All the ammo available for these guns is often considered precision marksmanship ammo. Obviously it’s no surprise to be able to shoot sub .5 MOA assuming you do your part.
Not to be a noisily guy but its Schmidt-Rubin. But excellent video. I also prefer my Schmidt-Rubin more than my k31. My favorite being the K11. I do not have a 1889 or kadet carbine but I have a 96/11, 2 k11s, and 2 k31s. Great firearms.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns lots of Schmidt Rubin designs out of Switerzland and if you're interested in Swiss military there was even a mannlicher design and of course the vetterlis
My goodness, one of these days I’ll end up with one of those cadets, one day! I love that you have appreciation for these Swiss beauty’s thru are truly my favorite. And this is the 4th time I’ve watched this so lol
I adore my Walnut k31. I picked it up when $330 was higher price for it. I can't see me parting with it while still on this side of the the sod. I have been watching for a cadet for a while. Thanks for another fine video of nice rifles. Keep up the good work.
Very nice rifles and unfortunately everyone knows it these days. I have a bit of trouble focusing on the iron sights for the k31 so I am trying to find a vintage scope to put on. Mine had no troop tag under the butt plate so I put a fortune cookie paper with my name on it under there. The fortune reads something like "Simplicity of character is the result of profound thought." I think that is quite nice.
That is beautiful Ghostus! The factories should put that under every one. I've seen some interesting scope mounts for the K31 - some quite clever in not requiring any permanent change to the rifle.
Me too, there was a scrap of paper with a name and what appears t be an identification number of some sort under the butt plate on my K31 too. It is a great operating rifle, as you've said. I don't fire it a lot, but maybe this year with warmer weather coming, ( I hope ) I'll get it to the range for a few more shooting sessions.
Both excellent firearms! My K-31 has the soldier's name and number on a piece of paper under the buttplate, as so many of them do. I like the Interarms Mark X over your right shoulder, Zastava does a very good job with those. Zastava makes a .22 version of that Mannlicher stocked rifle, the MP-22. I haven't seen them in the shops yet but their web site shows them. They make, in my opinion, the best full stock rifles, better looking than the CZ offerings with their odd droopy buttstocks. The only failing, if you could call it that, of the MP 22s is a small bolt handle, otherwise they are very well finished, as you pointed out in your review of the Mark X. I hope you will find a MP 22 full stock to review before too long.
Year Zero Myself and WestCoaster-(who left a comment☝🏼)-searched under the plate for that paper. Unfortunately, like Geraldo Rivera and Al Capone's vault, our quest ended in futility. There was nothing to be found. I’m curious to know if that Zastava is difficult to cycle? I’m searching for a 'cock-on-close' action rifle and have read that the Zastava's action is a mini-Mauser. Is the Zastava a 'C.O.O' action? If you have a chance to answer I’d be most grateful.
Its Rubin. The single loader is the Kadettengewehr 1897 which was used by one of the various Cantonal Cadett Corps. The left scale on the sight is for GP1890, the right side is for the Kadettenpatrone, a downloaded cartridge. Do NOT use GP11.
While you are correct that the sights were graduated for GP90 and the cadet round (GP 1923), I can find no source that indicates that GP11 is unsafe to use in these rifles. My suspicion is that the action is the same as the regular 1911 actions and can handle GP11 pressures just fine. However, that is just my assumption and must be taken with a grain of salt. I don't own a cadet rifle, but if I did I would much prefer shooting a reduced load (I reload GP90-equivalent for my 1889 and 1893 cavalry carbine) simply because the recoil of GP11 would be rather stout in the light cadet rifle.
Hi FortuneZero, ulf and TNL, I always like it when people use caution and as I mention I drop some grains. On the other hand I've used all loadings including the GP11 and found no signs of high pressure or stress. Maybe I've been lucky. Anyway, I like less recoil and so use the reduced loads. I'd follow FortuneZero as it is easy to do so and all the people that use the GP11 are probably taking chances.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns The last iteration, the GP90/23, was created to fill up the draining reserves of ammunition for the rifles unable to use the "new" GP11. Just looking at the data alone should make it obvious that its not a good idea to interchange the two.
