Shorten barrel on K31

[prairiedog555]

I like my K31 so much that I am going to buy another.  But I hunt out of a blind and would like a shorter barrel.  Have any of you had the barrel cut and recrowned?  How much should this cost? Is it a relativly easy job, what I mean is I have a local gunsmith that is OK, but if I need to send it out to a pro who specializes in this I will do it.  Any reccomendations?

BTW I shot it again yesterday and had sighted in using the Swiss 174gr. fmj.  But I bought a box of Hornady 165gr SP.  @ 100yd windage was right on and elivation was about 1.75in. high.

Has anyone used the Wolf Gold 7.5?  How did it shoot? 

[Essex County]

 Before someone tells You not to modify Your K 31, it's your gun.  How much shorter do You want it?  What are You planning to use for a sighting system?  I haven't had a barrel shortened and crowned by a gunsmith for at least 20 years so I cant give you any idea of cost, but You ma decide it's not worth the effort or expense.........Essex

[prairiedog555]

Yes, that is why I am looking for advise, I think about 20" would be nice.  I have a NEF survivor that is that length and it carries well and is balanced.  I wonder if barrell shortening will ruin balance?
I will get another St. Marie scope mount and I think put on a 2x7 Muller multi shot.  I have a 3x weaver now. 

Also, I have a C&R licence, who should I order from, I see prices vary from AIM, CenterFiresystems,
Samco ect.  Are they all pretty much the same?  I ordered "hand picked" last time. I am happy.
Yes, I am sure some will call it sacriledge to modify, but I have a springfield sporter that I my Grandpa left me that I love, really well done,  Now I wouldn't think of doing that to my unmodified '03.  A K31 is a wonderfull piece of machinery, but not really a museum piece, not yet anyway.

[jh45gun]

That NEF seems shorter because it the barrel fits on top of the reciever not in front of it like most guns. That is break open guns can get buy with longer barrels and still seem shorter. The barrel on a K31 is 25.65  most rifles have 22 to 24 inch barrels so the K 31 barrel is not really that much longer then a a standard sporter rifle. Most carbines are 18 to 20 inches. Not sure if it is worth it or not. If you are carefull you can cut it and true it up yourself and recrown it. There is info on the websites on how to do this. The biggest thing after cutting the barrel is to get it square with the use of a file and a square. I cut my Swede down to 20 inches and yea while I got a lot of flack about it from the purist on the net is is a very handy rifle in a scout scope configuration. Dang accurate too. If you do not feel comfortable cutting and recrowning it your self then I would take it to a gunsmith.

[jack19512]

I haven't shortened the barrel on a K31 yet, but I did on a Mosin Nagant.  The reason I mention this is because you might look around for someone that has a home shop lathe.  I do and it didn't take me very long to shorten and put a great looking crown on my M/N M38.

[Cheesehead]

I handled a Springfield m1a at a gun show with a 16 inch barrel. Very handy and minimum length in some states. I could hold the gun at the grip pointed strait down and not touch the barrel end to the ground. Very carryable at this length is my point. A great idea for modifying a k31. Maybe shorten my k31.

Cheese

[jh45gun]

I handled a Springfield m1a at a gun show with a 16 inch barrel. Very handy and minimum length in some states. I could hold the gun at the grip pointed strait down and not touch the barrel end to the ground. Very carryable at this length is my point. A great idea for modifying a k31. Maybe shorten my k31.

Cheese

Cheese Federal law is 16 inches on rifle barrels and 18 on shotgun barrels. Most guys add One half an inch to be on the safe side so there is no arguements if the law looks at your gun.