Any info on the Swiss K31 rifle?

50caliber123 · December 18, 2005, 12:27 PM

I know about the rifle's history and specifications. I am on the fence: Dunham's in MI has them for $99.99 and I'm not sure. I want a long-range accurate rifle. Anyone have any experience with this rifle?

TexasRifleman · December 18, 2005, 12:40 PM

AIM has some as well for the same price. I have been thinking about ordering one.

I have a friend here in DFW that has one, maybe he will post in this thread with his experiences. I shot it once a couple of months ago, pretty neat.

Accuracy wise, they certainly have a reputation for being impressive.
I suspect like most of these surplus things it will be luck of the draw.

I know the ammo is a bit pricey, .35 - .40 cents a round for Swiss surplus.

ReadyontheRight · December 18, 2005, 12:46 PM

It's a great rifle - especially for the money. There were only 500,000 made, so the surplus deals will run out at some point.

The Swiss military ammo is spendy, and you cannot reload it. But it's also extremely accurate.

You can find softpoint hunting ammo, but it's even more expensive. Best bet is to track down some reloadable brass and reload your own.

TexasRifleman · December 18, 2005, 01:04 PM

AIM wants $10 for "walnut stock". What is the standard stock made of?

Is the Walnut worth getting?

zerosignal · December 18, 2005, 01:41 PM

The stocks were all originally in walnut, but later changed to beech. The handpick option only guarantees that you will get walnut, though there is still a chance to get it if you dont pay the handpick fee.

rust collector · December 18, 2005, 01:42 PM

Most since then were stocked with beech, although there are exceptions. Most walnut I have seen was light and pretty plain, but some shows fancy tiger striping when spiffed up a bit. Workmanship is uniformly excellent (no last ditch or slave labor crudity). Most recent imports have an ugly importer's stamp and ATF mandated 2d serial number on the receiver. They are nonetheless great shooters and great fun.

Wolf is now marketing 7.5x55, and Grafs sells loaded ammo under the Hornady name, as well as brass believed to be Prvi Partisan. There is lots of GP-11 out there, which is wonderfully accurate but Berdan primed and therefore a hassle to reload. 284 Winchester mag brass can also be reformed and works well.

Especially if you can look a few over before buying, they are a great deal at $100. Go for matching numbers, good metal, and note that most stocks will show battle scars which you can repair or live with.

Ohen Cepel · December 18, 2005, 02:02 PM

It's a great gun for the money!

Mine shoots like a dream. Fast and very natural in it's handling.

For the price it's a steal! Buy more than one, they grow on you!

jfruser · December 18, 2005, 02:09 PM

My K31 is the most accurate rifle I own. I do not own any benchrest, varmint, or other dedicated target rifles, though. It beats the pants off my stock Remmy 700ADL & Remmy 7400.

I manage 2MOA with the issue open sights @ 100 yards, 3 rounds, issue GP11. With little effort. Oh, I have done better, but I can't do it reliably. If I sprung for a scope & mount I might, though. FWIW, I am an average rifle shot. I used to think I was a plain lousy shot, but the acquisition of my K31 put the lie to my lousiness. I have risen to the level of mediocrity. Nowadays, I even hope to be "pretty good," some day in the not too distant future.

For $100, I would buy one & some ammo, too. If you are one of the two people on the face of the earth who doesn't like it, you can unload it for more than you paid.

The surplus GP11 is worth it. It is quality ammo, not cheap corrosive fodder. Think of it as reasonably priced Federal Gold Match.

I just picked up some RCBS dies & plan on reloading after Christmas.

www.swissrifles.com is a wonderful resource.

Good luck on your decision.

san408 · December 18, 2005, 08:54 PM

I just posted a picture of my Walnut that was purchased from AIM in another thread. I just sanded on it a little and then tung oiled it.

The handpick from AIM doesn't just guarantee you a walnut. It's 10 more for walnut. I haven't ever heard of anyone getting a K31 that wasn't an excellent shooter. the wood will have ups and downs, but that is to be expected from a service rifle from a climate like this one's.

One thing noone else has mentioned is the sweet trigger. Mine is very nice. Not quite as nice as the one on my M1A, but still pretty sweet.

I wouldn't wait too long. Places run out of these periodically, and it's just a matter of time before they're gone for good. I have heard rumors that the last of them have already been imported.

chrisTx · December 18, 2005, 09:16 PM

get it. if anything, it's cool as hell shooting a straight pull bolt rifle. i got mine for $80 and it's in good shape.

san408 · December 18, 2005, 09:29 PM

They're just too cheap to not have one.

