
Wildey
Bottomline
For those willing to overlook its drawbacks, the Wildey offers a shooting experience that’s as rewarding as it is unique.

When it comes to firearms, few are as unapologetically bold as the Wildey pistol. Designed by Wildey J. Moore, this gas-operated wonder has carved out a niche for itself among handgun enthusiasts, hunters, and movie buffs alike. (Yes, this is the very pistol Charles Bronson wielded in Death Wish 3). But the Wildey isn’t just about star power—it’s a performance-driven machine with some pretty unique features. Let’s dive into what makes this hefty hand cannon so special.
Table of Contents
Bottomline
For those willing to overlook its drawbacks, the Wildey offers a shooting experience that’s as rewarding as it is unique.
Pros
- Stainless steel barrel and slide
- Checkered walnut grips
- Ventilated, ribbed barrel
- Frame-mounted decocking lever
- Firing pin block;
- Trigger block;
- Rebounding firing pin
- Short-stroke gas operation system
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Expensive
- Limited capacity
Wildey Specs
Caliber | Capacity | BBL | OAL | Width | Height | Weight |
.41 Wildey Magnum, .44 AMP, .44 Wildey Magnum, .45 Wildey Magnum, .45 Winchester Magnum, .475 Wildey Magnum | 6+1, 8+1 | 5″ | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
.41 Wildey Magnum, .44 AMP, .44 Wildey Magnum, .45 Wildey Magnum, .45 Winchester Magnum, .475 Wildey Magnum | 6+1, 8+1 | 6″ | 11″ | n/a | n/a | 51 oz. unloaded |
.41 Wildey Magnum, .44 AMP, .44 Wildey Magnum, .45 Wildey Magnum, .45 Winchester Magnum, .475 Wildey Magnum | 6+1, 8+1 | 7″ | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
.41 Wildey Magnum, .44 AMP, .44 Wildey Magnum, .45 Wildey Magnum, .45 Winchester Magnum, .475 Wildey Magnum | 6+1, 8+1 | 8″ | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
.41 Wildey Magnum, .44 AMP, .44 Wildey Magnum, .45 Wildey Magnum, .45 Winchester Magnum, .475 Wildey Magnum | 6+1, 8+1 | 10″ | 14″ | n/a | n/a | 72 oz. |
.41 Wildey Magnum, .44 AMP, .44 Wildey Magnum, .45 Wildey Magnum, .45 Winchester Magnum, .475 Wildey Magnum | 6+1, 8+1 | 12″ | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
.41 Wildey Magnum, .44 AMP, .44 Wildey Magnum, .45 Wildey Magnum, .45 Winchester Magnum, .475 Wildey Magnum | 6+1, 8+1 | 14″ | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
.41 Wildey Magnum, .44 AMP, .44 Wildey Magnum, .45 Wildey Magnum, .45 Winchester Magnum, .475 Wildey Magnum | 6+1, 8+1 | 18″ | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
First Impressions
The first thing you’ll notice about the Wildey pistol is its sheer presence. At 4 pounds, it’s more of a hand howitzer than a conventional sidearm. The sleek, stainless steel construction is both eye-catching and confidence-inspiring. This is a handgun that screams, “I mean business.” But pick it up, and you’ll quickly realize that this is not a firearm for the faint of heart—or the weak of arm.
For those who appreciate unique engineering, the Wildey’s short-stroke gas operation system is a marvel. It’s clear from the outset that this isn’t your average pistol. The adjustable gas flow system and barrel-swapping capability hint at the versatility under the hood. In short, the Wildey makes a statement, and that statement is loud (literally and figuratively).
Key Features
Gas Operation System
At the heart of the Wildey is its patented short-stroke gas operation system. Using an air-hydraulic piston, the system allows for adjustable gas flow through a collar-shaped regulator. What does that mean for you? It means you can customize how the gun handles recoil depending on the ammunition you’re using. This level of control isn’t just cool—it’s practical, especially for a pistol designed to fire high-pressure cartridges.
Caliber Versatility
Flexibility is one of the Wildey’s biggest selling points. By swapping out the barrel assembly, this pistol can fire an impressive array of cartridges, including the .44 Auto Mag Pistol (AMP), .45 Winchester Magnum, 9mm Winchester Magnum, and the proprietary .475 Wildey Magnum. Whether you’re hunting deer or just flexing at the range, this gun has you covered.
Fixed barrel and Rotating bolt design
The fixed barrel and rotating bolt design give the Wildey a leg up in the accuracy department. Unlike traditional semi-automatics with articulating barrels, this setup ensures stability and precision. It’s the kind of feature that’s particularly appealing to hunters who need consistent performance shot after shot.
Safety Features
Safety isn’t an afterthought here. The Wildey comes equipped with a frame-mounted auto-resetting decocking lever, a firing pin block, a trigger block, and a rebounding firing pin. These features make it as safe as it is powerful.
