K-31

troylaplante · 11-23-2006, 10:07 PM

I went to the Dixie Gun and Knife Classic last week. This show was a huge success, drawing what looks like more than any previous event. I don't know if it was the fact that it was the last show of the year, before Christmas or that people want to go to the last gun show before Democrats take over Congress in January.

I was looking for good deals on Mosins. I found a few decent pieces, including a sniper 91/30 with scope. No good deals, though.

I saw one dealer I have seen before that offers a lot of K-31 Schmidt-Rubin rifles. He had absolutely gorgeous walnut stock K-31s in excellent condition, but he wanted almost $300 each. Doggone! He had beautiful 1911 models, as well.

The next day, I ordered one with my C&R and will get it delivered for far less. I have been wanting one for a while and want to get one before the supply dries up. If this guy wasn't gouging, I would have walked out with one. I don't mind overpaying a bit for quality products that I can touch, handle, and inspect thoroughly...but dang, he was high.

In a week or so, I will have one delivered. I just hope that this distributor does me right. I was a bit disappointed last time with my purchase of an M44 from them. I paid for the highest quality they had, so I better be happy.

Big Dog · 11-24-2006, 04:24 AM

That's the risk of ordering "sight unseen". You may pay half as much, but also get a rifle in half as good condition!
I have a Spanish Guardia Civil coming now, and am praying it's in as good shape as the one my shooting buddy got.
Getting a K31 that has a superb stock is a rare thing - I might have been willing to go $300 for one if I really wanted it. Think what that $300 will buy in a NEW rifle! Cheap black synthetic stock, a 'lawyer trigger' and no frills . . .

Dale · 11-24-2006, 06:47 AM

$300, even for a walnut stocked K-31 is a bit steap even if it were in excellent condition.

I've recently seen them at AIM and SOG, with walnut, in very good for around $160.

But, on the other hand if a person sees the gun first hand and if the gun appears worth the price then, in all respects, it is to that buyer.

troylaplante · 11-24-2006, 09:59 AM

The distributor had three classes of quality. I ordered one of their rifles in excellent condition and paid $20 extra for the selection, so it had better be as advertised.

SPOCAHP ANAR · 11-24-2006, 08:25 PM

K31's are in decent shape Troy. You'll be pleased. The only thing wrong on mine was the butt was knicked and dirty and that is due to the Drills they would do with them. I think someone said they had stud on their boots which would dig into the stock. But a little sanding and a steamer and it looks 100% better.

First thing you do is pull of the butt plate to see if a nametag is there!

Full MeTal Jack · 11-24-2006, 10:40 PM

Big Dog let us know how the 308 Spanish Guardia Civil turns out. I got burn on one of those a while back. It wouldn't hit paper at 100yrds.
My K-31 looks like the guy used it for rock batting practice. I had to work on the stock. Still has some charactor.
Troy, hope she shoots good

Big Dog · 11-25-2006, 06:13 AM

Yep, my buddy's GC has a buggered front sight, and it's an odd design - not adjustable like most (no 'blade in dovetail' to be shifted). Beautiful gun, but it shoots way to one side. I suspect the barrel has been turned down into the receiver to adjust headspace.
My K31 has the usual dings and nicks in the buttstock, as well as some unsightly oil spots. I just haven't tackled it yet. Great shooter though! My only milsurp that I can consistently shoot one inch groups at 100 yards - open sighted! Love that Swiss Precision!!

troylaplante · 11-25-2006, 09:56 PM

I have not even gotten my rifle yet and I already see a problem. The charge on my MasterCard hit my account (I do online banking mostly) and the charge is about $20 higher than I was told on the phone.

ninwnc · 11-27-2006, 10:48 AM

Classic Arms has K-31 rifles for $129.00. I don't recall if they have the walnut stock versions. They also have a "If you ain't happy, I ain't happy" return policy. They will do their best to see that you are happy.

I have returned guns to them without any hassles.

classicarms.us

PS: They also have chromed M-38, M-44, M-91/30 Nagants, and they are beautimus.

Nick

troylaplante · 11-27-2006, 05:24 PM

The dealer I used this time was Samco Global. I haven't used Classic Arms yet, and I need to check my file to see if I even sent them a copy of my C&R license.

Another rip off from Samco is that they are in Miami but try to charge NC sales tax. They do not have an office in NC, and therefore should not be charging local tax. The only other place I have ordered from that has charged me sales tax is InterOrdnance, and they are located in NC, so I expect to pay NC sales tax.

I doubt that Samco is turning over that money to the NC Dept. of Revenue.

DWARREN123 · 11-28-2006, 05:44 PM

I picked up a nice one at Whittaker Gun's last week. Cleaned the stock up and it is a good looking rifle, like how the bolt operates and how it handles. Ammo costs a bit for a mil-surp.

troylaplante · 12-02-2006, 11:33 PM

I got my K-31 Swiss rifle yesterday. It was in excellent condition, as promised. It took a bit for it to show up, but I got it none the less. The dealer still charged me $10 more than I was quoted, plus almost $11 for sales tax, even though I don't live in their state. We had an argument over that one. I don't get charged North Carolina sales tax from other businesses I purchase from that are located in Florida and don't have a NC office.

