Custom .220 Swift Pre-buy Inspection - Help Please

1792 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Boltman, Mar 17, 2010

Boltman

Discussion Starter · Mar 16, 2010

I'm looking at an older custom-made varmint rifle in .220 Swift that was built on a Model 98 action, barreled with a 26" medium weight tapered blued steel barrel, stocked probably with period Bishop wood, estimated date of build - 1960.

Aside from the possibility of a shot-out barrel, what should I be looking for in the way of problems/hazards before I slap down the asking bucks? I do not have the privilege of taking the stock off to look at the bedding, but I sort of doubt it was glass-bedded. The rifle appears to be a respectable piece of work, but I've never bought a military based custom rifle before and I suspect that with any such gun there could be manifold potential fubars in the mechanical department

On the Military Division of this forum I have posted a thread regarding the country of origin of the action.

Sights do not concern me, other than the fact that the one-piece scope base presently sitting on top the receiver might be hiding some issue that I am not aware of.

Thanks for your input.

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kdub

· #2 · Mar 16, 2010

Without more detail, the most obvious advice would be to look down the bore for erosion/wear and same with the bolt face. Other than that, just general eyeball inspection of the exterior and base your decision on that.

We frown on double posting on this board, so always try to contain your questions in a single posting.

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tpv

· #3 · Mar 16, 2010

Humm, A 50 year old Swift. I would think that if the owner does much shooting, the inside of that barrel needs a good inspection for wear.
But other than that, any abuse is pretty evident.
Everyone needs a Swift

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Sask boy

· #4 · Mar 16, 2010

I agree with the 2 before me. I would get someone with borescope to take a good look at it.
A new barrel would be another 300.00 to 400.00.

Blessings,

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Boltman

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 17, 2010

Thanks all. Seller reports that rifle was shot little. I may take another look tomorrow.

Bolt face - I'll look at that as well as bore. Not sure what a worn throat would look like but if it was cooked I presume the rifling will be gone.

"Everyone needs a Swift." tpv, I was thinking along those lines myself, maybe moving west where I could reach way out and touch something.

I thought someone might insist on a headspace check.

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