K31s, The Schmidt Rubin masterpiece

Handloader

Surplus K31s have flooded the market in the past two years with prices, locally, bottoming out at $79.99. This straight pull bolt action is chambered in the 7.5X55 Swiss round. Beech and walnut stocks were used, the latter being the more collectable. Most stocks have noticeable dents and dings, but, normally, the bores are pristine. It uses .308 diameter bullets, RCBS makes the dies and shell holders and Norma has lots of brass. The excellent Swiss milsurp ammo, unfortunately, is Berdan primed and discarding the once fired brass is painful.

Today, three of us were firing at 300 and 500yds off the bench. I brought along two K31s with handloads while my buddies selected a Palma, an Armalite AR15 (iron sights), a Garand and a scoped HB Remington in 308. Six rifles. We exchanged rifles at both distances for five rounds each. The Remington and the Palma gave everone the best accuracy at 500yds, but, the two K31s easily bested the Garand and the Armalite. Two of us shot the K31s more accurately at 300yds. The Palma with those exquisite iron sights, Krieger barrel and blueprinted action posted the tightest five shot groups at 500yds.

If there was a catagory for "fun factor", I suspect everyone's favorite would be the K31. I'm not into militaria firearms at all, but, these two Swiss masterpieces have earned their place in the safe. They are pleasant to shoot and can still be had locally for less than $150. If you find one and the bore is good, there is a lot of inexpensive fun waiting for you.

Gil Martin

Agreed. I managed to get a few of these fine rifles when prices were very reasonable. Good choice. All the best...
Gil