Author Topic: Thinking of purchasing a K31 (Read 342 times)

RDavidP · « **on:** March 29, 2005, 06:50:56 AM »

I am thinking of purchasing a K31 because I have heard they are good well built rifles. Has anyone had any troubles with them? When I inspect the gun at the shop, what should I be looking for before I buy it?

Thanks.

Bigdog57 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 29, 2005, 08:29:58 AM »

As with any surplus rifle, check the bore condition (though I've NEVER heard of a bad K31!), smoothness of the action, the trigger (real Swiss precision!) - all the usual things. The metal finish may be worn, and some fairly major scuffing of the buttstock are standard on these rifles - no worries.
If you get lucky, you may find a paper scrap with the 'prior owner's' name, address and unit printed on it. Some new owners have contacted these old troopers, and learned their rifle's history! Try that with a Mauser or Mosin-Nagant! :-)
From what I have read, walnut stocks were common on pre-war rifles, with the beech stocks coming in later. Mine is a '48 model, so I have the lighter beech.
You'll love this rifle - it's by far my most accurate Surplus Rifle.

jh45gun · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2005, 08:43:19 AM »

A great and interesting rifle and worth every cent you pay for it. By all means grab one while you can. The stocks may be scuffed and worn but the bores are usually excellent which is what counts along with a great trigger. My Trigger on mine releases at 3 Pounds!!!! Pretty darn nice for a milsurp.

Hard to say about the stocks mine is a walnut stock made in 44 but not used until 54 when my rifle was put together. My stock is dated 44 on the buttend under the butt plate but my serial numbers indicate a 1954 gun. It has been noted that some of the stocks were made and stored and then used when needed.The important thing is that the serial numbers match on mine so I know it is origional and that is what they did. I have never really heard of a bad bore on one of these either that is why I bought mine. Like was said before the stocks may be dinged or scuffed which is normal same with the blueing may be worn that is honest use no big deal. The bore will be mirror bright and strong rifleing. I have read on the net some guys are saying the last of these guns have been imported and when they are gone there will be no more. I know we have all heard that before The Turk Mausers being a good example They said they were no more and then they got some more I do not think that will be the case with the Swiss guns Once the last ones are here that will be it. Since there was only just over a half a million K31's made total and you got to figure some of those may have been kept by the Swiss as civilian buy backs there is not that many out there so If you can grab one now I would do it. Once they are not imported anymore the prices are bound to go up. Good luck and let us know when you get one.

RDavidP · « **Reply #3 on:** March 29, 2005, 09:02:11 AM »

I saw these in a local gunshop Friday night and looked at them. Other than the stock being nicked, there were no other outward problems. I did not see any rust on the barrel or any other outside metal. The bolt was open and the magazine looked clean. Tonight I will go back, check the bore of the gun, and give it a better look. If all looks ok, I will buy it tonight.

jh45gun · « **Reply #4 on:** March 29, 2005, 02:47:03 PM »

Good luck let us know what you got. You really cannot go wrong with one of these!! Jim

RDavidP · « **Reply #5 on:** March 29, 2005, 10:35:56 PM »

I am getting ready for work soon and thought I would jump on real quick. I did purchase a Swiss K31 last night. The bore of the rifle looks like it has not even been fired. All the rifles looked this way. The stock is scratched here and there, but no chips, cracks, or rough spots. The bolt was nicely oiled, chamber was clean, again looks like the inside has never been fired. The outside bit of the barrel had the blueing wearing off, but the blueing on the magazine and receiver looked good. I did unscrew the buttplate and did get a nice surprise of who owned the gun. I left the tag in the buttplate. Anyone know how I can figure out what the heck it all says and means?

jh45gun · « **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2005, 08:13:43 AM »

Go to www.swissrifles.com they can tell you all you want to know on this fine rifle including tag info. You can get also info on ammo and reloading for this rifle and yea it has been shot but it like you said does not look like it. The Swiss were big on accuracy and while the out side of the guns may show some wear including the stocks mostly the insides were very well taken care of. These are one of the best bargains around today and with only a half a mil made they are not going to be around forever either like some of the milsurps have been. Jim