Description
Picture this: you’re glassing a wide Missouri pasture, and a prairie dog pops up at a distance that makes your .223 look like a pea shooter. You need reach, flat trajectory, and enough energy to make the shot count. That’s the niche the Ruger 1V Varminter Lever Action .220 Swift, 26″ Barrel, Blued/American Walnut Stock was born to fill. It’s a purpose-built, single-shot rifle designed for one thing: delivering precision on varmints and predators at extended ranges without the premium price tag of a custom rig.
Answer Capsule: The Ruger 1V Varminter is a single-shot, falling-block action rifle chambered in the high-velocity .220 Swift cartridge. It features a 26-inch heavy barrel for accuracy, a blued steel finish, and a classic American walnut stock. Priced at $1137.39, it’s a dedicated, long-range varminting tool that offers exceptional ballistic performance in a simple, reliable package.
Let’s talk about what you’re really getting for your money. The heart of the No. 1 action is its robust falling-block mechanism—it’s strong, simple, and inherently accurate because the barrel is fixed to the receiver like a target rifle. That 26-inch barrel isn’t just for looks; it lets the hyper-fast .220 Swift cartridge reach its full potential, squeezing out every last foot-per-second for a laser-like trajectory. The walnut stock provides a solid, traditional foundation, and the whole package comes together in a way that feels substantial and purposeful in the hands. The best part? It’s drop-in ready for your preferred scope with its integral scope base, requiring no gunsmithing to get you on the range.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a spray-and-pray rifle. It’s a deliberate shooter’s tool. The single-shot design forces discipline, making each shot count and saving you money on ammunition in the long run. Compared to a bolt-action varminter of similar quality, the Ruger No. 1 platform often comes in at a lower price point, giving you more bang-for-your-buck in pure barrel and action quality. You’re investing in a simple, accurate system, not extra magazines or a complex action. The rifle weighs in at approximately 8.5 lbs, which helps manage the .220 Swift’s modest recoil and steadies your aim from a bench or bipod.
Specifications
| Model | Ruger No. 1V Varminter |
| Caliber | .220 Swift |
| Barrel Length | 26″ Heavy Taper |
| Overall Length | Approx. 42.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 8.5 lbs |
| Stock | American Walnut |
| Finish | Blued Steel |
| Action | Single-Shot Falling Block |
Pros & Cons
Pros: The .220 Swift cartridge is legendary for its flat shooting and long-range capability, outperforming .223 Remington significantly. The fixed-barrel, single-shot design is a proven accuracy formula. The fit and finish offer classic rifle appeal. It represents strong value against custom varmint builds. Cons: Being a single-shot limits rapid follow-up shots. The .220 Swift ammo can be more expensive and less common than .223. The 26-inch barrel can be cumbersome in tight blinds or thick brush.
Who This Rifle Is For
This rifle is for the shooter who prioritizes precision over firepower. It’s ideal for the varmint hunter who takes long shots across crop fields, the predator caller who needs a decisive first-round hit, or the shooter who appreciates elegant, mechanical simplicity. If you’re the type to hand-load, the .220 Swift is a fantastic cartridge to tune for ultimate performance. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, following all applicable regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .220 Swift too much barrel wear or too hard to find ammo for?
A: Modern barrel steels have mitigated the old wear concerns of the Swift. While ammo isn’t as ubiquitous as .223, it’s readily available from major manufacturers like Hornady and Federal. For the serious varminter, it’s a hand-loader’s dream cartridge.
Q: Can I use a standard .223 scope on this?
A: Absolutely. The rifle is drilled and tapped for a scope base, and any quality scope suitable for long-range .223 shooting—like those from Vortex or Leupold’s Varmint series—will work perfectly. You’ll just be dialing less elevation thanks to the Swift’s flatter trajectory.
Q: What’s the real-world accuracy expectation?
A: With quality factory ammo or careful hand-loads, sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups are a reasonable expectation from the 1V’s heavy barrel and solid action. That translates to roughly 1-inch groups at 100 yards, a level of precision that makes long-range hits ethical and consistent.
If you’re looking for a dedicated, no-compromise rifle for reaching out across the prairie without reaching deep into a custom gun budget, the Ruger 1V Varminter in .220 Swift deserves a close look. See more details on our product page.
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