German
Guns
The
Mauser 1896
"BROOM HANDLE"
C. Semi-Automatic Pistols
2. Models and Manufacturers
m. Mauser
1. Broomhandle Mauser
by Kyrie (KYRIEELLIS@aol.com)
While perusing the rec.guns FAQ, I noticed that there was none for the Broomhandle
Mauser. I have tried to fill the gap with the following, and submit this proposed C96
FAQ for comments, corrections, and additional information by the knowledgeable folks
here in rec.guns.
I'm not exactly a stranger to the Mauser Broomhandle (having fired my first Broom
almost 40 years ago, and bought my first C96 almost 30 years ago) but I do *not* claim
to be an expert on this subject. The more I learn about the C96, the more I find that
there is to learn. The information contained in this FAQ represents my own experience
and reading on the subject and is, no doubt(!), incomplete. It also likely contains errors
in fact and corrections are welcome. Additional information would be *most* welcome,
if the source can be cited so that we all may know where to find the information. Please
feel free to respond publicly in rec.guns (preferred), or to me privately at either
kyrieellis@aol.com or 74743.2433@compuserve.com.
CONTENTS
I. General
A. Description
B. History
II. Variations of the C96
III. Commonly Used Terms
A. Safeties
1. Early Safety - first type
2. Early Safety - second type
3. New Safety
4. Universal Safety
B. Hammers
1. Cone Hammer
2. Large Ring
3. Small Ring
C. Panel Milling
1. Slabside
2. Shallow Milling
3. Deep Milling
D. Markings
1. Serial Numbers
2. Chamber
3. Left Panel
4. Right Panel
E. Contract Markings
IV. Loading and Firing
A. SAFETY WARNINGS
1. Springs
2. Bolt Stops
3. Barrel Extensions
4. Cartridges
B. Loading the C96
C. Firing the C96
D. Unloading the C96
V. Disassembly
A. Field Stripping
B. Detail Stripping the Lock Frame Mechanism
VI. Recent Imports from the Peoples Republic of China
VII. Restoration of Broomhandles
VIII. Loading for the C96
IX. Recommended Reading
X. Personal Commentary on the C96
I. General
A. Description
Manufacturer Name/Model Designation:
Mauser Military Pistol
Also known as:
C96 (common usage in Europe, shortened version of "Construktion 96")
Broomhandle (common usage in the USA)
Bolo (common name for the short barrel and small grip variation of the C96)
“Large Mauser Pistol” (contemporary references)
Model 1930 (variation produced after 1930)
Schnellfeuer (AKA Model 712 - selective fire machine pistol)
Chambered for:
7.63 Mauser (most common chambering)
9 m/m Luger (unusual, but not rare)
9m/m Mauser Export (rare)
8.15 m/m (very rare, believed to be DWM cartridge no. 580)
9m/m Largo (some Spanish copies of the C96)
.303 Mauser (some of the C96 pistols sold commercially in England may be
found so marked - they are actually chambered for the 7.63 Mauser)
Barrel length:
5.5 inches
3.9 inches
11.75, 14.50, 16.00 inches (carbine version only)
Magazine capacity (fixed box):
10 rounds (most common)
20 rounds (rare)
6 rounds, (very rare)
Magazine capacity (detachable box):
10 rounds
20 rounds
40 rounds
6 rounds, (for six round C96, exceedingly rare)
Grips:
Grooved walnut (most common)
Checkered walnut (rare)
Floral patterned hard rubber (unusual on a full sized C96)
Checkered hard rubber (unusual on a full sized C96)
The Mauser Military Pistol is a self-loading, locked breech (tilting block system)
pistol, most commonly found with a fixed box magazine.
B. History
Contrary to common belief, the C96 was not invented by Paul Mauser, but by the
Feederle brothers (Fidel, Friedrich, and Josef). Fidel Feederle was the Superintendent of
the Experimental Work Shop, and it is reported that the C96 (then referred to as P-7.63
or the Feederle Pistol) was designed and prototyped without the knowledge and against
the wishes of Paul Mauser. Be that as it may, production began in 1896, and ended
about 1939 with over one million C96 pistols produced.
Paul Mauser named the C96 the "Mauser Military Pistol" in the hopes that it would
achieve large sales through its adoption by the Germany army or the army of one of the
other major powers, but his hopes were never realized. While limited numbers of the
C96 pistol were purchased for issue to members of the armed forces and/or police of
Germany, China, Indonesia, Persia, Turkey, Italy, and possibly Norway (and unofficially
used by the troops of a large number of other countries), it was never officially adopted
by any country as their primary sidearm.
Before getting into the variations and characteristics of the C96 pistol, some
background and cautions are in order. All of the Mauser production and corporate
records retained at the Mauser plant were destroyed in 1945, by order of the U.S. Army
officer in command at the captured Mauser plant. While I cannot tell you what I think of
this little act of senseless vandalism (without resorting to language even *I* find
offensive), I will say that this action has bedeviled Mauser collectors ever since.
