Hey guys I'm thinking about picking up a k31 as my first gun when my C&R comes in but I was hoping you could offer some recommendations on which kind of stock to look for. I think the beech might be the look I prefer on the rifle but I wonder if it carries significance past aethetics.
Swiss K31 - beech or walnut?
- Thread starter Soybomb
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I believe they switched to 100% beech sometime in the middle of their production of the rifles, so you might get a newer rifle if you went beech, but I don't know whether they did any switching when a rifle was arsenaled. And, of course, you might want an older rifle, and age is no assurance of finish quality or build quality (I'd expect the latter to be topnotch from start to finish).
Mike
Mike
U.S.SFC_RET
Member
They are both beautifull in their own right. If you cannot decide just get one of each. 
Wow Coronach thats a nice pattern there, I don't know if the surplus lottery will be that kind to me
If the K31 is as nice as everyone says, that very well might happen. It sounds like the walnut might be a little more rare though and perhaps worth picking up one of 1st.
BillinNH
Member
<but I don't know whether they did any switching when a rifle was arsenaled.>
I bought one from AIM that had a bolt/receiver from the walnut era, a beech stock dated after the walnut era (of course) and a magazine dated even later than the stock. I assume this was a re-arsenalled gun.
However, everything fits together well and functions perfectly, so no complaints here. Doesn't look bad at all, once I cleaned the stock a bit.
There were fewer beech guns than walnut, FWIW.
Esthetically, an all matching walnut piece would be my first choice but I buy guns primarily to shoot them.
You can't miss (pun intended) with any K31.
Bill
I bought one from AIM that had a bolt/receiver from the walnut era, a beech stock dated after the walnut era (of course) and a magazine dated even later than the stock. I assume this was a re-arsenalled gun.
However, everything fits together well and functions perfectly, so no complaints here. Doesn't look bad at all, once I cleaned the stock a bit.
There were fewer beech guns than walnut, FWIW.
Esthetically, an all matching walnut piece would be my first choice but I buy guns primarily to shoot them.
You can't miss (pun intended) with any K31.
Bill
GMAN
Member
most people probably prefer the look of a walnut stock, as evidenced by the fact that that's what most companies use for their "nicer" model production rifles, but often "other" hardwood versions are actually harder/less scratch and ding susceptible than walnut. Basically it comes down to what look you like better, especially if you're not worried about how tough the wood is.
Essex County
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Even a blind pig lucks out once in a while.....
I found a walnut one without the typical scrapes, dings and hatchet marks. It shoots no better than my beech ones. Look once to see beauty and twice if you're a fussy old cuss. Essex
I found a walnut one without the typical scrapes, dings and hatchet marks. It shoots no better than my beech ones. Look once to see beauty and twice if you're a fussy old cuss. Essex
Technosavant
Member
The switch was in 1946, IIRC. There's no difference other than aesthetics. I went with walnut for mine, mainly because the dings are less noticeable with a darker stock. The walnut stocked ones will also be slightly more collectible, but I don't know if that will make a huge difference in the future.
cracked butt
Member
I'm not 100% sure, but I think walnut is more resistant to dings that cut through the grain so there's at least a chance it will look better. The beech stocks started around 1943, so you'll get a newer rifle. My 1942 walnut rifle looks really nice, but My 1952 beech rifle looks nice as well because its seen a lot less use.
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