Schmidt-Rubin K31
Waffenfabrik Bern (W+F Bern) · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1933
Also known as: K31, Karabiner Modell 1931, Karabiner 31, Kar 31
Overview
The Schmidt-Rubin K31 (Karabiner Modell 1931) is a Swiss straight-pull bolt-action carbine that served as the standard-issue rifle of the Swiss Armed Forces from 1933 until 1958. It is the final and most refined evolution of the Schmidt-Rubin series, using a redesigned bolt with twin opposing locking lugs at the front of the bolt head, a significantly shorter receiver than its predecessors, and a 6-round detachable box magazine. Renowned for exceptional accuracy and build quality, roughly 582,000 K31s were produced at Waffenfabrik Bern.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1107 mm (43.58") |
| Barrel Length | 651 mm (25.63") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 780 m/s (2559 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3437 J (2535 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 270 mm (10.63") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.5x55mm Swiss · primary — also known as GP11, Gewehrpatrone 11, 7.5x55mm GP11
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Cocking Indicator
- Features: Straight Pull Bolt, Tangent Rear Sight, Detachable Box Magazine, Stripper Clip Loadable
Service history
Operators
- Swiss Armed Forces · adopted 1933 · as Karabiner Modell 1931
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
- Cold War (1947-1991)
Production
Estimated total produced: 582,000 · Production years: 1933-1958
All produced at Waffenfabrik Bern. Large surplus quantities were sold on the civilian market starting in the 1990s.
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Adolf Furrer
Discontinued: 1958
Notes
Although universally known as the 'Schmidt-Rubin K31', neither Rudolf Schmidt nor Eduard Rubin designed this model - Schmidt died in 1898 and Rubin in 1920. The K31 action was redesigned by Adolf Furrer at W+F Bern; the 'Schmidt-Rubin' label is a colloquialism inherited from the earlier 1889/1911 series.
Background
Each issued K31 was historically delivered with a small paper tag tucked under the buttplate listing the original Swiss soldier who was assigned the rifle - a practice that has turned surplus K31s into unintentional time capsules of Swiss conscript history.