For sale is a Swiss V3 rifle produced by Waffenfabrik Bern. The V3 was the earliest iteration of the ZfK Sniper rifles. While the V3 is not officially in the ZfK family it was the bridge used to evolve the K31 carbine into the refined sniper system that the ZfK series created. The V3 uses the same manual of operation that the K31/ZfK uses and resembles more of a K31. In the testing phase the factory used some blank K31 components along with original K31 stocks to craft the sniper. It is estimated that only three V3 prototypes were ever produced during the testing run.

The V3 is a rare experimental prototype sniper rifle made by Waffenfabrik Bern of Switzerland. This rifle would lead to the development of the ZfK sniper series, specifically the ZfK 42&43. This rifle is essentially a ZfK 31/41 as it was made prior to the official 42 and 43. It is estimated only 3 models were ever produced. The Swiss used some K31 components to see if a much more modern scope mounting system on the K31 carbines could enhance the rifle platform into a sniper system. The rifle would make use of K31 magazines and charger clips and of course the plentiful GP11 / 7.5×55 Swiss cartridge. Manual of operation is the same as a K31 rifle which would be a key factor for the development of the ZfK sniper series. The design was a success and the ZfK 31/42 succeeded it and would be imporved in the coming years leading to the final ZfK 55 sniper rifle.

The V3 prototype pictured is the firearm for sale. This V3 is in excellent condition. The bore is incredible, we would rate the bore close to a 5/5. There has been some use we would suspect no more than ~200 rounds through the bore. The action was also very interesting. We noted the action felt very new. It was not quite buttery smooth like a well used K31 rather the action felt very tight and new like it came off the assembly line. The wood stock and handguard are in good shape but are probably the most worn parts on this V3 rifle. We suspect that these wooden components were sourced from K31 rifles for proof of concept. This is scene throughout Swiss small arms development and deployment. The Swiss used 1896 stocks on their first 96/1911 rifles, 1900 carbine and 1905 carbine stocks on their first 00/11 carbines, and even recycled bayonets for the SG550 series. Many of the metal parts are non-serialized but have very interesting and unique proofs not scene on other K31 rifles around the time, likely these blank parts came from K31 production for the testing phase. The glass scope is in good condition the glass is overall clean and the finish on the outside looks great. The bluing finish on the metal parts is also in fantastic condition. ~95% bluing intact.

V=3

Swiss Crest

W+F Bern Post 1940 inspection Mark

Pressure Proof Test Pass

Shooting Test Pass

V=3 (S/N)

Sight leaf on scope out to 1,000 meters

Sight leaf on rifle out to 1,500 meters
V=3 <) 100% (Scope)
WC44 – Bolt
N SM2+ – Bolt