In the absence of factory records which show when which pistol was made (or even the
number of pistols made in any given year) people have attempted to determine the year
that their specific pistol was produced based on serial number. Such attempts are fraught
with peril. In the early years of production the big Mauser pistol was not especially
popular, and sales were poor. In order to make it appear that more pistols had been sold
than was actually the case, Mauser skipped blocks of serial numbers. In the later years it
appears that some attempt was made to fill in these missing blocks of numbers. To add
to the confusion pistols made under contract were usually (but not always) serial
numbered in their own series, beginning with number "1". All of which means that
pistols which appear, based on their serial number, to have been made early may
actually have been made much later. The converse is also true.
All firearms tend to evolve over the years of their production. Sometimes these
changes are made to improve function or appearance. Sometimes they are made to
reduce production costs. Sometimes they are made for no discernible reason. Nowhere
is this more true than the C96. Over the forty odd years that the C96 was produced a
large number of changes were made. Markings were changed, the shape and size of
parts changed, at least four different types of safeties were produced, and even the
milling patterns on the frames changed.
This evolution of the C96 has provided another technique which has been used to date
specific pistols - dating by the mechanical characteristics and appearance of a specific
pistol. Unfortunately, this technique also has its problems. There appear to have been
times when Mauser would make a change to the C96, produce several hundred or
several thousand pistols with these changes, revert to the old way of making C96's for a
dozen or a thousand or so pistols, then go back to producing the pistols with the
changes. It's almost as if the folks at Mauser would find cases of C96 parts, lost in some
forgotten corner of the warehouse for years, and include them in current production until
they ran out, at which point the would return to making C96's the way they did before
they found the lost parts.
It can be really very frustrating...
The significance of all this is that it is next to impossible to accurately determine even
the year in which a specific pistol was made, much less the actual date.
And it has taught me to use the words "probably", "likely", and "seems" a lot. I have
found that the times I'm most likely (there's one of those words!) to be wrong is when
I'm most sure I'm right. Sigh...
II. Variations of the C96
OK, with all of that out of the way, lets talk variations of the C96
There are anywhere from a half a dozen to several hundred variations (depending on
how one defines "variation") of the C96 pistol. I'll list and describe the variations of the
C96 which seem to get the most mention - those interested in other variations may find
what they are looking for in the "Recommended Reading" section at the end of the FAQ.
Please note that the names of these variations are, for the most part, names invented by
collectors rather than official Mauser model designations.
Full sized C96
The "full sized" C96 has a 5.5 inch barrel, and the standard sized grip. Typically, it
will have a ten round fixed box magazine. Tangent rear sights were generally marked 50
to 1000 yards, but the majority of C96's chambered for the 9m/m Luger appear to have
rear sights marked 50 to 500 yards.
"Bolo" C96
Bolo is the common name for the C96 with a 3.9 inch barrel and a small grip. Tangent
sights generally marked 50 to 1000, but some may be found marked 50 to 500. The
name “Bolo” was not an official Mauser model designation, and is rumored to have been
coined due to an enormous popularity of the smaller C96 with the Bolsheviks of Russia.
While this attribution may be more fancy than fact, the Russians did soak up a large
number of C96 pistols. The 7.63 Mauser cartridge was so popular in Russia, and later in
the Soviet Union, that it was adopted as their standard pistol and sub-machinegun
cartridge (as the “7.62 Tokarev Pistol” cartridge, and now called the 7.62x25) in the
1930’s.
There are a number of sub-variations within these two major types. Here are some of the
sub-variants of the full sized C96.
“Slabside” or “Flatside”
Variation which has no panels milled in the sides of the frame.
“Pre-war”
General name given to C96 pistols with a serial number under about 290,000.
“Wartime Commercial”
General name given to C96 pistols numbered between about 290,000 and 434,000
"Red Nine"
C96 pistols which were produced in 9m/m Luger were generally not marked any
differently from those chambered for the 7.63 Mauser. Some number of these pistols
have grips with the number "9" burned into one or both grip panels and filled with red
paint. These "9's" varied in size from almost the length of the grip panel to about 5/8th
of an inch in height.
"WWI German Army Contract"
During WWI, Mauser secured a contract with the German army for 150,000 C96
pistols chambered for the 9 m/m Luger cartridge. Approximately (sources differ)
135,000 - 150,000 of these pistols were delivered before the end of WWI. Whether the
pistols were supplied by Mauser with the Red Nine already etched into the grips, or the
“9” added by army depot personnel is disputed. The pistols from this contract may also
be identified by having both a serial number between "1" and "150,000" and (generally)
the Imperial Army acceptance mark on the right, front, barrel extension flat. Many
examples have been observed to have the Prussian Eagle stamp, generally on the front of
the magazine.
C96 pistols which have WWI Imperial German Army acceptance markings, may be
chambered for either the 9m/m Luger or the 7.63 Mauser cartridge, and do not fall into
this 1-150,000 serial number range are know to exist. It is supposed that these acquired
by the German Army for private sale to officers or issue to senior enlisted men.
Examples of this sub-variation have been noted in the serial number range 290,000 to
434,000.
