My New K31

[countertop]

Picked up my Schmidt Rubin k31 from Aim Surplus this morning at Virginia Arms.

No pictures yet, but the stock is in decent shape and the action really is a piece of fine swiss engineering. When I ordered it, I requested handpick and a walnut stock as well as the sling and muzzle cap. They said they were out of the muzzle caps, but mine came with one anyone.

Its got the tag inside the butt stock from the previous owner and also has an old faded sticker on the stock

Bellinzona
327

Anyone know what it means?
serial number is 551xxx

 

[Marnoot]

Bellinzona is a city in Switzerland. I used to have a bookmark to a C&R forum that was extremely helpful in deciphering the tag. I'll post it if I can find it.

Edit: Here's a site that's good for the abbreviations and general tag info:
http://www.swissrifles.com/sr/tags/

 

[smince]

I got my K31 from SOG, but got the ammo and a scout-type mount from AIM. Mounted it the day after Christmas, but between weather and work, I haven't zeroed the scope yet.

Shoots great though witht the iron sights.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

based on a page I ran across, serial number 551xxx was made in 1936. I picked up a K31 525xxx from 1934. Now I have to figure out how to clean the stock without messing it up.

Regards.

 

[RaggedClaws]

Now I have to figure out how to clean the stock without messing it up.

Murphy's Oil Soap and some paper towels or rags works great

 

[ARperson]

Then some boiled linseed oil or tung oil for a protective coat.

Congrats on the purchase. And on getting the walnut stock. Difficult to do these days.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Anyone seen a leather type lace up butt pad for these things?

I have a new one but it sure could use some padding.

I'd prefer one that looks sort of authentic rather than the rubber slip ons.

They shoot great!

 

[smince]

Anyone seen a leather type lace up butt pad for these things?

I thought the recoil on mine was rather mild, especially compared to a 1903 Springfield.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

Anyone know what the original finish was? Mine seems to be high-gloss, but only about 50% coverage, the rest is bare wood. It seems like it needs refinishing, but I'll think about it for a while.

I found the tag under the buttplate:

Motf. Nabulon
Na Kp.34
Ahornstr 33a St Ballen (or possibly St Gallen?)

The bore was pretty dirty. I didn't use a bore brush, just patches on a jag. The bore looks brand-new now.

Regards.

 

[smince]

Anyone know what the original finish was? .

You can probably find out on either http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/surplusrifle (this is the surplusrifles.com forum) or www.swissrifles.com

The bore was pretty dirty. I didn't use a bore brush, just patches on a jag. The bore looks brand-new now.

Great, isn't it! My bore and bluing were excellent, but the stock needs work.

 

[middy]

I think the Swiss troops used the K31s stocks to clean their cleated boots, or test their tomahawks, or train Rottweilers, or something... I can't remember.