K31 vs K98?

[1-M-42]

IMO if you must have a Mauser and accuracy to rival that of a K31, get a Swedish M96 then you get the best of both worlds. Very well made and on par with the K31.

At our local matches K31s and M96 are always in the top three high scores. Although I own several K31s along with couple of 1911s and a K11, I only shoot US rifles in our matches (1903, 03-A3, 1917 & Garand).

Good luck with your search.

Fibber....I've seen you shoot your K31....not very well, of course, but I've seen you shoot it....

[Latigo]

....

[Cessnapilot89]

As much as it pains me to say it, the K31 is the better rifle.

[Rhythm of Life]

I agree but, don't discount the history of the Swiss rifles. When I got hooked on them I started reading about the Swiss Citizen Soldiers, the defense of the country during WWII and the development of the rifle. I was amazed. Yes, the Mauser was certainly used by more countries and in more battles but the Swiss rifles is no historical slouch either.

You hit the nail on the head though....get both!

I was unaware!

Thats cool!

[Capybara]

Okay, the people have spoken. I will start looking at K31s. Seems as if Simpsons Ltd has a truly amazing selection but those rows and rows of K31 specs are a bit mind blowing if you don't know the finer points. Do I want an original Walnut stock or is a Birch armory replacement okay? I am buying a shooter, not a collector so how much % of blue, etc. what else matters? Any things to look our for or avoid on my K31? Can I get a sweet looking K31 with excellent mechanical condition and decent cosmetics for $300.00?

Has anyone shot the Classic Arms surplus ammo? it looks like a good deal at .65 a round. I know, reload, reload but since I have never reloaded and will have to make a sizable investment in supplies and gear as well as time, I am not there yet so I have to buy some affordable ammo. Same with my Garand, I know I need to reload.

Thanks for the tips guys.

[1-M-42]

Aim Surplus and Dan's have the best GP-11 prices that I've found. Not sure of the correct title for Dan's, my shooting partner bought from them.

Latigo is the best person to go to for advice on details, read his posts in the Swiss Rifle Central sticky. I've got two walnut, one Beech. I think the walnut looks better and it was used, up until the supplies ran out in WWII I believe. Try to get a matching number, best condition you can, spend an extra $50 or so and get as much rifle as you can. You'll notice on Simpson's that all the bores are very good to excellent, that's the norm for Swiss rifles. Call them, see if they'll scout for one with a soldier tag, they are really cool. Go to Swissrifles.com and read. Go to the Swiss Rifle forum and read, even more good info, most from Latigo, his dad, another gentleman named Guisan and a bunch of other really knowledgeable guys.
As for reloading, scout for a simple single stage press and basic supplies. you'll be rolling your own for under $200.
Have fun, you are going to really enjoy shooting your Swiss rifle.

[rojocorsa]

If we're going to compare the ratio of cost to accuracy, the Swiss Rifle wins.

And unless you pay top dollar for a 98k in good shape, the Swiss rifle will almost always be in better condition for a lower price point.

GP-11 surplus is like 50-ish cents. It may cost 20 more cents than Yugo 8mm, but it's not corrosive and is better made.

[STAGE 2]

The K31 is a better rifle in every way. Much more accurate, much faster action, far better finished.

[7.62x54R]

The low cost ammo available as well is very appealing to me.

Certainly not 7.5 swiss

[1-M-42]

Certainly not 7.5 swiss

Compared to Soviet Bloc, corrosive, ammo, it is more expensive. However, by spending a bit more you get non-corrosive, match grade, military surplus ammo. Apples and oranges.

[SKSer45]

Himm I would get the MauSwisser. They are both getting hard to find

[rojocorsa]

Compared to Soviet Bloc, corrosive, ammo, it is more expensive. However, by spending a bit more you get non-corrosive, match grade, military surplus ammo. Apples and oranges.

Considering that everything else costs 80 cents or more, GP-11 is a good deal. Berdans are the only downside--but this costs the same a M-2 ball surplus and is more accurate.

What's not to like?

[1-M-42]

Considering that everything else costs 80 cents or more, GP-11 is a good deal. Berdans are the only downside--but this costs the same a M-2 ball surplus and is more accurate.

What's not to like?

Exactly.......

[Capybara]

For a newbie who hasn't shot Berdan primers or reloaded them, what is the deal? Are they hard to remove or ?

[Latigo]

No, they're not difficulat to remove. I'll get a line on the tool for you.
As for which is a better choice, Walnut is a preferrable wood, however...... The latest k31's are Beech, so theoretically, if you have a choice, a newer k31 is most likely going to be beech, but research the serial number. That will tell you for sure.