Accurizing the Swiss K31 Rifle: Stock Refurbishment and Glass Bedding

Understanding the Swiss K31 Rifle

• 🎯 The K31 is a Swiss military bolt-action rifle, a successor to the K11, chambered in the capable 7.5x55 Swiss round.
• ⚡ Its defining feature is the straight-pull bolt action, allowing for rapid operation.
• 💡 The rifle has a double-stage trigger and a unique rear ring that can be used for cocking, decocking, or as a safety.
• ⚠️ Unlike many rifles, the K31's barrel is not free-floated; it's clamped by the wooden stock, a design that surprisingly contributes to its accuracy.

Addressing Accuracy Issues and Sporterization

• 📉 The video addresses the myth of "sub MOA" precision for the K31, showing initial disappointing groupings.
• 🛠️ The rifle's stock was already modified and not in pristine condition, prompting refurbishment.
• 🔍 Potential causes for poor accuracy, such as ammunition or stock issues, were investigated.
• 🚫 Free-floating the barrel was deemed unsuitable for this rifle, as it often worsens accuracy and alters its classic look.

Stock Refurbishment and Preparation

• 🖌️ The wooden stock was stripped of its lacquer using paint stripper, scraping, brushing, and solvents.
• ✨ Sandpaper and emery cloth were used to smooth the stock, and grooves were enlarged to ensure the barrel was free-floated in specific areas.
• 🧼 The area for glass bedding was roughened and thoroughly cleaned with solvents to ensure epoxy adhesion.

Glass Bedding the Action

• 🧱 A strong, steel-dust-filled epoxy was used for glass bedding the rifle's action and the chamber area of the barrel.
• 🔧 The action and stock were reassembled with screws tightened to apply tension, allowing the epoxy to fill voids without squeezing it all out.
• ⏳ After curing, the barrel action was carefully removed from the stock, and excess epoxy was trimmed.

Final Improvements and Results

• 🌟 The end result is a rifle with a much better aesthetic and, hopefully, improved accuracy.
• 🔭 An aftermarket non-drill scope mount was added to eliminate aiming variables due to the shooter's vision.
• 🎯 While not achieving sub-MOA with 10-round groupings, the process aims to squeeze out maximum accuracy from the rifle.
• ✅ Glass bedding is highly recommended for extracting more potential from rifles, often without significant extra cost.