Tell me about the K31

[kamagong]

I went to a gunshow today to help my cousin shop for a shotgun. I was also hoping to find a Hi-Power. I didn't have much success finding Hi-Powers, but there were a lot of milsurps there. My interest was piqued by the Swiss K31. I hadn't really looked at these before as they looked rather plain in all the pictures that I've seen, but up close I discovered that these rifles are quite beautiful. The excellent workmanship was quite evident even though I didn't get to handle them. I was a bit tempted to buy one until I looked at the asking price. The seller who had them had three--one at $400, another at $450, with the third being priced at $475. I may not be familiar with the weapon, but I'm not stupid and I know those prices are a rip-off.

So I looked around and there is a local seller who has one for $240. I think he'll probably take $225 for it. Is that a good price?

Please tell me about the weapon. I've read good things about the accuracy of the K31, but how can you tell a particular weapon has a good bore? The seller has never fired the thing and it is still covered in cosmoline. How difficult is it to find ammo for it? There is no point in buying a weapon that I cannot shoot.

 

[gravertom]

$225 is a good price now. Ammo is available, both the swiss GP11 (excellent) and various newly produced loads from a few companies.

You can reload with standard .308 bullets. It is exceedingly rare to see ANY Swiss rifle with a bad bore. The Swiss soldier was responsible for the condition of his rifle, and had to pay for a new barrel if he let it get bad.

I wish i could have held on to one or two of mine. Locally, there is one for sale for around $250. They are getting up close to 200 in the various surplus wholesale flyers too.

There are accessories available for these, and you can trick one out for match shooting or hunting, or whatever.

The triggers are typically very good also.

The Ammo is not cheap. The surplus GP11 is on par with the more expensive surplus, like .308, etc. There seem to be no deals like you can find for 7.62X54, or 8mm mauser ammo right now.

If you appreciate fine quality in a military firearm, you have come to the right place if you have come to the K31.

I do not think you will regret the purchase.

take care, and enjoy!

Tom

 

[ACStudios]

Wow... I watched some vids on YouTube about shooting a K31. I'm impressed with the accuracy. I think I'm in love... and want one

So where is the best place to find a good deal on them? I went over and searched Gunbroker... there are a few there and a REAL nice sniper version (too much money for me)... but I'd like to take a look at a surplus supplier first before getting one a GA or the likes.

Anyone... anyone?

 

[mPisi]

I loved the looks and mechanism of my K31, but for some reason the recoil really bothered me. With the GP11 ammo anyways, some of the modern stuff might be lighter and as always YMMV. Just something, maybe the angle of the stock or the buttplate, who knows. But I found it very uncomfortable compared to my Enfields, Garands, .308 bolt rifle, etc. So it found a new home.

 

[gravertom]

Southern Ohio Gun had them listed in their march Flyer at $199.

For short folk like me, I found the K31 a good fit.

I agree, YMMV.

take care,

Tom

 

[Uplander]

Bore dia. is .308 & reloading dies are readily available so you can easily roll your own ammo. G11 cases are Berdan primed but brass from other makers is to be had. My K31 is very accurate but I have trouble with the sights. I'm far-sighted so the barrel mounted rear sight is some blurry, wish the Swiss had mounted an aperature.
Uplander

 

[ACStudios]

Thanks Graver... but unfortunately, you have to have an FFL in order to search/order from SOG now. Their site is password protected... requiring an FFL to register

I'm going to look for a shotgun news issue today when I venture out on the town. Although they aren't as big as they used to be back in the '80s... there might be some dealers listed there. At least there used to be a bunch when I read it back in the day.

Cheers,

Alan