Bought K-31

[DaveN]

I do love it when my threads stir things up and Knowledge is the result. thanks gunner you type english way better than i could german. I guess its typing with an accent. latigo, rob, I started to worry about my purchase and even though I'm fearless I will have my brother in law (tool maker/machinist/ army armorer) check it out. the cost is right. I ordered the G11 ammo and I don't plan on any hot loads. Can any one tell me what the swiss do that requires them to (kick)the butt of their K31. I was told the butts of the rifles (at J&G) are a little beat up. Are we talking drill team stuff.

[covenantranch]

So, Dave my friend. email me some pics of your new rifle when you get it. also, what kind of safe do you have? I'm looking at the Liberty fatboy. call me if you want to.

[DaveN]

I've seen the liberties(at the gun shows) and they look great. My first one is an American Securitythat I bought as an empty shell and did my own interior for 8 rifles a top shelf and 3 side shelves. When I out grew that I got a stack on to hold 36 rifles with 1 full width upper shelf.
My Garands fit but the longer Mausers are too tall. Does Liberty make a tall boy(ha ha)I'll call.

[covenantranch]

here's a link to the safe i'm looking at Liberty Safe Fatboy - #1 Big Gun Safes in America

[DaveN]

Looks great. a little pricey but should protect all those milsurps you have or plan on getting.

[DaveN]

Got the K-31 and the butt looks just fine. I can't tell for sure but the walnut stock appears to be laminated. I put a light coat of BLO and it looks fine. Or at least no harm done.

I like it so much I ordered a 2nd one from J&G.

[DaveN]

picturesLooking at the photos I realize the lower one has a nicer stock(grain and in nicer shape) and it is not cleaned like the top one. I cleaned the top one by rubbing BLO on it so not really cleaned just treated with oil. what is recommended to lightly clean what appears to be a worn glossy finished K31. Do I use lacquer thiner and then 0000 steel wool and then BLO or just oil and enjoy?

[gunner]

I like more the upper one, it looks like its made of a sort of that expensive wood they use in luxury cars. Keep the aluminium sleeve clear from that green sh§§! Have fun!

[Latigo]

Dave don't use steel wool on your stocks. It leaves tiny particles embedded in the wood and can rust later and ends up looking odd. Use 000 Copper Wool.
BLO is used on walnt stocks for sure, but I greatly prefer Tung Oil, and like 6 coats with Copper Wool rubdowns between coats.
These are Tung Oil finished. A soft, warm glow.













Even this 1911/.308 conversion is Tung Oil.



I like the stuff.

[DaveN]

Very nice. I will consider your method. I know I need raw tung oil as I used the other tung oil on a new CMP stock and it came out nice but not the effect I was looking for. Nothing lost.
One thing I would add is I do like these K-31s as they are, just want to clean them and protect them, and have them come out in a natural way if you know what I mean.

And yours look to be natural in the pictures.