I have been spending some time searching the web for clues as to the man's identity. I have located a Dr. Peter Hemmi in Switzerland. I have send a few emails and put a few contact entries on web sites attempting to locate the man.

It looks like the rifle was perhaps issued in 1954, so I figured that it is entirely possible that the man is still alive. If the man I am looking for is the same one I have seen in web searches, I have seen his picture online and the age looks to be about right.

I used a web based language translation service, hoping that it is accurate. The primary language is German, as that is the language I keep finding online for Swiss sites and for Mr. Hemmi.

I hope to hear from him sometime soon. If I do, I will let you know, and maybe even post his picture.

No pics of the K-31 yet, but I like it so far.

billy · 12-09-2006, 05:55 AM

that would be so cool to get in touch with that person but i hope it dosent bring up bad memories for him or something like that .i know my uncles dont want to talk about war experiences.

troylaplante · 12-11-2006, 05:59 PM

The Swiss have not exactly been at war any time recently, so I doubt that will be an issue. I have been in touch with another Peter Hemmi, just not the one who had the rifle.

NRAJOE · 12-12-2006, 01:10 PM

I have a reply on my walnut K31 but no reply on my beech.

Had a beech I sold last year that I also had a reply on....

troylaplante · 12-12-2006, 01:55 PM

Joe is my inspiration.

NRAJOE · 12-12-2006, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troylaplante

Joe is my inspiration.

Me love you long time too Troy...

troylaplante · 12-12-2006, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NRAJOE

Me love you long time too Troy...

And I just watched "Brokeback Mountain" for the first time recently. Man, I need the Jaws of Life to get that imagery out of my head now.

SPOCAHP ANAR · 12-14-2006, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troylaplante

And I just watched "Brokeback Mountain" for the first time recently. Man, I need the Jaws of Life to get that imagery out of my head now.

Why would you even rent it? Did you really not know what it was about?

troylaplante · 12-14-2006, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPOCAHP ANAR

Why would you even rent it? Did you really not know what it was about?

I didn't rent it, it was on HBO or something channel like that. Yes, I knew what it was about. I watched it on purpose, for fodder for my weekly column that was published today. LaPlante's Rants You would have to read last week's column to follow the reasoning behind watching the movie, then read this week's one.

11-23-2006, 10:07 PM	#1
troylaplante Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Selma, NC Posts: 2,223	K-31 I went to the Dixie Gun and Knife Classic last week. This show was a huge success, drawing what looks like more than any previous event. I don't know if it was the fact that it was the last show of the year, before Christmas or that people want to go to the last gun show before Democrats take over Congress in January. I was looking for good deals on Mosins. I found a few decent pieces, including a sniper 91/30 with scope. No good deals, though. I saw one dealer I have seen before that offers a lot of K-31 Schmidt-Rubin rifles. He had absolutely gorgeous walnut stock K-31s in excellent condition, but he wanted almost $300 each. Doggone! He had beautiful 1911 models, as well. The next day, I ordered one with my C&R and will get it delivered for far less. I have been wanting one for a while and want to get one before the supply dries up. If this guy wasn't gouging, I would have walked out with one. I don't mind overpaying a bit for quality products that I can touch, handle, and inspect thoroughly...but dang, he was high. In a week or so, I will have one delivered. I just hope that this distributor does me right. I was a bit disappointed last time with my purchase of an M44 from them. I paid for the highest quality they had, so I better be happy.

11-24-2006, 04:24 AM	#2
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,214	That's the risk of ordering "sight unseen". You may pay half as much, but also get a rifle in half as good condition! I have a Spanish Guardia Civil coming now, and am praying it's in as good shape as the one my shooting buddy got. Getting a K31 that has a superb stock is a rare thing - I might have been willing to go $300 for one if I really wanted it. Think what that $300 will buy in a NEW rifle! Cheap black synthetic stock, a 'lawyer trigger' and no frills . . . __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

11-24-2006, 06:47 AM	#3
Dale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Too Dang Hot, Arizona Posts: 4,284	$300, even for a walnut stocked K-31 is a bit steap even if it were in excellent condition. I've recently seen them at AIM and SOG, with walnut, in very good for around $160. But, on the other hand if a person sees the gun first hand and if the gun appears worth the price then, in all respects, it is to that buyer. __________________ "It confuses me how some people can vigorously go against the 2nd. Amendment and still call themselves patriotic"-me

11-24-2006, 08:25 PM	#5
SPOCAHP ANAR Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: SC-upstate Posts: 4,094 Images: 3 Blog Entries: 4	K31's are in decent shape Troy. You'll be pleased. The only thing wrong on mine was the butt was knicked and dirty and that is due to the Drills they would do with them. I think someone said they had stud on their boots which would dig into the stock. But a little sanding and a steamer and it looks 100% better. First thing you do is pull of the butt plate to see if a nametag is there! __________________ Spocrest Out!..........