"1920 Rework"
There exists a number of C96 pistols, chambered for the 9m/m Luger, with the barrels
cut to approximately four inches, the rear tangent sight removed, the rear sight "ears"
and ramp ground off, a fixed sight installed, and the number "1920" stamped on the
barrel extension (usually on the left chamber diagonal). The vast majority of these
pistols appear to have been Red Nines from the WWI German Army Contract. It has
been generally thought that these were pistols altered in accordance with the terms of
the Versailles Treaty, but this is not a universally held opinion. There exist C96 pistols
marked with the "1920" which have not had their adjustable rear sights removed, and
other C96's which have all the earmarks of a 1920 Rework but are chambered for the
7.63 Mauser have been reported.
"French Gendarme"
While this is not a common variation, I have included it because it is so easily mis-
identifed as a 1920 Rework. This is the name given to a full sized C96, with a 3.9 inch
barrel. It is conjectured that they are from a French Police contract, but that has not been
confirmed. This variation differs from the 1920 Rework in that the short barrel appears
to be original, it has the tangent rear sight, it does not have the "1920" marking, or the
Imperial German Army acceptance stamp and have serial numbers outside the 1-
150,000 range, and the pistols are usually found to be chambered for the 7.63 Mauser
“Model 1930”
This was a Mauser model designation. The 1930 is most easily recognized by a step in
the barrel just ahead of the chamber and the Universal type safety.
“Schnellfeuer”
This is a selective fire variation on the 1930 Model of the full sized C96. Easily
identified by the selector switch on the left side of the frame.
Here are some of the sub-variants of the Bolo C96.
“Long Barreled Bolo”
A Bolo with a 5.5 inch barrel.
“Early Postwar Bolo”
General name given to Bolo pistols with a serial numbers in the approximate range of
444,000 to 500,000.
“Late Postwar Bolo”
General name given to Bolo pistols with a serial numbers in the approximate range of
515,000 to 794,000.
III. Commonly Used Terms
A. Safeties
Three different safeties may be commonly found on C96 pistols; the "early" safety, the
"New Safety", and the "Universal" safety.
1. Early Safety - first type
The early safety (first type) is placed in the ON position by moving the safety all of the
way BACKWARD (toward the shooter). When the safety is in the ON position, it blocks
the hammer from falling.
2. Early Safety - second type
The early safety (second type) is placed in the ON position by moving the safety all of
the way FORWARD (away from the shooter). When the safety is in the ON position, it
blocks the hammer from falling. The safety may be placed in the ON position while the
hammer is in the uncocked position. In this case, the safety will cam the hammer away
from the firing pin, and prevent contact between hammer and firing pin. The hammer
may not be brought back to full cock while the safety is in the ON position.
3. New Safety
The New Safety (identified by the intertwined letters "N" and "S" on the back of the
hammer) is placed in the ON position by pushing the safety all of the way FORWARD
(away from the shooter). In order to place the safety in the ON position, the hammer
must first be pulled all of the way back PAST full cock, and held in that position before
the safety can be applied. To place the safety in the FIRE position, it is simply pulled all
of the way to the rear. Like the early safety, the New Safety is a hammer block safety.
The safety may be placed in the ON position while the hammer is in the uncocked
position. In this case, the safety will cam the hammer away from the firing pin, and
prevent contact between hammer and firing pin. The hammer may not be brought back
to full cock while the safety is in the ON position.
The New Safety was developed due to concerns that the early safety could be
unintentionally or unknowingly placed in the ON position during the heat and confusion
of battle. It was thought that changing the operation of the safety to a (relatively)
complex action would prevent people from inadvertently disabling their firearm.
4. Universal Safety
The Universal safety is placed in the ON position by pushing the safety all of the way
FORWARD (away from the shooter). Unlike the New Safety, no manipulation of the
hammer is necessary in order to place the safety in the ON position. Unlike either the
early or New safeties, the Universal safety is not a hammer block safety in the
conventional sense. When the safety is in the ON position the hammer may be lowered
to the uncocked position - the safety prevents the hammer from making contact with the
firing pin. The hammer may be brought to the full cock position when the safety is in
the ON position.
IMPORTANT WARNING
It is absolutely critical that the hammer, safety, and lock frame mechanism (the
monoblock into which all the internal frame parts are mounted) ALL BE OF THE
SAME SAFETY TYPE. If any one of these three parts is not of the same type as the
other two parts, an accidental discharge (AD) due to safety malfunction is very possible.
It is possible to assemble a C96 with different type parts (especially if the parts are worn
or altered), and such a pistol is an accident waiting to happen.
B. Hammers
Many people have commented on the unusually large hammer and safety lever of the
C96 pistol. During the design (and much of the manufacturing) period of the C96,
usability of pistols while mounted on horseback was a major consideration for the award
of military contracts. Sidearms especially were designed to provide the ability to draw,
cock, fire, reload, and safe the weapon while on the move (frequently at a canter or
gallop!). Those who doubt this are invited to peruse the documentation concerning the
U.S. trials of the Luger in 1900, and the requirements for use of same by mounted
troops. The C96 safety lever was designed to allow one handed operation while gloved,
and the hammer designed to permit cocking by dragging the hammer rowel against the
saddle.
In any event, the hammer design of the C96 underwent three major changes during
the production life of the C96.
