Make your case...

[amadeus76]

So I’ve decided to pick up one last milsurp rifle before I bow out of the game... I’m down to either a Finnish M39 or a Swiss K31, but I can’t settle on which one I want.

I already have one of each, and in fact I also have a Swiss G1911 and a K11. But I also have a standard Russian 91/30, but that’s really a different rifle than the M39 and really not comparable.

So make your case and help me decide, another K31 or another M39?

[Aragorn243]

Why do you want more than one of each? I'd buy something I don't already have.

[Eaglelord17]

I agree with the sentiments of something different.

But if you are choosing between the two, I personally would pick another K31, but I also happen to be very Swiss orientated. Better action, more accurate, maybe go for one with target sights equipped.

[rcathey]

Why do you want more than one of each? I'd buy something I don't already have.

Agreed. And something novel too. Maybe a neat way of loading.
A Krag with its side gate, a Berthier with its enbloc, perhaps a Trapdoor Springfield with its, well, trapdoor.

Variety is the spice of life.

[amadeus76]

Why do you want more than one of each? I'd buy something I don't already have.

I have examples of every milsurp rifle I want with the exception of the RSC-1918. For most I have multiples to avoid too much abuse on any one rifle.

---------- Post added at 09:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:20 AM ----------

I agree with the sentiments of something different.

But if you are choosing between the two, I personally would pick another K31... more accurate...

Certainly a better action, but I think the accuracy claim is disputable. Both rifle are lauded for their accuracy... Tho I do think the GP11 round is better ballistically than the D166.

[Sunray]

It can be a struggle to find 7.5 Swiss ammo. Midway shows Prvi and nothing else and they claim it's "Unavailable due to limited production."
On the other hand a 7.62 x 54R carbine is not for the faint of heart when it comes to felt recoil and muzzle blast. No fuss finding ammo though.
I'd be thinking in terns of how many of the variations of both rifles I have.
This being the Swiss.
http://www.swissrifles.com/sr/

[amadeus76]

It can be a struggle to find 7.5 Swiss ammo. Midway shows Prvi and nothing else and they claim it's "Unavailable due to limited production."
On the other hand a 7.62 x 54R carbine is not for the faint of heart when it comes to felt recoil and muzzle blast. No fuss finding ammo though.
I'd be thinking in terns of how many of the variations of both rifles I have.
This being the Swiss.
http://www.swissrifles.com/sr/

Ammo isn't really a concern, I reload for both...

[henry r]

easy, a RSC 1918.

well probably very very difficult, but if you only want one more make it THE one you want.

[Low & Slow]

Tough call. As you have presumably fine examples of both already, and are set on a choice of only one or the the other for a back up, I suppose it boils down to what you value more, the ability of a Finnish armorer or the precision of a Swiss factory. Just my two cents.

[Ridolpho]

Amadeus: Is your current 91/30 a refurb? If so you might consider looking for an original, matching 91/30 (or better yet PU Sniper). THis would give you an example of how the Soviets originally set up their rifles (as far as bedding goes) which is far better than often assumed. I have plenty of Finn Mosins but none of them compare in stock fit to a factory original PU. So, I guess my suggestion is find an example of the best Soviet rifle to contrast with your M39 (supposedly the best of Finnish).

Ridolpho