K31 finally arrived

[offthepaper]

WAHOO!
My K31 I ordered from Classic Arms just came about an hour ago. Opened the box and felt all warm and fuzzy inside . I've wanted one of these for a long time and it seems as though the supply is finally drying up. Prices are up, selection is limited, They did'nt even have one with a troop tag to send me. So I opted for a walnut stock (the only ones they have left) and also went for the handpick option. That $10 is the best money you will ever spend with Classic, they really do seem to sort through and pick you a nice one. I've never been disappointed with their handpicks.
My new baby is mfg in 1935, dating from the s/n. The metal is about 80%. The stock is better than most I see at the GS's. It has some dings and scratches in it, but no gouges. I'm getting ready to take it apart for a good cleaning, as it has a fair amount of oil on it. I'll likely use a steam iron to get the light scratches out of the wood. What would be the best finish for a K31? Or should I just oil it and leave it at that. I can't post a pic, but as stated the wood is in pretty good shape, Swiss-wise anyway.
Does anyone have a pic they can post of what they did with their K31 stock?
Man, I don't know if I'm going to go to work tomorrow now, I'm starting to feel Range Fever coming on.

 

[Davo]

Cool! Got any pics? I finished mine with spray-on shellac, and am happy.

 

[Technosavant]

All I did to my walnut K31 stock was to clean it up with some Murphy's Oil Soap. It took the grime off and left it looking nice. I haven't done anything else to it. If you got a sling with it, I would recommend some saddle soap for it; it will not only clean it, but will also restore some flexibility.

 

[Soybomb]

If you poke around the swissrifle forums you'll find a recipe for making a shellac of the same color as the original.

 

[PotatoJudge]

For such an early example with above average wood, definitely don't mess with the finish. Just wipe the stock clean with a mild degreaser after testing it on an unexposed part of the finish.

 

[Flash!]

I got my K31 with walnut stocks from Classic about two weeks ago.....the sights were dead on bullseye right out of the box.....and I was shooting two inch groups with open sights....I consider that to be an exceptionally accurate gun. Buy one!

 

[offthepaper]

Well, I was up till 1:30 a.m. this morning using a steam iron to remove most of the scratches, marks, whatever from the stock , and she looks good.. I been giving the finish some thought and think I'm going to go with a oil finish. Either tung or BLO. I know it's not the original finish, but the grain of the stock is so nice, I think an oil finish will enhance it even more.
While taking it apart, I can't help but be impressed with the craftsmanship that shows itself on every piece of the rifle, The fit and finish of the metal parts is first rate. I can't remember the last time I was as pleased with any FA purchase.

 

[Soybomb]

While taking it apart, I can't help but be impressed with the craftsmanship that shows itself on every piece of the rifle, The fit and finish of the metal parts is first rate.

It makes all the other surplus feel like junk so far for me

 

[cracked butt]

been giving the finish some thought and think I'm going to go with a oil finish. Either tung or BLO. I know it's not the original finish, but the grain of the stock is so nice, I think an oil finish will enhance it even more.

The original finish is a shellac.

To duplicate it, mix Zinnser orange shellac with BLO 50:50 to get a slurry. Rub this on in a thin coat on the stock in a few coats, allowing to dry between coats.

The upside is that it matches the original finish very closely, the downside is that it will make depressions and scratches shiny(as will most finishes).

 

[cracked butt]

While taking it apart, I can't help but be impressed with the craftsmanship that shows itself on every piece of the rifle, The fit and finish of the metal parts is first rate.

As far as milsurps go, only Swedish and Argentine Mausers come close, alot of modern rifles aren't put together as well.

 

[grimjaw]

I don't care how ugly the stocks on these look. I sold my first one before I moved but recently picked up a second. The very first two shots at 50 yards were inside an inch on a playing card, and if I could have actually seen them better I'd have been able to keep them on a playing card at 100 yards.

jm

 

[kingpin008]

Grimjaw - That's a beautiful rifle. I've never really been into rifles, or milsurp, but that pic might convince me to reconsider...

How much work would a fella have to do to get one of these K31's in that kinda shape?

 

[grimjaw]

kingpin008, so far as I know this is the way it came from the importer. I bought it in this condition and I don't think the previous owner did anything to it either.

If it was twice as ugly and shot this good, I'd still keep it.

jm