1. Cone Hammer
This hammer variation has the left and right sides of the hammer at the top milled to
leave cones of hammer material. Cone hammer C96's are generally found in serial
number range below 10,000
2. Large Ring
The second hammer variation, it has the top portion of the hammer machined into a
relatively large ring. Large ring C96's are generally found in a serial number range
between 10,000 and 40,000.
3. Small Ring
The third hammer variation, it has the top portion of the hammer machined into a
relatively small ring. Small ring C96's are generally found after serial number range
40,000.
C. Panel Milling
1. Slabside
This variation has no panels milled in the sides of the frame, giving the visual
impression of a slab of metal. Generally found only on early guns.
2. & 3. Shallow/Deep Milling
This refers to the relative depth to which the side panels were milled
D. Markings
1. Serial Numbers
The full serial number is generally found on the frame (top of backstrap, below lock
frame mechanism), barrel extension (left chamber flat or diagonal), and lock frame
mechanism (immediately above the frame serial number). On the Model 1930, the barrel
extension serial number may be found on the rear of the barrel extension, immediately
behind the rear sight.
As is true of most things with the C96, these positions are only generally true - serial
numbers may appear in different places on different pistols.
2. Chamber
Chamber markings include "SYSTEM MAUSER" (very early pistols),"Waffenfabrik
Mauser Oberndorf A/n" (most common), and the Mauser banner.
3. Left Panel
The left frame panel may, or may not, contain the "Mauser" banner trade mark.
4. Right Panel
The right frame panel markings may include:
“WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER
OBERNDORF A. NECKER”
or
“WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER
OBERNDORF A. NECKER
D.R.P. u. A. P”
E. Contract Markings
Military and police contracts can be a touchy subject. The existence of some contracts
are generally accepted (WWI German Army is one such), while the reality of other
contracts have sparked hot debate (such as the French Gendarme contract). It has been
suggested that contract C96 pistols may be identified by the contract number found
under the rear sight. This may be so, but not even all of the pistols from generally
recognized contracts have been found to have a contract number under the rear sight.
The presence of such a number may indicate a contract, but the absence of such a
number does not disprove the existence of a contract (I said this could be a frustrating
subject ). Rather than take a stand one way or the other, I'll just note all of the
"contracts" I've heard or read of, with the distinguishing characteristics. People can
make up their own minds as to whether the pistols in question are from a contract or are
just a variation. It appears that contract pistols made before WWI generally had their
own serial number range (beginning with the number “1”), while contracts after WWI
were taken from commercial production and did not enjoy their own serial number
range.
1. Turkey
Contract for no more than 1,000 Cone Hammer pistols. Serial numbered in its own
series, all small parts have the full serial number in Farsi. Other markings include a six
point star on both sides of the chamber and the crest of Sultan Abdul-Hamid II and the
Muslim year 1314 (1896 Gregorian) on the left rear frame panel. Sights marked 1-10.
This is a generally accepted contract.
2. Italian Navy
Contract for at least 5,000 Large Ring, Slabside, C96 pistols. Serial numbered in its
own series, from 1 to 5,000, all small parts have the full serial number. Other markings
include “DV” on left chamber flat and crown over “AV” on the bottom of the barrel.
This is a generally accepted contract.
3. WWI German Army
Serial number between 1 and 150,000, chambered for the 9m/m Luger, Red Nine
grips, and the Imperial Army acceptance mark on the right, front, barrel extension flat.
This is a generally accepted contract. C96 pistols which have WWI army acceptance
markings and are not in the 1-150,000 serial number range are also known to exist.
These pistols may be found in either 9m/m Luger or 7.63 Mauser.
4. WWII German Army
Schnellfeuer C96's. Reportedly, 7,800 Schnellfeuer pistols were purchased by the
Luftwaffe in 1940. Examples in the serial number range 830,000 to 930,00 are reported.
Markings include the Army test proof on the left side of the chamber. This is a generally
accepted contract.
5. China
The existence of a "China Contract" per se is disputed. A large number of C96 pistols
were sold commercially in China, and C96's with Chinese language markings (which
usually translate to "Germany" or "Made in Germany") are not unusual.
6. Indonesia
A group of pistols presumed to number no more than 11,000, these pistols are not
numbered in their own series and have been observed to have serial numbers between
899,000 and 912,000. These are Model 1930 C96’s and have a five pointed star on the
right flat of the barrel extension, under the ejection port. That such a contract existed is
deduced from a batch of pistols imported from Indonesia, all of which were identically
marked. This is a not generally accepted contract.
7. Persia
A group of pistols presumed to number no more than 1,000, these pistols are not
numbered in their own series and have been observed to have serial numbers in the
154,000 range. Markings include the Persian Crest (Lion bearing a sword, with the sun
rising over its back), and the Persian “Rising sun” on the left barrel extension flat just
ahead of the rear sight, contract number 163 under the rear sight. This is one of the
more commonly counterfeited contract C96's, and is a generally accepted contract.
8. Norway
An unknown number of pistols in the 855,000 range. They are marked with what
some think to be the Norwegian Lion on the left chamber diagonal. This is a disputed
contract - some feel that the marking is Bulgarian.
9. Finland
"SA" marked C96 pistols, this is not a generally accepted contract. The pistols
involved may be commercial purchases, capture pieces from the Winter War, or supplied
by Germany as war assistance.