I agree with FortuneZero. The action for the kadet carbines are the same as the 1896 which is strong enough to fire GP11 but other components like the barrels were changed for the upgrade to the 96/11 for it to shoot GP11 (7.5x55). The kadet wasn't tested for GP11 or designed for it. The kadet was made for GP90 ( 7.5x53.5) and the light charge of GP90. It was a carbine teenager learn to shoot on. GP11 was not even designed until later and not kadet GP11 carbine exist but I have seen some K11 .22lr and a few other oddball
You know, it's really interesting to think about the many designs that various gun-gurus have produced over the years. That's one of the great things about your channel, you bring out rare and obscure rifles and give a detailed history while discussing the design mechanics. I've learned so much from your videos. It's really fascinating to think about all the designs that came about from 1860 to 1940... Nowadays, it seems that the industry is, to a large extent, repackaging and rebranding stuff that Mr Mauser developed well over a century ago, an example being the 6.5x55. The 6.5x55 was always a great round but it's funny to hear all the 6.5 Creedmoor converts talk about the newly developed 6.5 caliber... After watching all the hoopla over this "new" caliber, I'm convinced that chrome and tail fins will be back soon on American cars! LOL! But back to a serious discussion, my greatest take away from all this is that I recognize more designs and understand how they function, helpful in gun shops or at gun shows. As always, thanks for sharing your insights! Take care and have a great weekend!
Hi Paul - so true : what you wrote. The core knowledge about firearms is old and they keep re-inventing the wheel so-to-speak. The 6.5x55 was brilliant when it came out and it still is know - as you know. I guess they have to somehow keep selling guns though and so change "engines" every so often. There may not be anything better than the 6.5x55 so they offer something different. I still like my 6.5 Japanese as well. Take care and thanks for taking the time Paul.
I would suggest that the locking lugs in the cadet rifle (and in the 96/11 and K11 and G11 rifles) are mid-locking lugs. While they are a long ways from the front of the bolt, they are still much farther forward than in the 1889 rifle, which has rear-locking lugs and is not suitable/safe for use with normal 7.5x55 (GP11 or modern commercial loads) ammunition.
Hello TNL - thanks for this. I like the sound of mid-locking ; I usually go by what the majority of collectors I know tell me - and on the S-R Cadet they seem to think anything that doesn't lock into the barrel or front receiver ring is rear locking. As you know, for many things there are several opinions and I'm always happy to accommodate - I even thought of saying "mid or rear locking" but somehow forgot. Thanks for writing.
The rifles don’t always look good on the outside, (they used to smack the snow off their boots with the buttstocks), but I have never seen a shot out barrel ever.
USOG, you are a true shooter. Learn to shoot the rifle you have in your hands and you will be fine with and enjoy many rifles. I would like to think I am like that too...
Swiss manufacturing genius, i heard somewhere if they were too make the K-31 today it would be ~$3500 retail (still worth every penny). I have an interesting rifle I just purchased. A Browning Eurobolt, too me it looks like the "old" A-Bolt before they economized it, with a very nice Walnut stock, the stock is a sporter shaped Bavarian stock. It reminds me very strongly of the Sako 85 Bavarian, although i still think id rather have the Sako, but in the browning's defense, it is Varmint rifle accurate, its my most accurate rifle and my second most favorite( still love my marlin 1895 "guide gun") its in my favorite caliber as well, the old war horse 30-06 Springfield
About 8 years ago a bunch of Schmidt Rubens hit the Canadian surplus market. They were all in good condition because (as everyone knows) these rifles did not see much combat if any and with a very flat shooting round and a price point of $250 CND or $200 USD I was quite surprized that they sat around in guns store for 3 or 4 years before anyone took notice. but that's the Canadian market for ya! Now, if you could find one today, they sell for between $6-700 up here. Still not a bad deal considering that if this rifle was brand new, because of its design, material and build quality, it would probably retail around $2k. Mike, do you know about the website "Canadian Gun Nuts" (CGN)? Because there are not too many gun related forums up here, we have a concerntration of gun enthusiast in one place. Check it out and become a member if you haven't already. People from around the world say that this is the most active gun site around and I tend to believe them because if you ask any type of questions there would be dozens of people chiming in within minutes, some with real answers and other with smart remarks. There's a couple of threads with over 3000 responses.lol
Hi Gerald - thanks for this! I hope another batch is released by the Swiss - apparently there are still thousands over there in state arsenals; maybe that is not so but not that many came out as far as I know. I'm always on the look out for interesting guns on sites around the world including CGN and others. I'm amazed at what all people have.
