My K31

[Gundenstern]

Just got a new K31 rifle and I love it. It is much easier for my staunchly left handed self to operate with it's straight pull bolt action. One problem: I'm a little bit of a vain individual and do not wish to have a K31 like everyone else has. Has anyone here done some custom modifications and such to thiers?

I want mostly cosmetic changes (and maybe an easier to handle bolt modification) and was wondering if anyone could give me any ideas. It cost me about 120 bucks, so I'm not afraid to make it a project rifle of sorts.

Thank you.

 

[Gundenstern]

It may help to mention I was considering shaving a little wood off the fore end grips to lighten it a little but I did not want to do so before I got some opinions on effects on performance and such.

As always: Please forgive amateur terminologies and questions.

changing the bolt handle to something more comfortable would also be nice

 

[ARperson]

The K31 is probably one the most un-messed with rifles I've ever known. It's so darn near perfection in every sense that I can't imagine modifying it one bit.

If you do any work on the forward end of the wood (particularly the upper piece) be very, very careful as the wood is extremely fragile (for lack of a better word right now), and even more so if it is drier from lack of TLC.

Though I can't imagine any mods to the rifle, be sure to post pics if/when you do anything.

 

[Cosmoline]

There was an article a year or two ago in a now-defunct gun rag detailing the efforts of a writer to customize a K-31. The fellow tried to make it into a short-range brush gun in .35 something or other, complete with big American scope and altered stock and bolt handle. The project turned a tack driving war rifle into a horrific nightmare that wouldn't eject right or shoot straight.

The best advice is to leave it alone. If you want a sporter project, get an unbarreled CZ 550 action and go from there.

 

[aerod1]

Customizing, sporterizing or bubbaizing a K-31 is blasphemy. Have you no shame? The rifle is perfect, just as it is. Enjoy the virtues of your new found treasure!!

Jim

 

[TexasRifleman]

changing the bolt handle to something more comfortable would also be nice

Uhh, that is like the main reason you by a K31 in the first place......

 

[longhorngunman]

I think he ment adding something like a plastic knob, his rifle anyways ! I have several of them and got the bright idea while redoing the stock on one to take a propane torcha and add my own "stripes" along the stock, finished in Tru-oil and while peculiar most seem to like it.

 

[Cosmoline]

Some of them do have a bakelight handle instead of a steel one.

 

[Dave R]

I added a scout scope to mine. I used a "Darrel's" mount, but AIM now sells one that looks better. The fast target acquisition of a scout scope, combined with the fast straight-pull action, makes for really quick follow-up shots.

 

[cracked butt]

Some of them do have a bakelight handle instead of a steel one.

Those are usually 1911 carbines. I saw one at Dunham's about 4 years ago, not knowing what it was, I didn't buy it, but bought a 98/29 instead, not a terrible outcome for that day.

 

[Moonclip]

I think the handle is actually aluminum for those that care. I once missed a 1911 at $250 too recently and I think it may have been a carbine. Just could not afford it.

 

[KadicDeshi]

http://p223.ezboard.com/bcurioandrelicfirearmsforum

Try the swiss rifle forum and sporterizing forum at the above address. There was not too long ago a very nice example of a sporterized K31 using a Boyd's aftermarket stock and a St. Marie's Clamp-on scope mount.

Good luck,
Barrett

 

[antarti]

left hander eh?

Just a thought...

You do realize that left-handed conversions have been done to these rifles? Sounds like you would be a natural for that. The Swiss rifles forums have some information on the conversion.

Since these rifles were meant to hit and be operated quickly, you could add:

1) St. Marie offset scope mount (or a scout mount) and scope
2) kick-eez (sp?) recoil pad
3) kick-eez cheek pad (to help you line up with the offset scope as a leftie)
4) some ammo chargers

That would give you a "custom" left-handed K31, the ability to use iron sights unencumbered (if offset mount is used), the ability to switch to a scope for longer range work (say, zeroed at 300). Since the scope offset is only 3/4", sighting in at 300 only causes a 3/4" offset at 600 (noise at that range). With the recoil reduction and left-hand action, you should be able to shoot, hit anything you can see, and repeat more quickly than most bolts will allow.

If you haven't started reloading, now would be a good time. The K31 rewards handloaders with excellent groups (compared to modern rifles, not milsurps).

 

[Gundenstern]

The K31 is probably one the most un-messed with rifles I've ever known. It's so darn near perfection in every sense that I can't imagine modifying it one bit.

If you do any work on the forward end of the wood (particularly the upper piece) be very, very careful as the wood is extremely fragile (for lack of a better word right now), and even more so if it is drier from lack of TLC.

Though I can't imagine any mods to the rifle, be sure to post pics if/when you do anything.

Would it not affect performance to remove all wood forward of second barrel ring (cant think of the right word right now)?

 

[Gundenstern]

Just a thought...

You do realize that left-handed conversions have been done to these rifles? Sounds like you would be a natural for that. The Swiss rifles forums have some information on the conversion.

Since these rifles were meant to hit and be operated quickly, you could add:

1) St. Marie offset scope mount (or a scout mount) and scope
2) kick-eez (sp?) recoil pad
3) kick-eez cheek pad (to help you line up with the offset scope as a leftie)
4) some ammo chargers

That would give you a "custom" left-handed K31, the ability to use iron sights unencumbered (if offset mount is used), the ability to switch to a scope for longer range work (say, zeroed at 300). Since the scope offset is only 3/4", sighting in at 300 only causes a 3/4" offset at 600 (noise at that range). With the recoil reduction and left-hand action, you should be able to shoot, hit anything you can see, and repeat more quickly than most bolts will allow.

If you haven't started reloading, now would be a good time. The K31 rewards handloaders with excellent groups (compared to modern rifles, not milsurps).

I actually did consider all of those. The left hand adaptor seems perfect