ForgottenWeapons
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A Sneaky Swiss Sniper for Israel: the ZK-31 (ad-free)
🕑 Added 2023-09-06 12:00:01 +0000 UTCIn 1949, Israel was still fighting its was of independence, and purchasing arms internationally was difficult to do. The recently-formalized IDF wanted sniper rifles, and looked to Hammerli in Switzerland for a variant of the K-31 straight-pull bolt action action. Two different models were purchased; 100 of the ZK-31 with 4x Kahles scopes, and 100 of the FK-31 with target diopter sights. The Swiss could not legally ship them directly to Israel, and so the order was placed for Nicaragua instead. Mysteriously, the freighter carrying the rifles somehow sank off the coast of Egypt, and the guns ended up in Israeli hands. They were taken into IDF service, and saw use in the early days of Israeli independence.
The style of optics mount on these rifles is also pretty interesting aside from the history of the guns...
Comments
Paul Ingraham
I've been looking for one for years. Still am.
EyeBall
The K31 are great rifles, and that mounting system looks to be solid.
adam
The old fake end user certificate...
Mrgunsngear
Very cool and a great choice for a sniper rifle of that era. I love my K31s
Forgotten Weapons
7.5 Swiss
Guido Schriewer
THAT must be a hell of a good rifle! 31s are just awesome. wouldn't mind one after shot the darn thing... love on 1st trigger pull. didn't knew they had those. must be a rare hard to find high priced rifle with the scope and mount.
Terry
Caliber?
