Problem with my K31 bolt.

[falco67]

I took my K31 to the range on Sunday and fired 15 rounds of GP11.

On returning home I was wiping the bolt down when the side bar became free at the front end. I was not putting any pressure on the bolt and to say I was surprised was putting it mildly!

I found a You Tube video to explain how to re-assemble the bolt, and by following the instructions I was able to reassemble the bolt.
I inserted the bolt into the rifle, the bolt number was locked into the correct position, centre on top, and dry fired the rifle. Everything worked as it should, but when I removed the bolt, the side arm detached again from the front end!

I have followed the reassembly instructions again, and this time everything works as it should, and the side bar is still attached firmly to the bolt after several operations.

However, I am not too happy with what has happened, and my confidence to fire a live round is non-existent at the moment.

I intend to get it checked by a gunsmith before I fire it again, and I just wonder if it has happened to anyone else?

[DW58]

Worrying - may I suggest speaking to the experts on the Swiss Rifles Message Board, I'm sure someone there will be able to help you, as there is a wealth of knowledge of all of the Swiss straight-pull rifles there.

[falco67]

Hi Rob

It is on the Swiss Rifles Message Board, I was posting it as you replied.

As you say, a worrying occurrence!

[DW58]

Yes, the only thing I've come across like that is confined to 1944-build rifles AFAIK which is down to poor metallurgy. Hopefully someone over there will help shortly.

What year is your K31?

[falco67]

Its a 1941 manufacture, which was refurbed in 1955. It has got a 1944 dated sling though!

The serial is 674***

[DW58]

Well it won't be the problem I was thinking of then, mine's a 1950-made 943***

[kennyc]

this is the section you may want to look at, if you haven't already.

[DW58]

this is the section you may want to look at, if you haven't already.

Yes, that's what I was thinking of.

[falco67]

I have already looked at that section, the lug on the side bar of my bolt is intact, and when the bolt is cocked, the serial number is at centre top as it should be..

[falco67]

I have had an answer on the Swiss Rifle message Board...

"staubyns,

Don't worry; these things happen. It's due to when you remove the bolt, depending how you place your finger and thumb around the bolt as you concentrate on depressing the bolt release lever with your other hand to completely remove the bolt, your thumb and forefinger tends to rotate the bolt cylinder slightly to the left, as you complete the bolt removal, which causes the ''slide bar'' to come out of alignment. I do it most of the time!

OldTimer"