My brother in law has been reading the gun rags too much and after one particular article is lusting after a 220 swift. I've got the reamer and equipment, and figure on using some take-off barrel, either a match barrel or whatever I can find, but we're looking around for a suitable action.

We're looking to put together a rifle for him as cheaply as possible so I'm searching for a suitable action. What would you look for or recommend? It seems the days of putting a rifle together for less than new cost are over, but that's what we're going to try and do. I can fit a new bolt on a military action if needed, along with drill and tap or most anything needed.

Suggestions welcome!

WalMart has, or, had Remington 700 ADL's for $300.00 here. Pretty cheap for a great action. Because of their emense popularity the market is rich with Remington 700 take off barrels.

A few years ago I got the same urge. Rifle loonys all have their favorites. Mine happens to be the Mauser 98. At that time milsurp VZ-24's were to be had for $50-$75 at the local Big 5 sports. Now a days, I would scour the used gun racks of my local gun shop and find a mauser that has been sporterized. It seems that no one wants a .270 or 30-06 any more. They can be had for anywhere from $175-$300. Find a good one and rebarrel with a .220 swift barrel. Barrels range from $89.99 for a chrome moly Adams and Bennett heavy contour 24" to 294.99 for a stainless Hart barrel blank. If you buy a blank, there will be more smithing cost associated than the A&B barrel. A&B barrels are pre threaded and short chambered. They still will have to be headspaced by your smith. It really depends on what type of finished product you will be happy with. My low bucks .220 Swift with an A&B stainless barrel will shoot 1/2" to 3/4" groups at 100 yards, off the bench, when I do my part. I shoot H380 and remington 50 grain spire points. 43 grains of H380 chronied at 4015 FPS from my rifle, so that is part of the fun. Good luck to you and your bro in law in this project.
Jon In Tucson