11-24-2006, 10:40 PM	#6
Full MeTal Jack Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 1,427 Images: 1	Big Dog let us know how the 308 Spanish Guardia Civil turns out. I got burn on one of those a while back. It wouldn't hit paper at 100yrds. My K-31 looks like the guy used it for rock batting practice. I had to work on the stock. Still has some charactor. Troy, hope she shoots good __________________ [IMG]http://img287.echo.cx/img287/63/9130110x100a4vb.jpg

11-24-2006, 09:59 AM	#4
troylaplante Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Selma, NC Posts: 2,223	The distributor had three classes of quality. I ordered one of their rifles in excellent condition and paid $20 extra for the selection, so it had better be as advertised.

11-25-2006, 06:13 AM	#7
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,214	Yep, my buddy's GC has a buggered front sight, and it's an odd design - not adjustable like most (no 'blade in dovetail' to be shifted). Beautiful gun, but it shoots way to one side. I suspect the barrel has been turned down into the receiver to adjust headspace. My K31 has the usual dings and nicks in the buttstock, as well as some unsightly oil spots. I just haven't tackled it yet. Great shooter though! My only milsurp that I can consistently shoot one inch groups at 100 yards - open sighted! Love that Swiss Precision!! __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

11-25-2006, 09:56 PM	#8
troylaplante Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Selma, NC Posts: 2,223	I have not even gotten my rifle yet and I already see a problem. The charge on my MasterCard hit my account (I do online banking mostly) and the charge is about $20 higher than I was told on the phone.

11-27-2006, 10:48 AM	#9
ninwnc Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 435	Classic Arms has K-31 rifles for $129.00. I don't recall if they have the walnut stock versions. They also have a "If you ain't happy, I ain't happy" return policy. They will do their best to see that you are happy. I have returned guns to them without any hassles. classicarms.us PS: They also have chromed M-38, M-44, M-91/30 Nagants, and they are beautimus. Nick

11-27-2006, 05:24 PM	#10
troylaplante Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Selma, NC Posts: 2,223	The dealer I used this time was Samco Global. I haven't used Classic Arms yet, and I need to check my file to see if I even sent them a copy of my C&R license. Another rip off from Samco is that they are in Miami but try to charge NC sales tax. They do not have an office in NC, and therefore should not be charging local tax. The only other place I have ordered from that has charged me sales tax is InterOrdnance, and they are located in NC, so I expect to pay NC sales tax. I doubt that Samco is turning over that money to the NC Dept. of Revenue.

11-28-2006, 05:44 PM	#11
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 774	I picked up a nice one at Whittaker Gun's last week. Cleaned the stock up and it is a good looking rifle, like how the bolt operates and how it handles. Ammo costs a bit for a mil-surp.

12-02-2006, 11:33 PM	#12
troylaplante Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Selma, NC Posts: 2,223	K-31 finally arrived I got my K-31 Swiss rifle yesterday. It was in excellent condition, as promised. It took a bit for it to show up, but I got it none the less. The dealer still charged me $10 more than I was quoted, plus almost $11 for sales tax, even though I don't live in their state. We had an argument over that one. I don't get charged North Carolina sales tax from other businesses I purchase from that are located in Florida and don't have a NC office. I have been spending some time searching the web for clues as to the man's identity. I have located a Dr. Peter Hemmi in Switzerland. I have send a few emails and put a few contact entries on web sites attempting to locate the man. It looks like the rifle was perhaps issued in 1954, so I figured that it is entirely possible that the man is still alive. If the man I am looking for is the same one I have seen in web searches, I have seen his picture online and the age looks to be about right. I used a web based language translation service, hoping that it is accurate. The primary language is German, as that is the language I keep finding online for Swiss sites and for Mr. Hemmi. I hope to hear from him sometime soon. If I do, I will let you know, and maybe even post his picture. No pics of the K-31 yet, but I like it so far.

12-09-2006, 05:55 AM	#13
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 12,157 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 146	that would be so cool to get in touch with that person but i hope it dosent bring up bad memories for him or something like that .i know my uncles dont want to talk about war experiences.

12-11-2006, 05:59 PM	#14
troylaplante Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Selma, NC Posts: 2,223	The Swiss have not exactly been at war any time recently, so I doubt that will be an issue. I have been in touch with another Peter Hemmi, just not the one who had the rifle.

12-12-2006, 01:10 PM	#15
NRAJOE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toledo,OH Posts: 19,052 Images: 3	I have a reply on my walnut K31 but no reply on my beech. Had a beech I sold last year that I also had a reply on.... __________________ U.S. Army 1976-1979 237th Combat Engineers Heilbronn, Germany

12-12-2006, 01:55 PM	#16
troylaplante Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Selma, NC Posts: 2,223	Joe is my inspiration.