Older vs Newer?

[Mikester]

Hi everyone
i am new to this board and collecting military weapons and have a lot to learn. My first desire is to own a K31 Swiss. Generally speaking.....are the newer models "birch stocks" better functioning then the older walnut guns....or are they all the same mechanically?
I am looking for a shooter not a wall hanger. Below one company made the following comment about the 1944 guns:
During the manufacturing year 1944 changes in the steel used for the bolts operating rods on K-31 rifles were made. These changes were found unsatisfactory due to possible fracturing of the rods lug. Most were changed out in service or during rebuilding. Were their any other bad years? If I bought a 1930 rifle in good condition.....would it be as good or better shooter than say one made in the late 50's?
Lastly I am seeing some guns with the bores filled with grease......is this a bad thing?
Any comments thoughts would be appreciated
Take Care
Mike

Information

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[Beerhunter]

I have a 1939/1959 (Walnut) K31 which shoots very well. I have no knowledge of the birch stocks but hers a little information about how to tell an arsenal refurbishment. When a K31 was arsenal refurbished the year of the refurbishment was stamped on the tang.

[Eaglelord17]

Just try to find the nicest one possible. Generally the metal is in pretty good condition, it is just the stock that tends to be beat up (obviously there are exemptions). All the I have owned about 5 K31s, most of them being built in the 50s just because those tend to be the nicest ones I can find. Some get all rapped up about the type of stock (Walnut or Beech), but that is personal preference, I just go for the stock in the best condition.

[Aragorn243]

Not really any difference mechanically. Even the problem rifles for the most part had the problem corrected so I wouldn't be too concerned about it. I personally prefer walnut stocks because they are all 1943 and earlier. Not that they were used in the war but they were carried in defense during the war. Plus, they generally look better than the birch because the birch did not hold up as well to the typical stock abuse. Walnut stocks also generally are worth a bit more. Not enough to get excited about but a little.

What shoots better depends more on the wear of the bore. I've never seen or even heard of a shot out Swiss rifle but that doesn't mean they don't exist. They were shot regularly but I don't think in massive amounts to cause excessive wear.

I might be concerned with grease in the bore because it could be hiding a problem. I would ask to remove the grease prior to purchase. If he says no, I'd like to know the reason and have a return policy in writing before purchase.

I've never seen one with a grease packed bore either. These were used, they were kept in the home and they were shot for qualification purposes on a regular basis. If it is a worn, well used looking rifle packed with grease, I would question it. If it is a bright, shiny, new rifle, not so much. May have never been issued.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Just one opinion but a K-31 is a great place to start collecting milsurps. BUT beware. I think Aragorn will back me on this one. The "Swiss watch" of milsurps can be addictive along with the bayonets and other goodies that acompany them. I would look for an older import without the billboard import markings.

[WarPig1976]

I'm still waiting on the right one too. Try for one without the stupid billboard import stamp RIGHT ON TOP of the receiver.


You beat me to it HOH.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I'm still waiting on the right one too. Try for one without the stupid billboard import stamp RIGHT ON TOP of the receiver.


You beat me to it HOH.

If I found a "billboard" with a very good price I might buy it and cover it with a permanant scope mount. Can't bring myself to deface an undefiled K-31. As a lefty the offset mounts are useless and IMO the K-31 begs for a good optic.

[Aragorn243]

Been a while since I shot mine but I think the offset mount is the only way to go. Don't they eject straight up?

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

For righties the Swiss products mount is the only way to go. Very good product by all accounts. I cant recall the manufacturer currently but someone makes a very nice over the bore permanant mount that looks very nice and I believe has a built in deflector to accomidate the streight up eject. Only having non billboard marked rifles I simply could not drill a reciever. I have most of the bits to do a "scout mount"
with a Leatherwood LER scope (no modifications required). I have to try somthing to accomidate old eyes.

[gwpercle]

And if a good deal comes along on a K-11 , a 1911 Carbine , jump on it. I have two, enjoy reloading long 180 and 200 grain cast bullets for it ( 13 grains of Red Dot is "the load"). the 1911's are longer throated and handle cast bullets better than K-31's .
I think they also operate smoother, like greased ball bearings on ice.
Either one is a great place to start...that was the first Military Surplus rifle I ever owned, got it when a senior in high school 1967. And still got it.
Gary