Cosmoline · December 18, 2005, 09:39 PM

Stock quality is widley variable. Some were pretty beat up. But accuracy is *NOT* luck of the draw with K-31's. They have been in my experience the most consistently accurate rifles NEW OR USED I've ever seen. You'd have to pay over a grand to get the same level of consistent accuracy. $99 is almost a theft.

50caliber123 · December 19, 2005, 11:00 AM

I'm sold! Thankyou, guys. I will be putting one in layaway later today. As for fit and finish, they know me on a first-name basis at Dunham's so they always let me pick out which one I want and give a good look-over of any gun I buy. Does anyone know anyone makes softpoints or hollowpoints? I would like to use it for deer season 06'. I know that Norma makes some softpoints, butat around $50.00 a box, I'll pass... How good is it as a deer rifle?

dolanp · December 19, 2005, 12:30 PM

Here's some Hornady BTSP ammo:
http://www.grafs.com/ammo/product/6062

longhorngunman · December 19, 2005, 02:43 PM

I've heard that Wolf is supposed to be coming out with a brass cased SP load in Febuary, right now the Hornady deal is the best thing going for swiss hunting loads unless you reload.

dolanp · December 19, 2005, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longhorngunman

I've heard that Wolf is supposed to be coming out with a brass cased SP load in Febuary, right now the Hornady deal is the best thing going for swiss hunting loads unless you reload.

The Wolf stuff is out, but it turned out to be more expensive than the GP11.

fredcwdoc · December 20, 2005, 01:46 AM

I walked into a "Big 5" sporting goods store today looking for Christmas ideas and walked out with my 3rd K-31 for $99. I can't do much better than that with my C&R and I was able to pick through the boxes and get the one I wanted. Walnut stock, sling, and great metal and finish. $99! Best value out there.

yonderway · December 20, 2005, 02:29 AM

I own two of these and they are phenomenal. I think with an upgrade to diopter sights or a scope, it would be the bees knees for long disance accuracy. The trigger is perfect. I wouldn't touch anything else. Just the sights.

The K31 is the best deal in milsurp going today.

Freelance Tax Collector · December 20, 2005, 02:31 AM

Any of you know of any scope mounts that are not offset to the side or are not scout mounts?

rust collector · December 20, 2005, 09:14 AM

The K31 ejects the case straight upwards, so a centered scope would get pounded and probably drop the hull back into the action.

The St Marie clamp mount is a high quality piece that many are using, and it doesn't permanently modify the rifle. I suspect you would get used to an offset mount in short order, although it is initially a bit off-putting.

Freelance Tax Collector · December 20, 2005, 02:22 PM

wait a minute though, the ZFk-55 sniper version of the K31 (might be wrong about that designation) has a mount that mounts on the center of the reciever. Is it possible to get a reproduction of that?

Has anyone seen the K31 bullpup rifle used by swiss police either?

Fingolfin · December 20, 2005, 02:39 PM

The unique action and quality make the K31 a great buy for shooter or collector. Only downside i've found is ammo price(although all of it is quality, non-corrosive ammo), and few scope mounting options.

I would LOVE tricked out in .308

DMK · December 20, 2005, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freelance Tax Collector

wait a minute though, the ZFk-55 sniper version of the K31 (might be wrong about that designation) has a mount that mounts on the center of the reciever. Is it possible to get a reproduction of that?

The ZFk-55 is not a sniper K31. It's a complete redesign and a new rifle. On it, the action is mounted at an angle so it can eject to the side.

dolanp · December 20, 2005, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMK

The ZFk-55 is not a sniper K31. It's a complete redesign and a new rifle. On it, the action is mounted at an angle so it can eject to the side.

Yup, see here: http://www.swissrifles.com/sr/sniper/

The St. Marie's clamp-on really is about the best solution for this rifle. I have one and it's solid.

50caliber123 · December 20, 2005, 05:27 PM

Do they make synthetic stocks like Advance Technology's stocks for mauser, enfields, mosins, etc. or are there replacement stocks of the same type out there?

December 18, 2005, 12:27 PM	#1
50caliber123 Member Join Date: October 31, 2005 Posts: 540	Any info on the Swiss K31 rifle? I know about the rifle's history and specifications. I am on the fence: Dunham's in MI has them for $99.99 and I'm not sure. I want a long-range accurate rifle. Anyone have any experience with this rifle? __________________ John 3:16 - If you have faith in God and superior firepower, you can, umm, beat evil.

