K31 awesomeness

[SandDiegoDuner]

Took my K31 out for a quick range trip and fell in love with her all over again. Too bad no rifle manufacturer today makes something equal to the machining quality that the Swiss had back prior to the computerized machining centers of the modern era. The K31 has character without the flaws in craftsmanship, even though there was war going on and the threat was close. Really, what excuse does Remington or Savage have for not being able to put out products that are smooth and consistent, besides the goal of pushing profits higher by getting more out the door? Anyway, back to the K31, the trigger is awesomely smooth on take up with a crisp frozen blue icicle break you just can't buy elsewhere today. The magazine is super easy to load and clicks into place with no effort and stays put while feeding flawlessly. The biggest draw back from the rifle is the rear sight notch. It is shallow and the shadow cast by the sun can change the point of aim unless accounted for. A easy fix to the sight issue is a couple of quick key strokes away from the Swiss Products awesome clamp on diopter set. You don't feel like you are cheating by attaching modern optics to a rifle that can't hit the intended target. The diopter sights just make it easier to be consistent while still offering the challenge of iron sights. Although the quality of a rifle is fantastic, it is nothing without being fed good quality ammo. Surplus GP11 ammo is great compared to almost all other surplus ammo available and even better is the fact it is non-corrosive so no special post shooting cleaning requirements are necessary. Still more impressive is the consistency of GP11 and when compared to factory match ammo, it really isn't that expensive. I am not the greatest shot so I can't provide conclusive proof that he two rifles I purchased can shot better than any of my other surplus rifles and probably as good as my modern rifles using factory ammo but costing less overall. Until I can find something better for the money, I will continue buying surplus Swiss rifles.

[1-M-42]

concur....Swiss rifles rock

[bruceflinch]

Good for You, OP!

[Bobby Ricigliano]

If the K31 was manufactured today to the same standards, it would probably cost $1500 or more.

[Latigo]

Currently, new Mfg from Haemmerli, $1,840.00

[rdfact]

Preaching to the choir OP. Love my K31 and have been thinking about a 1911 long rifle. GP11 seems pretty scarce these days so reloading the 7.5x55 will be next on my radar.

[Eljay]

It's pretty easy to reload if you already do similar calibers but you have to figure out the OAL - I had to make a few dummy rounds at different OALs to figure out what would work. GP11 bullets are quite long/thin - it's an unusual profile compared to most .308 bullets - so you'll probably end up loading shorter than you think.

I'm HOPING to get a reasonably priced case of GP11 at some point and then it probably won't be worth the bother, but good to know I can if I have to.

[Freedom_shooter]

I've skipped over this weapon mostly because I've never shot it or envisioned it as a WW2 era gun because nobody really used it. When most people think of a WW2 gun (like myself) I envision a Garand or Mauser or Lee Enfield No4.

My question is, is this rifle really all its cracked up to be?
I'm looking on Simpsons and see they got a large shipment of K31's and the time would seem appropriate if I wanted one since there's a lot to choose from.

I just don't know if I want to invest in another caliber and I hear swiss ammo is expensive and hard to find. I do have a reloader press but never started actually reloading yet. Can someone tell me it's worth it to get this over another period rifle.

Thanks

[rdfact]

^^ As many have already stated, the K31 is a finely made rifle and one of the best quality milsurps for the money. The straight pull action is quite unique. I say buy one now while you can and just put it aside until you find some ammo or can reload for it. You can also buy a clamp on scope mount if iron sights are not your thing.

[Cato]

That's the beauty of a lot of Surplus firearms - some are so very well made and engineered. K31s and M1 Garands are wonders of craftsmanship.

[SandDiegoDuner]

That is the reason for my post... They are made so well that more manufacturers should have better pride in their products. I do reload for my rifle and yes it is a pain to figure out the seating depth but it is worth it in the long run. I can still find GP11 at gun shows, prices have risen a bit but really it isn't too much more than 3-4 years ago. Like I said before, compare it to match grade 308 Win ammo. It is cheaper than 308 match but you lose out if trying to save the brass for reloading unless you have berdan primers and can reprime the cases.

New production K31 sounds cool but a new bolt action in a caliber like 6.5 Creedmore in a good stock with the quality of a K31 for $1800, sure sign me up. Too bad nothing short of a custom build at least twice the price will match the quality.

[Enfield47]

I've skipped over this weapon mostly because I've never shot it or envisioned it as a WW2 era gun because nobody really used it. When most people think of a WW2 gun (like myself) I envision a Garand or Mauser or Lee Enfield No4.

My question is, is this rifle really all its cracked up to be?
I'm looking on Simpsons and see they got a large shipment of K31's and the time would seem appropriate if I wanted one since there's a lot to choose from.

I just don't know if I want to invest in another caliber and I hear swiss ammo is expensive and hard to find. I do have a reloader press but never started actually reloading yet. Can someone tell me it's worth it to get this over another period rifle.

Thanks

Yes, it's really worth it. The K31 is a great riffle and very worthy of your investment in it. Buy the Swiss Products scope mount and a good scope and you can have one of the most accurate shooting milsurp rifles.

Reloading is the way to go for this round if you can. There are many .308 bullets to choose from so that makes things easy, especially if you already load for another .308 caliber gun like the Garand. You will be able to share primers and probably powder too.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

My question is, is this rifle really all its cracked up to be?

Nope. Weird looking Euro-contraption. Buy 'Murican.

[zfk55]

Not falling for that one, Bobby. Latigo tipped me off about you.

[55BlackShadow]

K31

Just buy one. You'll be glad you did.