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Make: A. Furter Ulton
Model: Karabiner Modell 1931 (K31) Small Caliber Trainer
Serial Number: 061
Year of Manufacture: Circa, Mid-20th Century
Caliber: .22 L.R.
Action Type: Straight pull bolt action, single shot rifle
Markings: The receiver is marked, “A.FurterOlten 063” The bolt is serial matched. There is an import mark on the barrel.
Barrel Length: 25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post in an angled slot which is adjustable for windage with two protective wings. The rear sight is a micro-adjustable tangent U-notch leaf marked out to 5.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, barrel band with bayonet lug and stacking rod, barrel band with sling loop, sling bar, sling well, and a metal buttplate. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12.5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is faint handling wear and thinning throughout. The screw heads show light use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Muzzle Tompion, leather sling.
Our Assessment: The Swiss Schmidt Rubin K31 is widely regarded as one of the finest service rifles of the 20th century, prized for its smooth straight-pull action, precision craftsmanship, and superb accuracy. To complement their full-power rifles, the Swiss military also commissioned small-caliber training rifles that mimicked the K31 in form and function but fired inexpensive and low-recoil .22 Long Rifle ammunition. This particular example, manufactured by A. Furter of Olten, is a single-shot, rimfire training version of the Karabiner Modell 1931, designed to reinforce marksmanship fundamentals without the wear or cost of firing service ammunition. Its near-exact duplication of the K31’s length, weight, and handling characteristics made it ideal for Swiss militia training programs. This example is in remarkably well-preserved condition, retaining about 95% of its original blued finish with only faint thinning and handling wear. The stock shows honest use with scattered pressure marks and scuffs but remains solid and free from any cracks or major damage. The rifle’s bore is bright with sharp rifling and only light erosion, rating a strong 9.5 out of 10. All markings remain sharp, including the A. Furter maker’s mark and matching serial number on the bolt. Even rarer, this rifle comes with its original muzzle tompion, a seldom-seen accessory that helps complete its period presentation. Though built as a single-shot, this rifle captures the balance and feel of its centerfire counterpart, offering the same crisp trigger and intuitive operation in a rimfire format.
For collectors of Swiss military rifles, training arms, or .22LR variants of full-size service rifles, this K31 small-caliber trainer represents a rare and desirable find. These rifles were produced in limited quantities and seldom left Switzerland, making them highly sought after in today’s collector market. Whether displayed alongside a full-power K31 or used as a low-cost precision shooter, this .22LR trainer offers both historical intrigue and exceptional shooting characteristics in a refined, collectible package.