Swiss Schmidt Rubin K31
by JT
(Sierra Mountains, CA, USA)
I have 6 K31s....so far I have one 1911 carbine usually called the K11 and a 1911 long rifle. These are the most accurate surplus rifle one can buy. The ammo is 7.5 x 55 Swiss and the surplus ammo, the GP11, is match grade. .308 diameter, 174 grn bullet, approx 2600 fps. 1" MOA groups are common with a stock rifle from a rest.
You can buy a "clamp on" scope mount, side mounted, no drilling required, using only one Allen screw. The mount is interchangeable onto any K31. You can still use the issued iron sights with the scope mounted.
The Swiss never used corrosive ammo and never went to war. The fact that no corrosive ammo was ever used means that you'll get a clean, shiny bore on a surplus rifle.
The sport of shooting was BIG in Switzerland and it still is so they demanded a "Rolex-quality" rifle. K31s are available from around $225 - $325 for a typical rifle. The bores and actions are usually excellent and the stocks are dinged up. GP11 is still available and a case of 480 runs about $280 delivered. You can buy boxer primed, soft pointed hunting ammo. Reloading boxer or berdan is always an option and currently Berdan primers are available for about $180 per 5000. You will need a Berdan decapper. You can always stock up on regular boxer brass and components.
The action is a straight pull bolt action. The mag holds 6. You can get off 6 shots in about 9 seconds because of the style of bolt action...very fast. In my opinion, this is the best surplus rifle (bolt action) available.
How good is it? The winner at Camp Perry this year in vintage class used a stock 1938 vintage K31 shooting the GP11 ammo! Stick on a scope and you have a great rifle for long range. How far? I use it in matches out to 1000 yards.
The Germans never did invade Switzerland as they knew that the combo of superb rifleman with this rifle (well hidden in the high ground) spelled disaster for their Army! Buy one. Buy ammo. Buy a scope. Practice.
Oh yes. The triggers are superb, two stage, breaking with no creep at 3.5#..............sweet!
