Wildcat Evolution Moderator review
The Wildcat Evolution moderator.......
How good are these mods?
Frankly I was blown away when I first tested the .17 cal version on my 17 Rem! I had an early DM80 which I had on my first .17 Rem. This DM80 always impressed me along with the others shooters who shot with me. Many bought DM80’s on the strength of that. I sold that particular 17 Rem and the DM80 mod along with it. Of late I rekindled the 17 cal CF flame and bought another. I have been running a CQB (which is shared with my .223). I soon began to realise that with the .22 cal exit hole the CQB was struggling to moderate effectively…….so I did some digging around and checked out my best options for a quality 17 cal specific mod.
I was told that the Evo was available in 17 calibre which immediately grabbed my attention because a couple of my friends have been running wildcat Evo's on their 20 cals so I was already aware how good these mods are. I took the plunge and ordered one in .17 cal.
My initial impressions of the Evo mod were that it is not ‘military’ looking as many of the mods I've had such as my ASE Utra's, including my current CQB. Some have described the styling a little 'soft' or 'girly' but regardless of your thoughts on it they do have a modern appearance. The finish is very good with a lovely deep anodising on the latter half (baffle end) and a crinkle cut finish on the first half giving it a mat, soft appearance which I really like and has been used on the Predator Series.
As I have touched on the Evo mods are cal specific and is denoted by different coloured anodising on the baffle diffuser.
The Evo is also a modular mod which is most useful if you wish to run it on multiple calibre's or if you wish to replace any parts should they wear or get damaged. It is very easy to strip with no tools required! I was able to switch between 17 and .22 in less than 2 minutes! It is always worth after a big session cracking the threads on the mod to prevent possible seizing, doing this with the mod warm will be easiest.
Calibre specific options are a real bonus as it can make the difference between good and outstanding performance. A calibre specific option will always maximise the sound of moderation potential of any silencer as it has a greater ability to strip air as the bullet passes by the baffles thus reducing the blast (escaping air) at the final baffle.
The Evo having 17 cal specific baffles was a real bonus as many moderator manufacturers don't go down to a 17 cal specific option.
When I tested the Evo in the field against the CQB there was no competition! The Evo absolutely destroyed the CQB making the 17 Remington sound more like a 17 HMR! It even reduced the rifle recoil further which is impressive considering there is virtually non-anyway! I did expect it to be better considering that there is a distinct difference in the size of the exit holes but I was very impressed just how much better it was. After using the Evo I can't go back to the CQB now as I find it uncomfortable on my ears in comparison and I am very aware of the air burst from it.
I was so impressed by the performance I ordered a .22 baffle stack to use it on my .223 and compare it to the CQB. Again I was blown away by the effectiveness of the Evo which cut down much more of the blast than the CQB. I now think of the CQB on my 223 as 'loud' even though it's not but relative to the Evo it is! The Evo's have spoilt me with respect to their sound moderating potential. They are also very light and feel very well balanced on the gun compared to muzzle cans. I have always been a fan of muzzle cans because they allow the barrel to remain cooler for longer when shooting consecutive rounds because they don't trap heat from the barrel insulating it from the cooler air outside but for the average shooter and hunter over-barrel moderators have a lot more potential to moderate sound which is clearly demonstrated by these Evo's.
I’ve also tested an Evo against my very effective early DM80 over-barrel which has competed and beaten many of the top offerings including the ASE Utra Compact and SL7. We completed blind tests from 2 positions one of which was behind the firing line and the other in front. Both testers agreed that there was nothing to choose between them. The Evo had a slightly more piercing sound (if I was being critical) but not louder and this was only noticeable in front of the firing line. Considering the Evo is much smaller and lighter this is a very impressive outcome. Ideally for 6.5mm calibres you may wish to look at the larger Predator mods which silence bigger cals crazy well! I’ve heard my friend shooting his .284 with a P12 and it was similar if not possibly quieter than my 223 with the CQB fitted!!!
I tracked down the prices for the sections/parts for your information:
Coloured Diffuser insert for the Evo - £60.
Bridge section - £60.
Tube Set (this includes: outer tube, Inner tube with fixed back nut £60. Outer Baffle - £60
Rear Bush - £10 (or £12 drilled to size)
Postage costs:
Rear bush - £1.75
All other parts - £4.50
So to sum up these Evo mods in a few ways they are light, strippable, versatile in that you can change calibres, very very effective sound moderators and a very reasonable price. What not to like? I’m in. J
For more information contact:
al@wildcatrifles.co.uk or messenger Alison Green
Feel free to message me for further info on the test too.
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Originally Posted by sidesy
Its needs the barrel running in....load developing and hopefully all will be good.
