heating up too quickly. There is also significant material and surface area to further absorb heat and transfer it out, without excessive mirage appearing too quickly.

Calibre specific

Calibre sizes are colour coded. The blue one featured here is for a 6.5mm rifle and after 250 rounds, there has been no problem with removal or disassembly. Although large and weighty, this moddy certainly fulfils its design goal.

For even larger cartridges where noise needs to be tamed, regardless of clever design, internal expansion volume will always benefit sound suppression, and I intend to get a .30 cal unit for my .300 Win Mag.

External knurling on individual baffles and an outer matte texture on the reflex can allow for a decent grip. Black, hard anodising has proven hardy and although barrel harmonics are almost unique in any rifle/ammo combination, the Wildcat certainly suited my .260’s heavy barrel’s current ammunition, with appreciable sound reduction whilst maintaining cloverleaf accuracy.