I have never seen a K31 at any of the LGS that I go to regularly. I am going to the Oaks gun show at the end of the month but I expect it to be much like the Charlotte show with prices severely inflated. That leaves me gunbroker to find one. Had fair luck in the past buying a M95 and Hungarian MN. Now that I am looking at K31's what should I be looking for? How many manufacturers are there? Is one manufacturer more desirable or valuable than another? What years are most desirable? Other than numbers matching and condition is there anything specific I should be aware of?
K31 Auction
- Thread starter BoogieMan
- Start date
Mosin-Marauder
New member
For some reason (unknown to me) Walnut stocks seem to be more value than the Beech stocks. Walnut stocks indicate a "war time" build. Though none of these rifles were ever used in any conflicts. Beech Stocked rifles (1945-195?) Will have less barrel mileage. Absolutely positively look for a troop tag underneath the buttplate. Manufacturers aren't marked differently on K-31's (as far as I know). Expect bluing to be worn, and stocks to have "beaver bites" along the buttstock where the Swiss soldat would be at his cleats with it. These rifles were used and trained with. Never refurbed. Make sure the barrel is bright and shiny (most are). Other than that, numbers matching is all I can think of. Much luck in finding the rifle you want.
Regards,
-Mo.
Regards,
-Mo.
One.
Only made from one factory, so no.
No real difference in years.
Some like the walnut stock better, but go for overall condition.
A K31 isn't too hard to find, and they are still available from the distributors (AIM has them on 3/14/2015). Widen your search from one auction/classified site (Here's a list of current K31 listings).
kilimanjaro
New member
A WWII date may be of more interest than other years, but some postwar rifles are unissued. Walnut stocks are a small premium over Birch.
The quality is Swiss, and consistent for the entire issue, so don't fret. The troops also took very good care of their weapons.
You will like your Swiss rifle when you get it.
The quality is Swiss, and consistent for the entire issue, so don't fret. The troops also took very good care of their weapons.
You will like your Swiss rifle when you get it.
Surprisingly, some more seem to have hit the market...
As mentioned AIM, SOG, and others have them for about $300- and don't pass it up.
Much as I like the Mosin-Nagant, the K-31 is like a Swiss watch- incredibly well built, and accurate with the GP-11 ammo that also, is still reasonably priced and available.
The ammunition used was never corrosive primed- so the bores are almost always in great condition.
Buy as many as you can afford- the price will only go up.
As mentioned AIM, SOG, and others have them for about $300- and don't pass it up.
Much as I like the Mosin-Nagant, the K-31 is like a Swiss watch- incredibly well built, and accurate with the GP-11 ammo that also, is still reasonably priced and available.
The ammunition used was never corrosive primed- so the bores are almost always in great condition.
Buy as many as you can afford- the price will only go up.
If you're looking for a nice K31, check our Simpson Arms. You can look though their site and pick out the exact rifle you want. And their prices are better than a lot on the net. I bought 2 Swiss straight pulls last month and I couldn't be happier. I have 2 K31s, one beech and one walnut stocked flavor. Can't say I really like one over the other, both are good stocks. I have 5 Swiss rifles total and all are amazing pieces of work. If you check out the Swiss Rifles Forums you can brush up your knowledge and you can find out answers to any questions you have. Nice people on that site and the wealth of info can't be beat.
I bought a k31 from aimsurplus last month. I went with a hand picked beechwood stock. The gun I got is in great condition. Better than any of the auction guns I looked at and cheaper.
I think people prefer the look of walnut and the fact that they are ww2 era. However the beech stocks are newer so overall they might have less wear.
Classicfirearms also has k31's and theirs come with a sling if you go the hand picked route from them.
I think people prefer the look of walnut and the fact that they are ww2 era. However the beech stocks are newer so overall they might have less wear.
Classicfirearms also has k31's and theirs come with a sling if you go the hand picked route from them.
2ndsojourn
New member
Boogieman, Lock's gun shop in Philly has a lot of milsurps. Give 'em a call and they'll tell you if they have any K31's. PM me if you need additional info.
Mosin-Marauder
New member
Oh, my apologies.
