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I know a guy with two Super Grades in nearly identical condition and that is around 95%. One is a Hornet, the other a Swift. I’m not sure, but I think they made a few more Hornets than Swifts, so I don’t know if that would have an impact on the decision or not. So, if you could not have them both, which one would you chose? I know it’s a personal choice, so maybe look at it from an investment point of view. Price would be the same also. While we are at it what would be a fair price, not Blue Book, but real world price? Thanks for you participation. RRM
Personally would rather have the Hornet.
I have had both, left with the Hornet only now.
If they are original, start at 3,250.00 and move north if needed…
The 22 Hornet would be my first choice, but I have a special affinity for that cartridge. If you like to burn gun powder, go for the 22o Swift.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Pull the trigger yet, RRM?
I’d try for a “package deal”!! My self if I had to just choose one, I would follow P O Ackley. (quote) If I could only have one rifle, it would be a 220 Swift.
With proper bullets (60 grain Nosler partitions) its awesome on Deer sized animals and it’s absolutely wicked on Varmints with highly frangible bullets. (scattered pieces flying long distances)
There is no right or wrong choice, Just the one you can have the most fun with………
Erin
TXGunNut, no not yet. Guy is sitting on the fence. He’s not sure what he wants to do yet. Wait and see. RRM
RRM-
Hard to give a meaningful “personal opinion” on that one. As you pointed out, both chamberings are middle of the road insofar as rarity. Both are fun to shoot. So it kind of depends on why you are interested…
From the collector’s perspective, the chambering is a tossup. If the condition is the same and both are original (no extra holes, changed out sights, etc.), then date of production might matter a fair amount i.t.o. value. A clean/unaltered 95% pre-war Hornet/Swift is going to be considerably more attractive than a clean 1949-50 type III Hornet/Swift. If age doesn’t distinguish them just go with the one you like the looks of (or – as has been mentioned – snag them both). Just make sure that the Hornet has not been converted to K Hornet, as those conversions were often not marked (believe it or not).
From the shooter’s perspective, I like both. Have a few in both chamberings and in various styles, including SG. The Hornet certainly has the more interesting/elaborate action (adapting a big heavy receiver to a light dainty cartridge). Fun to shoot as Bert said. My experience with the M70 in Swift (having fired them in standard, varmint, and target configuration – I’ve not fired my SG Swift) is that with the right handload they are all very accurate (sub-MOA regardless of barrel weight). Something with a 52 gr Sierra HPBT match bullet loaded to .22-250 velocities seems to me about right.
Let us know how it comes out and attach some pics so I can be jealous!!!
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
Hello all. This thread seems like a good place to post my first reply. I have always had an affinity to the Hornet and the model 70. They always seem to compliment each other. I never had that combination. Being a left handed shooter, bolt action rifles were always a pain to shoot. Years ago I bought a Stevens 44 1/2 in the Hornet. Although it was accurate, I could only get 3 or 4 reloads before the cases split. I had the Stevens chambered to the K Hornet and that cured the neck spitting.
I’ve never had a .220 Swift, but if I had a choice I would probably go with the .22 Hornet/Model 70 combination.
GeorgeC
Never mind the mule, just load the wagon.
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