Hey B-H-B - I handled an 85 today - so slick and well made; but couldn't make a deal. I am going to review the L579 though and then compare with the 85 soon. Best to you.
I bought one of the K31s around 10 years ago. Mine has the lighter colored wood. I just oiled it, and put it in the safe. Bought a box of ammo, but never fired one round through it. Still has the importers tag affixed to the trigger guard. You just verified something for me, about the actual paper being tucked inside the butt plate of the name of the original owner. I had heard about it, but never ran across anyone that actually verified that it was true. I will have to look and see who owned the one I have. Thanks for the verification on that.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Thanks for the reply. One of the things I like most about collecting the older firearms, is when I find the ones with a story or history attached to them.
Mike very sorry about deleting comments on your review about the model 12 Winchester the review was great . The character that was saying i was wrong was a Troll . And until my daughter ponited it out to me i was very worried thinking you would think ill of me in regard.s to history .I so very think you have one of the best u tube channel.s and always look forward to your next .
Beautiful rifles My Friend, I am planning to make a video soon where I read the troop tag on My K31. The rifle I own was produced in 1944 and was carried by an Artilleryman. On this video I was like #112, God Bless You My Friend. 🙂 P.S. To answer Your question I prefer the K31 to the Schmidt Rubin.
Thanks Rick - I'll look for your video! Can't wait. And you picked the better rifle - I only like the SR because it is so unusual : ) Have a great weekend Rick!
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns You're Welcome My Friend, The video is uploaded and a gentleman translated the tag for Me, looked up the soldier and identified His unit. Unfortunately the Soldier passed away in 2012, but it's nice to know who He was. I will post a follow up video. I mentioned You in this video, I hope You don't mind.
Fantastic video-have I already said that? It deserves to be said twice. I always thought that, because they’re Straight Pull (& Swiss)...they must be 'as slick as greased owl sh*!' to cycle. Not necessarily so. It’s only been since I had the opportunity to try the K-31 that several videos have come out mentioning that it takes a little momentum and speed to cycle the action easily. So, in your opinion it’s safe to use the 7.5 x 55 in the Kadet?
Also anything made before 1911 ( exceptions being 96/11, k00/11, and k05/11) Swiss fires 7.5x53.5 not the same as the 7.5x55. In theory the action might be safe enough to fire it but I would recommend to the standard cartridge. The 1889 is 100% not safe for 7.5x55.
Really fantastic rifle to shoot. I love the mechanism in it. The rifle and cartridge is accurate if I do my part perfectly. This is a truly unique rifle because of it's parts when I disassemble the bolt that makes it very interesting. The question I ask myself is? What sane country that is surrounded by belligerent nations like Austria, Germany, France, and Italy make a complex rifle like this? The rest of the world are making soldier proof and simple rifles reliable for combat. The K31 is a complicated rifle to build. Yet so easy to shoot and disassemble and also to put back together if you know all the parts and how it functions. Truly not a military service rifle like a Mauser, Mosin Nagant, Carcano, Lee Enfield, Arisaka, or Springfield. The K31 is a target shooting rifle like the M1903 but in a simple Mauser form. The Germans were meticulous in creating the ultimate combat and hunting rifle from the Mauser 98 which is widely copied. The Swiss were monstrously obsessed with mechanical perfection. The Austrians were also at fault for their M1886 and 95 service rifles also. The Schmitt Ruben and K31 series makes complicity fascinating on how they work. Great video again.
