User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 9/16/2021 8:52:27 PM EDT
[#1]
I believe my friend is stocked up on the bullet he had the reamer built around.
He’s sticking with the load that does so well in his other rifles for a starting point. Not sure what bullet he’s using. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/16/2021 9:45:46 PM EDT
[#2]
Very nice, OP.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/16/2021 10:51:42 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The K/G11 actions are much easier to rebarrel, the cam action and lugs are in the back of the receiver. Never once have I seen a bad Swiss bore, except on Vetterli's. Curious how it was determined infantry versus home guard? Especially from just a barreled action. Out of the couple dozen K31's I have, only one scoped and I used the Graf's clamp on mount, left it all stock otherwise. I have 3 'u-fix-ems' that I got from AIM for $59. Mostly broken lumber and/or mismatched IIRC. I'm a machinist, might try something similar with one of my junkers. And kudos for using a horizontal mill, not often seen these days. I was thinking the same thing. I thought the Swiss were pretty anal about bore maintenance. I've only ever heard of very good and better bores. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/16/2021 11:07:02 PM EDT
[#4]
Interesting project. I'd love to shoot it.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/16/2021 11:10:26 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I don’t have many gun regrets but, I regret not getting a couple of those when they were cheap and plentiful not that long ago. We're gonna be saying the exact same thing about $229 Carcanos in a couple years. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/16/2021 11:24:30 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
We're gonna be saying the exact same thing about $229 Carcanos in a couple years. I've always liked the Swiss rifles, and actually picked up a a bunch of GP11 earlier this year. Plan was to find a decent K31, but gave up once I realized sub $500 guns were damn near extinct. Ended up selling/trading away all of the ammo a few months ago....and what did I find this week? A sporterized Schmidt Rubin for cheap. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/16/2021 11:30:39 PM EDT
[#7]
 Wish I had bought a k31 years ago. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/17/2021 7:55:28 AM EDT
[#8]
Simpson Ltd. had “grade II” K31s for $125.00 back in the mid-2000s advertised in SGN so I ordered one. Talked to very nice fellow and he picked one out for me and sent it to the MCX FFL on base. What I received was a varnished beech stocked rifle that some Swiss shitbag had rather crudely carved his initials in the stock at the wrist (lol). I carefully sanded the unauthorized initials out and the stock, replaced the original varnish with tongue oil and it came out looking quite decent for not being walnut. Metal was rust free and about 95%+ bluing remaining. I’ve seen some rifles that looked like they were stored in vertical racks somewhere that flooded at some point because the buttstocks were discolored and looked water stained (buttplates are apparently made of stainless steel). This wasn’t one of those and I suppose the stock being carved on gave it the “Grade II” rating. After reassembly and torquing down the action and receiver screws in sequence per swissrifles.com, I shot it with GP11 and was very happy. It’s like every K31 was a NM grade rifle shooting NM grade issue ball ammunition. The torque and sequence on those two screws can make all the difference in how well the issue rifles shoot. Fun rifles, and an absolute bargain way back when.
The last time I saw any freshly imported K31s for sale was at Cabelas less than ten years ago but they wanted $500.00 ea IIRC. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/19/2021 11:32:29 PM EDT
[#9]
So we were supposed to do final barrel polishing tonight and possibly assemble the barrel and action, but local monsoons set in and my friend had to abort to pump out his pool.
He’s concerned about the barrel torque, and I wasn’t able to give him a satisfactory answer. since our shop built action wrench didn’t facilitate a torque wrench. So tonight I set out to remedy that. Took me several hours and a few tries on the lathe to get the press fit I wanted, but I made an attachment for the torque wrench.  adrilled a half inch hole and hand filed it square, turned a pin out of a grade 5 bolt that’s press fit into the attachment and a nice tight fit into the wrench  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/19/2021 11:34:24 PM EDT
[#10]
Blistered my damn hands with the file..
 Attached File Attached File[img]https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/195613/309BC0D8-4750-4ACF-8969-ECB0387FA9A3_jpe-2097820.JPG" /> Ow |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/19/2021 11:40:44 PM EDT
[#11]
Got my courage up and did two more rusts on the receiver, turned out great, really happy with it now.
