Is the K31 a Bolt Action Rifle? DEBATE

Riflechair

Riflechair

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Am I nutts?
I don't think the K31 fits the model of bolt action.
Others disagree.

Have I completely lost it?
Wouldn't be the first time.....

We're having a debate on which rifle is the fastest bolt action milsurp
Of course I contest it is the Lee Enfield rifle.
But it ain't faster than a K31 or probably a M95 Steyr for that matter.

I've never considered the push / pull line of rifles bolt actions but apparently that's up for debate.....
 
According to the definition of bolt-action, I'd say that yes, it is.

"Bolt action is a type of firearm action in which the weapon's bolt is operated manually by the opening and closing of the breech (barrel) with a small handle, most commonly placed on the right-hand side of the weapon (for right-handed users). As the handle is operated, the bolt is unlocked, the breech is opened, the spent cartridge case is withdrawn and ejected, the firing pin is cocked (this occurs either on the opening or closing of the bolt, depending on design), and finally a new round/cartridge (if available) is placed into the breech and the bolt closed."

This doesn't exclude the straight-pull models, to my eyes. It may not be as 'popular,' but it is a bolt action.
 
i agree

it's bolt action

but, for me, much better than the traditional model
especially on the k31
it is incredibly soft
when comparing it to a lee enfield for speed
I do not think the Swiss and British strategy at the time is the same
the Swiss would not fought in a pitched battle, well I think
I see them more as mavericks
 
I would still say that it is, as you are using a manual method to reload it each time. Just because the caming action is accomplished (in the K31) by a helical cut in the bolt sleeve, you are still forced to operated the bolt to reload it. I usually refer to them as a "straight pull bolt action".
That being said as I commented on your video (great btw), In theory the K31 or earlier shmidt ruben rifles should be faster. However I find that even with the shortened bolt on the K31 series you still have to break your cheek weld or it will hit you in the face, when retracting the bolt. If you get in a comfortable firing position with a Lee Enfield you are good to go and it is easier to maintain sight picture, because you can keep your cheek weld while manipulating the bolt. Making it faster to operate while actually being able to hit something AND work the action with some urgency.

Good topic for debate! It seems the milsurp forum is back on track lately haha.
 
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Unconventional bolt design by today's standards...it is a bolt action rifle. You must pull the bolt back to cycle the action. My K31 is a very accurate shooting rifle. The bolt, is quite easily disassembled. The way the rifle is designed, you can cycle the action faster than a traditional bolt action since the movement by the operator is linear (in and out of battery) and the bolt self-cams the lugs into place.
 
infideleggwelder said:
would like to see a "mad Minute'' with two experienced shooters, one with a lee enfield, and one with that other one……see who has more empty casings at the end of the minute.
just a thought
Click to expand...

Enfield hands down for sure. K31's are beauty rifles, but just can't be operated as quick.
The true test is is to combine both speed and accuracy at targets set at 200 yds.
The Enfield will win it.:)
 
There's a reason that the K31 is called specifically a "Straight Pull Bolt Action" rifle, because it IS in fact a straight pull bolt action rifle.
 
What ever kind of bolt gun it is, they are awesome. Extremely well made with a stock beefy enough to make a bridge with and a barrel/action good enough for long range sniper work.
 
Not the way I see it, the above two are gas operated semi AUTOMATICS. You are still operating it with each shot fired, you are just doing four motions, simplified to two with a mechanical device with the K31.
 
infideleggwelder said:
would like to see a "mad Minute'' with two experienced shooters, one with a lee enfield, and one with that other one……see who has more empty casings at the end of the minute.
just a thought
Click to expand...

Well with a magazine capacity of 10 for the enfield vs 6 for the K31, it's pretty clear the enfield has an edge. However for accuracy I would personally bet on the K31. The swiss are known for their higher quality standard and the GP11 surplus ammo is still used as a match grade round.
 
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