This is an excellent post - wise and informed words. I have the same observations, furthermore, an associate of mine from years ago went to the trouble of removing the entire straight pull mechanism. The work and modifications involved were bewildering. complex and the outcome remarkable. He created a turn bolt out of the K31. The bolt throw was minimal and very smooth and the rifle functioned perfectly. Altogether I thought the turn bolt version was completely satisfactory. If you put a dot of white out on the bolt - a bit off top center to the right and let it dry and then operate the straight pull - you will see how little the bolt turns to unlock - relatively speaking. I remember operating the turn bolt and observing the clear and simple functionality and I asked him "Why were they obsessed with the straight pull?" " Must have been Schmidt's ghost." - I'll always remember his smile. Of course, there are easier ways to make a turn bolt than converting a K31 - but somewhere out there is a very unique and intelligent conversion - although one K31 was lost in the process. Oh well. Thanks for writing.
It's funny how the history of a rifle has such an influence how some of us would regard that particular rifle. It does not have to be the best, but special in its own way. If you think about it, a hunter being attacked by a grizzly, and having used his single shot to save his life, would say that rifle is the most reliable ever!
I guess I'm not as action or trigger "sesitive" as some people. If it works the way it's supposed to and don't give me no grief I'm happy with it. But I was raised to work with what I've got and don't worry about what I don't.
You'll live long and happy. When I was young I read : "I cried and cried and was sad because I had no gloves - until I saw the man with no hands." I don't think I've had a bad day or even a bad mood since - life is too short for that stuff.
Hello TG222 - Thanks for your comment. I'll try to include more information. I had these rifles out again the other day and they really are such interesting designs. If you have a chance to buy one or the other or both - I think you'll like them. All the best.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns I've had a K31 for over 15 years and won 3rd in a C&R match with it. Just received my M1911 and she's a beauty! Where to find milsurp GP-11 in the 10 round boxes? Has it all dried up?-Thanx for any info-John in Texas
Bravo TG222 - I'm sure you know a lot more than I do - congratulations on the match placing - not easy. I just like guns and sharing the little I know and showing them to people. edelweissarms.com/swiss-gp11-7-5x55-fmj-lead-core-480-rds-case/ Cheers.
Two of my favorite rifles! And my old 96/11 has shot a .256" group at the range. It was made in 1902.
Hard to believe how accurate they are Doby - I have not run into one that doesn't shoot.
All the ammo available for these guns is often considered precision marksmanship ammo. Obviously it’s no surprise to be able to shoot sub .5 MOA assuming you do your part.
Even if it was made in 1902, it would have been upgraded with the new barrel, bolt, pistol grip etc from 1911 onwards (to be equivalent to the G11).
I love your channel, attitude, and appreciation for older firearms. I own 4 of these. 96/11, 2 K1911s and the K31.
Superbly accurate also. I LOVE mine. I would trust my life to my K31, it's that good. Thank you for the post!
Me too!
Prices have plummeted on these rifles. Can buy them now for a song and a dance. 😊
Not to be a noisily guy but its Schmidt-Rubin. But excellent video. I also prefer my Schmidt-Rubin more than my k31. My favorite being the K11. I do not have a 1889 or kadet carbine but I have a 96/11, 2 k11s, and 2 k31s. Great firearms.
I have to find more variations - you have a better understanding from those fine versions you have. Thanks for sending.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns lots of Schmidt Rubin designs out of Switerzland and if you're interested in Swiss military there was even a mannlicher design and of course the vetterlis
I liked the drawing pencil pointer you used. :)
I like it too : )
Do you draw or do some drafting? I'm an art maker/farmer. That's a cool old rifle for sure!
I've only ever shot the K-31, those are beautiful. The Schmidt Rubin looks like fun too, that long action is really interesting. Thanks!
Love the k31 and prices are softer on them again... finally.
My goodness, one of these days I’ll end up with one of those cadets, one day! I love that you have appreciation for these Swiss beauty’s thru are truly my favorite. And this is the 4th time I’ve watched this so lol
Hello my friend!
Another great video!
Always loved the straight pulls. Lots of k 31's around where I live bit they're usually in terrible condition
Hello! Thank you! I know what you mean - but the bores are usually quite good.
BOTH
As usuall a very relaxing informativ and enjoyable vid. And great rifles, very very great (to quote your 1st gentleman :D )
Thank you ulf! All the best to you.
I adore my Walnut k31. I picked it up when $330 was higher price for it. I can't see me parting with it while still on this side of the the sod. I have been watching for a cadet for a while. Thanks for another fine video of nice rifles. Keep up the good work.
