Which Swiss rifle?

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Girodin

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I have had a desire to quire a Swiss straight pull rifle for some time. My only reason for getting one is essentially just a desire to own one. I think they are kind of neat. I've always looked at the K31s but recently when I was looking they also had a 1911.

My question is which would you buy a K31 or a 1911? And why?

Any other wisdom on buying these rifles is appreciated.
 
I don't claim to be an expert but I don't think you can go wrong with either one. Who wouldn't want to have a finely machined accurate rifle for $300 in the K31?
 
Both are among the best military rifles ever made. The 1911 has a longer action and locks up in the middle. The K-31 is more modern with a front lockup and more condensed action. The K-31 has a thicker stock to it and handles more like a Garand. The 1911 has a leaner stock and longer barrel. It handles like the very long rifles of the WWI vintage.

On balance the K-31's are easier to find, so if you have a chance at a 1911 for the same price it's not a bad idea to snatch it up.
 
K-31 is the improved 1911. Mine shoots great with mediocre PRVI ammo cant wait to get some my handload or GP11 to try out.

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Was the 1911 a carbine or a long rifle?

I like the long rifles, they seem more graceful to me. If I had to carry it very far, though, I'd like the carbine.
Both probably will be good shooters.
 
My question is which would you buy a K31 or a 1911? And why

I have a M1911 rifle. It is much longer than a K31, the action is a rear locker, making it less strong than a K31.

The K31 is the better rifle.
 
I have both and had a long 1911 that I traded in a weak moment a few years back. I just got a K31 and it is one fine piece of workmanship. J&G had a sale on them a couple weeks ago which I think was like 229.00 for walnut stock.
I borescoped the barrel when I got it and it is as if it were unfired.
Had owners name under the buttstock.
 
Heck, I think you should buy a K11. There accurate , feel great, a shortened version of the G1911. But they are all great no matter which one you decide.
K11.
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I'm no expert but I do have a K31 that is really interesting and fun to shoot. I just refinished mine recently. Refinishing might upset some of the purists but it feels much better and looks much better IMO.

Some photos:

Before...

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After...

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^^^ Nice looking refinish. You did a good job!

I did the same with mine. Couldn't stand the nicked up stock. It's one very nice walnut stock now.
 
i have had all 3
mod 89
k11
k31

k11 or k31 are more then good

k31 will be your best bet,
if the old guy still has that carbine k31 at this weekend gun show it will be mine

c&r can get one at j&g for $199 and up
 
All those pics are not making it easier to resist the urge to buy one.

Thanks for the input it sounds like the K31 is the way to go (or at least the one to get first).

I saw one place had the walnut stocks for $20 more than the beech. Any thoughts on choosing between the two stocks?
 
It's a matter of taste but I think the walnut is nicer. That being said I've seen some really nice beech stocks posted online (usually after being refinished). Now that I have a walnut one I kinda want to get a beech one as well. I have a few other guns I want before I start buying multiples but I think it would be cool to have one of each.
 
You guys all have foxy, beautiful guns. Even if altered a bit, that wood looks excellent.

jpwilly's looks very attractive with the scope, although I would not want holes drilled in my rifles.

Do you guys find the Swiss open sights to be both better and easier to use than classic Mauser sights?

CHEVELLE427:
An Italian guy on a classic rifle website know guys in the Swiss Reserves from visits there.
He stated that the Swiss will continue to export the ammo to the US, and apparently they do not comply with the rules of arms control organizations in the UK/Euro countries.

These govt. groups have paid some eastern Euro countries and even South Africa to destroy large quantities of WW2 military bolt-action rifles (Lee-Enfields) and ammo, along with vast heaps of AKs etc. You can find their websites.
 
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I have both, actually several of the K-31's and one 1911.

K-31 has front locking lugs and is considered stronger.

1911 has middle of bolt, not rear locking lugs, and is not considered as strong, but plenty strong for issue ammo.

My 1911 is probably the most accurate open sighted rifle I have, comparing to K-31, Swedish M-96, and several bolt action sporters.
 
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