Pre-’64 Winchester Model 70 .220 Swift 26″ Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1954 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,976.00
LSB#: LSB251012JH032
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: 293563
Year of Manufacture: 1954 (https://www.winchesterguns.com/content/dam/winchester-repeating-arms/support/faq/serial-number-reference/winchester-firearm-manufacture-dates.pdf)
Caliber: .220 Swift
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL – / – WINCHESTER – / – TRADE MARK – / MODEL – 70 – 220 SWIFT -“. The chamber and the left side of the receiver are marked with a circled “WP” proof mark. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / – TRADE MARK -“. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number “293563”. The bottom of the bolt is marked with the serial number as well “293563”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade, dovetailed to a serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight has been removed, but the dovetail is still open if a new rear sight is desired. The top of the receiver is mounted with a two-piece Leupold style base for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted raised comb, checkered plastic buttplate, and sling rings front and rear. There is a leather sling attached to the stock. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light wear, with a few light compressions and minor scratches throughout. The stock shows evidence of the checkering having been chased, as the checkering isn’t consistent with the tooling and style that Winchester would have done. This technically puts the stock in the “refinished” category, but the stock’s finish itself is original, and intact throughout. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good to Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning finish on the bolt handle, floorplate, and on the edges of the trigger guard. There is operational wear on the bolt body, and on the other friction surfaces of the action. Otherwise, the bluing on the barrel and receiver is deep and dark, and the bluing overall is largely intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are lightly tooled, but all retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. The trigger has a light, crisp, and clean break. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the sling as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: When Winchester introduced the .220 Swift in 1935, it unleashed the fastest commercial cartridge the world had ever seen, and the Model 70 quickly became one of the premier rifles chambered for it. By 1954, when this rifle was produced, the “Rifleman’s Rifle” was in its prime; hand-fitted, forged, and finished to an elevated standard that later production could never quite replicate. The Swift’s blistering velocity and flat trajectory made it a legend among varmint and predator hunters, and period writers often described it as a cartridge that “reached across pastures before the sound of the shot caught up.” This example reflects that era of precision, built when the pre-64 action was regarded as the finest sporting bolt action made in America.
The .220 Swift itself has a storied history. Born from experiments with the 6mm Lee Navy case and pushed into near-experimental velocity territory, its original 48-grain loads surpassing 4,000 fps captured the imagination of shooters and ballistic researchers alike. While early concerns about barrel life developed into something of a folklore, experienced Swift users knew that careful cleaning and moderate loads produced accuracy, and longevity, that rivaled any varmint cartridge of the period. Today it remains a cult favorite, appreciated for its flat shooting and exceptional performance on small game and predators, and rifles like this one embody its golden age.
Mechanically, this rifle remains strong and correct, with a bright, sharp bore and its original serial number matching bolt. The finish wear on the floorplate, bolt handle, and trigger guard is consistent with honest use, while the barrel and receiver retain deep, attractive bluing. The stock appears to have had its checkering chased at some point, but retains its original finish and classic pre-64 lines. As a complete and properly functioning 1954 Swift, it stands as an appealing piece for both collectors and shooters; an opportunity to own one of the great varmint rifles of the 20th century, built during Winchester’s most celebrated manufacturing era. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