10. France
The "French Gendarme" variation, a full sized C96, with a 3.9 inch barrel, and
chambered for the 7.63 Mauser. It is conjectured that they are from a French Police
contract, but this is not a generally accepted contract.
11. England
C96 pistols have been encountered with British broad arrow proofs. It is generally
accepted that these are either commercial pistols purchased by individual British
soldiers or capture pieces which have been re-proofed. But there are some who view
these as examples from some small British contract.
OTHER CONTRACTS
A number of other contracts are suspected, but for which country and in what quantity
is unknown. Pistols with close serial numbers, contract numbers under the rear sight,
and identical characteristics come to light from time to time (a group of pistols imported
from the Far East, all close in serial number and chambered for the 9m/m Mauser
Export is an example of one such).
IV. Loading and Firing the C96
Before getting into shooting the C96, let me share some thoughts on the advisability
and safety of doing so. Broomhandles which are in mint condition, or completely
matching, or are from a recognized contract probably should not be fired. The wear and
tear of usage can adversely affect the value of these pieces, and a broken numbered part
can reduce their value by half in an instant.
To those folks who are lucky enough to have such a C96, my best advice is buy one of
the many rebuilt C96's available and shoot that. A nice rebuilt C96 can be had for under
$400, and can prevent the loss of several hundred dollars which occurs when a nicely
matched collector gun become a mixed parts shooter. OK, I'll come down off of my soap
box...
Let's talk safety. The youngest Mauser C96 is almost sixty years old. Most of the
shooter C96 pistols have seen long and hard usage. Many have seen little or no
maintenance for years at a time. All of which can add up to pistols which are dangerous
to fire. The following is a list of problems I've seen, and I've tried to explain what the
problem is, how it happens, and what to look for.
A. SAFETY WARNINGS
1. Springs
Over time all springs lose their "springiness" and need to be replaced. I highly
recommend replacing all of the springs in a C96 before firing it. It seems that most folks
will replace the recoil spring and not the main (or hammer) spring, based on the logic
that if the hammer spring has enough force to pop a primer it's OK.
This is a bad assumption, and can lead to the damage to the pistol and injury to the
shooter. The recoil spring in a C96, unlike most other pistols, is mostly intended to
return the bolt to battery after recoil - it is not intended and does not do much to slow the
bolt during its backward travel. It is the main spring and the inertia of the large hammer
which acts as the primary factor in slowing the bolt during recoil, after the bolt unlocks.
A mainspring can still have more than enough strength to fire a primer and yet have no
where near the strength needed to retard the bolt.
A worn, weak, or broken mainspring can allow the bolt to go to full recoil with
sufficient force to damage both the bolt stop and barrel extension. If either of these two
parts should fail during firing, the shooter may receive the bolt right smack between the
eyes.
2. Bolt Stops
The bolt stop is that rectangular piece on the right rear of the barrel extension. It
extends into the bolt body (the firing pin passes through the bolt stop), and is the only
thing which holds the bolt in the barrel extension. If this part should break or shear
during firing, the bolt will be free to exit the barrel extension and strike the shooter.
I generally recommend that original bolt stops be replace with new ones. This is
especially critical if the C96 in question has been imported from, or spent any time in,
China. The Chinese replaced worn, broken, or lost parts on C96 pistols with parts made
locally. Some of these replacement parts are as good as the original Mauser made part,
but most are not. I've seen ChiCom parts which were soft as butter, and very dangerous.
A soft bolt stop is an opportunity to pay for your doctor's son's college education.
It is unwise to assume that a part from a pistol imported from the PRC is original to
the gun if it is numbered to the gun. The Chinese have been know to number locally
produced replacement parts to the gun, and even forge counterfeit Mauser proof and
inspection marks!
3. Barrel Extensions
The barrel extension is that part of the upper assembly of a C96 which begins in front
of the hammer and extend forward through the loading/ejection port. The narrow
portion of the barrel extension to the immediate rear of the bolt stop is the only thing
which prevents the bolt and bolt stop from exiting the pistol during recoil.
This area should be examined very carefully for deformation. The right rear side of the
barrel extension should be perfectly plumb, and there should be *no* sign that this
narrow portion of the barrel extension is bending backwards. Anything which makes or
allows the bolt to recoil with excess force (weak springs, hot ammo, premature
unlocking of the bolt, etc.) will pound the bolt stop back onto this area of the barrel
extension. Enough pounding at this point will cause the area to bend backwards, and
eventually fail.
If a C96 barrel extension shows *any* bowing of the barrel extension, it is not safe to
fire. The only solution to this problem is to replace the entire barrel extension - this is
not a repairable problem.
4. Cartridges
There has been much (and often acrimonious) debate concerning the advisability of
firing milsurp 7.62x25 ammunition in a C96. The simple truth is that most 7.62x25 will
feed and fire in a C96, and much of it is within the pressure of the 7.63 Mauser. But
some 7.62x25 milsurp *is* too hot for a C96, or even a Tokarev (the Czech loading of
the 7.62x25 for their Vz-52 pistol is one example of such a cartridge).
