Swiss K31 Decision...

[73amc]

Hey gang,

Decisions decisions decisions...

Im looking for my first k31. I have been browsing Simpsons online looking for one that stands out to me. You know, something about a rifle stands out to you and says I have to have it. Well, I think I may have found the rifle, but I have a couple concerns. None that are extreme, but I don't want some that looks like trash.

I'm looking at this k31. SWISS K-31

It stands out to me because it has someones name and the date and France carved into the stock. Some may cringe at something like this, but I look at it as a part of history. At some point in time many years ago took the time to identify this rifle as theirs.

My only concern is that the description says it has slight varnish. How do you guys think the rifle looks? I just don't want a kitchen gunsmith job that someone decided to varnish up. The dings and dents don't bother me. I just want a solid shooter that doesn't look like a turd.

I emailed with some more questions, but wanted to get an outside opinion.

Thanks guys, I posted it here because I wanted to get more than just the k31 crowds opinion.

-Justin

Information

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[VinnAY]

Its my slightly above novice collector knowledge that the K31 isn't uncommon to find a shellac coat on them, maybe in particular the beech stocked models but this shellac is normally very well done as opposed to the slathered on Soviet 91/30's. "Varnish" could be a generic term they're using. Nice rifle and the price is exceptional with the matched bayo/scabbard/frog.

[Aragorn243]

If it is varnish, easy enough to get rid of. It could simply be a natural shine of the grease coating they put on them.

I must comment on the name/date/France on the stock. Seems very odd as this is not a French rifle, it is Swiss. The Swiss did not engrave their names in the stock, they placed name tags under the butt plate. So what this is would concern me. Seems like something an American GI might do but how he'd get a Swiss rifle in France in 1944 would be an interesting tale if anyone could tell it.

Price isn't bad with a matching bayonet. Stock is correct for a 1944 rifle. Metal on receiver looks a little worn, not badly though.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Some may cringe at something like this, but I look at it as a part of history. At some point in time many years ago took the time to identify this rifle as theirs.

As has been pointed out, this was not the done thing in Switzerland. The pessimistic interpretation is that someone with no historical knowledge was trying to fake up a WWII provenience on the lines of the "taken from the dead hands of a Jap at Gallipoli" type of fantasy. It would be helpful to have a readable photo of the complete inscription, before indulging in further speculation. Maybe there is another interpretation.

[73amc]

With everything that has been said, I have decided to go with this rifle...

SWISS K-31

Talked to them about it today and my LGS is going to fax their ffl on monday. Pretty excited!

[Aragorn243]

It looks like a nice one. Make sure to take off the butt plate when you get it to see if the soldier tag is there. They are a blast to shoot, they eject the spent casing about 6 feet straight up and back in the air. Surplus ammo is currently available and reasonable from numerous sources. Stripper clips are a bit harder to come by but available. Not needed to shoot it however. Cleaning kits are getting harder to find, might want to act quickly on one of those if you're interested in one.

[73amc]

It arrived guys! So excited!






Can anyone tell me about the service tag? Sorry, so excited I havent searched yet!