I've had an itch to pick up a (relatively) cheap surplus military rifle and the K31 has caught my eye. I've come across a few good remarks about the rifle but I was curious to hear what the experts have to say about the K31 and the Swiss 7.5 x 55.

The rifle is very well made and the GP11 ammo is high-quality.

Not an expert, but my K-31 is an excellent rifle.

The workmanship is unbelievable. The Swiss are amazing

May have the best trigger you have ever felt on a general issue military rifle. It is not uncommon that the trigger weight on individual samples is less than the minimum required for CMP vintage rifle matches.

Normally very accurate, commercial ammo is available, although not as common as some military calibers.

The straight pull bolt may take a little getting used to.

James

A friend has probably 4 or 5 of the K31s and several other earlier models. I haven't shot one yet, but he certainly seems to like them.

K31s are nice rifles. Very good shooters and built like tanks.

All of the above.

I have to agree with this. Just wish I could come up with a couple of spare mags.

I've got a K-31 in great shape too, and am just sorry I don't get to shoot it as much as it deserves.

You might want pickup a few of the "cardboard" stripper clips instead of mags. They are quicker to use and more durable than they look.

I've heard of putting something like linseed oil on them to make them even more durable.

I have six of the K31s and love them. They are just a really neat rifle and very accurate with the Swiss "surplus" ammo.

The walnut stocked ones are noticably lighter than the beech stocked.

Gentlemen, thanks for your advise and opinions, looks like I know what my next rifle will be.

here is mine. Paid $99 for it years ago

On par with commercial standards!

Mine is like yours Blairvt. Very good shooter with open sights. I think if it was scoped it would be a moa shooter. I think I paid $110 for mine. I've taken it hunting for wis deer but its big, long, hvy and the safety is a pita for brushy shooting and carry.

1371...I too am no expert, but these rifles are truely amazing. I take mine to a twice a year egg shoot (eggs at 95 yards) and have - over the last few years - hit 5 eggs out of 14 shots (offhand) with my K31 and GP11 ammo. This is my first group after installing diopter sights......pretty much what everyone else has said!!!

[img:left][/img]

REALLY should get rid of it though because it can't hit the X-ring

PennDog

I was a machinist. I look at my rifle and am amazed at the work that went into it. I then look at all the AR-15's starting at $1000. No comparison as to what is the better built rifle

I did something similar to that with a side mounted scope. You can buy a base that you don't have to drill the rifle to attach it. I went to the side mount after trying one in replacement of the rear leaf, didn't like the scout scope configeration. One of these rifles will lead you to buy more I think. Often times under the butt plate you can find the man's name in switzerland that was issued it. it took me a while to find one, but eventually i found one of those engineer toad stickers for the schmidt, has the sawback edge on the top. Quite impressive. There are also a few of the earlier k11 calvary carbines around, basically same thing with a shorter barrel. Lots of time you find them with dinged stocks, from the hobnail boots, and a black sustance on the wood. That is from the grease used to clean/lubricate them. You can find the swiss cleaning kits for sale on ebay or some of the distributors. The k31 ammo which i think is match quality comes in a paper wrapper, and by case in a black laquered paper case. I swear i think you could throw that paper case in the lake, and come back a month later and the ammo would be okay. If you check on the swiss forum, there are accurizing things you can do to them to.