They are superb Stacy - one of the best made milsurps ever. Stay on this side : )
Very nice rifles and unfortunately everyone knows it these days. I have a bit of trouble focusing on the iron sights for the k31 so I am trying to find a vintage scope to put on. Mine had no troop tag under the butt plate so I put a fortune cookie paper with my name on it under there. The fortune reads something like "Simplicity of character is the result of profound thought." I think that is quite nice.
That is beautiful Ghostus! The factories should put that under every one. I've seen some interesting scope mounts for the K31 - some quite clever in not requiring any permanent change to the rifle.
Pierre St.Marie sells clamp on scope mounts and diopter sights. His website is Swiss products USA.
Mike keep up the good job! A very simple yet a holistic overview !
Best to you Asim.
Me too, there was a scrap of paper with a name and what appears t be an identification number of some sort under the butt plate on my K31 too.
It is a great operating rifle, as you've said. I don't fire it a lot, but maybe this year with warmer weather coming, ( I hope ) I'll get it to the range for a few more shooting sessions.
Hi Reg - hope you do - one of the most fun to shoot rifles around.
We soldiers were all ordered to label the Carabine with our name plus our social security number.
Both excellent firearms! My K-31 has the soldier's name and number on a piece of paper under the buttplate, as so many of them do.
I like the Interarms Mark X over your right shoulder, Zastava does a very good job with those. Zastava makes a .22 version of that Mannlicher stocked rifle, the MP-22. I haven't seen them in the shops yet but their web site shows them. They make, in my opinion, the best full stock rifles, better looking than the CZ offerings with their odd droopy buttstocks. The only failing, if you could call it that, of the MP 22s is a small bolt handle, otherwise they are very well finished, as you pointed out in your review of the Mark X. I hope you will find a MP 22 full stock to review before too long.
Year Zero Myself and WestCoaster-(who left a comment☝🏼)-searched under the plate for that paper. Unfortunately, like Geraldo Rivera and Al Capone's vault, our quest ended in futility. There was nothing to be found. I’m curious to know if that Zastava is difficult to cycle? I’m searching for a 'cock-on-close' action rifle and have read that the Zastava's action is a mini-Mauser. Is the Zastava a 'C.O.O' action? If you have a chance to answer I’d be most grateful.
Its Rubin. The single loader is the Kadettengewehr 1897 which was used by one of the various Cantonal Cadett Corps. The left scale on the sight is for GP1890, the right side is for the Kadettenpatrone, a downloaded cartridge. Do NOT use GP11.
Good/vital info! Where did you find this?
While you are correct that the sights were graduated for GP90 and the cadet round (GP 1923), I can find no source that indicates that GP11 is unsafe to use in these rifles. My suspicion is that the action is the same as the regular 1911 actions and can handle GP11 pressures just fine. However, that is just my assumption and must be taken with a grain of salt. I don't own a cadet rifle, but if I did I would much prefer shooting a reduced load (I reload GP90-equivalent for my 1889 and 1893 cavalry carbine) simply because the recoil of GP11 would be rather stout in the light cadet rifle.
Hi FortuneZero, ulf and TNL, I always like it when people use caution and as I mention I drop some grains. On the other hand I've used all loadings including the GP11 and found no signs of high pressure or stress. Maybe I've been lucky. Anyway, I like less recoil and so use the reduced loads. I'd follow FortuneZero as it is easy to do so and all the people that use the GP11 are probably taking chances.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns The last iteration, the GP90/23, was created to fill up the draining reserves of ammunition for the rifles unable to use the "new" GP11. Just looking at the data alone should make it obvious that its not a good idea to interchange the two.
I agree with FortuneZero. The action for the kadet carbines are the same as the 1896 which is strong enough to fire GP11 but other components like the barrels were changed for the upgrade to the 96/11 for it to shoot GP11 (7.5x55). The kadet wasn't tested for GP11 or designed for it. The kadet was made for GP90 ( 7.5x53.5) and the light charge of GP90. It was a carbine teenager learn to shoot on. GP11 was not even designed until later and not kadet GP11 carbine exist but I have seen some K11 .22lr and a few other oddball
Very nice job USOG! I really enjoy my K31
Thank you. It is a very special rifle - worth every penny.
