Author Topic: First shots with my K31 (Read 511 times)

jh45gun · « **on:** April 23, 2005, 11:10:54 AM »

Well I reloaded up some ammo using cast spitzer style bullets using 16 grains of 2400 the bullets weighed just under 165 grains. Shot at 50 yards with the rear sight elevated at 3. Gun at 3 still shot a inch low and 2 inches to the right. Group was 4 shots into a inch and a half with a high flyer to make it just under 2 inches. Not sure if the group can be tightened by changing the load or putting a scout scope on it. I suspect the load is ok I just need a better sighting sytem to match my aging eyes. To be honest my eyes do not work too well with open sights anymore. Or one of those eye glass aperatures may be the ticket but I really do like scout set ups. I shot at 50 as the targets at the range are the standard triangle with crosshairs on them and they do not make for a good target for unscoped guns. A 8 inch black bull at a 100 would be better. Still I was happy with the range time and I think a scout scope would do it. I will have to save up some cash and order a mount for it. Jim

RaySendero · « **Reply #1 on:** April 23, 2005, 04:58:00 PM »

Always good to hear about a good day at the range!

Keep us up to date on the scope and mount progress.

Bigdog57 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 26, 2005, 03:34:40 AM »

The rifle is definitely capable of shooting better. I find the rear sight barely tolerable, but can usually manage under an inch groups at 50 yards using the GP11 ammo. I did an inch group at 100 yards once, but that was pure dumb luck, or the shooting Gods having fun with me . . . :shock:
Your load sounds rather light - maybe why it's going low?
These fine rifles just cry out for a good aperture sight.

jh45gun · « **Reply #3 on:** April 26, 2005, 05:43:46 AM »

From what I have seen on other sites since I posted this is that for some reason cast loads seem to shoot to the right with these guns. 16 grains of 2400 is not that light for shooting cast it gives you around 1500 FPS. It makes a good target load. Like I said I had the elevation set on 3 at 4 it would be right on target I bet. Jim

rockbilly · « **Reply #4 on:** April 26, 2005, 05:06:35 PM »

I should have a pair arriving any day now. I just ordered two shooters from Classic Arms. I already have one in excellent shape (about 90-95 percent) that I put away to preserve. It's too nice to bang around at the range. My grandson will get it someday. I just hope he has the same love for firearms that I do and doesn't use it for a fence post....................

Longcruise · « **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2005, 04:57:12 AM »

Hi jh, the mojo sight makes a pretty good compromise for the eyes and is fully adjustable for elev and windage. I use it for all my hunting with the k31. I'm reluctiant to put that much money into a scout scope set-up, but that's the cheeeaaap side of my charachter

Also, do an archive search on the Swiss Rifle Forum for a front sight pusher made from a hardware store nut splitter. Once again, appeals to my cheap nature.

I've never tried cast in mine and would like to read more on your future cast shooting!

rockbilly · « **Reply #6 on:** April 30, 2005, 09:21:23 AM »

I got my pair of K-31s today. They ain't great, but will clean up and make a pair of fine shooters. The bores were excellent, the wood is fair to good, the butt plate looks like it was drug out the rear of a truck, worn and rough, not much I can do with it short of replacing it. You can't expect too much for 89 bucks.

jh45gun · « **Reply #7 on:** April 30, 2005, 02:49:33 PM »

Rockbilly since a lot of these were stacked in the snow ect they got some abuse but the wood cleans up. They have the best bores of any milsurps with maybe the exception of the Swedish Mausers. Yea other milsurps may have decent bores too but you know when you order one of these NO corrosive ammo was shot in it. A little TLC and they will be looking good. The Proofs in the shooting they are fine shooting guns. Jim

Longcruise · « **Reply #8 on:** May 01, 2005, 06:32:27 AM »

Quote

the butt plate looks like it was drug out the rear of a truck, worn and rough,

That's typical of these guns rock. Like Jh says they were used! That roughness in the stock is commonly refered to as "snow burn". Others commonly call it "beaver chewed". But, think of it this way, these guns performed honest service and show honest wear. They WILL shoot! :grin:

As for replaceing them, I thought about it with mine too but decided that they would simply gon on with their lives as I got them and they have even picked up a few more character marks along the way.

Mine have been elk and hog hunting and have performed 100%.

Somewhere on one of the Swiss rifle forums is a translated field manual for the K31. Don't remember the site, but I have it in PDF and would be happy to email it to you.

Have you looked under the butt plates yet?

rockbilly · « **Reply #9 on:** May 01, 2005, 03:58:40 PM »

Overall they didn't look too bad considering age and use. The butt damage I was referring to was the metal but plate looked like it had been drug out the back of a pickup. The metal was worn away almost half way to center screws on one side. The other side showed normal wear.

This morning's paper had an ad from Big 5, K-31, good to very good $98. I went over with my son after lunch, he bought a nice one (VG) all the numbers match. I may go back tomorrow and take another look, you can't have too many :roll:

Longcruise · « **Reply #10 on:** May 02, 2005, 07:40:28 AM »

There are several Big 5's in my town now but they don't seem to have any K31 rifles. A new one opening in my neighborhood, maybe they will have them in stock.

I'd gladly pay $98 to pick one from the rack. That's about what I'd pay AIM after shipping.

Did they have any walnut stocks?? I need two of them to .......... Well, I don't know for sure what I need them for, I just need two of them :-)

FGS used to sell them for $99 and included the muzzle cap and sling. Did any of yours or your son's have the cap and sling?

Bigdog57 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 02, 2005, 10:22:35 AM »

Longcruise, I exercise my 'cheap side' whenever possible too! I found that a punch and small hammer (already have them!) work for moving the front sight - just go easy on it.

RaySendero · « **Reply #12 on:** May 02, 2005, 03:14:18 PM »

Quote from: Longcruise

There are several Big 5's in my town now but they don't seem to have any K31 rifles. .....

I'd gladly pay $98 to pick one from the rack. That's about what I'd pay AIM after shipping.

.....

FGS used to sell them for $99 and included the muzzle cap and sling. .....

Lc,

AuctionArms.com has a dozen or more K-31s up for sale. Their prices run between $100 and 160 before shipping. So $98 off the shelf sounds to be a good price. Good luck on finding one (or 2).