K 31 Schmidt-Rubin Rifle …………………(F 950) SOLD
Created on October 7th 2021
Schmidt-Rubin K31 Straight Pull Karabiner
The superbly accurate Schmidt-Rubin Karabiner in standard military configuration. Chambered in the Swiss 7.5 x 55 cartridge with a detachable six round box magazine. Straight pull action with alloy bolt handle. Measuring 43.3/4″ in overall length. The round blued barrel is a nominal 26″ long and the trigger Pull is 12.3/4″ to centre. This carbine has the matching serial number “977997” on the outside of the action, the bolt and the magazine. This is not a private issue weapon but military and the serial number denotes production in 1953. The last three digits of that number are repeated on the step of the barrel around the breech, meaning this is the original barrel the rifle was first issued with. The bore is very clean with an un-interrupted 4 groove right-hand twist. No pitting and no misting. GP 11 the standard military ammunition the Swiss used was always non-corrosive. That practice alone speaks for its self with these results in a 68 year old rifle with a near perfect bore.
Stocked in a pale (natural) coloured, hardwood Beech stock with handguard over the barrel. An interesting feature of the K31 is the positioning of the finger grooves in the fore-end – they are staggered for the right handed shooter. One wonders what the left handed were told in response to their particular bent! Probably something customarily blunt from their instructors along the lines of; Well you’ll have to learn to shoot like everybody else! The groves, as positioned, dictate that the left hand thumb lay along the LHS of the for-end, slightly in front of the ends of the fingers, which lay in the groove on the RHS. This does provide a fixed but comfortable position for supporting the rifle for a right eye dominant, right handed shooter. Also effected by similar issues, would be operation of the bolt. This obviously works best if you are right handed, and perfectly every time. God knows what you do if you are blessed with a dominant left eye or are left handed!
The beech stock is in good condition and has benefited from a recent complete strip and re-seal. There are still signs of a military life but they are fairly minimal. However, the re-finish did not obliterate the Swiss shield cartouche which is in the centre of the right hand side of the butt-stock. Standard steel butt-plate with troopers tag under. Made from a waterproof material with the details written by hand in pencil, probably by the fellow himself. This was a practice that originated so “lost” rifles could be reunited with their owners when they were handed into Police stations after being left on trams and trains. In the past in Switzerland the discovery of a live rifle on public transport did not result in a SWAT incident. The rifle was simply returned to the trooper probably causing more embarrassment for the individual and mirth of his comrades than anything more serious. Perhaps they were a little more level headed in those days! The tag has the serial number and the troopers details; (see photo) But it looks like the rifle was stationed in Basel.
The receiver has retained the best finish along with the magazine and trigger guard. This is a strong black which is fading on the exposed portion of the barrel and bands. The Swiss cross acceptance mark is also on other components. Stunningly clear Swiss national shield on the crest of the receiver. The front band incorporates the stacking bar and a bayonet lug. The mid band has the side mounted sling swivel and the butt the fixed sling bar. Included is a contemporary vintage marked leather sling of correct pattern. The rear sights are graduated from 100 to 1500 meters with no adjustment for windage but are in splendid condition. Zeroing windage is obtained through the sliding front sight which is protected by steel ears. A very fine example of the much sought after K31 in standard military specification but in a high level of condition. Freshly CIP proof in the UK for 2021.
Stock No’ F 950
£ 995. SOLD
Comments Off on K 31 Schmidt-Rubin Rifle …………………(F 950) SOLD