Customization Options
Barrel lengths range from 5 to a whopping 18 inches, giving shooters the freedom to tailor the Wildey to their specific needs. Whether you want a more compact configuration or a long-barrel powerhouse for hunting, the options are there.
Performance in the Field
The Wildey’s performance is as bold as its design. Its ability to handle powerful cartridges makes it ideal for hunting scenarios where stopping power is non-negotiable. The fixed barrel and rotating bolt ensure pinpoint accuracy, whether you’re taking down a hog or hitting steel targets. However, the pistol’s weight does mean you’ll need to be deliberate about how you carry and shoot it. This is not a gun for quick-draw competitions—it’s built for precision and power.
The adjustable gas system is a standout feature, allowing users to dial in the perfect balance for their ammunition. But it’s also where the Wildey’s learning curve comes into play. Tuning the system takes practice, and it’s easy to get it wrong if you’re new to the platform. That said, once you’ve mastered the adjustments, the Wildey rewards you with a shooting experience that’s second to none.
Is the Wildey Right for You?
The Wildey pistol is not for everyone—and that’s okay. If you’re looking for a lightweight, no-fuss sidearm, this is not the gun for you. But if you’re a firearms enthusiast who values innovation, versatility, and sheer stopping power, the Wildey is worth considering. It’s a niche firearm that shines in specific applications, particularly hunting and sport shooting. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it looks like something straight out of an action movie.
Further reading: Ultimate Gun Reviews
Final Thoughts: Wildey Pistol
The Wildey pistol is a one-of-a-kind firearm that delivers on both performance and style. Its gas operation system, caliber versatility, and precision design make it a standout in the world of high-powered handguns. Yes, it is heavy, finicky, and not the easiest gun to find. But for those willing to overlook its drawbacks, the Wildey offers a shooting experience that’s as rewarding as it is unique.
Whether you’re a hunter, a collector, or just someone who appreciates a firearm with a little extra flair, the Wildey pistol is a piece of engineering that’s hard to ignore. Just be prepared to give it the attention it deserves—this is a gun that’s as demanding as it is rewarding.
Wildey Score Card
Ergonomics | Heavy and bulky! | 1 |
Trigger | Heavy trigger pull. | 4 |
Accuracy | Impressive accuracy. | 5 |
Quality | Finicky. | 4 |
Value | Pricey! | 1 |
Overall | The High Standard 10X is a pistol for those who take target shooting seriously. | 3 |
I know it’s not a valid reason to select a Firearm but, I’m watching DEATH WISH 3 w/Charles Bronson using this handgun. I wanted to know more about the weapon so, I did a search.
What most interested me is the ability for this one handgun to be reset for such a wide variety of calibers. In a ZOMBIE APOCOLYPSE World, where ammo would be scarce & disbursed. Such a weapon would definitely be useful. – .41 Wildey Magnum, .44 AMP, .44 Wildey Magnum, .45 Wildey Magnum, .45 Winchester Mag, .475 Wildey Magnum, 9mm Winchester Mag ?
I would think the mechanism & design of this firearm would be in high demand. Why has NO other firearm manufacturer taken up the challenge?
FYI, the second link I clicked. I came upon http://www.wildeyguns.com/index.html
While they offer many of the original firearms, they introduced a NEW handgun at SHOTSHOW in 2005 called the JAWS. Check it out, only $800
In 2015, Wildey FA was bought by USA Firearms Corp, based in Connecticut. Wildey Moore, the designer, is acting as Senior Designer and consultant for the new owners.
Orders for the new production run of Wildey Survivors will be taken in February 2017.
Contact [email protected] for further information or to order a Wildey Survivor.
Here is it, February 2019 and the Wildey FA by USA Firearms Corp. hasn’t been out for sale yet.
Latest info from the company is they are still working on it and it will be out “soon.”
Not sure how long before “soon” will arrive..
I took delivery of my .475 from USA firearms in January 2018.
High buff stainless w/12″ barrel.
This is an expensive gun and there are reasons why.
This is one of the most beautiful hand guns ever made.
The craftsmanship on this gun is beyond what any gun Smith that I’ve ever seen could even dream about doing.
How about 2045 ftps with a 230gr hawk bullet
Extremely powerful with manageable recoil my daughter likes to shoot it.
It is kind of hard to contact them but once you do and are serious about being a buyer/customer they will bend over backwards to make you happy.
Just leave a message or two or three?? and Jessica will get back to you.
Are you able to disclose your wait time from payment to delivery to you?
I’ve been waiting almost a year and can’t get a delivery estimate from Jessica.
Of course Covid held things up for a bit.
The movie “death wish 3” is available at Amazon com on DVD……
If you want to see Charles Bronson dispatch a bunch of bad guys with his personal Wildey .475 that he actually owned check it out