K-31 purchase

[ks_shooter]

I am wanting to purchase a Swiss K-31 and I have been looking at the selection available from Classic Arms. They sound like they are in very good condition and they have matching serial numbers. They offer a standard rifle with a Birch stock for $120 and a Walnut stocked version for $150. They told me that the stocks have the same amount of wear (a lot). I would suppose that the Walnut stock might look a little nicer, but I assume that it wouldn't make any other difference in terms of accuracy, durability, etc. Any K-31 experts out there have an opinion on this? Thanks.

 

[MechAg94]

Try AIM Surplus. www.aimsurplus.com They might have a better price. They have a good price on ammo as well.

I like my Walnut stock. I doubt you will get a good stock unless you find someone with select rifles. I have heard the Walnuts are many times in better condition, but I am not sure. Mine was dented badly, but not scratched up or cracked.

 

[Red Tornado]

That's way over AIM's price. They're $99.95 plus $10 for the walnut stock. I got one 2 weeks ago for $121 delivered with the walnut stock. Plus, I've found AIM very prompt and good to do business with. YMMV, but hopefully not.

Alas, I didn't get the bonus under the butt plate.
Good luck,
RT

 

[ARperson]

If any of your local dealers have them, try that out too. At least you can get a visual on the actual condition of the stock. Even paying the extra little premium from the local guy, you should still be able to get a better price than $150.

 

[ks_shooter]

Thanks for the feedback.

I realize that the prices at Classic Arms are a little higher, but from what I have read their selection in terms of metal finish, etc. is a little better than the ones from AIM. I was willing to pay the $20~$30 more in order to get a little better looking specimen. I have also considered Allan's Armory. He individually lists and describes the rifles for sale.

What I was inteterested about is any quality differences between the Walnut and Birch stocked guns. Is one typically older than the other? Is one typically better looking on metal or wood finish than the other? I might try to refinish the stock. Is one type of wood better for that than the other? Thanks.

 

[ARperson]

Generally speaking, the walnut stocks are on older guns than the birch. However, to my knowledge, a K-31 is a K-31 is a K-31. Aside from the wood used for the stocks, here are some of the modifications made to design.

Taken from www.swissrifles.com/sr/

During it’s production run there were several minor modifications made to the K31.

1934, the firing pin was made thinner.
1935, the receiver was hardened
1936, the magazine shell was hardened
1941, laminated stocks were tested, but rejected
1944, due to supply shortages, Chromium Molybdenum was use in place of Chromium Nickel Steel on various parts. This experiment proved unsuccessful.
1946, starting with serial number 868,901, beech rather than walnut was used for making the stocks

Hope this helps.

Thought I'd add that if you're interested in the manufacture dates and corresponding serial numbers go to http://www.radix.net/~bbrown/schmidt_rubin.html

 

[longhorngunman]

Classic is overall a very good company and the owner Ben is very helpful but for a K31 I'd go with Aim. Most all these guns will be rough on the stocks anyways. Classic does have a pretty good deal on Persian Mausers right now, and if you buy a lemon from Ben he will go out of his way to make it right.

 

[smince]

I bought one from SOG for $79.95 + sh (C&R price) in August. The stock is pretty good, but needs to have a refinish. Blueing and metal are as good as any I've seen on a K31, which is usually excellent. I'd try one of the cheaper companies.