The problem is that it is generally impossible to tell if the milsurp 7.62x25 is too hot
until it is too late. I recommend firing only commercially load ammo intended and
labeled for the 7.63 Mauser, or handloads which take into account the age and design of
the Broomhandle in a C96. It is all too easy to turn a thousand dollar pistol into a
hundred dollars worth of parts. I regret to say that I speak from experience.
B. Loading the C96
When loading a C96, remember that the bolt is held open by the magazine follower.
Inserting a round in the magazine, the round will depress the magazine follower and
allow the bolt to slam forward. Which is one of the better reasons to buy some stripper
clips.
Loading a C96 is easy if one has stripper clips which fit. Just charge the stripper, pull
the C96 bolt back until it locks, insert the stripper into the stripper guide, apply steady
thumb pressure on the top cartridge, and strip the rounds off the clip into the magazine.
As the bolt is held open only by the stripper at this point be prepared for the bolt to slam
forward and chamber a round as soon as the stripper clears the bolt face.
If one does not have a stripper clip (shame on you), the magazine can be loaded by
removing the magazine floorplate, spring, and follower, inserting the cartridges, and
replacing follower, spring, and floorplate. This is not a procedure for the faint of heart.
There is a way to load the magazine from the top without a stripper or losing a finger,
but I shall not describe it out of respect for our more safety conscious brethren.
C. Firing the C96
Be sure the bolt is completely closed and the safety is completely off. Press the trigger.
Repeat as needed.
D. Unloading the C96
Put pistol on "safe". With the muzzle in a safe direction, remove magazine floorplate,
spring, and follower. Rounds in magazine will fall to ground. Replace floorplate, et. al.,
take safety off, draw back bolt to eject round from chamber.
The alternative method is simply to work the bolt to chamber and eject each round in
the magazine.
V. Disassembly
A. Field Stripping
STEP 1: BE SURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED
STEP 2. Close the bolt and then remove the magazine floorplate, spring, and follower
(done just the way it is on a M98 Mauser rifle).
STEP 3: The take down lever is located at the base of the hammer. With the bolt closed,
the hammer cocked, and the safety off, press up on the take down lever. While holding
the take down lever as far up as it will go, press back on the barrel and barrel extension;
it should move backwards out of the frame.
STEP 4: At this point the lock frame mechanism is likely still held to the barrel
extension by the locking block. If you pull down and forward on the lock frame
mechanism while holding the barrel extension, it should come free. The locking block
may then be removed from the underside of the barrel extension.
STEP 5: To remove the bolt from the barrel, first remove the firing pin. The cleaning
rod issued with the C96 had a tip designed for this purpose, but a small screw driver can
be employed if it is used carefully. With either the tool or the small screw driver, push
the firing pin into the body of the bolt and rotate it 90 degrees counter-clockwise. The
firing pin may now be removed.
Remove the bolt stop by pushing it forward, and pulling out. When the bolt stop has
been removed, the bolt may be drawn backwards out of the barrel extension.
Re-assembly is accomplished by the same steps, in reverse. There are some quirks.
When re-inserting the bolt stop into the barrel extension, the recoil spring must be
compressed far enough into the bolt body to clear the bolt stop. When re-assembling the
barrel extension to the lock frame mechanism, it is usually easiest to fit the locking
block to the underside of the barrel extension, and then attach the lock frame
mechanism to the bolt stop,
VI. Recent Imports from the Peoples Republic of China
China was one of the largest markets for the C96, and several hundred thousand of
same were shipped there during period 1896-1939. Demand was so high that a large
number of copies were produced locally, with varying degrees of skill. Copies made at
the Taku Dockyard were generally quite nice (and the .45 ACP variations made there
are quite valuable). Unfortunately, some copies were made out of what appears to be
railroad rail stock.
To further complicate the issue, Chinese maintenance of firearms was generally pretty
poor. Bores were allowed to rust out, broken parts were replaced by worn parts (or
locally made replacements), and a large percentage of C96s were generally allowed to
go to hell in a handbasket.
Then came Mao and his bunch. During the late 1940s and early 1950s most military
units were required to turn in their C96s and get Tokarevs (actually Type 54's) in their
place. The turned in Brooms were (depending on the type of fellow running the arsenal)
either overhauled, cosmolined, and stored, or simply tossed into a crate and shoved to
the back of the warehouse. A lot of C96s were issued to what passed for police. Then
followed decades of neglect and/or abuse.
About 10 years ago (85 or '86) some folks down in Rutherfordton, North Carolina
managed to negotiate a deal with the PRC; hard currency for C96s. The folks in NC
eventually got in over their heads, and were indicted on over two hundred counts of mail
fraud (I only lost about $50 in that mess). But that opened the flood gates and tens of
thousands of C96s have been imported since.
Here's the problem. Almost all of the C96s in really nice shape were imported years
ago. What's coming in now is the bottom of the barrel. Most (if not all) of the 100%
original C96s coming in now are in fair to poor condition with the barrels shot smooth.
Some have been "rehabilitated" by the happy workers in the PRC. Quality of these
rehabed pieces varies from good to absolutely terrible. There are mixed parts guns where
some of the parts are butter soft ChiCom counterfeit (with counterfeit Mauser proof and
acceptance markings!). Some pistols are completely counterfeit; all ChiCom.
