Author Topic: Question to all rifle experts (Read 654 times)

deSelys · « **on:** October 10, 2005, 04:44:59 AM »

I've always wanted to shoot and own a "scout rifle".

I can buy through a colleague a K31 swiss rifle for what seems a reasonable price: 250€

It is still legal in Belgium to buy this kind of weapon without any authorization, but the law is about to change (not in the easy direction) and I don't want to wait too long.

As I'm looking for a sturdy, uber-reliable and reasonably accurate rifle, is this a good choice? Does the price seem right to you?

Thanks in advance.

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 10, 2005, 08:19:46 AM »

If I'm thinking about the right gun (6.5mm caliber?) then I guess that price seems about right. I think they go from 150-250 here depending on quality.

I'd guess because of supply and demand, the price would be a little higher over there.

I'd say go for it.

lazs2 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 10, 2005, 08:20:49 AM »

I am not a rifleman but do know this... All swiss rifles are accurate and well made. These guys love their rifles.

If the law changes.... How long before the rifle you buy now is confiscated anyway?

lazs

deSelys · « **Reply #3 on:** October 10, 2005, 08:58:30 AM »

Lasersailor, the caliber is 7.5x55mm swiss.

Lazs,

The next change in the law is that I'll need an authorization to own a rifle. Not hard to get if you have a clean criminal record and if you're member of a shooting range, but some red tape and a 3 months waiting period.

I don't think that a complete ban is in the works (yet). I also don't think that it would be a good thing.

If that happens someday, I'll just remember what the president of the french hunting association answered to a journalist about law restriction. Basically, he said that during the 40-44 german occupation of France, having any gun was punished by death penalty. Well, there weren't much french hunters who weren't able to hunt a couple of days after the germans left. Then he said to the journalist that the french government shouldn't have too much faith in laws restricting gun ownership

AdmRose · « **Reply #4 on:** October 10, 2005, 09:19:42 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by lazs2
I am not a rifleman but do know this... All swiss rifles are accurate and well made. These guys love their rifles.

If the law changes.... How long before the rifle you buy now is confiscated anyway?

lazs

The Swiss make the best anything when it comes to weapons. Ironic, eh?

Makarov9 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 10, 2005, 09:50:00 AM »

I know 7.5x55mm ammo is not too plentiful over in the States. I'm assuming the supplies are a bit more plentiful in your area. From all I have read on the Mosin Nagant boards I read, many people love their K31's that they also have.

Hangtime · « **Reply #6 on:** October 10, 2005, 10:54:09 AM »

If yer hung up on the K31, eyeball a K31/55 before you commit. Several needed modern upgrades (1950's) to the rather 'dated' original design and reported accurate at 800 yards. Shorter than the standard K-31, and usually always comes with the very fine Kern scope.

If yah like bolt action scout carbines, the K31/55 is an excellent weapon for europe. As marakov notes, ammo's pretty pricey for it here, and not abundantly available. In my mind, availability and price of ammo is a big part of weapon selection.

Hangtime · « **Reply #7 on:** October 10, 2005, 10:57:09 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by AdmRose
The Swiss make the best anything when it comes to weapons. Ironic, eh?

Comes with the mindset. Last time I checked a swiss's closet there was an arsenal in there. The price for neutrality and national survival was an extremely well armed populace.

Nilsen · « **Reply #8 on:** October 10, 2005, 11:14:22 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by AdmRose
The Swiss make the best anything when it comes to weapons. Ironic, eh?

Same goes for the Swedes.

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 10, 2005, 11:25:56 AM »

Err, 7.5. That's what I meant to say.

deSelys · « **Reply #10 on:** October 10, 2005, 12:05:07 PM »

Thanks for your replies.

Ammo is plentiful here, and not too pricey: .35$ / cartridge

I'll try it tomorrow evening and then make my decision.

I'll post pics if I buy it.

lazs2 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 10, 2005, 02:48:28 PM »

rosie... why would it be ironic that a nation of riflemen would produce fine rifles?

lazs

Yeager · « **Reply #12 on:** October 10, 2005, 03:03:17 PM »

Can you buy a BAR?

deSelys · « **Reply #13 on:** October 10, 2005, 05:16:14 PM »

It is theoretically possible to buy a BAR (without the full auto mode), but it is classified as a 'war firearm' and to get a permit you'll need a lot of patience because you'll have to go to the seventh circle of bureaucracy hell and back. Although the law doesn't forbid you to own a full auto firearm as long as you answer to the conditions, governors don't deliver permits for this kind of weapons anymore. They don't answer NO to your request, they just don't answer at all (and don't break the law by doing so).

If you want it able to shoot full auto, you'll need to know some friend of the governor... Democracy at its best.

For some weird reason, the K31 is not classified as a 'war firearm' but as a 'sport and hunting firearm'. I want to make good use of this error before they correct the law text ;-)

AdmRose · « **Reply #14 on:** October 10, 2005, 09:16:24 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by lazs2
rosie... why would it be ironic that a nation of riflemen would produce fine rifles?

lazs

The Swiss producing the best weapons in the world is kinda like an atheist when they die - all dressed up and no place to go.