Should I get a K-31 from AIM?

[geojap]

Hi Guys,
Wanted to ask for a little help. I have a little bit of money left to spend before the next paycheck, and was thinking about getting a Swiss K-31 from AIM.

I know the answer to my first rhetorical question is probably going to be a resounding, "Hell Yes!" but I'll try it anyway. Should I buy a K-31? They are extremely cheap right now ($90 shipped), and I have heard that the metal and bore are in excellent condition on these shooter grades. But has anyone bought one recently? Did you see anything you didn't like about it? Have you shot it? If so, wadidja think?

Ammo will be a problem to stock up on, like I have done with my other calibers (.308, 7.62x39, 8mm). Maybe the ammo will become more available in the future, like the 6.5x55 Swede has become more available.

It looks like it should be a darn good rifle, worthy of refinishing. But I wanted to ask others of their opinions of recent purchases before I called AIM up.

[sfc ret]

I've got one, of course I went for the excellent condition one, and it is sweeeeeeet. the only bad thing I will say about it, is the ammo. it's expensive, you're going to pay more for a small case of ammo then the gun, and I wouldn''t expect the ammo price to go down any...switerland isn't like a third world shit hole country like russia, that sells cheap ammo to bring needed money to their country.

[smittylite]

They are excellent rifles, one of, if not, the most accurate I have shot. Unfortunately, ammo is a big question. It will not be anywhere near cheap unless some manufacturer such as Igman or Indep, who already makes it, really kick up their production numbers. An alternative would be to reload.

[Guinny_Ire]

Alot of us think there are deals coming down the line. But if you can't wait...Go for it

[zouavexx]

I have a "Shooter Grade" K31 that I bought from AIM Surplus last spring.

The stock is rough but otherwise it's in excellent shape. Its the most accurate rifle I have ever owned - and I won the first C&R postal match with it :)

Here is a picture of it...

http://album.gunsnet.net/data/zouave/full_49_p1228.jpg

[swingset]

I own two, and both are outstanding shooters. The scoped one I have will shoot sub-MOA with the GP-11 surplus. The actions are smooth and fast, the triggers are probably the best ever fielded on an "issue" weapon, and the workmanship is obviously world-class for a battle rifle.

They are definately a "must-have" C&R, tho yes the ammo is pricey (tho you'll never shoot better milsurp).

I'd not get one if you don't reload or intend to. The ammo will dry up, count on it. Unless you're ready to make your own, it's going to be hard to shoot it cheaply years from now. You can resize .284 Win to make 7.5SR, and the bullet is a standard .308. Plus, Hornady is making more of the 7.5 brass (graf & sons is taking orders). It's not like you won't be able to shoot it, but you'll want to at least get a handloading kit to go with your rifle. With a neck sizing die and 500 rounds of brass, you'll be able to shoot it a loooong time without spending too much to feed it.

GO FOR IT!

[geojap]

Well, that's a bit more of a cautionary response than I was predicting. But thanks for the advice. I'll go ahead and get one right now (hell, I've done worse, I spent $90 on a speeding ticket two weeks ago) and if they go on sale, I'll get my second one then. I will go ahead and quickly buy plenty of ammo for it, and then get into reloading down the road, I guess. I am hoping someone will pick up this round though and offer it commercially, like they have done with 6.5x55. They are such nice rifles, so that even at the elevated prices, they are a good deal to shoot, relatively.

Thanks for the advice! I'll post pics after I get it and clean it (after I get my next Swede from the BBT tomorrow. Yahoo!).