1971 Ruger 220 Swift still shoots

[CT10ring]

I’m in ND on a multi-day PD shoot, have several rifles along. All are bolt guns, “custom” except the Ruger.
Pic of the rifle I shot yesterday, a 1971 mfd. Ruger 77 in 220 swift. I checked zero 1st and made some nice shots after, if I do say so myself. Also plenty of near misses, as it goes. Super accurate for a factory rifle, in my .02. Using 52g Berger HP varmint bullets and RL-15, has a single shot follower, vs the factory follower / mag. I was shooting w bipod about 300-350+ yds, holding off 18” for wind. Not rapid shooting, so the bbl didn’t get too warm.
Quite satisfying.
View attachment 1479924

 

[biggun2869]

I had one in 22-250 I got off of a neighbor. It shot great sure wish, I had kept it! Back then it was all about the money. I always worked but I made considerable money on guns too. They were always available and the Law was different.

 

[Chuckhunter]

They are just a (hoot to shoot)! Have been shooting this one since the seventies as well.

 

[jackson1]

Got my Ruger 220 Swift with a varmint barrel in the 70's (used) and have enjoyed ever since. Put in a Rifle Basis sear in along with a free floated barrel plus glass and pillar bedding. Was happy with it before the mods and still enjoy it. Last year put a new Brux barrel on it and am still having fun with it. It's my coyote medicine.

 

[CT10ring]

Plus, the rounds even look fast.
Bullet is barely in the neck. Works.

 

[CT10ring]

They are just a (hoot to shoot)! Have been shooting this one since the seventies as well.

agreed, a hoot. fast, too.

 

[snert]

Not a Rooger guy, but I love my Swift. Old school cool. I ran my last barrel so long that I too had to seat bullets almost outside the case! Rebarreld it a few years ago and it still shoots great. Groundhog pounder

 

[hoz53]

I’m in ND on a multi-day PD shoot, have several rifles along. All are bolt guns, “custom” except the Ruger.
Pic of the rifle I shot yesterday, a 1971 mfd. Ruger 77 in 220 swift. I checked zero 1st and made some nice shots after, if I do say so myself. Also plenty of near misses, as it goes. Super accurate for a factory rifle, in my .02. Using 52g Berger HP varmint bullets and RL-15, has a single shot follower, vs the factory follower / mag. I was shooting w bipod about 300-350+ yds, holding off 18” for wind. Not rapid shooting, so the bbl didn’t get too warm.
Quite satisfying.
View attachment 1479924

good for you----wish i would have bought a few more if those 77s back in the day when they were offered in swift- ppc ect- they always had a good rep for accuracy from most

 

[1K6BRA]

The 220 Swift…. gathers no flys. Mine is a Cooper Phoenix model 22. It wears a 6.5 x 20 Leupold with M1 turrets. Reloader 15 with 50 grain sierra blitz kings . Out to 500 yards as long as the wind is not blowing much… there are no questions, only flys gathering.

 

[nakneker]

The mighty 220 swift, an oldie but a goodie. Sold my last one last year, Winchester heavy varmint, May regret that some day…..

 

[17cal Fan]

I have a late 90's Varmint model 77 MKII in 220 Swift. Awesome rifle and it still shoots great but these day I'm using a 17 Fireball running over 4000 FPS. Miss taking the Swift to the PD towns but don't miss the recoil or the powder consumption.

 

[Gary in MD]

Another Swift fan here!
Mine is a Cooper Jackson Game

 

[Majday]

Here as well. Mines a late 2000s 700 vssf2 I believe. Layer low 5 yotes past 2 weeks with 55 nbt just under 3800. Also have a 77 22250 varmint which Is great and my first real yote gun. Good shooting rifle

 

[ben lurkin]

Had a Swift I bought from AlNyhus probably 25 years ago. He shot 40s out of it for Foxes. Al and the gun were in a VHA article back then. I bought it with the understanding that the barrel throat was going away. I switched to 55s and ran another 500 or so through it before accuracy went away and then rebarreled it to something else. Ended up with another 220 in a new 40X I bought at an estate sale and need to get it rolling. Its a great cartridge!

 

[Doug Casner]

Ive got a 77v I ve had since 1980. Shot .5 in groups with no better no less if I get a good hold. Good varmint round. Doug

 

[Barossa_222]

I love my swift. Tang safety Ruger that belonged to a friend who taught me about shooting as a young lad. Super accurate and is my go to fox gun.