Introduction
The K31, also known as the Mousqueton 31, is a hand-repeating rifle that has left its mark on Swiss military history. Designed and manufactured in Switzerland by Waffenfabrik Bern, this rifle is renowned for its precision, robustness and unique design. Adopted by the Swiss Army in 1933, the K31 remains highly prized today by collectors and sport shooters alike. This article explores the characteristics, history and importance of this weapon in the Swiss military arsenal.
History of Mousqueton 31
Development of the Mousqueton 31 dates back to the 1930s, when the Swiss army was looking for a modern precision rifle to replace earlier models, notably the Schmidt-Rubin K11. Designed to meet the specific needs of the armed forces, the Swiss K31 features the straight-movement breech mechanism characteristic of Swiss weapons.
Produced between 1933 and 1958, the K31 became the Swiss army’s standard rifle, surviving World War II and the Cold War without ever being used in large-scale conflicts. However, the Mousqueton 31’s reputation has remained strong thanks to its accuracy, an essential quality for Swiss national defense, which relies on militiamen trained to shoot.
K31 Switzerland technical specifications
The Mousqueton 31 is appreciated for its high-quality engineering, powerful caliber and exceptional accuracy. Here are the main features of this rifle:
Main specifications :
–Caliber: 7.5×55 mm GP11, a precise and powerful Swiss caliber.
–Barrel length: 652 mm, for greater precision at long ranges.
–Weight: Approx. 4.3 kg, offering considerable stability when shooting.
Breech system: Straight-motion breech for rapid reloading.
–Magazine capacity: 6 cartridges.
The K31 is particularly renowned for its straight-motion breech system, which allows reloading in a straight line, unlike conventional rotary breeches. This unique mechanism, combined with the powerful 7.5×55 mm GP11 caliber, ensures stable, accurate shooting, even over long distances.
Use of the K31 in the Swiss Army
During its years of service, the Mousqueton 31 was used by infantry troops and militiamen in the Swiss army. Its accuracy and reliability make it a rifle suited to Swiss conditions, with a rugged design and ease of maintenance for varied terrain, including the mountains. Although heavier than modern rifles, the Swiss K31 is renowned for its stability and accuracy, making it a preferred choice for defense forces.
The K31 was never used in international conflicts, but it remained a central weapon for national defense during the Second World War and the Cold War. Although it was replaced by the Fass 57 in the 1960s, the Mousqueton 31 remains a sought-after collector’s weapon, and many Swiss shooters continue to use it in competition.
Comparison with other Military Rifles
Compared to other military rifles of its time, the Swiss K31 stands out for its precision and unique mechanism:
Compared with the Mauser K98: Used by the German army, the Mauser K98 is a rotary-breech rifle. Although accurate, it is slower to reload than the Mousqueton 31, which benefits from its straight action.
Comparedwith the British Lee-Enfield: The Lee-Enfield has a 10-round magazine, offering superior capacity, but the K31 is often considered more accurate for long-range shooting.
–Compared with the Springfield M1903: The Springfield M1903, used by the US Army, was also a precision rifle of its time, but the Swiss K31 stands out for its simpler breech mechanism and its specific caliber, which favors a stable trajectory.
These comparisons illustrate the unique position of the Swiss K31 among the military weapons of its time, particularly for its precision and the simplicity of its mechanism.
Carabiner 31 for Collectors and Sport Shooters
Today, the Swiss K31 is highly prized by collectors of historic weapons and sport shooters. In Switzerland, the K31 is still used in shooting competitions, particularly for long-distance shooting, where the 7.5×55 mm GP11 caliber and barrel length offer excellent performance.
Collectors appreciate the K31 for its build quality and historical value. Each rifle is numbered and carries a unique identification plate, enabling collectors to trace its history. The Mousqueton 31 is also sought-after for its state of preservation, as many examples are still in good condition despite their age.
Conclusion
The Mousqueton 31, or Swiss K31, is much more than a simple repeating rifle. A symbol of Swiss military engineering, it is appreciated for its precision, reliability and unique mechanism. Although it has been replaced by more modern weapons, the K31 continues to appeal to collectors and marksmen alike, embodying the heritage of Swiss weaponry.
Whether for collecting or sport shooting, the Mousqueton 31 remains a highly prized and respected model, and a testament to the excellence of Swiss weaponry.
