K11 matching serial number question

[BGold]

Hello,
I've just acquired a nice K11 and notice every numbered part matches up EXCEPT the the rear sight which has a 3 digit number on ramp and slide matching to itself.

I've only closely examined one other K11 and it had the same number situation.
Is this the norm for K11's ?

I also have a K31 and think I may be getting addicted to Swiss Rifles. What books should I get?

Thanks for any help you can give.

Regards,
Bob Gold

Information

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[Aragorn243]

The rear sight base and sight leaf should have the serial number of the rifle on them on a K11.

The book that I have is a For Collectors Only "Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles 1869 to 1958 by Joe Poyer. Seems pretty thorough and other than slings, seems to cover most things about the rifles. Can be found anywhere from $12 to $20 online depending on the seller and whether they include shipping or not.

They are easy to get addicted to. They've been multiplying at my place too.

[Patrick Chadwick]

I've only closely examined one other K11 and it had the same number situation.

I think this is a result of the backsights being changed at some time, either following a change in standard ammo, or because some K11s were converted from earlier long rifles. The people who know the answers can be found here:

http://theswissriflesdotcommessagebo...ht-Pull-Rifles


Patrick

[Aragorn243]

Another book which has little to do with the rifles themselves but is what got me interested in them in the first place is "The Swiss and the Nazis" How the Alpine Republic Survived in the Shadow of the Third Reich by Stephen Halbrook.

I decided a few years ago to start collecting WWII rifles. At the time, the K31's were in abundance at the retailers. I looked at them, found they to be curious but decided as Switzerland remained neutral, this particular rifle would not be joining my collection. i got the book about a year later as I have always been curious about this subject and just reading about the Swiss people and the things they did during the war to protect themselves made me kick myself for not getting one when they were available.

Two years later, I finally found one priced reasonably. I shot it and as my collection expanded to include WWI rifles, I started watching for a K11. I found one a few months ago. This past Saturday I rounded out the trio with a 1911 so my Swiss collection is complete. I've shot the K31 and K11 and found them to be extremely fun to shoot. I haven't had a chance to take the 1911 out. All rifles are appropriate to the war in question, the K11 and 1911 both produced in 1918 and the K31 in 1942 or 43. Serial number says 1943, inspectors mark says 1942 so I'm figuring late 42 or early 43.

If you don't have the bayonets, get them, especially the pioneer bayonet for the K11.

[Patrick Chadwick]

I haven't had a chance to take the 1911 out.

You've been missing something! The very long sight radius is a pleasure for old eyes. Accuracy is better than K11, often better than K31. Recoil is softer than both. But of course I'm prejudiced, as my "Heidi" is a G96/11 that shoots so well with GP11 ammo, that it is the only bolt-action ex-service rifle for which I have not tried to make up my own load.

[Aragorn243]

You've been missing something! The very long sight radius is a pleasure for old eyes. Accuracy is better than K11, often better than K31. Recoil is softer than both. But of course I'm prejudiced, as my "Heidi" is a G96/11 that shoots so well with GP11 ammo, that it is the only bolt-action ex-service rifle for which I have not tried to make up my own load.

In all fairness, I've only had it 5 days. Took it apart to clean it a bit, didn't need much, on Monday. Looks like I won't be able to take it out for at least three weeks unfortunately. Schedule looking pretty full for the next two weekends. I have shot both my K31 and K11. Of the two, I believe I prefer the K31, probably the slightly longer sight radius which should like you say make me love the 1911.

[BGold]

Gentlemen, thank you for your help. I'll be picking up Poyers book and watching for bayonets.

Regards,
Bob

[Aragorn243]

Bob,

Check the bayonet section at the bottom of the forums. I have a post in there about a K31 bayonet source. It's in Canada but the prices even with shipping are by far the lowest I've seen for 1918 bayonets. If that source has dried up, SARCO just got a bunch in but the prices are probably double the Canadian source. The 1918 bayonet is designed for both the K11 and K31. The second bayonet, the 1913 pioneer bayonet, was the first designed for the K11 as they were to be used by pioneer and specialty troops. It also will fit on both rifles and depending what type unit the soldier belonged to, either would be appropriate. Prices for the 1918 are running approximately $90 except at the Canadian site which is about half that. The pioneer bayonets are pretty much ebay type sites only now and are selling between $160-$200. If you're patient, you might get one for less. I also have a thread in the bayonet section on the pioneer bayonets as I was seeking one myself recently. I believe I got mine for $155 and it is in great shape.

The earlier short bayonets will work on the K11 and K31 but are loose and are not really appropriate for them. They were used on the 1889's and 1911 long rifles. Conversely, the 1918 bayonets will not fit on the earlier rifles.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

In all fairness, I've only had it 5 days. Took it apart to clean it a bit, didn't need much, on Monday. Looks like I won't be able to take it out for at least three weeks unfortunately. Schedule looking pretty full for the next two weekends. I have shot both my K31 and K11. Of the two, I believe I prefer the K31, probably the slightly longer sight radius which should like you say make me love the 1911.

Have you posted pictures yet or have you been to busy with the M48 & Arisaka?

[Aragorn243]

No, I haven't posted photos of it. The only Swiss rifle I've posted photos of is my K11 and that is in the April purchases of the members gallery. I probably wouldn't have posted photos of the M48 either except someone asked me too. I've been thinking about the Swiss because I put the three of them together the other day for the first time and they look good. If I get a chance this weekend maybe I'll make up a gallery for the three of them and post them in another thread.