K31s, K11s, briefly in stock again - Best Swiss surplus rifle to get?

[Thermactor]

AIM Surplus has some 7.5 Swiss rifles in stock now.
I missed the boat last time and don't want to get stuck with my hands down my pants again. As far as I know their supply had dried up completely and this is nothing short of a second chance.
Since there's a selection now, I want to know, which one is the best one for collector's value going forward?
Separately, which one is the most accurate? Which one is the best all-around shooter?
Prices range from $299 to $340 or so. Hand pick is an extra $20.
They have the:
1896/11 $319, (37 in stock)
1911 Schmidt-Rubin $319 sold out (was this a good deal?)
K31 Carbine for $299 Beech (65 in stock), $330 Walnut (42 in stock)
K11 Carbine for $299 (21 in stock)

They have the excellent GP11 ammo in ample stock for $.51/rd which I won't argue with. I'll buy a lot of that when I choose my rifle.

Some input would be appreciated.

I know these guns cost $100 10 years ago. Things have changed... M44 Mosins cost $79 five years ago and now they're going for something stupid like $240.

I'll have to move fast so quick replies are requested.

 

[MRH]

My personal experience is with 2 of the K31s, both with excellent condition metal and dings on walnut buttstocks. Both are extremely accurate with the GP11 ammo.

I have handled the others but not used them.

The beech stocks I've seen on the K31s have been mostly much better condition.

Of the guns mentioned I'd get a K31 and the largest amount of GP11 ammo you could afford.

Mike

 

[Sprouticus]

I really enjoy my K31, it is very accurate and fun to shoot.

I'm not sure as to which type is more accurate among the ones you mentioned, you might want to look over on the swiss rifle forum.

http://theswissriflesdotcommessageboard.yuku.com



Don't worry about the supply drying up, check out Simpsons LTD, they have quite a few Swiss rifles in stock now.

The owner has contacts in Europe and makes regular trips there to import all types of rifles including K31's, K11's, 1911 etc.

Another nice thing about Simpsons, they give individual pics and descriptions for each rifle.
You can also call them up, and they will answer any questions you might have.

Just be sure to have the item# and don't go over board, they do tend to be a bit busy.
http://www.simpsonltd.com/index.php?cPath=350_351_379&sort=4a&page=9

 

[busdriver72]

Yeah, the K31. Had two of them. They kick like a mule, but very accurate.

 

[Oldschool shooter]

I have a K31 with beech stock and I love it. As accurate as any commercial bolt gun using iron sights.

 

[Edarnold]

The long-barreled Gewehr 11 is prized by offhand shooters for it's long sight radius and fine balance. Which perhaps is why they sold out? Between the K11 and the K31, I'd pick the newer design for superior strength and consistent accuracy. There are also more add-ons available for the K31 if you go clean Karibiner Krazy. Diopter sights, scope mounts, muzzle brakes to name a few. Anyway, I second the recommendation for Simpsons as a source, but whichever dealer you favor, get one of these beauties.

 

[Trent]

Shut up.

Throw your money at the screen.

Buy a rifle.

Buy some good GP11 ammo for the rifle.

Come back in a week and say "Thanks, Trent"

 

[Sam1911]

If you've got to have one and can't have more, I'd probably go for a K31 so I got that base covered. They're just a.m.a.z.i.n.g. guns.

Then the others as finances allow.

 

[Thermactor]

Thanks guys.
I'm leaning then toward a K31 Beech stock model. Now to pay $20 for hand pick or not..

 

[Trent]

It's only money.

K31 is the best bolt action surplus gun I've ever acquired - by a LONG shot. (And I've got just about all of the wartime surplus bolt guns man can buy from 1898 Krag onward...)

 

[MRH]

Pay the extra money. The differences I've seen between the standard offering and the extra handpicked is considerable.

 

[Jackal]

If you think a K31 is good, try a K1911 rifle sometime. It balances just as well and has a very long sight radius. Here's a pic of my 1916 K1911, still just as good as the day it was new. No import mark and a mirror bore

 

[19-3Ben]

Now to pay $20 for hand pick or not..

A mere $20 to ensure it's going to be in nice condition? It's a no brainer.
You wanted to know about collectibility value. A good condition gun will always appreciate more and be worth more. You could very well get that $20 back and then some if you sell it one day.

 

[Blade First]

This is just an educated guess on my part but expect that if the K31 were mfd. now, even with the best and most cost-effective modern machinery, the retail price would of necessity be north of $1000; perhaps way north.

