Swiss Collection

[LTPayton88]

Just picked up the K31 to go along with the 1911 family. Now I just need to get a M1889. Doubt ill ever get my hands on a M1896. On a positive note, the most I paid for any of these rifles is $450.

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[Eaglelord17]

Very nice!

As a guy with a 1896, provided you get a 1889 it feels basically the same.

[LTPayton88]

As a guy with a 1896

I am jealous. Thank you. They are amazing shooting weapons.

[Eaglelord17]

Absolutely impressive is a understatement for the effort and qualities that went into making these rifles. I quite enjoy the history of them and the Swiss.

I am in basically the same boat as you where most my purchases of Swiss firearms were in the under 400$ range (even though now I couldn't do the same). It was some of the more recent additions which cost more, like the K93, IG 89/96, or KG 97.

It is nice to see others enjoying them, they aren't as desired as many of the more 'renowned' firearms (Lee Enfields, Mausers, etc.) but that doesn't mean they aren't interesting and excellent buys. Especially at the price points they are at.

[LTPayton88]

I quite enjoy the history of them and the Swiss

I completely agree. The history is most of the fun with collecting these old rifles. Shooting them comes in a very close 2nd. I spend nearly every weekend I can at the range shooting these things. I have to say the rifles of the "neutral" countries are some of the finest firearms I've ever shot. Like the Swiss 1911 series, K31, and the Swedish M1896 and M38 Mausers. Both countries were technically neutral but had by far some of the nicest and well built service rifles of the either conflict.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Nice trifecta. Pick up some bayonets while you still can. The shooting medals etc.. make a nice addition to a Swiss collection as well. And don't forget an M-43 officers dagger.

[Eaglelord17]

To be honest, I suspect most other nations firearms at one point looked the same way the Swiss and Swedish surplus looks now, just a few wars somewhat kills the finish and condition of the arms.

I wish there was a time machine to go back and see what all these arms looked and felt like new.

[LTPayton88]

I have one bayonet so far that will fit both the K31 and the K11. I still have to locate one for the 1911 long rifle though.

---------- Post added at 04:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:38 PM ----------

I suspect most other nations firearms at one point looked the same way the Swiss and Swedish surplus looks now

For some countries I would agree with that. They never really suffered from war time shortages and things of that nature as well so there are many factors to look at but I do still love my Swiss and Swede shooters more than I do my other countries surplus. But they are all fun.

[Ovidio]

To be honest, I suspect most other nations firearms at one point looked the same way the Swiss and Swedish surplus looks now, just a few wars somewhat kills the finish and condition of the arms.

I wish there was a time machine to go back and see what all these arms looked and felt like new.

Looking at the South American or Persian Mausers gives you a good hint, in my opinion. All of those rifles I own are simply gorgeous and shoot like a dream.

[LTPayton88]

Looking at the South American

I have a M1891 Argentine Mauser that looks like it came out of the factory yesterday. It is literally nearly flawless and I would bet my paycheck it has never been shot.