You know, it's really interesting to think about the many designs that various gun-gurus have produced over the years. That's one of the great things about your channel, you bring out rare and obscure rifles and give a detailed history while discussing the design mechanics. I've learned so much from your videos. It's really fascinating to think about all the designs that came about from 1860 to 1940...
Nowadays, it seems that the industry is, to a large extent, repackaging and rebranding stuff that Mr Mauser developed well over a century ago, an example being the 6.5x55. The 6.5x55 was always a great round but it's funny to hear all the 6.5 Creedmoor converts talk about the newly developed 6.5 caliber... After watching all the hoopla over this "new" caliber, I'm convinced that chrome and tail fins will be back soon on American cars! LOL!
But back to a serious discussion, my greatest take away from all this is that I recognize more designs and understand how they function, helpful in gun shops or at gun shows. As always, thanks for sharing your insights!
Take care and have a great weekend!
Hi Paul - so true : what you wrote. The core knowledge about firearms is old and they keep re-inventing the wheel so-to-speak. The 6.5x55 was brilliant when it came out and it still is know - as you know. I guess they have to somehow keep selling guns though and so change "engines" every so often. There may not be anything better than the 6.5x55 so they offer something different. I still like my 6.5 Japanese as well. Take care and thanks for taking the time Paul.
Excellent informative video. Very interesting bolt action rifles built around something other than the Mauser type action.
Thanks Jeff - people love them - and I can understand why.
A very neat little rifle. I have fired them at a range. My hands are so large, I had a hard time with my thumb and the large loops. But really neat.
G11 was the best I had. Still have the k31. Love that thing
I would suggest that the locking lugs in the cadet rifle (and in the 96/11 and K11 and G11 rifles) are mid-locking lugs. While they are a long ways from the front of the bolt, they are still much farther forward than in the 1889 rifle, which has rear-locking lugs and is not suitable/safe for use with normal 7.5x55 (GP11 or modern commercial loads) ammunition.
Hello TNL - thanks for this. I like the sound of mid-locking ; I usually go by what the majority of collectors I know tell me - and on the S-R Cadet they seem to think anything that doesn't lock into the barrel or front receiver ring is rear locking. As you know, for many things there are several opinions and I'm always happy to accommodate - I even thought of saying "mid or rear locking" but somehow forgot. Thanks for writing.
Discovered that the ring pull for safety and decocking is best manipulated with the thumb... cool.
That makes sense Paul - came to it quite by chance the other day - you must have sent me a message. Cheers.
'Once it goes bang....' .....brilliant!
: )
I like these rifles a lot. Of the ones I’ve bought only a G11 had an ID/Name tag under the buttplate.
The rifles don’t always look good on the outside, (they used to smack the snow off their boots with the buttstocks), but I have never seen a shot out barrel ever.
USOG, you are a true shooter. Learn to shoot the rifle you have in your hands and you will be fine with and enjoy many rifles. I would like to think I am like that too...
Thank you for the nice videos
your thoughts on triggers...."as long as they go Bang". Yes that is the important part. The rest we should be able to figure out.
I guess my thinking can be too simple - but I share what I think : )
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns not simple to me, more like correct. so much is said about triggers. But if they work we should be able to use them.
great video K31 straight pull action looks like a clock mechanism, of course 7.5 swiss ammo is great until nowdays, like 6.5 swedish
Hi Percy - good comparison - made with such precision.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns best watches are made in switzerland too
Swiss manufacturing genius, i heard somewhere if they were too make the K-31 today it would be ~$3500 retail (still worth every penny). I have an interesting rifle I just purchased. A Browning Eurobolt, too me it looks like the "old" A-Bolt before they economized it, with a very nice Walnut stock, the stock is a sporter shaped Bavarian stock. It reminds me very strongly of the Sako 85 Bavarian, although i still think id rather have the Sako, but in the browning's defense, it is Varmint rifle accurate, its my most accurate rifle and my second most favorite( still love my marlin 1895 "guide gun") its in my favorite caliber as well, the old war horse 30-06 Springfield
Hi Ash - That is the nicest of the modern Browning bolts IMHO.