 Attached File Attached File Attached File |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/19/2021 11:46:42 PM EDT
[#12]
What I don't get is why not just re-chamber it all the way to 7.62 NATO?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 12:37:08 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What I don't get is why not just re-chamber it all the way to 7.62 NATO? Because 7.62 Nato is smaller than 7.5 Swiss. Both in diameter and length. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 8:04:44 AM EDT
[#14]
Why would that stop the conversion?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 8:24:59 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Because 7.62 Nato is smaller than 7.5 Swiss. Both in diameter and length. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: What I don't get is why not just re-chamber it all the way to 7.62 NATO? Because 7.62 Nato is smaller than 7.5 Swiss. Both in diameter and length. .308" is smaller in diameter than .306? |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 8:33:51 AM EDT
[#16]
From a reloader -
GP-11(Swiss mil ammo) is indeed loaded to about 46K CUP and is used in both the 31 and 11 types. The 1911 types can easily handle the 46K CUP pressures and quite a number were converted to 308Win. Much to my amazement(pun intended) I know of no blow-ups occurring with any 11 type actions, even though many warn against these allegedly old and weak actions. As far as limiting the 31 type to 54K CUP pressures WFBern(via Hammereli) also made the 31 in 308, 30'06, and 300WinMag. None of these cartridges are under 46K CUP. The weaker 89 and unconverted 96 rifle types, using GP-90, GP-90/03, and GP-90/23 ammo, had an operating pressure range of 38-40K CUP, just about the same as the old 30/40 ammo. Although not reccommended, the Swiss said 89's and 96's could use GP-11 as a last ditch effort for homeland defense if no proper ammo was available. The 308 using a 175 grain projectile and GP-11 both run about 2550fps in 26" barrels. Or so the US and Swiss military say. Equivilant? Look in Sierra's manual at matching bullet weights and speeds, the powder charges are scary close. The 308 uses a powder charge at a slightly higher pressure in a smaller case to do pretty much the same thing as the 31 does at a little lower pressure in a slightly larger case. best-o-luck |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 8:55:02 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What I don't get is why not just re-chamber it all the way to 7.62 NATO? It’s not my rifle, so I’m answering what I believe are the reasons; One, it’s a K-31, so part of the fun of building and owning it is using the Swiss cartridge. What’s the point of trying to build a target rifle on a Swiss straight pull action? Why not just buy a BAT or build a Savage or Remington? The whole endeavor is about doing something neat and different. So why go to all this trouble to build a generic .308? Plus; by using the original case, we have to make zero mods to the bolt, extractor, ejector, or magazine. Everything fits and functions as the original. Because it is. He has a lifetime supply of brass, reloading dies, etc. The cartridge has been proven very accurate. .308...phhhhhht, where’s the fun in that?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 8:56:30 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: .308" is smaller in diameter than .306? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: What I don't get is why not just re-chamber it all the way to 7.62 NATO? Because 7.62 Nato is smaller than 7.5 Swiss. Both in diameter and length. .308" is smaller in diameter than .306? I believe he is referring to the case dimensions, not the bullet |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 12:19:47 PM EDT
[#19]
Looks great!
