Mauser C-96 Broomhandle (gun of the day)

johnwill · August 1, 2001, 08:47 PM

Here's something no collection is complete without.

**4V50 Gary** · August 4, 2001, 09:40 PM

Small ring - could be early type or for the neue sicherung (new safety) model.
Frame panel milling - can't discern from photo whether it's shallow or deep
Rear Sight - late type w/retaining pin being integral with the sight leaf (above 20k serial # range)
Trigger - late type, consistent with rear sight.
Grips - 9 mm (repro)
Bolo - Commie. Are you sure you want to keep it? I'll be happy to hide it for you.

Unknowns:

Safety - late or Universal
Firing pin - probably two lug
proof marks
extractor type

johnwill · August 5, 2001, 09:53 AM

Gary,

I think I'll keep it.

The firing pin is a two lug, and I replaced it before attempting to shoot it, the old one looks pretty ratty.

I'll have to take a picture of the other side the next time the camera is set up for gun pictures. I figured the grips for repro, they look too new inside to be the originals. I am by no means a C-96 expert, just had to have one because they're such a neat gun.

Harley Nolden · August 5, 2001, 10:52 AM

Model 1896 or C/96:
The failure of the mechanical repeater caused Mauser to lose interest in handguns at a time when his rifles were encountering great success. Not un til 1894, did he consider an automatic pistol. Ten years earlier Waffenfabrik Mauser AG had been formed with capital loaned by the Wurttembergische Vereinsbank;

The Mauser compay emlpoyed the Feederle Brothers, who had been designing an automatic pisto in their spare time, Paul Mauser asked them to perfect their gun for the good of the company. The first prototype was completed in Mar of 1895, whereas patents were immediately sought in the Mauser name.

The Mauser C/96 differed slightly from the later models. Several minor changes were made duting the first few months of production as improvements suggested them, none however, affected the basic design. Loewe Allowed Mauser to use the 7.65mm Borchard cartridge, whch embittered Borchardt when the success of the Mauser pistol overpowered his own design.

hjn

johnwill · August 5, 2001, 05:35 PM

Interesting information about the Borchardt and the common cartridge. Of course, as lousy as the ergonomics of the C-96 are, think of toting the Borchardt around all day!

August 1, 2001, 08:47 PM	#1
johnwill Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2000 Location: PA Posts: 3,451	Mauser C-96 Broomhandle (gun of the day) Here's something no collection is complete without.

August 4, 2001, 09:40 PM	#2
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	Observations... Small ring - could be early type or for the neue sicherung (new safety) model. Frame panel milling - can't discern from photo whether it's shallow or deep Rear Sight - late type w/retaining pin being integral with the sight leaf (above 20k serial # range) Trigger - late type, consistent with rear sight. Grips - 9 mm (repro) Bolo - Commie. Are you sure you want to keep it? I'll be happy to hide it for you. Unknowns: Safety - late or Universal Firing pin - probably two lug proof marks extractor type __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

August 5, 2001, 09:53 AM	#3
johnwill Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2000 Location: PA Posts: 3,451	Gary, I think I'll keep it. The firing pin is a two lug, and I replaced it before attempting to shoot it, the old one looks pretty ratty. I'll have to take a picture of the other side the next time the camera is set up for gun pictures. I figured the grips for repro, they look too new inside to be the originals. I am by no means a C-96 expert, just had to have one because they're such a neat gun.

August 5, 2001, 10:52 AM	#4
Harley Nolden Staff In Memoriam Join Date: January 8, 1999 Location: Brunswick,GA USA Posts: 1,884	Model 1896 or C/96: The failure of the mechanical repeater caused Mauser to lose interest in handguns at a time when his rifles were encountering great success. Not un til 1894, did he consider an automatic pistol. Ten years earlier Waffenfabrik Mauser AG had been formed with capital loaned by the Wurttembergische Vereinsbank; The Mauser compay emlpoyed the Feederle Brothers, who had been designing an automatic pisto in their spare time, Paul Mauser asked them to perfect their gun for the good of the company. The first prototype was completed in Mar of 1895, whereas patents were immediately sought in the Mauser name. The Mauser C/96 differed slightly from the later models. Several minor changes were made duting the first few months of production as improvements suggested them, none however, affected the basic design. Loewe Allowed Mauser to use the 7.65mm Borchard cartridge, whch embittered Borchardt when the success of the Mauser pistol overpowered his own design. hjn

August 5, 2001, 05:35 PM	#5
johnwill Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2000 Location: PA Posts: 3,451	Interesting information about the Borchardt and the common cartridge. Of course, as lousy as the ergonomics of the C-96 are, think of toting the Borchardt around all day!