ZfK55

The country that avoids war and the country that fights but has a hard time winning have been combined. The Swiss made some excellent firearms and the French made some unique and occasionally inspiring ones. We have added the Belgian and Dutch since they are neighbors.

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ArchFluffy
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ZfK55

Post by ArchFluffy » Fri Nov 29, 2019 10:25 pm

Here is just some info about the Swiss ZfK55
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While the ZfK55 is based on the K31 they only share four parts in common: the firing pin, pin spring, cocking piece, and the extractor. Cheek pad not standard!
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The bipod legs move independently forward and back and the rifle can be canted side to side. With all this the rifle really does not stand up so well on its own.
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The scope tube is center-line when mounted and that would make reloading with the standard stripper clips impossible so the action was rotated clockwise. No need for a brass deflector now either! Notice that the bolt handle is bent up to horizontal.
003.JPG
See that the magazine is inserted at an angle too. By the way, a K31 magazine will lock into a ZfK55 but the ZfK55's is a no-go in a K31. In my experience (only with dummy rounds) rounds are not stripped off the K31 magazine top reliably when inserted in the ZfK55. So if you find yourself in this highly unlikely situation be sure to pay attention to the feed before you attempt the shot. :lol:
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The K31 bolt has the two locking lugs up by the face. The ZfK55 has a similar bolt but with an extra lug near the rear. I have read that this is not for strength since the same GP11 ammunition is used by both rifles, but is supposed to further stabilize the bolt during the instant of lock-time. Whatever the reason, an extra lug is present.
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The 3.5 power scope comes in this sturdy can. Both scope and can are numbered to the rifle. The can has belt loops.
010.JPG
Opened up you can see that the scope is secured by rubber gaskets (one on the inside bottom). The scope does not rattle in the can at all. Solid!
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Included in the can is a screwdriver. You can zero the scope and then use the driver to loosen the adjustment knobs and orient the markings.
012.JPG
It's a claw type mount with the rear claw moved forward with the spring loaded button.
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Locked in! I find that it holds zero just fine.

Whew,

-ArchFluffy
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DuncaninFrance
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Re: ZfK55

Post by DuncaninFrance » Sat Nov 30, 2019 3:29 am

Great post Arch, thanks very much. :bigsmile: :bigsmile:
Duncan

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Niner
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Re: ZfK55

Post by Niner » Sat Nov 30, 2019 11:54 am

What Duncan said. Your story...with photos... tells an interesting story about how meticulously designed and equipped your rifle was by the Swiss. Your other post about the parts kit is also outstanding. Great to see another quality post since the site has been revived.
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