Make sure you use that torque wrench adapter at 90 degrees to the applied force so you get the correct reading. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 2:44:37 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Looks great! Make sure you use that torque wrench adapter at 90 degrees to the applied force so you get the correct reading. Really the only way it can go!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 3:10:19 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I believe he is referring to the case dimensions, not the bullet Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: What I don't get is why not just re-chamber it all the way to 7.62 NATO? Because 7.62 Nato is smaller than 7.5 Swiss. Both in diameter and length. .308" is smaller in diameter than .306? I believe he is referring to the case dimensions, not the bullet Yes. I might take pictures later, for illustration but I'm feeling pretty lazy at the moment. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 3:36:22 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Since the factory guns shoot so well, we started wondering what one could do with a good barrel. The idea of a K-31 based target rifle was born. So off to google he went to find someone to build one for him. He didn’t find anyone. Seems like maybe one or two people in the US had ever done it. We found photos of a gunsmith in New Hampshire holding one, but he never made contact with him. There was one you tube video of a guy rebarreling one, but he bored out the old barrel stub and screwed in a cheap blank and chambered it to a more common US cartridge. Not what my friend wanted to do. All the internet said NAY! Can’t be done. too complicated, with the cammed rotating straight pull bolt, the end of the barrel has a complicated ramp, extractor cuts, all has to be timed perfect, it’s 1.45 inches diameter, and metric threads. Looks like this. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/195613/F7EF1131-7057-4E33-8781-D52D11F71A8E_jpe-2091225.JPG Gotta have a 4 axis CNC machine and someone to write the code! The internet said... You know they had all those 4 axis CNC machines in the early 1900’s. And your guy seems to be showing what thinking out of the box can do.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 5:49:57 PM EDT
[#23]
Cartridge comparisons between .308 Win and 7.7x 55mm Swiss. Running a 7.62/ .308 reamer just wont cut it. Pun intended.
   
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 7:34:21 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Really the only way it can go! Isn't it at 0deg (in-line) in that picture? |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 8:20:16 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Isn't it at 0deg (in-line) in that picture? If you look at the photo of it all assembled , clamped in the vice, you can see the action block clamped in the vice that clamps around the action, placing the torque wrench at 99 degrees to the action. Should have taken a photo. Action goes like so  Attached FileThis piece fits in the notch  Attached File |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 8:36:54 PM EDT
[#26]
So tonight we polished the barrel to 1500 grit and then spun it with polishing compound and lambs wool.
 Attached FileI made a little brass plug for the muzzle.  Attached FileThen we screwed the receiver onto the barrel and tightened it up! My friend was happy to see the torque wrench go over 100 ft pounds befor the barrel started slipping in its block, so we had to go over to the neighbors and clamp the barrel block in his press to get the last C hair to the witness mark. I didn’t get a lot of photos, we were paying attention and forgo pictures. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 9:38:15 PM EDT
[#27]
O.P. and friends
GREAT JOB! and a GOOD TIME was had by all!  This is a gun thread. not just assembly real smithing. WELL DONE!  insert clapping gif here
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 9:57:29 PM EDT
[#28]
This is old school arfcom greatness here.
none of that taylor swift crap |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 10:02:39 PM EDT
[#29]
So after we put it together, there was only one thing to do!
Make it go boom! Took it out behind the shop , clamped it in a black & decker helpmate table pointing in the ditch bank with three progressively hotter loads my friend had prepared. Backed of and pulled the string! We checked with his comperator after each shot Looking for any issues. All looked perfect Extracted great, everything worked fine. My friend took the brass home and measured, they grew to two thousandths over the go gauge, everything looks good, and it didn’t blow up or fall apart...  Attached File Attached FileSo next we have to fit the stock.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 10:07:52 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Don't get no funny ideas ! https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/22121212-920x608.png https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/555555555-920x443.png Larry Racine was the gunsmith supplying re-barrel services. He is gone. He did say, the earlier Swiss rifles were no more difficult to re-barrel than a 30-30. Very nice work.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 10:14:26 PM EDT
[#31]
In the midnight hour, she cried......
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 10:20:19 PM EDT
[#32]
buuuuuut, you need a bayonet mount too....