Telling the difference between a real Mauser C96 and a ChiCom copy can be quite
difficult. Here are some things to look for.
1. Inverted letters like "WAUSER" rather than "MAUSER", transposed letters like
"ODENBORF" rather than "OBERNDORF", and reversed letters like a backward "S" or
"N".
2. Incorrect proofing, like a "U" over a crown rather than a crown over a "U".
3. Missing proofs and Mauser trademarks.
4. Parts which are out of dimension like barrels too long or short, barrel extensions too
wide or narrow, grip frame wrong angle, and so on.
Some fakes are easy to spot (like "WAUSER") and some are next to impossible. The
real danger lies in authentic guns which have ChiCom parts (like bolts, locking blocks,
and bolt stops). If a critical part has been replaced by a substandard ChiCom substitute it
may fail with injury to the shooter a real possibility. It's a good practice to have all the
C96s from the PRC rehabed and all suspect parts replaced. It's also a good idea to be
very careful firing the first hundred rounds or so, even after it has been rehabed. I'll
generally detail strip the pistol after the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and every 10th round for the
first hundred rounds and look for deformation in the bolt (esp. around the locking lugs),
locking block, bolt stop, and barrel extension (esp. at the rear where the bolt stop bears
on the barrel extension when the bolt is in full recoil).
In 1994 a friend and I each bought 2 of the C96s from Navy Arms (this
was back when they were advertised as "Very Good"). Of those four guns:
1. A "Bolo" model which was actually a full sized C96 with the original barrel cut off at
the barrel extension and a new 3.9 inch barrel screwed into the stub. Bore excellent,
complete mismatch, replaced the springs and it shoots fine.
2. A true Bolo, bore shot out, mis-matched. Had it rebarreled (sleeved) to .30 Mauser.
After firing 3 rounds it shed the extractor. When we pulled it apart and examined it, we
found that the locking lug was ChiCom (with bogus Mauser proofs) and soft as could be.
It was peened all to hell and gone and had been allowing the bolt to open prematurely.
The rear of the barrel extension was bowed out and if we had kept shooting, would likely
had failed with the shooter catching the bolt right between the eyes.
3. A true C96, bore shot out, mis-matched. This one had too many problems to name.
Completely inoperable and unsafe. Returned to Navy.
4. A completely counterfeit C96. All parts ChiCom, Chinese characters on frame the
only marking. I cut the point off the firing pin on this one and it's now hanging over my
mantle.
So buying one of these from anyone (Navy included) is a real crap shoot. But all is not
lost - see the section on restoration of Broomhandles.
Model TU-711 pistol offered for sale by Navy
Let me begin by saying that this is *not* intended as a slam of Navy Arms. I've dealt
with Navy for many years and found them to be honest, with a real commitment to
customer satisfaction. In those few cases where I have not been satisfied with
merchandise purchased from them, they have always happily refunded my money with
no hassle at all.
With that said, here is a "heads up" concerning the Model TU-711 pistol offered for
sale by Navy.
I recently ordered two model TU-711 pistols from Navy Arms. For those not
acquainted with the TU-711, these are advertised as the barrel/barrel extension and all
internal parts of the Mauser Schnellfeuer pistol (less the full auto parts) installed in a
new, Chinese manufacture, semi-automatic only frame. When the two pistols I ordered
arrived, I found the advertising to be inaccurate.
I received the first indication that there were problems when I opened the boxes and
found that both pistols had large ring hammers. The Schnellfeuer was made with small
ring hammers. Another indication of potential problems were the firing pins - protrusion
from the rear of the bolts was quite a bit more than it should have been, indicating out of
spec firing pins.
I field stripped one of the pistols, and found that most, if not all, of the internal parts
appeared to be of Mauser manufacture. The hammers, safeties, and firing pins were of
Chinese manufacture. I strongly suspect, but cannot say for certain, that the entire barrel
and barrel extension are also of Chinese manufacture. I say this for two reasons.
First, there was absolutely no sign of external pitting on the barrel extension. For those
who haven't dealt much with the C96 pistols imported from the PRC, a pistol without at
least some pitting is highly unusual. Neither of these pistols showed any signs of pitting,
nor of the draw filing or heavy buffing needed to hide or remove pitting.
The serial number on the barrel extension (while correctly placed and matching the
lock frame mechanism) was a very different style than that on the lock frame
mechanism. (The frame appeared to be unnumbered.)
I'll be returning these pistols. They may be fine firearms or they may not - I don't
know. I do know that they weren't what I expected from the ad. As usual, Navy is being
most accommodating ("Sure - ship 'em back with a note indicating that they are returned
for refund. It'll help if you include a copy of the invoice, but it isn't necessary.")
I do not believe that Navy intentionally misrepresented these pistols, I think that the
folks involved just didn't have the experience with Mauser C96's in general (or maybe
Schnellfeuers in particular) to recognize that the Chinese were either wrong about the
composition of the pistols, or were hiding the number of Chinese parts involved.
