Richard,

I would guess the prairie dog shooters will be stopping by soon to offer their advice, which will be better than mine. Just a couple thoughts/opinions:

-It sounds like you are looking to buy a new rifle. If I were in your shoes right now, I would be looking for something used, and used relatively little(or obviously well cared-for). There seem to be quite a range of choices when you are open to older, used guns, especially in the Swift.

-I had a 22-250 once, and it seems to me to be just about the best choice for varmints. Has a slightly smaller case than the Swift, so velocities are generally a tad slower, but I haven't heard any cases of throat erosion, which I understand could be a problem with the Swift, at least in older models. Should reach to close to the same ranges as the Swift.

I'm sure others will have some great advice for you. Happy hunting(for both gun and varmints)!

Regards,
Andy