Swiss K31

The History of Waffenfabrik Bern

Founded in 1875, the Federal Arms Factory Bern, also known as the Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik Bern, was a state-owned weapons manufacturer in Switzerland. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was in charge of designing and manufacturing most of the Swiss Army's small arms. Waffenfabrik Bern found it difficult to compete with SIG, a private company, for military contracts following World War II.

Over its production years, it has introduced many recognizable firearms such as the Vetterli rifle, one of the first repeating bolt-action rifles; the Schmidt–Rubin 1889, a straight-pull bolt-action rifle chambered in 7.5×53.5 Swiss; the Swiss Mannlicher M1893, a straight-pull bolt-action rifle designed by Ferdinand Mannlicher and chambered in 7.5×53.5 Swiss; the K31, a precise straight-pull bolt-action rifle chambered for 7.5×55mm Swiss; the Parabellum pistol etc.

After being privatized in 1993, the business was restructured as W+F Bern. Since then, it has merged with the RUAG organization and has stopped making weapons. Unfortunately, there is limited information on the company's historical development. Much of the detailed data about its progression is missing or not recorded.

Swiss K31 Rifle Review

Swiss K31 is a bolt-action rifle easily recognized for its iconic straight pull mechanism that was designed as a replacement for the Model 1911 carbine. The design was initiated in May 1931, with the first 200 units produced for military evaluations. The rifle then became the standard issue for the Swiss military from 1933 to 1958, although some pieces remained in operation well into the 1970s.

The K 31 is notably different from the Model 1911, with a shorter bolt and receiver. Its locking lugs ensure a precise lock-up, enforcing the action by locking immediately behind the chamber. The rifle is chambered for the 7.5×55mm caliber and uses a six-round detachable box magazine, which has a serial number stamped in to match the firearm.

It can be loaded from the top of the receiver using a stripper clip with a tinned metal edge, allowing for faster reloading. The safety mechanism comes in the form of a cocking piece doubling as a safety lever to prevent the firing pin from contacting the cartridge primer. When engaged it restricts the bolt movement and blocks the trigger. The rifle boasts a two-stage trigger that has a long pull which supposedly helps with preventing unintentional discharge.

In terms of its sighting system, the Swiss K31 models were equipped with open sights adjustable for both windage and elevation, with a sight radius of 568 mm (22.4-inch). The rear sight can be adjusted for ranges between 100–1,500 meters. Known for exceptional accuracy, the rifle is also compatible with many aftermarket sights.

Over its service life, several modifications were made to the K31’s design, including the use of harder steel for the magazine and receiver and the introduction of a lighter firing pin.

Swiss K31, chambered for 7.5x55mm Swiss

Figure 1: Swiss K31, chambered for 7.5x55mm Swiss (Source: https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/military-rifles---non-us/swiss-military-k31-rifle-in-7-5-swiss--karabiner-model-1931------all-matching-clean-rifle---.cfm?gun_id=101107787)

Swiss K31 Calibers

The rifle can be chambered for the following calibers:

7.5x55 Swiss

Swiss K31 Variants

The rifle is available in the following variants:

Accurized K31 With Kern & Son Optic

The K31's receiver lacks pre-drilled holes for scope mounting. To attach a scope mount to your Swiss K31 rifle, a gunsmith would need to drill the necessary holes.

The receiver of Swiss K31, chambered for 7.5x55 Swiss

Figure 2: The receiver of Swiss K31, chambered for 7.5x55 Swiss (Source: https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/military-rifles---non-us/swiss-military-k31-rifle-in-7-5-swiss--karabiner-model-1931------all-matching-clean-rifle---.cfm?gun_id=101107787)

Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Swiss K31

Rifles That Have One-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Swiss K31

For one-piece mounts to fit on a rifle, mounting surfaces on these rifles must match in every dimension.

Rifles That Have Two-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Swiss K31

To meet interchangeability conditions, two-piece mounts must match in all dimensions except the B distance. B distance can vary because two-piece mounts can be installed and adjusted closer or further apart.

Currently, we cannot find any rifles that would match the exact dimensions of the Swiss K31 mounting surface thus we are unable to provide you with a list of interchangeable scope mounts. Should you happen to own this rifle and would be willing to share with us more information regarding interchangeability, we kindly ask you to contact us at info@optics-trade.eu

Thank you for your help!

Best Scope Mounts for Swiss K31

Detachable Repeatable Scope Mounts for Swiss K31

Detachable mounts can be easily installed and removed from the rifle which is especially useful for cleaning and maintenance purposes as well as versatility in using multiple optics on a single weapon. We recommend this detachable two-piece steel pivot mount made by the German company EAW that comes with a thirty-year warranty and is an ideal fit for the Swiss K31.

Help Us Build Our Riflescope Mounts Database

If you happen to own this or any other rifle, we would appreciate it if you could help us expand our database by sending us some photos of the rifle receiver (the bare mounting surface of the rifle without the scope mounts installed). For your help, our company offers a fair return in terms of practical rewards.

Please send us an email for more information. You can contact us here: info@optics-trade.eu

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EAW Magnum pivot mount, 26 mm, Swiss K31

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Swiss K31

The History of Waffenfabrik Bern

Swiss K31 Rifle Review

Swiss K31 Calibers

Swiss K31 Variants

Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Swiss K31

Rifles That Have One-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Swiss K31

Rifles That Have Two-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Swiss K31

Best Scope Mounts for Swiss K31

Detachable Repeatable Scope Mounts for Swiss K31

Help Us Build Our Riflescope Mounts Database

EAW pivot mount, 30 mm, Swiss K31

EAW Magnum pivot mount, 30 mm, Swiss K31

EAW XS pivot mount, 30 mm, Swiss K31

EAW Magnum pivot mount, 34 mm, Swiss K31

EAW Magnum pivot mount, 36 mm, Swiss K31

EAW pivot mount, LM rail, Swiss K31

EAW pivot mount, Zeiss ZM/VM rail, Swiss K31

EAW pivot mount, Swarovski SR rail, Swiss K31

EAW pivot mount, S&B Convex rail, Swiss K31

EAW pivot mount, 26 mm, Swiss K31

EAW Magnum pivot mount, 26 mm, Swiss K31

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Swiss K31

The History of Waffenfabrik Bern

Swiss K31 Rifle Review

Swiss K31 Calibers

Swiss K31 Variants

Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Swiss K31

Rifles That Have One-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Swiss K31

Rifles That Have Two-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Swiss K31

Best Scope Mounts for Swiss K31

Detachable Repeatable Scope Mounts for Swiss K31

Help Us Build Our Riflescope Mounts Database

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