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October 7, 2025
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Hello. I am considering a pre-64 model 70 in 220 Swift and am trying to determine its variant (I am reviewing remotely with owner via pictures). It is 1941 manufacture. Described as having a “med-heavy barrel.” Pics show no rear sight (Lyman/Unertl type scope mounts), front site dovetail filled with a blank. Dull blued finish. Per the seller, the barrel has a “PW” stamped on it. The original owner passed away some time ago, so cannot follow up for any history. Unfortunately the stock is refinished. I am looking for a Varminter variant to pair with my 243 varminter – is there a way to confirm this is a Varminter? Also, any information about the PW stamp on the barrel? Many thanks!
April 15, 2005
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The stamp on the barrel is actually a superposed “WP” (Winchester Proof). The same stamped marking should also be found on the left side of the receiver frame ring. Posting several clear detailed pictures of the rifle would be beneficial.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
October 7, 2025
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Thank you, Bert. The WP makes sense – the model stamp does include the “Winchester Proof Steel” tag. Unfortunately, the seller only provided cell phone pics – attempting to get more detailed views are very pixelated. Also no info about throat or bore condition, in addition to the fact that stock is refinished. I think I need to pass on this one.
November 5, 2014
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Hi kellswater-
In 1941, the 220 Swift was cataloged in Standard rifle, Super Grade, and Target Model. Of these, the first two have the standard barrel contour and NRA style standard or Super Grade stock, while the target rifle had a 26-inch medium heavy straight taper barrel identical to what was used on the later 243 WIN and 220 Swift Varmint rifles, but in a Marksman stock. By the later 1930s the Swift target barrels were stainless with a bead blasted/blued matte finish.
It wasn’t until 1959 that the 220 Swift was offered in the Varmint rifle. Those had standard style Monte Carlo stocks and the Swifts all had plastic butt plates.
What style stock is on the rifle you’re looking at? If it’s in a standard NRA style pre-war stock it’s possible (???) that it was made that way at the factory (or restocked outside the factory). In the pre-war catalogs, under Target model, Winchester plainly stated that any target rifle could be supplied in the NRA style stock on special order.
If you’d care to post a few of the pictures you’re reviewing I can probably tell you what it is. In the meantime, here are some comparisons:
Pre-War 220 Swift Standard rifle:
Pre-War 220 Swift Super Grade:
Transition 220 Swift Target model. Note the heavier barrel and marksman stock. This is a 1946 gun, the only pre-war 220 Swift Target model that I have is the “1st variation” type with the same barrel contour but an integral front sight ramp:
Pre-War 220 Swift Target model in NRA style stock. This one has a ’36 date CMS barrel with front ramp, but the barrel contour is the same as above:
Does the gun you’re looking at resemble any of these?
Best,
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
October 7, 2025
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Good afternoon, Lou:
Thanks very much for this information, particularly that the 220 Varmint version was not available until 1959. The rifle I was considering seems to match your third example.
I have a 90+% Model 70 243 Varminter that my Dad gave me for high school graduation 55 years ago. I have been chasing a pre-64 220 Swift Varminter in same condition to pair with it.
I was able to get a 95% transition 220 Swift Target, but the Varminters have been elusive (Rule said only 906 of the Varminters were built in 220 Swift).
So now I know to look for S/N range in 1959-1963 when looking at these.
November 5, 2014
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Hi kellswater-
Sounds like a 220 SWIFT Varmint rifle (1959-1963) is what you’re after. Because they were added well after the Varmint rifle in 243 WIN was introduced they only came with plastic butt plates and all have Monte Carlo stocks. Some of the later ones have the narrow panel machine checkering (true of Varmint rifles regardless of chambering).
All the 220 Swift Varmint rifles have stainless barrels, but around 1960 Winchester figured out how to directly “blacken” stainless steel, at which point they stopped bead blasting the barrels. So odds are you’ll find one with a “polished” barrel. But it is still stainless steel.
They only made about (900) Varmint rifles in 220 Swift before 1964. But they don’t seem to be that hard to find. 
Good Luck,
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
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