220 swift target|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

Hi farmerrick-

Unfortunately there is no known record of Model 70 sales by Style prior to about 1950.  So an exact answer is beyond me…

The Model 70 220 Swift Target Model (Marksman stock), as opposed to the 220 Swift Varmint rifle (MC standard stock), was officially in the catalog from 1937 through 1950.  The Target and Varmint rifles had the same barreled action, just different stocks.  That said, a good number of 220 Swift Target Models turn up into the 1960s…  They are considered to be the third most common Target Model chambering behind 30-06 and 243 WIN, but honestly that’s a guesstimate… 

To put it into perspective, the 243 WIN Target Model, which was introduced in 1955 and therefore only made during the period where Shipping Department records were kept by Catalog Symbol, has (683) as the number shipped.  While 220 Swift would therefore be less than that, the number that turn up suggests the number should be close.

As for “pre-war” versus “post-war” there aren’t any numbers I know of.  If intact, with most parts still attached, in decent condition, and with no added holes anywhere, the pre-war rifle would probably be more attractive to collectors.  But the real pre-war 220 Swift prize would be a “1st variation Target Model”, the ones with the same medium heavy straight taper target barrel but an integral front sight ramp…  They were pretty much only made in 1936-37, after which Winchester ditched the ramp and replaced it with a muzzle dovetail.

Here are pics of two 220 Swift Target Models for comparison, a 1st Variation (s/n 3374) and a 2nd variation (s/n 250764).  Both have all the parts on them that came from the factory (except the slings that were removed for pictures).

Hope this helps,

Lou