Everybody calls it GP11, but that's just the German name that's first on the list of German, (Gewehrpatrone 11) French, (cartouche 11) and Italian (cartuccia 11 per fucile) on the box. It means roughly cartridge model 1911 for rifle.
I bought a K31 this summer at WSS too. 1946, Beech stock, sling, muzzle cap and troop tag. There were Walnut socks available, but I was looking for the best condition metal. I have to say the counter guy was helpful, bringing out three at a time and letting me look them over until I found the one I wanted. We went through about a dozen.
Now I can appreciate the quality and intricacy of the design, but the whole thing still seems a bit goofy to me. The straight pull is odd, but I did learn on bolt actions, mainly Mausers , so that's part of it I guess. Not having the camming action for the primary extraction is different. It's tough to eject softly if you're sitting at a bench and want to grab your brass before it hits the ground. I find the stock design a bit strange too, thick and kind of short.
That being said, I'm still getting used to it. 96, 38, and 98 Mausers are second nature to me, with #4 Enfields close behind.
I wouldn't say I love it, but I certainly don't dislike it. I don't think I'd want it as a battle rifle if I had a choice, it's just a bit too complicated and the precision build quality would be a negative in my opinion.
I'm going to shoot it more and get used to it, but it will be hard to displace my Swedes.
It's called GP11, and is the BEST military surplus ammunition you'll ever see. Good enough for the Swiss [and many of us] to use it in competition.
It is non-corrosive [never has been] 174gr and has an astonishingly 'modern' appearance, looking much like a match bullet from any of the usual makers of fine bullets. The brass is Berdan primed, but many shooters go to the trouble of reloading it - the quality is beyond good.
tac