December 18, 2005, 12:46 PM	#3
ReadyontheRight Member Join Date: December 28, 2002 Location: Minnesota - nine months of ice and snow...three months of tough sledding. Posts: 4,226	It's a great rifle - especially for the money. There were only 500,000 made, so the surplus deals will run out at some point. The Swiss military ammo is spendy, and you cannot reload it. But it's also extremely accurate. You can find softpoint hunting ammo, but it's even more expensive. Best bet is to track down some reloadable brass and reload your own. __________________ "Personal weapons are what raised mankind out of the mud, and the rifle is the queen of personal weapons. The possession of a good rifle, as well as the skill to use it well, truly makes a man the monarch of all he surveys." -Jeff Cooper- "The right of citizens to bear arms is just one more guarantee against arbitrary government, and one more safeguard against a tyranny which now appears remote in America, but which historically has proved to be always possible." -Hubert Humphrey-

December 18, 2005, 01:41 PM	#5
zerosignal Member Join Date: September 3, 2005 Location: Coos Bay, OR Posts: 112	The stocks were all originally in walnut, but later changed to beech. The handpick option only guarantees that you will get walnut, though there is still a chance to get it if you dont pay the handpick fee. __________________ "The minstrel boy to the war is gone, In the ranks of death you'll find him; His father's sword he hath girded on, And his wild harp slung behind him; "Land of Song!" cried the warrior bard, "Tho' all the world betrays thee, One sword, at least, thy right shall guard, One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

December 18, 2005, 01:42 PM	#6
rust collector Member Join Date: January 20, 2004 Location: open range Posts: 793	Walnut was standard before '46 Most since then were stocked with beech, although there are exceptions. Most walnut I have seen was light and pretty plain, but some shows fancy tiger striping when spiffed up a bit. Workmanship is uniformly excellent (no last ditch or slave labor crudity). Most recent imports have an ugly importer's stamp and ATF mandated 2d serial number on the receiver. They are nonetheless great shooters and great fun. Wolf is now marketing 7.5x55, and Grafs sells loaded ammo under the Hornady name, as well as brass believed to be Prvi Partisan. There is lots of GP-11 out there, which is wonderfully accurate but Berdan primed and therefore a hassle to reload. 284 Winchester mag brass can also be reformed and works well. Especially if you can look a few over before buying, they are a great deal at $100. Go for matching numbers, good metal, and note that most stocks will show battle scars which you can repair or live with. __________________ Just trying to make sense of it all.

December 18, 2005, 02:02 PM	#7
Ohen Cepel Member Join Date: February 4, 2003 Location: Where they tell me to go Posts: 1,882	It's a great gun for the money! Mine shoots like a dream. Fast and very natural in it's handling. For the price it's a steal! Buy more than one, they grow on you! __________________ "He who dares wins." NRA Life Benefactor Member

December 18, 2005, 02:09 PM	#8
jfruser Member Join Date: October 2, 2003 Location: Richardson, Texas Posts: 2,755	My K31 is the most accurate rifle I own. I do not own any benchrest, varmint, or other dedicated target rifles, though. It beats the pants off my stock Remmy 700ADL & Remmy 7400. I manage 2MOA with the issue open sights @ 100 yards, 3 rounds, issue GP11. With little effort. Oh, I have done better, but I can't do it reliably. If I sprung for a scope & mount I might, though. FWIW, I am an average rifle shot. I used to think I was a plain lousy shot, but the acquisition of my K31 put the lie to my lousiness. I have risen to the level of mediocrity. Nowadays, I even hope to be "pretty good," some day in the not too distant future. For $100, I would buy one & some ammo, too. If you are one of the two people on the face of the earth who doesn't like it, you can unload it for more than you paid. The surplus GP11 is worth it. It is quality ammo, not cheap corrosive fodder. Think of it as reasonably priced Federal Gold Match. I just picked up some RCBS dies & plan on reloading after Christmas. www.swissrifles.com is a wonderful resource. Good luck on your decision. __________________ Regards, jfruser "We have now sunk to a depth at which re-statement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men." ----George Orwell Interesting High Road Data

December 18, 2005, 08:54 PM	#9
san408 Member Join Date: October 20, 2004 Location: Lawton, Oklahoma Posts: 63	I just posted a picture of my Walnut that was purchased from AIM in another thread. I just sanded on it a little and then tung oiled it. The handpick from AIM doesn't just guarantee you a walnut. It's 10 more for walnut. I haven't ever heard of anyone getting a K31 that wasn't an excellent shooter. the wood will have ups and downs, but that is to be expected from a service rifle from a climate like this one's. One thing noone else has mentioned is the sweet trigger. Mine is very nice. Not quite as nice as the one on my M1A, but still pretty sweet. I wouldn't wait too long. Places run out of these periodically, and it's just a matter of time before they're gone for good. I have heard rumors that the last of them have already been imported.

