[mikana]

Just won an auction at gb for a K31 in .308. Had read back in the 50's or 60's there were a number of them imported that were converted and had the <can't remember> target sights on them. I paid $78 plus $15 shipping, plus $15 transfer fee.

The rifle does not have the sights on it, but does have four holes tapped into the left side of the reciever. There is a dovetail cut out on the back top of the reciever. Different front sight too.

Here is the link:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=118100475

Did I do ok on this?

 

[Ash]

That's not a K31, but a 1896/11 model. Looks to be sporterized?

 

[mikana]

That's not a K31, but a 1896/11 model. Looks to be sporterized?

Converted more like! Its supposedly rebarrelled to 308.

 

[foudufoot]

It had a RESERVE?!?!? Mikana, I'm speechless.

 

[mikana]

Maybe it can be saved...

 

[foudufoot]

That's a noble thought Mikana. However, you could probably buy several nice ones for the cost of this surgery...

I'm looking for redeeming qualities.............................

My advice is to chalk this one up to experience and enjoy the one you will receive from Samco! The GP11 is match grade ammo and a pleasure to shoot.

 

[RJSBONJR56]

308 - 1896/11

Do be careful of not using any real hot .308 in this gun. It may or may not take the strain. I think you did all right but as others have said you could have gotten a k31 for what you will put into this gun after you find a mag and a rear site. Your rear sight options depend on the dovetail cut and what you want. - I think you did all right, over time these will only demand more money and to have a .308 conversion today is cost prohibative.

 

[quentin]

SR in 308

Mikana,
It's all supply and demand. If I could find a SR in 308 for $110 I'd be ranting about it for months! But then, I'm not in the US and any good quality SR starts about US$400 down here.....
In 308 probably $600+, what with the shortage of GP11 here....

I wonder if you could move the barrel onto a K31 (which would be a stronger action) for hunting etc ? Anybody know if the barrel threads are the same?

If you do decide to break it up for parts then let me know!

Q

 

[mikana]

anybody know where to get a magazine for it?

We will see what comes out of it. I am looking forward to having a project... Anyway, I guess I don't have to be too worried about making it authentic.

 

[1911crazy]

I think you have a fun project there. Its something different to play with. Congrats....

 

[mikana]

Update

Talked to the seller. Since the item was mis-represented in the listing, and I can't find ANY source for parts for it, they let me out of the deal. Good people to work with, btw.

I would have loved to have taken it... A .308 for less than $80 still sounds pretty good to me. But without a magazine (I asked if anyone knew where to get one on two swiss rifle boards), I can't shoot it. Seller couldn't find a source for the magazine either.

So... No project. Guess I just have to wait for my K31 from Samco.

 

[swissfan]

Magazine

Mikana, Look here, http://theswissriflesdotcommessageboard.yuku.com/topic/5683?page=1, Guisan has one available. Just in case this would change your mind.

 

[John Sukey In Memoriam]

I Think the magazine is worth more than the rifle.
That poor thing has suffered a bit.

 

[Bosco64]

I was fortunate enough to get a nice .308 Ishapore enfield through Aim a month or so ago. They sold out their remaining stock for $79. The irony is I bought one months ago for $179 and the second one is in better shape!! Can't say enough good things about AIM. Classic Arms has done me right too.

 

[akb]

Once upon a time, children, a company with the name of Winfield Arms brought a bunch of Swiss rifles into this country, some converted to .308, and another bunch, 30-30 Winchester. They sold in the 19.99-29.99 price range.
They also sold M69s, M71, etc. for 14.99 a piece, and plenty of ammuntion was available then. This was like two years (aka 1961) before the John Kennedy was murdered in Dallas.
Some how, some way, I lived through it.
Now, I'd love to have those early Vetterlis and ammo.
I actually do have them, but they cost me more than than those listings I've discussed above.

 

[budliteguy]

Mikana
I'm glad you won that auction I had the high bid on it. Until you came along. I was going to part it out. But with you buying it or not buying it that left my money not tied up in it, so I could buy a No-4 Mk-1 Enfield for $95.00 to play with. Thanks

 

[mikana]

happy to be of service BLG...

 

[Dancingchicken]

Oh my! That's a love story wating to be born... If you are able to get it in the shape you would like it to be, that is.

 

[stevecan]

I bought a K11 on Auction Arms for approx $90, and had to buy a Rear sight (got it from swissdagger of ebay) and had to buy a Upper handguard (got it from Guisan). It cost a few bucks and its a mixmaster, but I still love that gun. Give it a try if its not already a lost cause.

BTW its still a usable rifle if you don't mind a singleshot. I'm sure you'll come across a magazine for it sometime. I believe that model (modifications) is called an "alpine sporter" look for some additional info and you might even find a scope and mount they used on them. Look for gent named Hawkster he's got several (if my memory serves me, been a few years).

Here's what mine looks like now:

 

[Dancingchicken]

Nice wood. My K31 looks nowhere near as nice as that, but it's a real shooter...and I love it. In fact, I think it may be getting lonely in the vault. It may need a mate soon.