K31

sdwatt

sdwatt

CGN Regular
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Location
Edmonton
Hi Guys,

Just picked up a Swiss k31 and a box of GP11 surplus.


I am in love.

What a magnificent firearm. I am thoroughly impressed.

I am hooked.
 
I restore stocks. I have refinished four k31 walnut stocks in the last few months with outstanding results and many compliments for my own rifle every time I take it out at the range. Unfortunately for a k31 i only do phosphating at the moment no hot blue.
 
After years of researching the K31, I finally bought a very sweet one two years ago. Dam what a beautifully made rifle !! And a super accurate shooter to boot.
 
I find metal wise the rifles are usually in excellent condition, its the stocks that tend to be beat up. Welcome to the club, these rifles are among my favourites, be careful they like to multiply with its older brothers and sisters as well.
 
I was sniffing around CSC for another one yesterday. While they are currently out, they have another shipment expected January (or later depending on all of the usual mitigating factors).
 
Before anyone starts to refinish one, suggest you read this: M1911 long rifle shown.
http://theswissriflesdotcommessageboard.yuku.com/reply/77816/Refinishing#reply-77816

Most K31s will have a shellac top finish because that was the last finish used on the beech stock(post 1944-45).
Walnut stocks would also have it over the original oil finish if they were refurbished.

Worst part is getting rid of the white or black spots on beech stocks from water/snow damage. Use wood bleach and patience.

If you find metal shims between the font action screw block and stock, keep it and replace it in the stock when re-assembling it.
 
I picked up a real beauty at WSS back in late October.I was fortunate the fellow behind the counter let me have a look at several ,until I found one in superb condition (ie: the buttstock was not all chewed up from being used as a pick axe and boot de-icer ,very nice bluing and a very smooth action) although I did strip it down and refinished the stock ,using MinWax "gunstock" stain and two coats of satin poly.The finished stock looks very much like the original colour ,almost like new.

The nice surprise was the plastic tag under the butt stock plate ,very cool find !

I found the bolt was very easy to tear down, clean and re-assemble ,what a lovely piece of engineering.

I also bought some bulk ammo while WSS had it on sale for $299 a case of 480.I was there on Xmas eve ,and they were down to their last case ,but not sure if it was still on sale.

Yessir ,I always wanted a K31 ,and now I have one !!

Cheers

Paul T
 
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