tkcomer
Member
I'm thinking of getting a Swiss K-31 because of the unusual design and the reports that they're pretty accurate. If I get one, I'll be shooting low power cast loads for fun. Is this rifle a good candidate for this?
Swiss K-31
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theotherwaldo
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This is something that I wanna hear, too.
OpelBlitz
Member
The K-31 is in fact known for its accuracy, but that's also a result of its 7.5x55 military ammunition being match-grade (GP11). I liked mine but sold it to make room for more desirable firearms in my cabinet. I borderline regret selling it. But I sold it to a friend so I can visit her anytime I want. 
GP11 rounds did not have a WHOLE lot of recoil compared to other full-power .30 cal rounds, I'd say it was more mild than a 7.62x54R or a .30-06. So if you said you're loading load power casts, I think you'll enjoy it quite a bit.
GP11 rounds did not have a WHOLE lot of recoil compared to other full-power .30 cal rounds, I'd say it was more mild than a 7.62x54R or a .30-06. So if you said you're loading load power casts, I think you'll enjoy it quite a bit.
tkcomer
Member
I have bursitis in my shoulder so I've been backing down in the recoil department. I love the light power loads in my 30-30 '94 and K-98 Mauser. I only hunt paper and cans. Glad to hear this gun is a candidate for low power loads. That straight pull design fascinates me now. Years ago I thought it was an ugly duckling, but now I kinda want one. After the price went up.
Cosmoline
Member
I've never done it, and the K31 would seem an unlikely candidate. But it has been done, and it can be done:
http://www.castpics.net/memberarticles/Cast in the K31.htm
As with all cast loads, make sure to completely clean out any copper from the bore. Not difficult with the very sharp Swiss rifling. With GP11 running low, shifting to all cast loads isn't a bad idea.
http://www.castpics.net/memberarticles/Cast in the K31.htm
As with all cast loads, make sure to completely clean out any copper from the bore. Not difficult with the very sharp Swiss rifling. With GP11 running low, shifting to all cast loads isn't a bad idea.
The K31 was the first gun I bought after I got my C&R license 4 years ago. I hardly ever shoot it anymore, but it is unbelievably accurate for it's age and cost. It's been said that if the gun was currently made commercially, it would cost in excess of $2000, due to the level of workmanship.
tkcomer
Member
Thanks for that link. I have read where Redding dies are the ones to use for reloading for the K-31 chamber. I want to use store bought cast bullets, but I'd have to get the gun to find out what the bore diameter is. I've seen every thing from .306 to .308.
Hatterasguy
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They shoot GP11 the best. The farther off you are from that round the less accurite they will be.
Luckly the Swiss have billions of GP11 left to sell, last I heard it was like 800 billion or some crazy number like that.
Luckly the Swiss have billions of GP11 left to sell, last I heard it was like 800 billion or some crazy number like that.
Hatterasguy
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Swiss rifle forum, they were talking about it. We probably have at least 15 years left of surplus GP11 baring any changes in the law, or if they become popular and we start shooting off more.
Right now some surplus is in the 80's but most is late 70's stock, they made GP11 up to 1994.
Even when we run out Prvi will still make it, probably Wolf as well.
Right now some surplus is in the 80's but most is late 70's stock, they made GP11 up to 1994.
Even when we run out Prvi will still make it, probably Wolf as well.
The swiss are still manufacturing the GP 11. I believe the machine guns on their Leopard tanks are still chambered for 7.5. Additionally quite literally they have millions of shooters that still use the round in competition every year.
That being said try and get your self a STGW 57. The rifle's felt recoil is lower than the AK, and its more accurate than the K-31. Downside you cant reload for it because it chews up the brass.
That being said try and get your self a STGW 57. The rifle's felt recoil is lower than the AK, and its more accurate than the K-31. Downside you cant reload for it because it chews up the brass.
OpelBlitz
Member
Afy said:
Can you even get those here in the US?