It's definitely a pole arm now |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 10:30:54 PM EDT
[#33]
Great work! Love seeing a project done right.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 11:03:13 PM EDT
[#34]
Damn impressive OP. I can't wait to see how she shoots.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/20/2021 11:31:47 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Extracted great, everything worked fine. My friend took the brass home and measured, they grew to two thousandths over the go gauge, everything looks good, and it didn't blow up or fall apart... https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/195613/A018E2B5-EBDF-4A23-AB59-A129EA4AAA65_jpe-2098858.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/195613/FC6F05D6-C4A9-47A0-AECF-F4530FA2790A_jpe-2098859.JPG So next we have to fit the stock. Thank you for posting this! |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/21/2021 6:19:15 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: So after we put it together, there was only one thing to do! Make it go boom! Took it out behind the shop , clamped it in a black & decker helpmate table pointing in the ditch bank with three progressively hotter loads my friend had prepared. Backed of and pulled the string! We checked with his comperator after each shot Looking for any issues. All looked perfect Extracted great, everything worked fine. My friend took the brass home and measured, they grew to two thousandths over the go gauge, everything looks good, and it didn’t blow up or fall apart... https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/195613/A018E2B5-EBDF-4A23-AB59-A129EA4AAA65_jpe-2098858.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/195613/FC6F05D6-C4A9-47A0-AECF-F4530FA2790A_jpe-2098859.JPG So next we have to fit the stock. I do believe that dog will hunt. Well done. Much respect.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/21/2021 6:52:39 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: So after a lot of stressful moments Checking and re-checking, my neighbor got all the exterior machine work finished on the barrel https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/195613/D8BCC520-3CF9-4611-B3F7-F55CF48E5146_jpe-2093476.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/195613/07B1A077-1379-4A85-880A-C56467086E56_jpe-2093477.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/195613/91CF8ED9-D5D2-4E00-8AF7-E287EBB15D02_jpe-2093485.JPG After he finished the machine work, I stoned out the tool marks prior to chambering. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/195613/5B443057-BF19-4181-8F56-6AA43CC5B7FE_jpe-2093572.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/195613/5A96D024-C36A-4913-AF9A-1EB59FF9A9DC_jpe-2092293.JPG Now we were ready to chamber. Guy has balls. I wouldn’t dare try and machine anything so expensive. He’s basically my double in that picture just 1000 times more talent. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/21/2021 12:12:20 PM EDT
[#38]
So next up we start fitting the barreled action into this Giant Hunk O’ Laminate Bench rest stock !
 Attached File Attached File |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/21/2021 12:21:27 PM EDT
[#39]
Is that a Richards Microfit stock? If so fitting it might be the most challenging part of the project.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/21/2021 12:31:47 PM EDT
[#40]
Great to hear, congratulations!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/21/2021 1:01:00 PM EDT
[#41]
Beautiful work OP. Well done.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/21/2021 1:05:08 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Is that a Richards Microfit stock? If so fitting it might be the most challenging part of the project. I believe it is! But I already did the one on his sporter, so I’m all practiced up! |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/21/2021 3:19:41 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm really pissed I only bought one. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: I don't have many gun regrets but, I regret not getting a couple of those when they were cheap and plentiful not that long ago. I wish I had gotten one as well....... damn accurate rifle I'm mad I only bought two. The M1911s are damn nice, too. DAMN cool project, BTW! You boys have some real skills! |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/21/2021 3:46:02 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: https://k31.ch/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/slide-01-love.svg_.en_-1280x800.png https://k31.ch/en/ Not for everyone, but, a K31 does well in a modern chassis. I mean, I don't hate it, but WOOF! the price is...extravagant. I don't know that I can ever justify it. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/21/2021 4:32:09 PM EDT
[#45]
Just saw this thread. Definitely tagged.
That is going to be one beautiful rifle.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/21/2021 4:43:40 PM EDT
[#46]
I wish I could find someone to make a rifle-length, original profile barrel for an M95 Steyr in 7.62x54R that isn't astronomically high.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/21/2021 7:39:45 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: So next up we start fitting the barreled action into this Giant Hunk O’ Laminate Bench rest stock ! https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/195613/12054F62-9F17-465A-94FC-AB4C1CA105DF_jpe-2099324.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/195613/25FCD644-6BDD-4D2A-B283-10C6F492DF4D_jpe-2099326.JPG That stock's going to give you an interesting look. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/21/2021 11:16:56 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I wish I could find someone to make a rifle-length, original profile barrel for an M95 Steyr in 7.62x54R that isn't astronomically high. Have you asked Paladin Machine in South Carolina? They did a 27" pencil AR bbl from a blank I sent em a few years back for $100, shipped. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/24/2021 1:26:34 PM EDT
[#49]
This thread better not die before we see pics of fully assembled rifle and shooting video.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/24/2021 1:56:16 PM EDT
[#50]
We’ll keep kicking it around
Should start the stock work next week . Taking a breather to catch up on other stuff , and my friend is out of town for work for s few days. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
