Swiss K31
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dak0ta
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From what I read, it's actually more powerful than the .308 due to an increased case capacity. You get like an extra 100 FPS in 174 and 150 gr loads. Essentially it's 7.62x55 as you can use .30 cal bullets, which puts it in between 7.62x51 and 7.62x63 (30-06).
Any idea where to find published load data or is it all on the internet?
Any idea where to find published load data or is it all on the internet?
You re right. I have sighted mine with factory Hornady 174 gr SP at 100 yds on sandbag rest. It grouped 1.5 inch. The nice thing was , it hit an inch high with rear sight set at 100 meters. It practically was dead on perfect for what i need on closed in shots.
But the tightest groups were the GP11 surplus at 1.25 inch groups at 100 yds. These were all open sight benchrest shooting. I was speechless to say the least . The Swiss know how to make accurate rifles. I know i cannot duplicate those groups as that was three yrs ago but knowing the gun is capable is enough reassurance it s a keeper. Only accurate rifles are interesting as the saying goes, the K31 tops the list.
But the tightest groups were the GP11 surplus at 1.25 inch groups at 100 yds. These were all open sight benchrest shooting. I was speechless to say the least . The Swiss know how to make accurate rifles. I know i cannot duplicate those groups as that was three yrs ago but knowing the gun is capable is enough reassurance it s a keeper. Only accurate rifles are interesting as the saying goes, the K31 tops the list.
Correction, i checked the ammo box and it says, 165 gr BTSP. I got these way back from Sportsmanguide . I havent used mine yet in real hunting .
Looking forward to.
To think of it, the K 31s are like accurate sniper rifles but with open sights. Only limited by the shooter' s skills .
Looking forward to.
To think of it, the K 31s are like accurate sniper rifles but with open sights. Only limited by the shooter' s skills .
jolly roger
Member
LOVE my K31. Has shot MOA before with GP11 ammo with irons when I do my part...that GP11 is some good stuff.
meanmrmustard
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For hunting, the Hornady soft points in 165 gr. are murder on deer.
sixgunner455
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I love mine. I was at the range with it today, in fact. Our range has steel from 200-600 yards. 400, it was no problem. 570, the wind was kicking them off a bit, and I had to compensate for not really being quite 600 and long for the 500 yard sight setting. 605, I had the wind doped, and smacked it a couple of times.
This was from prone, slinged in, unsupported. This rifle is a real shooter, with a great two stage trigger.
It is heavy, though. I doubt I'll be hunting with it here. We hike all day, sometimes, and put in some serious mileage to find animals. A six to seven pound rifle (or AR carbine in the woods) makes more sense for most areas around here. If I were stand hunting, I'd probably not own another rifle to hunt with. What would be the point? My K31 was built in 1934, and shoots the GP11 like custom loaded match ammo. I paid 80 bucks for it.
This was from prone, slinged in, unsupported. This rifle is a real shooter, with a great two stage trigger.
It is heavy, though. I doubt I'll be hunting with it here. We hike all day, sometimes, and put in some serious mileage to find animals. A six to seven pound rifle (or AR carbine in the woods) makes more sense for most areas around here. If I were stand hunting, I'd probably not own another rifle to hunt with. What would be the point? My K31 was built in 1934, and shoots the GP11 like custom loaded match ammo. I paid 80 bucks for it.
Steve in PA
Member
I have a hunting load for my K31, although I have not actually hunted with it yet. As far as accuracy goes, the K31 is amazingly accurate. I'd have to say the K31 runs neck and neck with my 1903A3 for shooting at 100 yards with open sights, and aging eyes!
jpwilly
Member
Had a nice K31 a couple years ago but alas I'm a leftie the the straight pull didn't work out for me. Very well built rifles that can shot! Didn't want to spend the money to make it left hand drive.
ironhat
Member
It was nice to read this thread. I was getting ready to sell mine and I don't even have the cosmoline off of it yet. I got it before I got disabled and it's a real chore to get to the range, now - and I no longer hunt... anything. But, it's good to hear that it shoots well so, I just might save it for the grandkids! Thanks all.
schnarrgj
Member
Have used mine for deer for a number of years. The longest one was a nice doe at 200 yards. The closest was 10 yards. With a rifle as accurate as the Swiss, if you do your job, it will put the bullet where it belongs. I use the 165 gr Hornady interlock stock number 3040 with 45gr of imr 4064. Very accurate in my rifle at just below 2600fps not a max load. YMMV As with all net loads, be sure to work up to them. Two years ago my SIL took his first deer with the K31.
