Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this historic bolt-action rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the Waffenfabrik Bern K31!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Waffenfabrik Bern
Model: K31
Serial: 645374
Date of Manufacture: 1941
Caliber: 7.5x55mm Swiss
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 25.67"
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Blade Front with Adjustable Tangent Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Swiss Karabiner Model 1931 (K31) is widely regarded as a superior bolt-action rifle, and many historians credit it as a key factor in preventing Germany from attacking Switzerland during World War II. As the standard-issue infantry weapon for Switzerland's militia and army, the K31 was distributed to male citizens of military service age from 1933 to 1958, making it a cornerstone of Switzerland's national defense strategy. The K31 was introduced as a replacement for both the Model 1911 and the K11, and served as the standard-issue rifle for the Swiss military from its adoption in 1933 until it was replaced by the STG-57 in 1958. Notably, the K31 was the last bolt-action service rifle used by Switzerland, although modified versions continued to see service well into the 1970s due to their exceptional reliability and accuracy. The rifle is chambered in 7.5x55mm Swiss (GP11) and features a 25.67-inch barrel and a 6-round detachable magazine.
Model: K31
Serial: 645374
Date of Manufacture: 1941
Caliber: 7.5x55mm Swiss
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 25.67"
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Blade Front with Adjustable Tangent Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Swiss Karabiner Model 1931 (K31) is widely regarded as a superior bolt-action rifle, and many historians credit it as a key factor in preventing Germany from attacking Switzerland during World War II. As the standard-issue infantry weapon for Switzerland's militia and army, the K31 was distributed to male citizens of military service age from 1933 to 1958, making it a cornerstone of Switzerland's national defense strategy. The K31 was introduced as a replacement for both the Model 1911 and the K11, and served as the standard-issue rifle for the Swiss military from its adoption in 1933 until it was replaced by the STG-57 in 1958. Notably, the K31 was the last bolt-action service rifle used by Switzerland, although modified versions continued to see service well into the 1970s due to their exceptional reliability and accuracy. The rifle is chambered in 7.5x55mm Swiss (GP11) and features a 25.67-inch barrel and a 6-round detachable magazine.
While the K31 is a straight-pull carbine, built upon the design principles of earlier Schmidt-Rubin service rifles, it was not designed by Rudolf Schmidt, who had passed away by the time the K31 was developed. Instead, Colonel Furrer of Waffenfabrik Bern oversaw its design, though Schmidt's influence is still evident throughout the rifle. One of the K31's most striking features is its straight-pull bolt action, which set it apart from its contemporaries, such as the Springfield, Mosin-Nagant, and Mauser K98 rifles. These other rifles used a rotating bolt system, requiring the user to move the bolt handle in a distinctive "up and back, forward and down" motion. In contrast, the K31's straight-pull action allows for a more rapid and fluid shooting cycle, requiring less pronounced arm movement, which could be crucial in combat situations where maintaining stealth was important. This faster, more efficient operation helped Swiss soldiers maintain their positions during engagements without giving away their location through excessive movement.
Given Switzerland’s neutral stance during World War II, the K31 rifles saw far less wear and tear than their counterparts used by other European militaries, making them remarkably well-preserved. A total of 528,230 K31 rifles were produced between 1931 and 1970, and each batch has unique characteristics based on the Swiss military's evolving needs and decisions over the years. The K31 is not only a testament to Swiss engineering but also to their strategic focus on defense and preparedness.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with a magazine.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
