A new member of the family.
It looks just like a regular K31.
Getting a little closer we see something strange on the top.
Hey! It's a 1.8X scope (obviously) that has been mounted on the side of the receiver. That graduated slider moves an arm that adjusts the reticle for ranges out to 1000 meters.
It's can be difficult to see, but the scope is attached by dovetail. At least on my rifle it is not removable.
The scope is readily available, but I can't get a good cheek (side of the head) weld and still see through it. So I'm sort of floating to sight with it.
The stock, that otherwise seems to be a regular K31 stock, is recessed to give the objective lens a place to hide. Those square shaped screws are for adjusting the windage and elevation. However! this was apparently done by an armorer and I'm not messing with it. Learn lots about it before adjusting the zero on yours.
Now the cool part! It rotates out.
The objective lens is far enough out to get a clear view over the sling swivel.
The Swiss, probably unhappy with the weak power of the scope on the K31/42, came out with he K31/43 that has a 2.8X optic in the same configuration. Its scope is set up for a more reasonable 750 meters maximum despite the extra magnification.
While cool, it looks like the Swiss gave up on this concept. K31/42 and K31/43 total production came to 2241. I don't know the type breakdown though.
If you are looking for one of your own be mindful of the optic's clarity. They are often times cloudy. Otherwise it's a typical K31. Also, an aluminum muzzle cover is correct for war time produced rifles. And be sure to remove the cover before shooting since you can't see it through the scope like you can with the iron sights so no extra reminder.
-ArchFluffy
K31/42
Moderator: ArchFluffy
- ArchFluffy
- Moderator
- Posts: 306
- Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2005 8:19 am
- Niner Delta
- Global Moderator Sponsor 2011-2017
- Posts: 4874
- Joined: Fri Apr 09, 2004 10:51 pm
- Location: Sequim, WA
Re: K31/42
Very interesting, I've never seen one of those before.
.
.
Peace is that brief, quiet moment in history.......... when everybody stands around reloading.
- DuncaninFrance
- Global Moderator Sponsor 2011-2017
- Posts: 10948
- Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2006 3:08 pm
- Location: S.W.France
- Contact:
Re: K31/42
Thanks for sharing that Arch. I am sure I would have all kinds of problems seeing through that !!
Duncan
What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch? -- W.C. Fields
"Many of those who enjoy freedom know little of its price."
You can't fix Stupid, but you can occasionally head it off before it hurts something.
What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch? -- W.C. Fields
"Many of those who enjoy freedom know little of its price."
You can't fix Stupid, but you can occasionally head it off before it hurts something.
Re: K31/42
Great contribution as a new post. Really rare gun you have there. Like Niner Delta I'd never heard of one with a builtin scope before.