About 8 years ago a bunch of Schmidt Rubens hit the Canadian surplus market. They were all in good condition because (as everyone knows) these rifles did not see much combat if any and with a very flat shooting round and a price point of $250 CND or $200 USD I was quite surprized that they sat around in guns store for 3 or 4 years before anyone took notice. but that's the Canadian market for ya! Now, if you could find one today, they sell for between $6-700 up here. Still not a bad deal considering that if this rifle was brand new, because of its design, material and build quality, it would probably retail around $2k. Mike, do you know about the website "Canadian Gun Nuts" (CGN)? Because there are not too many gun related forums up here, we have a concerntration of gun enthusiast in one place. Check it out and become a member if you haven't already. People from around the world say that this is the most active gun site around and I tend to believe them because if you ask any type of questions there would be dozens of people chiming in within minutes, some with real answers and other with smart remarks. There's a couple of threads with over 3000 responses.lol
Hi Gerald - thanks for this! I hope another batch is released by the Swiss - apparently there are still thousands over there in state arsenals; maybe that is not so but not that many came out as far as I know. I'm always on the look out for interesting guns on sites around the world including CGN and others. I'm amazed at what all people have.
Brilliang videos again mate. Could you do some sako 85 videos or compare the new sako to the older models. Thanks
Hey B-H-B - I handled an 85 today - so slick and well made; but couldn't make a deal. I am going to review the L579 though and then compare with the 85 soon. Best to you.
I bought one of the K31s around 10 years ago. Mine has the lighter colored wood. I just oiled it, and put it in the safe. Bought a box of ammo, but never fired one round through it. Still has the importers tag affixed to the trigger guard. You just verified something for me, about the actual paper being tucked inside the butt plate of the name of the original owner. I had heard about it, but never ran across anyone that actually verified that it was true. I will have to look and see who owned the one I have. Thanks for the verification on that.
Hi Slick - You're most welcome; interesting to find something like that. Take care.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Thanks for the reply. One of the things I like most about collecting the older firearms, is when I find the ones with a story or history attached to them.
I've looked at the Schmitt-Rubin in the past and always wanted one, but they've gotten so expensive I never picked one up.
Not to forget, the K11 and K31 Carabine were also being used for firing anti tank grenades. The recoil was similar to getting kicked by a horse.
Mike very sorry about deleting comments on your review about the model 12 Winchester the review was great . The character that was saying i was wrong was a Troll . And until my daughter ponited it out to me i was very worried thinking you would think ill of me in regard.s to history .I so very think you have one of the best u tube channel.s and always look forward to your next .
Hi Martin - no worries : )
Beautiful rifles My Friend, I am planning to make a video soon where I read the troop tag on My K31.
The rifle I own was produced in 1944 and was carried by an Artilleryman.
On this video I was like #112, God Bless You My Friend. 🙂
P.S. To answer Your question I prefer the K31 to the Schmidt Rubin.
Thanks Rick - I'll look for your video! Can't wait. And you picked the better rifle - I only like the SR because it is so unusual : ) Have a great weekend Rick!
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns You're Welcome My Friend, The video is uploaded and a gentleman translated the tag for Me, looked up the soldier and identified His unit.
Unfortunately the Soldier passed away in 2012, but it's nice to know who He was.
I will post a follow up video.
I mentioned You in this video, I hope You don't mind.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Here is the video. I hope You have a great weekend. God Bless.
ruclips.net/video/PKkf3jG4DW4/видео.html
the G1911 and K1911 actually lock in the middle. The previous M1889 was rear-locking.
Thanks Chris!
👍🏻 good job sir
Thanks Willy!
Fantastic video-have I already said that? It deserves to be said twice. I always thought that, because they’re Straight Pull (& Swiss)...they must be 'as slick as greased owl sh*!' to cycle. Not necessarily so. It’s only been since I had the opportunity to try the K-31 that several videos have come out mentioning that it takes a little momentum and speed to cycle the action easily. So, in your opinion it’s safe to use the 7.5 x 55 in the Kadet?