Hatterasguy
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They still make commercial 7.5x55, but I beleive they stopped making military GP11 in 1994.
http://theswissriflesdotcommessageboard.yuku.com/topic/1873/t/The-last-lot-of-GP11.html
http://theswissriflesdotcommessageboard.yuku.com/topic/1873/t/The-last-lot-of-GP11.html
tkcomer
Member
Well I just ordered one. Looks like another caliber I'll have to gear up and load for.
deadeye1122
Member
tkcomer If you ordered from an internet company I'd like to know how your experience was and the actual condition of the rifle verses how it was stated on the website. I'm really hesitant to buy any firearm I can't look at first. Thanks in advance,deadeye
tkcomer
Member
I'm like you. So I went with this company: https://www.simpsonltd.com/specials.php Cost a little more, but you can see the actual gun you're buying. I've seen some for sale that the butt stocks are so chewed up you'd think they'd wacked the kids with them. Every day.
deadeye1122
Member
Thanks for the link. Did a quick look but going fishing soon so will spend more time tonite. deadeye.
Well I just ordered one. Looks like another caliber I'll have to gear up and load for.
Just do not try to resize & decap GP11 with a standard die/decapping rod. That ammo is Berdan primed. Depriming is a pain, and finding Berdan primes is next to impossible.
Graf's used to sell standard Boxer primer type brass in 7.5x55
Just do not try to resize & decap GP11 with a standard die/decapping rod. That ammo is Berdan primed. Depriming is a pain, and finding Berdan primes is next to impossible.
Graf's used to sell standard Boxer primer type brass in 7.5x55
Karl Hungus
Member
^^^^
Graf's still does (PRVI Partizan). Unfortunatly (try as I might) I cannot duplicate the amazing accuracy of the GP-11 round.
Graf's still does (PRVI Partizan). Unfortunatly (try as I might) I cannot duplicate the amazing accuracy of the GP-11 round.
Shadow 7D
Member
My understanding is that the fact that the ammo GP11 is or nearly is match grade helps with the accuracy and that going to far, in powder, weight and composition of the round drastically effects how well the K31 will shoot.
Deercop is right on the mark. The workmanship on these rifles is amazing and consistent with a$1500 to $2000 rifle. Plus, these rifles are invariably in outstanding condition as the Swiss seemed to have been meticulous in maintaining them with the rifles being inspected on a regular basis. The wood can be a little rough on them, especially at the buttstock (Swiss beavers) but that's just part of their history and those dents can often be steamed out.
I spent last evening with one of my three K31 and I remain amazed at the quality of workmanship. They are often called the "Swiss Watch" of military rifles, and that moniker is appropriate.
I spent last evening with one of my three K31 and I remain amazed at the quality of workmanship. They are often called the "Swiss Watch" of military rifles, and that moniker is appropriate.
Hatterasguy
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SOP for the Swiss were yearly inspections on the rifles. If any parts failed to meet their standards they were quickly replaced.
The Swiss also never used corrosive ammo, GP11 is non corrosive and also very clean. SOP after shooting is to take their "bore snake" coat it in grease and pull it through the barrel. This coating of grease would protect the barrel until they could get home and go a proper cleaning. However the barrel was always coated in a protective coating of grease.
The stocks would get beat because they would stack them at night in the alps and they could freeze by the morning. They would simply kick the butt stocks to free them from the ice, hence the dents.
As a result the wood may be a bit rough, but the metal is usualy pretty good and the bore is always damn near perfect. While not always pretty, a good K31 and shooter will give any shooter with a high dollar modern rifle a run for his money.
The Swiss also never used corrosive ammo, GP11 is non corrosive and also very clean. SOP after shooting is to take their "bore snake" coat it in grease and pull it through the barrel. This coating of grease would protect the barrel until they could get home and go a proper cleaning. However the barrel was always coated in a protective coating of grease.
The stocks would get beat because they would stack them at night in the alps and they could freeze by the morning. They would simply kick the butt stocks to free them from the ice, hence the dents.
As a result the wood may be a bit rough, but the metal is usualy pretty good and the bore is always damn near perfect. While not always pretty, a good K31 and shooter will give any shooter with a high dollar modern rifle a run for his money.
Hatterasguy: The 7.55 Swiss Match ammo is essentially the GP 11 in the 174 grain weight. RUAG is the company that manufactured GP 11 as well.
The Privi 7.5x55 ammo is pretty close to GP 11 as well, but dirty by comparision.
Here is another picture for you of my BIL shooting my rifle, note the cartirdge being ejected. Unlike most semi's the STGW doesnt eject cases into the next county.
The Privi 7.5x55 ammo is pretty close to GP 11 as well, but dirty by comparision.
Here is another picture for you of my BIL shooting my rifle, note the cartirdge being ejected. Unlike most semi's the STGW doesnt eject cases into the next county.
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