Couple questions on new K31

[Dalebert]

I recently picked up a K31 in nice condition. Serial number indicates 1951 manufacture.

Questions are:

1. Saw a youtube video that indicated buttplate and rear barrel band were serial numbered. Mine aren't. All existing serial numbers (barrel, receiver, bolt, mag, stock, handguard) match. Were buttplates and barrel bands serial numbered and if so, is it possible that it wasn't done at that relatively late manufacture date. My rifle has the feel of an all original piece.

2. The wood on mine is very nice overall. Would like to know of recommendation for light cleaning that won't damage the overall nice condition and patina.

Thanks,
Dale

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[M2phil]

Congrats on your new K31. I've never seen one with SN on the buttplate and band (never say never , but I don't think it was normally done to those parts) so don't worry. If the wood is "very nice overall" and you don't want to damage the patina, don't do anything beyond wiping it off with a soft cloth.

[Aragorn243]

K31 buttplates and barrel bands are not serialed. Wipe the wood down with BLO.

[Meshuggah]

My k31 is not numbered on the butt or band.
Care to share any pics of it? These are beautiful rifles.

[Dalebert]

Thanks for replies. Felt like I had a correct rifle and you've confirmed it. I'm no expert, but I do own a dozen or so milsurps. As a bonus, my rifle has the issue tag under butt plate and it came with the sling.

Ammo arrives today, so hopefully (live in MN) I can get out to shoot it soon. At this point I think this will be my deer rifle this fall. My shots rarely exceed 50 yards, so open sights and old eyes should still work fine. So far I've shot deer with my enfield and Mosin sniper milsurps. Want to add some others to that list. K31 feels like a logical next gun.

I was in Switzerland as a boy (1967) and picked up a K31 bayonet in a thrift shop. Used to throw it and stick it in trees. Long gone. Choking on current prices, but it a new one would both compliment my new K31 and be nostalgic because I played with one as a boy.

[Aragorn243]

They seem to be averaging around $80 on ebay these days. Might get one for less if you are patient.

[b32dominator]

Thanks for replies. Felt like I had a correct rifle and you've confirmed it. I'm no expert, but I do own a dozen or so milsurps. As a bonus, my rifle has the issue tag under butt plate and it came with the sling.

Ammo arrives today, so hopefully (live in MN) I can get out to shoot it soon. At this point I think this will be my deer rifle this fall. My shots rarely exceed 50 yards, so open sights and old eyes should still work fine. So far I've shot deer with my enfield and Mosin sniper milsurps. Want to add some others to that list. K31 feels like a logical next gun.

I was in Switzerland as a boy (1967) and picked up a K31 bayonet in a thrift shop. Used to throw it and stick it in trees. Long gone. Choking on current prices, but it a new one would both compliment my new K31 and be nostalgic because I played with one as a boy.

Sorry to bring up an old topic. I just picked up a 1949 K31 a few weeks back and the bands are indeed numbered. The only part not numbered is the buttplate all else is matching and numbered.

[Aragorn243]

K31's barrel bands were not serial numbered at the factory, neither were K11's or 1911's. If you have one with a serial numbered barrel band it was done after it left the factory. Possibly by a unit, possibly by an individual.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Military Surplus Bayonet Scabbard Swiss Model 1918 SS Wood Handle
Here is another option on the bayonet.

[jester617]

Swiss K31 Bayonet w/ Scabbard
(Classic firearms.com)

$60

SWISS MILITARY K31 BAYONETS - Ammo - Southern Ohio Gun

Southern Ohio Gun (SOG.com) has them for $70