FN 1953 220 SWIFT

[ALJM]

I am looking at FN 1953 220 Swift rifle. I think it's one of those that were imported as a complete barreled action. All matching numbers. The stock in Fajen. Doesn't look like it was used much at all. Someone I shoot with with had it in the safe for years. They want 800.00 for the rifle. Is it a good prospect to build a custom rifle on ? Like a getting a good stock , trigger ,etc. I never owned 220 Swift . It sounds interesting.

 

[pirate ammo]

I would.

 

[dryhumor]

Me too. I’d keep it as a Swift though. At least till it doesn’t shoot well…

 

[Kurz]

Is it a good prospect to build a custom rifle on ? Like a getting a good stock , trigger ,etc.

It depends on the use you have in mind.

This is an Improved FN Mauser action which means it has a solid left side wall without the stripper clip thumb slot. These actions are highly regarded for the control round feed and the 3-position safety features. They have been used for thousands of custom hunting rifles from plain Jane to fully engraved with gold inlays.

There are still some very nice triggers available although this particular action was not known for being benchrest class material.

I suggest looking in the barrel for condition since the older Swift cartridge was a little rough on barrels due to the velocity and poor selection of powder. If it's in reasonable shape, check the twist rate, which was usually slow because the Swift was loaded with lightweight, varmint-type bullets. Check the crown for abuse through cleaning.

While this is a nice looking rifle, condition of the barrel is a part of the price consideration and we only have one photograph to go on...

In general, this is a $400-450.00 rifle. The $800 figure has a lot blue sky and Covid-19 greed packed into it. But, as I've said before, it's a sellers market these days. I'd negotiate.

Have fun!

 

[biggun2869]

I had a similar rifle several years back mainly because the old man who sold it to me regarded so highly. I don't remember the price of it and I'm sure trading was involved but it was probably in the $400 range but again this was several years ago. He used to talk about the extreme shots he made with it and don't get me wrong I believe that he believed but I never got that great out of it.
He had a real high DISreguard for paper! It looked very similar to that one though. Its been gone a good while as has he and I don't remember what I traded it for. Probably something interesting though

 

[snert]

These rifles are coming back onto the market after sitting in safes and closets by first and second owners (after modification of course)as they die off, sadly. as long as you realize you are talking about old tech, old school and often old cleaning practices, and don't expect outstanding results, they are not bad. I am not a Mauser buyer, but am prone to fits of fancy on oddball BR stuff. I realize that what I buy will not likely return on investment. I look at it as being the last real caretaker to shoot something and remember the owners who have passed. From me it will likely go on to become a closet item, and be sold years from now as an antique.
I still would not pay over $400-450 for this rifle, no matter the Covid thing or inflation. But thats just me.

 

[Scrumbag]

I have a couple of hunting rifles built on that action. Very nice.

I would buy it myself and see if I can get it to shoot. If not, rebarrel.

I'm not in the US so can't comment on price I'm afraid.

Scrummy

 

[joshb]

That’s a gun I’d buy to keep as it is. It’s a nice collector piece from a bygone era. I would NOT use it as an action for a build. If you want to build a gun, start with a custom action. Get the best you can afford and go from there. Borden or Bat would be my first choices but I do own 3 Stillers and they shoot great. Buy a 473 boltface and your possibilities are many.
That gun is worth whatever value you put on it. I wouldn’t pay over $500, but that’s just me. I have paid more than the value of a gun simply because I liked the owner. I’m overly susceptible to veterans and LEO’s that need the money.

 

[snert]

That’s a gun I’d buy to keep as it is. It’s a nice collector piece from a bygone era. I would NOT use it as an action for a build. If you want to build a gun, start with a custom action. Get the best you can afford and go from there. Borden or Bat would be my first choices but I do own 3 Stillers and they shoot great. Buy a 473 boltface and your possibilities are many.
That gun is worth whatever value you put on it. I wouldn’t pay over $500, but that’s just me. I have paid more than the value of a gun simply because I liked the owner. I’m overly susceptible to veterans and LEO’s that need the money.

Yes, he is