Well, some people scolded me for doing so but I've had no problems. We're all supposed to say "no" to everything but I say what my experience is : )
Also anything made before 1911 ( exceptions being 96/11, k00/11, and k05/11) Swiss fires 7.5x53.5 not the same as the 7.5x55. In theory the action might be safe enough to fire it but I would recommend to the standard cartridge. The 1889 is 100% not safe for 7.5x55.
Thank you Miguel. Everyone : be careful.
What's he average price for a K31 Swiss nowadays? I'm looking to pick one up soon at a gun show
Really fantastic rifle to shoot. I love the mechanism in it. The rifle and cartridge is accurate if I do my part perfectly. This is a truly unique rifle because of it's parts when I disassemble the bolt that makes it very interesting. The question I ask myself is? What sane country that is surrounded by belligerent nations like Austria, Germany, France, and Italy make a complex rifle like this? The rest of the world are making soldier proof and simple rifles reliable for combat. The K31 is a complicated rifle to build. Yet so easy to shoot and disassemble and also to put back together if you know all the parts and how it functions. Truly not a military service rifle like a Mauser, Mosin Nagant, Carcano, Lee Enfield, Arisaka, or Springfield. The K31 is a target shooting rifle like the M1903 but in a simple Mauser form. The Germans were meticulous in creating the ultimate combat and hunting rifle from the Mauser 98 which is widely copied. The Swiss were monstrously obsessed with mechanical perfection. The Austrians were also at fault for their M1886 and 95 service rifles also. The Schmitt Ruben and K31 series makes complicity fascinating on how they work. Great video again.
This is an excellent post - wise and informed words. I have the same observations, furthermore, an associate of mine from years ago went to the trouble of removing the entire straight pull mechanism. The work and modifications involved were bewildering. complex and the outcome remarkable. He created a turn bolt out of the K31. The bolt throw was minimal and very smooth and the rifle functioned perfectly. Altogether I thought the turn bolt version was completely satisfactory. If you put a dot of white out on the bolt - a bit off top center to the right and let it dry and then operate the straight pull - you will see how little the bolt turns to unlock - relatively speaking. I remember operating the turn bolt and observing the clear and simple functionality and I asked him "Why were they obsessed with the straight pull?" " Must have been Schmidt's ghost." - I'll always remember his smile. Of course, there are easier ways to make a turn bolt than converting a K31 - but somewhere out there is a very unique and intelligent conversion - although one K31 was lost in the process. Oh well. Thanks for writing.
It's funny how the history of a rifle has such an influence how some of us would regard that particular rifle. It does not have to be the best, but special in its own way. If you think about it, a hunter being attacked by a grizzly, and having used his single shot to save his life, would say that rifle is the most reliable ever!
Wise words my friend.
I've got a 1911 swiss it's a good rifle.
I agree Donald - all good with the 1911
I've got one in cherry shape and plenty of bullets.
I guess I'm not as action or trigger "sesitive" as some people. If it works the way it's supposed to and don't give me no grief I'm happy with it. But I was raised to work with what I've got and don't worry about what I don't.
You'll live long and happy. When I was young I read : "I cried and cried and was sad because I had no gloves - until I saw the man with no hands." I don't think I've had a bad day or even a bad mood since - life is too short for that stuff.
Which of the two is the most accurate?
Hard to say overall - my most accurate is a Schmidt Ruben - but I might have a lucky one. I'd say the K31 is generally more accurate.
i like the schmidt-RUBIN better :P
Hi roybakker1973 - hard to believe how accurate they are.
Good lord! Lots of talking and very little concrete information. Ian, where are you?-John in Texas
Hello TG222 - Thanks for your comment. I'll try to include more information. I had these rifles out again the other day and they really are such interesting designs. If you have a chance to buy one or the other or both - I think you'll like them. All the best.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns I've had a K31 for over 15 years and won 3rd in a C&R match with it. Just received my M1911 and she's a beauty! Where to find milsurp GP-11 in the 10 round boxes? Has it all dried up?-Thanx for any info-John in Texas
Bravo TG222 - I'm sure you know a lot more than I do - congratulations on the match placing - not easy. I just like guns and sharing the little I know and showing them to people. edelweissarms.com/swiss-gp11-7-5x55-fmj-lead-core-480-rds-case/
Cheers.