What Gun Shoots .220 Swift?
The .220 Swift is a legendary high-velocity cartridge, known for its impressive speed and flat trajectory. But its popularity has waned somewhat over the years due to the availability of newer rounds with similar performance and less recoil. So, while many rifles have shot the .220 Swift historically, the number of readily available, new production rifles chambered in this caliber is significantly smaller than for more popular calibers.
Let's explore some of the answers to this question, considering both historical and contemporary availability.
What Rifles Historically Shot .220 Swift?
Many manufacturers have produced rifles chambered in .220 Swift throughout its history. These included a wide range of bolt-action rifles from well-known brands like:
- Remington: Remington offered several models chambered in .220 Swift, making them one of the most prominent producers of .220 Swift rifles.
- Winchester: Winchester also produced rifles in this caliber, contributing significantly to the cartridge's initial popularity.
- Savage: Savage Arms has also produced rifles in .220 Swift over the years.
- Other Manufacturers: Numerous other smaller manufacturers, both domestic and international, also offered .220 Swift chamberings at various points in the cartridge's history.
It's crucial to understand that finding these older rifles often requires searching the used gun market. Condition and availability will vary greatly.
What Rifles Currently Shoot .220 Swift?
Finding a new production rifle chambered specifically in .220 Swift is considerably more challenging. While some custom gunsmiths might chamber a rifle for this round upon request, it's not a common offering from major manufacturers. You're more likely to find used rifles from the brands mentioned above in the previous section. It is always advisable to check with your local gun shops and dealers for current availability.
Are There Modern Alternatives to the .220 Swift?
Yes, absolutely. Modern advancements in cartridge technology have led to rounds that offer comparable or even superior performance to the .220 Swift, often with less recoil and greater availability. These cartridges include:
- .223 Remington: A wildly popular round for both hunting and sport shooting, offering excellent velocity and accuracy.
- .22-250 Remington: Another high-velocity cartridge often compared to the .220 Swift, offering similar ballistic performance.
- 6mm Creedmoor: A newer cartridge gaining considerable popularity due to its flat trajectory, accuracy, and ease of finding ammunition.
These alternatives provide a broader selection of new rifles and readily available ammunition, which may be more attractive to many shooters.
Where Can I Find a .220 Swift Rifle?
Your best bet for finding a .220 Swift rifle is to:
- Check local gun shops and dealers: Visit your local gun stores and inquire about their current inventory or if they can help you locate one.
- Browse online gun marketplaces: Websites specializing in firearms sales often have listings for used rifles. Exercise caution and follow safe purchasing practices.
- Attend gun shows: Gun shows often have a wider selection of used and collectible firearms, including older rifles that might be chambered in .220 Swift.
Remember to always prioritize safe gun handling and follow all applicable laws and regulations when purchasing and using firearms. Researching the specific firearm and its condition before purchase is also essential.