It's an amazing rifle; mine is more accurate than I am.

 

[Trent]

The only downside to a K31 in my opinion is the metal buttplate combined with recoil.

I shot mine in an 80 round high power match last year w/ GP11 ammo (entered as a match rifle, I don't think they qualify for service rifle unless you're legitimately a Swiss citizen...).

This was before I bought my creedmoor coat.

The following Monday my shoulder was 5 shades of red, purple, green, brown, and yellow.

I won't do that again without a shooting coat to buffer my shoulder some.

Anyway I thought of posting this little phenomenon because if you are recoil sensitive AT ALL - and most mere mortals would be to this level of kick - you might want to spend a little for a slip on recoil pad.

FWIW I took 2nd overall with that old swiss gun. Those buggers can SHOOT.

 

[Thermactor]

Looks like the GP11 ammo is pretty widely available at the moment and I can get it shipped in from SGAmmo cheaper than I'd pick it up local from AIM Surplus.
So... next week I'll find out if I get a pay raise.
If I do, I might consider buying two rifles instead of one rifle and a bunch of ammo. As a second rifle should I consider the K11 carbine or the M1896/11 rifle? Or should it just be another K31, maybe with a different stock?

I might end up getting rid of my Mosin-Nagant 91/30 and all of its accoutrements on principle now. Even though its value is going up

 

[tlatoani]

One of the online stores posts pics of the actual rifles you can buy, simpsons or something like that. The cost is a tad higher, but you know what you are getting.

 

[Thermactor]

One of the online stores posts pics of the actual rifles you can buy, simpsons or something like that. The cost is a tad higher, but you know what you are getting.

That's a big draw but I'm sticking with AIM here since they are local and I can just go pick it up from them. I don't have a relationship with an FFL for online guns.

 

[boom boom]

Had a K31 and have a K1911 Carbine. Some slight differences that might matter to you or not--the K31 is more numerous and probably a better bet for regular shooting. The K1911 carbine is the rarer of the two carbines and may have seen a bit more wear but will probably appreciate more in the long run due to scarcity.

BTW, the beech stocked K31's were generally made later than the walnut. Some hold that the beech are more accurate while others prefer the older walnut stock. Mine was a walnut stock made about the second year in production. Also save the GP11 Brass, every now and then a guy appears on ebay selling berdan decapper devices using hydraulic pressure for the Swiss 7.5 and the 6.5 Swede respectively. The Swiss make great brass and you can get Berdan primers to reload it on occasion.

 

[tlatoani]

Ah nice, if you are local and can pick one out then that makes sense.

Oh, and get a C&R license!

 

[Trent]

SGAmmo had the best prices when I bought more GP11 two weeks ago.

Had a big ol' stack of Swiss Porn show up at my doorstep.



(I shot through half the case I bought last year and realized "Damn, I bet this stuff is extinct by the time I retire and get free time to shoot more...")

It's more expensive now than when I bought the first case a couple years back but still not terribly so.

I figure this will last me a bit once I retire. And if I die off before I retire my wife can probably sell it for a profit once the imports dry up.

 

[Edarnold]

A word to the wise. A lot of people have the need to detail strip every gun they get. In the case of the K31, know that over-tightening the rear action screw can snap the rear tang on the receiver. Check on the SwissRifles website for more detailed information on this issue, and the issues regarding the factory bedding and accuracy. Better yet, keep your monkey-paws off and just field-strip to clean and lube.

 

[nathan]

They are really good rifles . I do want to see more pictures of those who used them hunting game. In the last 25 yrs the market has been pushed to buy the bigger is better scoped rifles. But going back to good ole world Swiss craftsmanship was the envy of many. These Swiss rifles are amazing once you see the results.

 

[wheelgun6T9]

Love my K31

My K31 is by far the best value I have found. I have my C&R and picked one up a few years ago from AIM. It's dead accurate (if I do my job) and just a real pleasure to shoot. I really enjoy operating the action.

GP11 is beautiful ammo and I picked up a decent bit of it over time. I also constructed a copper/steel hydraulic decapper learned from my youtube training

Berdan primes can be had at gun shows in my area and I've reloaded a little bit for this rifle - it can be done about as easy as any though decapping is a bit wet . Typically I shoot the GP11 though. It's cheap enough for the limited shooting I do with this fantastic rifle.

- wheelgun6t9

 

[bosshoff]

Yeah, the K31. Had two of them. They kick like a mule, but very accurate.

You must have a mule with some Shetland Pony in its lineage.