Swiss K31

[andrewdl007]

I understand that the Swiss K31 was manufactured from 1933 until 1958... Were there any changes in design or quality between the early and late models? if so is there an age that is more or less valuable... I guess it would be easier to find better condition late model rifles compared to early models? Are they really as great as everyone says?

 

[fireman 9731]

The only difference that I know of is that the earlier guns had walnut stocks, the later ones beech. The beech is more common.

All of the K-31s made were high quality. Built like a Swiss watch! They really are sweet rifles, great shooting and very neat. I love mine.

 

[battlecry]

I got two of them but consider myself a noob at this. One thing I noticed is that distinguishes the earlier from the later is the wood used. My earlier one was a tiger striped walnut, my later one beech. The beech one is finished in shellac with an almost orange tint. The walnut one is also finished in shellac, but I do not know if it is original. Functionally, i.e. the metal, is the same in both rifles.

 

[andrewdl007]

what is the general condition of the stocks do the beech or walnut show more wear on them? what about the 7.5×55mm Swiss / GP 11 round? What game is it good for and how much dou you pay for a box of ammo?

 

[TurtlePhish]

Stocks on K31s are usually pretty beat up.

7.5x55mm GP11 is ballistically almost identical to .308, costing around $.50-.60/round last time I saw. GP11 is all FMJ, not good for hunting. Otherwise, it's good for whatever a .308 is good for.

 

[barnbwt]

The steel used in the bolt sleeve (IIRC) was changed to a different alloy briefly. The changed didn't work out, and those original sleeves were replaced in armory with replacements of the original alloy. They were serialed in neat, large, electropencil (no prior serials since these parts were unissued replacements). To my knowledge, the armory caught all the defective rifles and brought them into compliance, so no safety worries.

Also, I believe there were more walnut stocks made, but since they are prettier, they got bought up first so the market is artificially flush with beech's, with walnuts a bit (maybe 10%) more expensive. The walnuts are also easier to repair dents in, if I remember rightly, and the darker color doesn't show as much water damage. There are both beech and walnut tiger stripings out there, if you're lucky enough to see one.

TCB

 

[meanmrmustard]

Early rifles were walnut, but those made during the war were predominantly beech, due to the fact that many surrounding nations wouldn't export walnut to a neutral nation. That, as far as I know, is the only difference.

Neither is better than the other. Most collectors want and shoot both, well I might add.

7.5 Swiss, from those I know who use it, is an excellent deer and hog cartridge. With hand tailored loads in the 165-175 gr range loaded for speed, friends on Longrangehunting.com use it for elk under 300 yards with no problems whatsoever.

 

[Edarnold]

I understand that the Swiss K31 was manufactured from 1933 until 1958... Were there any changes in design or quality between the early and late models? if so is there an age that is more or less valuable... I guess it would be easier to find better condition late model rifles compared to early models? Are they really as great as everyone says?

Like the US, the Swiss rebuilt older rifles if they became unserviceable. So you may find a K31 with a serial number indicating manufacture in the 1930's that look remarkably new, including the late Beech stocks. Refurbished rifles were stamped with the rebuild date on the action tang just behind the bolt. I lucked into a K31 rebuilt in 1957, the stock is excellent and the bluing looks like new. Since that was the year before the Swiss began issuing their SturmGewehr, I suspect my rifle went straight into reserve and was never re-issued.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Like the US, the Swiss rebuilt older rifles if they became unserviceable. So you may find a K31 with a serial number indicating manufacture in the 1930's that look remarkably new, including the late Beech stocks. Refurbished rifles were stamped with the rebuild date on the action tang just behind the bolt. I lucked into a K31 rebuilt in 1957, the stock is excellent and the bluing looks like new. Since that was the year before the Swiss began issuing their SturmGewehr, I suspect my rifle went straight into reserve and was never re-issued.[/QUOTE]

That would be a great score. A as new K31 is priceless IMHO.

Two major changes are after serial number 550651 hardened magazine boxes, and after 540001 hardened receivers.

The Swiss steel is incredibly hard, it requires carbide tooling to drill and tap.