Swampman
Old Fart
I've killed a few hogs with my 1934 built K31, although it's really too long and heavy for the areas I generally hunt. All of my killing with the rifle has been with 150 grain Combined Technology Partition Gold bullets loaded over a healthy charge of Varget.
Keep in mind that most Reloading manuals will give overall lengths that are WAY too long. The short throat of the K31 is designed specifically for the very long ogive of the GP11 bullet. I don't have my data in front of me right now, so I can't give an actual length, but suffice it to say that my handloads looked a bit odd due to the small amount of bullet protruding from the case mouth. Another thing to keep in mind is that ammo loaded for best accuracy in one K31 may not fit into another. My experience has been that the newer the rifle, the shorter the throat. Ammo loaded for my 1934 Model won't chamber in my sons 1947 rifle and ammo that cycles perfectly in the 1947 won't fully enter the chamber of my 1952.
The only hunting projectile that I've loaded that looks "normal" is the Berger 168 grain VLD Hunting bullet.
This thread might be of interest, I was asking about the experience of other hunters with the Prvi Partizan 174 grain SP on deer.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=681278
Keep in mind that most Reloading manuals will give overall lengths that are WAY too long. The short throat of the K31 is designed specifically for the very long ogive of the GP11 bullet. I don't have my data in front of me right now, so I can't give an actual length, but suffice it to say that my handloads looked a bit odd due to the small amount of bullet protruding from the case mouth. Another thing to keep in mind is that ammo loaded for best accuracy in one K31 may not fit into another. My experience has been that the newer the rifle, the shorter the throat. Ammo loaded for my 1934 Model won't chamber in my sons 1947 rifle and ammo that cycles perfectly in the 1947 won't fully enter the chamber of my 1952.
The only hunting projectile that I've loaded that looks "normal" is the Berger 168 grain VLD Hunting bullet.
This thread might be of interest, I was asking about the experience of other hunters with the Prvi Partizan 174 grain SP on deer.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=681278
PGT
Member
I've got two of them and two cases of GP11. Nice guns for sure.....I took one down yesterday and I was impressed with the design of even little things like the shape of the wood screws.
inclinebench
Member
I killed four deer this past season with a K31. It is now my primary deer gun. I am always impressed with the exit wounds, and the gun is spot on.
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dak0ta
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Do you guys think the supply has dried up and prices will rise?
Also, which do you guys prefer, walnut or beech? I've seen really nice examples of both, and the blonde beech ones look pretty cool. Walnut is always preferable, but in terms of build quality and construction, do the beech ones live up to hard use? Also are they significantly lighter in weight?
Also, which do you guys prefer, walnut or beech? I've seen really nice examples of both, and the blonde beech ones look pretty cool. Walnut is always preferable, but in terms of build quality and construction, do the beech ones live up to hard use? Also are they significantly lighter in weight?
Swampman
Old Fart
@dakOta
I don't know about beech, but according to Fred at freds14stocks, birch is far superior to walnut in every way, except possibly appearance.
http://www.fredsm14stocks.com/faq.asp?ITEM=1
I don't know about beech, but according to Fred at freds14stocks, birch is far superior to walnut in every way, except possibly appearance.
http://www.fredsm14stocks.com/faq.asp?ITEM=1
PGT
Member
I doubt we'll see any more imports. What's here is here. Samco Global has some examples with cracked stocks for a reasonable price. I have a Boyd's repro stock and handguard in walnut (85% inletted) but decided I'm going to just leave the pair I have as-is.
I have two with walnut stocks, and slings & bayonets for both. I like to shoot 'em, but I have so many guns that want to go play it's hard to get enough range time with any of them. Never hunted yet, and it won't likely be a K31 when I do. But I still love them! They're awesome rifles.
Anybody know how to date them by s/n?
Anybody know how to date them by s/n?
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