ran across one the other day and was wondering if there were any variations made, which was better if there were, and the overall quality of the rifle

There were a couple of sniper rifles based on the K31 (31/42, 31/43, and 1955) but I doubt you'll find any of those in the US.

Here's a list of the modifications to the K31 over it's years of production.

I prefere the walnut stocked versions..... but ALL K31s are desirable, ... if in good condition (IMHO)!

quote:

During it’s production run there were several minor modifications made to the K31.

1934, the firing pin was made thinner.
1935, the receiver was hardened
1936, the magazine shell was hardened
1941, laminated stocks were tested, but rejected
1944, due to supply shortages, Chromium Molybdenum was use in place of Chromium Nickel Steel on various parts. This experiment proved unsuccessful.
1946, starting with serial number 868,901, beech rather than walnut was used for making the stocks.

The K31 stayed in front line service until 1958, when it was replaced by the Stgw57. K31s were still found with some Swiss Military units, well into the 1970s. The total production run was 528,230 carbines, beginning in 1933 and ceasing in 1958.

Here is an excellent source of information on K31s!

SwissRifles.com

PS - If you find a K31 in good condition at a reasonable price, snatch it up! They aren't making any more of these fine old military rifles.

Quality is very good and bores are usually in good condition. Swiss were big on marksmanship and accuracy on the K-31 is excellent. Stocks on the lower priced ones are sometimes a bit chewed up because of a back-pack means the Swiss utilized in carrying them. Sights are real good. There is no low-priced surplus ammo for them but the Swiss surplus stuff is really quality stuff. Reloadable brass/ammo has recently come on-line that is more affordable than Norma stuff. They eject straight up so mounting a scope requires either a side mount or scout set-up. Couple years ago there were a lot of them imported and the prices were quite low (under $100). The better ones command double that + now.

Try to find one with matching numbers and decent walnut stock (not crucial as the beech shoot just as good). A bonus is when you find one that has Swiss soldier's name/address on a small piece of paper under the buttplate (fairly common practice). They are a fun gun to shoot.

"Reloadable brass/ammo has recently come on-line that is more affordable than Norma stuff."


-----------------------------------

Where have you found reloadable brass? I've had a hard time finding any. Just picked up some 284 win brass and will try resizing to 7.5X55, but I would love to find commercial brass.

BTW, I havent heard of a K-31 that dosent shoot great. It's the best bargain in milsurp.

7.5 X 55 Brass

Apparently it is made by Privi Partisan

Looks like Graf's is sold out but it has been on Ebay a year or so.
My local gunshow dealer has it too.

It great good brass too. We use it here in the UK....i use this for my K11

AIM is backordered, but has the Prvi Partizan ammo with either a 174 grain FMJ or SP bullet at a price not much higher than Graf's sells the brass it's loaded in.

Prvi Partizan's ammo is also being sold under the Wolf Gold brand name.

Hornady also sells "Custom" ammo for the 7.5 Swiss, with a 165 grain BTSP. Just saw it on Sportsman's Guide. It's kind of pricey.

I have a few K31s.
Dry firing is easy.
They are harder to cycle with real ammo.
PUSH that bolt forward hard, or you may think you have a misfire.

Just adding to what everyone else has said, the only bad one I have ever seen, is the one I didn't own! Super accurate and I can't believe they are as inexpensive as they are.

I bought 1000 rounds of loaded boxer primed ammo from Coles for $400. That was just $100 more than unprimed brass. FNM brass, great stuff.

Has anyone slugged the bore? My G11 was .309, and my K31 was .3095. Could this be correct?

Mike,

That sounds a bit on the high side. Make sure your micrometer (not caliper) is zeroed correctly. I think both of mine were right at .308. The K-31 does have a slightly smaller bore diameter than a normal .308. .298" comes to mind.

A .309" indication might be close. .3087" is the max bore limit for the 1911 series. Although most people usually to report tighter bores. I have no data for the 31 series but I can't imagine the 31's having a much different spec than the 11's as they both are designed to shoot the same 7.5X55 munitions. The various Swiss straight-pull actions(at least a half dozen) had a nominal 7.5 bore ranging from about .295 to .298" The 7.62X51 has a nominal bore of .300" Both the 7.5 and the 7.62 ballistic twins have about a .308" groove. diameters. best-o-luck

My K31 slugs .3082" groove

Ok, here is a question then. Can I use .308 bullets to reload this cartridge? On Surplusrifle.com there is an article that says yes. Also in the article are directions that Redding makes the best die set and that seating should be done "tighter" or deeper in the neck? Comments please.

.308 bullets are fine for the K31. Redding dies are reamed to (larger) K31 chamber dimensions, while other dies are dimensioned for the (smaller) 1911. If you only load for the K31, Redding dies will provide easier sizing and longer case life. Bullet seating depth is an invividual matter where one looks after the preferred distance to lands to obtain the best accuracy in a particular rifle, magazine length being a limiting factor.