December 18, 2005, 09:16 PM	#10
chrisTx Member Join Date: July 5, 2005 Posts: 183	get it. if anything, it's cool as hell shooting a straight pull bolt rifle. i got mine for $80 and it's in good shape.

December 18, 2005, 09:29 PM	#11
san408 Member Join Date: October 20, 2004 Location: Lawton, Oklahoma Posts: 63	They're just too cheap to not have one.

December 18, 2005, 09:39 PM	#12
Cosmoline Member Join Date: December 29, 2002 Location: Los Anchorage Posts: 16,243	Stock quality is widley variable. Some were pretty beat up. But accuracy is NOT luck of the draw with K-31's. They have been in my experience the most consistently accurate rifles NEW OR USED I've ever seen. You'd have to pay over a grand to get the same level of consistent accuracy. $99 is almost a theft. __________________ Moving like an arctic lizard.

December 19, 2005, 11:00 AM	#13
50caliber123 Member Join Date: October 31, 2005 Posts: 540	I'm sold! Thankyou, guys. I will be putting one in layaway later today. As for fit and finish, they know me on a first-name basis at Dunham's so they always let me pick out which one I want and give a good look-over of any gun I buy. Does anyone know anyone makes softpoints or hollowpoints? I would like to use it for deer season 06'. I know that Norma makes some softpoints, butat around $50.00 a box, I'll pass... How good is it as a deer rifle? __________________ John 3:16 - If you have faith in God and superior firepower, you can, umm, beat evil.

December 19, 2005, 12:30 PM	#14
dolanp Member Join Date: February 20, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 945	Here's some Hornady BTSP ammo: http://www.grafs.com/ammo/product/6062

December 19, 2005, 02:43 PM	#15
longhorngunman Member Join Date: April 8, 2005 Posts: 853	I've heard that Wolf is supposed to be coming out with a brass cased SP load in Febuary, right now the Hornady deal is the best thing going for swiss hunting loads unless you reload.

December 20, 2005, 01:46 AM	#17
fredcwdoc Member Join Date: March 28, 2005 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 88	I walked into a "Big 5" sporting goods store today looking for Christmas ideas and walked out with my 3rd K-31 for $99. I can't do much better than that with my C&R and I was able to pick through the boxes and get the one I wanted. Walnut stock, sling, and great metal and finish. $99! Best value out there.

December 20, 2005, 02:29 AM	#18
yonderway Member Join Date: December 19, 2005 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 201	I own two of these and they are phenomenal. I think with an upgrade to diopter sights or a scope, it would be the bees knees for long disance accuracy. The trigger is perfect. I wouldn't touch anything else. Just the sights. The K31 is the best deal in milsurp going today. __________________ "Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence. To secure peace, securely and happiness, the rifle and the pistol are equally indispensable. The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that is good." --unknown

December 20, 2005, 02:31 AM	#19
Freelance Tax Collector Member Join Date: October 13, 2005 Posts: 219	Any of you know of any scope mounts that are not offset to the side or are not scout mounts?

December 20, 2005, 09:14 AM	#20
rust collector Member Join Date: January 20, 2004 Location: open range Posts: 793	The K31 ejects the case straight upwards, so a centered scope would get pounded and probably drop the hull back into the action. The St Marie clamp mount is a high quality piece that many are using, and it doesn't permanently modify the rifle. I suspect you would get used to an offset mount in short order, although it is initially a bit off-putting. __________________ Just trying to make sense of it all.

December 20, 2005, 02:22 PM	#21
Freelance Tax Collector Member Join Date: October 13, 2005 Posts: 219	wait a minute though, the ZFk-55 sniper version of the K31 (might be wrong about that designation) has a mount that mounts on the center of the reciever. Is it possible to get a reproduction of that? Has anyone seen the K31 bullpup rifle used by swiss police either?

December 20, 2005, 02:39 PM	#22
Fingolfin Member Join Date: September 10, 2004 Location: South Carolina Posts: 158	The unique action and quality make the K31 a great buy for shooter or collector. Only downside i've found is ammo price(although all of it is quality, non-corrosive ammo), and few scope mounting options. I would LOVE tricked out in .308

December 20, 2005, 05:27 PM	#25
50caliber123 Member Join Date: October 31, 2005 Posts: 540	Do they make synthetic stocks like Advance Technology's stocks for mauser, enfields, mosins, etc. or are there replacement stocks of the same type out there? __________________ John 3:16 - If you have faith in God and superior firepower, you can, umm, beat evil.

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