K31 Schmidt-Rubin & Accessories…………………..(F 1115)

Good Example of the (Karbiner) K31 for 1939

A fine example of a complete and matching Swiss K31 rifle produced at the beginning of the Second World War. Chambered in the Swiss 7.5 x 55mm cartridges feeding from a six-shot detachable box magazine.  Renowned for their accuracy, reliability and dependence these compact rifles benefit from the highly advanced and technically ingenious short bolt re-developed by a Major Furrer from the original system.  So, in a way, it sometimes is not considered a pure Schmidt-Rubin design but a development of the former.  It was well received in practical terms as it shortened the rifle improved accuracy and reduced weight.

Previous designs used by the Swiss had a straight-grip stock (unless updated) but the K31 had a pistol grip as standard.  The forend is also cleverly designed, as the finger groves are in-fact “staggered,”  this enables a better placing and grip of the fingers around the forend – a standard feature. The re-design of the bolt and the placement of the bolt locking lugs at the front of the bolt not only reduced the length required of the receiver but of the rifle overall.  Another important gain of the bolt re-design and one of the major motivations of the exercise in the first place was, removal of the problem of cartridge “wobble or rock” once loaded on the end of the bolt. Removing that variance vastly improved accuracy immediately.  The early rifles were highly accurate, but these were a vast improvement. ( From my own personal experience, if I see a K31 turn up in competition on the range and I have not got one with me – my immediate response tends to be .. I may as well pack up and go home…!

This K31 has the serial number “595497” on the side of the receiver, the bolt body and the base of the box magazine – this in terms of the K31 means it is fully matching.  The rifle has its original barrel in place as the last three digits of the serial number are clearly shown on the barrel step.  It also show other viewing and inspection markings upon the same.  Aluminium bolt handle as standard.  Upon research this serial number demonstrates production in 1939.  All parts are blued apart from the bolt assembly.  Swiss National Shield on crest of receiver. Finish is definitely thinning on the receiver, however this does indicate its originality.  It also indicates that the rifle was carried over the shoulder for a considerable time as this kind of all over even wear often develops as a result of rubbing up against the back; the position of the strap forces the rifle’s top side against the uniform and webbing of the user.  It most probably spent many of its early years patrolling the borders keeping Switzerland out of the fray and guaranteeing its neutrality.

Stocked in a superb, close grained walnut the rifle shows some signs of its military life but not to a degrading standard. A fine “ripple” in the grain about the sides of the butt-stock gives an almost three-D appearance.  There are three heavy dents in the RHS of the fore-end adjacent to the rear sight but, yet again, this hardly detracts from what is a very presentable rifle.  Shaped steel butt-plate (sans tag)  The Swiss ownership shield is in the centre of the RHS butt face.  Overall the rifle measures 43.5/8″ in length. Length of Pull 12.1/2″ External barrel length 24″  Four grove RH twist bore.  Action – Straight Pull.  Bolt release catch under RHS of bolt in action body.  Magazine release catch beside lower right of magazine.  Sights graduated to 1500 meters.  An excellent example of the K31 with a clear undamaged bore.  Stacking hook and guarded front sight.

There are extras which come with the rifle thus completing the set to a basic usable standard.  Two cardboard and tin chargers which can be used to load the rifle from above with the magazine still in place.  A brass and spring-loaded muzzle cover which hooks over the front sight to protect the bore.  A genuine period Swiss leather strap which shows stampings and is perfectly serviceable.  Perhaps more difficult to find is the Model 1918 Schmidt Bayonet (Dolchabajonett) in the correct Model 1889 scabbard.  The blade is a double edged reverse fuller type in fine condition by “EL SENER / SCHWYZ.”  It has a Mauser style pommel and locking mechanism with twin rivets through the grips.  As with all Swiss equipment of this type it is numbered, unfortunately to another rifle; “824378”  It is in fine condition along with its steel scabbard and brown leather frog.  The stitching is intact and the leather supple.  The rear of the frog is marked with the number “79” and the saddle-maker’s details, who proudly produced it.  The makers stamp reads “J. ROSENMUND / SATLER / LIESTAL”.  The bayonet secures fast to the rifle.

All the hard work is done here, this is a very desirable rifle with difficult to find extras.  Its proofed and ready to use or to take a place in any military rifle collection.  Bore excellent as usual.

Stock No F 1115

£ 925.

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