Creating a mannlicher k31

[Jessesky]

Making a mannlicher k31. I am looking to do this the best way, not necessarily the easiest way.

Please let me know if you catch any flaws in my thinking so I can adjust before I make a permanent mistake on the work! Feedback is appreciated.

Let’s begin!

Here is the intended project:


(I bought this as parts FYI, not a collectible)

• I would like to ditch the detachable magazine and stamped triggerguard with a hinged floorplate like this Mauser 98 one. And in turn have an internal box magazine. I think it will make the lines smooth, and say ‘custom build’. The biggest issue I’m realizing is not the action screw spacing, but the spacing of the box magazine in ratio to the trigger. The trigger actually comes very close to where the box magazine is. I’m not tied to the Mauser floorplate, and if someone has better suggestions I am certainly open to it. In the end I may have to do a blind magazine with a triggerguard in the rear and pillar in the front. But I’d like to not have that be my first choice.

• doing this creates a few issues. As mentioned one being the spacing of the action screws. I would like to heat and bend the tang straight, as well as shorten it. The action screw length of the k31 is about 1/2” longer than the Mauser. It is also at an angle. I’ll have to redrill and tap the new action screw hole

• The straightening of the tang will also take care of the uncommon angle of the rear action screw for the Mauser trigger guard which is more perpendicular.

• I would like to cut the cocking piece ring off, and weld on a decorative shaped knurled knob. Something small enough to reduce the weight and thus lock time, but large enough to grasp and twist to put the rifle on safety.

• Id like to replace the charge handle knobs with something nice, maybe knurled steel, or contoured.

• I will also blue the bolt and bolt sleeve

• Of course I will be inletting a stock blank. This won’t be too difficult, especially because I will be bedding it. I haven’t decided if I will go with a pre-cut mannlicher, or full on blank. I have to see if anywhere will semi-inlet a k-31 without in letting the guard or action screw holes.

 

[boom boom]

Wow, tough job. I am assuming when you mean Mannlicher, that you are not referring to the clip feed Mannlicher system nor the spooled system used in the Mannlicher Schonauer.

You are planning on using a Mauser mag that allows you to dump unspent rounds from the bottom of the magazine--correct?

 

[DocRock]

I believe the "Mannlicher" reference is to a full length stock.

The proper name for such a stock is a "Stutzen".

I like the plan a lot. A proper old world mountain rifle.

To replace the cocking ring, I'd be on the lookout for a brass animal head, like a chamois or a bear. That would be very cool. And what about something like stag to replace the charging handle?

Take a look at the NECG for ideas.

I used in of these on my Mauser Stutzen. It may be a little naff as it's aluminum, but I used a shade of black pant that makes it look blued.

 

[DocRock]

How about a Swiss emblem for the cocking piece?

Swiss army button
https://www.etsy.com/listing/245905..._query=swiss+cross+buttons&ref=sr_gallery-1-1