What makes K-31s magical?

[SKSer45]

Yes of course. Because even though it officially never saw combat it was made During WW2 and we do know that if the Germans had attacked the Swiss were ready for them armed using this.

I think its fair because this is history's lost rifle during the WW2 era but is alive and well now.

[CSACANNONEER]

Is it fair to call the K31 a Military Surplus rifle? I know they were designed for the Swiss army, and I know they saw use in combat maneuvers & practice... but they never saw combat. I don't know, just doesn't seem fair to the Mosins, Garands, Enfields, K98's... etc.

Flame away! LOL

Maybe the simple fact that they were superior to other rifles and rifleman is all that was needed to keep them from having to go to combat.

[Latigo]

Is it fair to call the K31 a Military Surplus rifle? I know they were designed for the Swiss army, and I know they saw use in combat maneuvers & practice... but they never saw combat. I don't know, just doesn't seem fair to the Mosins, Garands, Enfields, K98's... etc.

Flame away! LOL

Of course its not fair. In fact, that's what all of those other rifles holler out every time a k31 or 1911 beats them at Camp Perry.

[rojocorsa]

Maybe the simple fact that they were superior to other rifles and rifleman is all that was needed to keep them from having to go to combat.

CSA, now I'm not calling you out to because I know you to be a pretty knowledgeable guy, but...

I see that bit about the good marksmen keeping the Swiss out of the war all the time, but how valid is that statement--especially in a war in which air/mechanazed superiority was so crucial?

It's just that I see that all the time and it sounds a little too out there, you know?

I know they're great rifles, I shot them, I like them etc--I saw the light.

I'm just curious about that statement, that's all.

I also feel the same way about that quote where the Swiss general tells the German one that if the Germans invade, the Swiss will fire 5 shots each and go home.

[Latigo]

.............." each soldier will then fire twice".

[CSACANNONEER]

CSA, now I'm not calling you out to because I know you to be a pretty knowledgeable guy, but...

I see that bit about the good marksmen keeping the Swiss out of the war all the time, but how valid is that statement--especially in a war in which air/mechanazed superiority was so crucial?

It's just that I see that all the time and it sounds a little too out there, you know?

I know they're great rifles, I shot them, I like them etc--I saw the light.

I'm just curious about that statement, that's all.

I also feel the same way about that quote where the Swiss general tells the German one that if the Germans invade, the Swiss will fire 5 shots each and go home.

Well, my answer is no dumber than the question. The simple fact is that k31s are military surplus rifles by definition. Just because the Swiss never had to field them in anger does not mean that they were not a reason that they did not have a significant military value. Maybe, the mere fact that K31s were in Swiss homes throughout the country kept anyone from invading them. Well, I'm sure the surrounding terrain was also a factor.

[rojocorsa]

.............." each soldier will then fire twice".

Sorry, couldn't remember if it was twice or 5x.

Well, my answer is no dumber than the question. The simple fact is that k31s are military surplus rifles by definition. Just because the Swiss never had to field them in anger does not mean that they were not a reason that they did not have a significant military value. Maybe, the mere fact that K31s were in Swiss homes throughout the country kept anyone from invading them. Well, I'm sure the surrounding terrain was also a factor.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is that if someone would really want to take Switzerland, wouldn't they just have their superior numbers and air force pound the crap out of it?

What you said, I could see as a probable deterrent to occupation...



Nonetheless, damn shame GP11 is berdan primed.

[DasBoost]

I see that bit about the good marksmen keeping the Swiss out of the war all the time, but how valid is that statement--especially in a war in which air/mechanazed superiority was so crucial? Look at terrain of Switzerland; mechanized troops would be rendered into normal foot infantry due to terrain or remain dismounted as all bridges and roads were set with charges, mined, or sighted in for artillery. Air power would be somewhat moot too unless you would carpet bomb the mountains or have loitering aircraft to attack troops/units as they emerge from mountain holdouts.


I also feel the same way about that quote where the Swiss general tells the German one that if the Germans invade, the Swiss will fire 5 shots each and go home.

Personally, I feel the K31 is deserving of the milsurp title as they endured the hardships of being used throughout the period; all looked as if they were hiking staffs in their lives. They fired a pretty large amount of ammunition over their lives (though the period was drawn out longer than the war), and they were utilized in the active defense of a nation. Not wanting to argue or start flaming, I just finished the book Swiss and the Nazis: How the Alpine republic Survived In The Shadow of the Nazis and thought I'd share.

[bruceflinch]

Nonetheless, damn shame GP11 is berdan primed.

Save your $$ & reload the caliber. Instead of buying the GP11, buy the brass, components & reload. You'll get your $$ back eventually.

[bruceflinch]

Nice looking K31 for sale in the Marketplace by uncle106...just saying....

I went over & looked at big103's K31. Nice piece of machinery, but I can tell my old eyes didn't like the sights. Bummer.

[rojocorsa]

Nice looking K31 for sale in the Marketplace by uncle106...just saying....

I went over & looked at big103's K31. Nice piece of machinery, but I can tell my old eyes didn't like the sights. Bummer.

Funny thing, I think it had some of the better tangent sights on these rifles. The last one I need to try is the Ukko-Pekka sights.

FWIW, I'm probably going to pick up a K-31 at some point in the upcoming year.

[bruceflinch]

Well crap, I agreed to buy this K31 anyway.....Since I met big103, his C&R Whoreing has rubbed off on me......

[spencerk]

i hope to have more than one k31 at some point in time. 1 for its original fame and glory, and two for modification... (y'all are gonna hate me for that lol)

[SKSer45]

Funny thing, I think it had some of the better tangent sights on these rifles. The last one I need to try is the Ukko-Pekka sights.

FWIW, I'm probably going to pick up a K-31 at some point in the upcoming year.

I love it. Haven't shot it you but have been snapping in with it and practicing with it and it by far the smoothest bolt ever. Can't wait to shoot her.

[Rule .308]

SR rifles are great. I purchased my first, a 96/11, at the last Great Western Gunshow in Vegas for $125.00 and have since acquired 4 or 5 more of the K31's. Every one of them is a gem.