For those folks thinking of buying a TU-711 (or already own one), some caution is
indicated. Firstly, be aware that what you will be getting is not a Mauser in any
meaningful sense of the word "Mauser". Secondly, be aware that these pistols may, or
may not function in the same way that a Mauser Model 1930 would, nor as a detachable
magazine C96 would. As an example, the safety on one of these pistols does not function
as any C96 safety would. It works, but is different from, any of the Mauser safeties (old
model, New Safety, or Universal Safety). The bolt may, or may not, be held to the rear
during magazine changes (one of these pistols will, and one won't).
There is another caution, unrelated to any of the above, which is worth mentioning.
The TU-711 frames made by the Chinese have a stock slot just like the original frames.
However, these pistols are new production rather than old Mausers and are *not* C&R
firearms. Attaching any stock/holster (including original Mauser made stock/holsters) to
a TU-711 would likely make that pistol a "short barreled rifle" under the provisions of
the National Firearms Act, and would expose the person in possession of said firearm to
all of the NFA criminal penalties. Just a word to the wise...
VII. Restoration of Broomhandles
Here is what I know about the process of restoring the bores on the C96.
There are three options; sleeving, re-boring, and re-barreling.
Sleeving
In sleeving a C96 bore, the existing bore and chamber are drilled out (cored) and a
new barrel and chamber are installed into the barrel from the breech end, and silver
soldered in place. This appears to be the process done by Mentor Arms of Ohio. They
have done a couple of C96's for me I have nothing but praise for their work. A variation
on this is to just core the bore, leaving the existing chamber in place. In this case the
sleeve is installed from the muzzle. Sleeving is not a bad approach to the problem of
shot out bores. When it is well done it can be hard to tell it was done at all. When it is
poorly done, it is one headache after another (I had one which had been poorly done by
Nat Hammrick and his crew down in NC, before he was indicted for 200 odd counts of
mail fraud).
Re-boring
In re-boring a C96, the original bore is drilled out to a larger caliber and re-rifled. This
appears to be the process done by EBCO, and is not a process I would recommend for a
C96, for several reasons. Firstly, a 7.63 Mauser bore cannot be re-bored to a 7.63
Mauser - it must be re-bored to a larger bullet diameter (the 9m/m is common).
Secondly, no rechambering is practical - if you start with a chamber for the longer 7.63
Mauser, you end up with the same long chamber. The 9x19 re-bored barrels may not
headspace correctly. Thirdly is the loss of barrel thickness. While I would not expect the
thinner barrel to be a problem under most circumstances, even one ruptured barrel can
really ruin one's day.
Re-barreling
In re-barreling, the existing barrel is cut off at the barrel extension (or at the step in
the barrel for the 1930 C96's, and the barrel extension stub is threaded. A new barrel is
then screwed into the barrel extension, and turned down to blend the contours. This is
the method used by Briklee (and used to be done by the defunct FedOrd). I have two
C96's done by FedOrd, and it's *very* well done. Luger barrels have been used for this
process, and there is a picture of same on pages 130-131 of Breathed & Schroeder's
"System Mauser".
While there are any number of companies who offer to rehabilitate C96 pistols to
varying degrees, the two companies with which I’ve had the best experiences are:
Briklee Trading Company
13351 D Riverside Drive STE 373
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
and
Mentor Arms Company, Incorporated
6105 Magnolia Drive
Mentor, Ohio 44060
VIII. Loading for the C96
While both Remington and Winchester offered 7.63 Mauser cartridges at one time,
this cartridge has not been loaded commercially in the United States for some years.
OTOH, loading dies are available from RBCS.
BRASS
Starline Brass now offers new, boxer primed brass for the 7.63 Mauser (early reports
indicate it may have thick neck walls), and Fiocchi makes non-corrosive, boxer primed
FMJ ammo for the 7.63 Mauser. Good stuff. I'm told Hansen does also but have never
seen any. Brass can be made from 9m/m Magnum, .223, .38 AMU, and even .38
Special.
BULLETS
Hornady makes an 86 grain JSP (available from the Old West Scrounger). Cast bullets
can be a real problem; leading due to the high velocities possible with this cartridge).
But guns differ and you may have no problems or big problems. Only way to tell is to try
(very carefully!).
Loading data may be found in:
“HANDLOADER” Magazine
Lyman Reloading Manual (45th edition)
Guns and Ammo magazine, Aug of 1994 issue
Barnes “Cartridges of the World”
VihtaVouri Loading Guide
Handguns magazine, Nov of 1995
IX. Recommended Reading
“System Mauser” by John Breathed, Jr. and Joseph Schroeder, Jr.
“The Mauser Self-Loading Pistol” by James Belford and Jack Dunlap
“Axis Pistols” by Jan Still
“The Pistols of Germany and It’s Allies In Two World Wars” by Jan Still
“Know Your Broomhandle Mausers” by R. J. Berger
The parts catalog from The Gun Parts Corporation, West Hurley, NY
X. Personal Commentary on the C96
I was five or six years old when I was first introduced to the big Mauser pistol. My
uncle had a very nice pre-war C96 with stock holster - a bring back from the Great War.
He and I would pot at an empty 55 gallon drum across the pasture with the C96 and an
Artillery Luger. Early on a calm morning, I could generally hit that drum nine out of ten
times, while my uncle seldom missed. By late morning the wind had kicked up, and
mirage would have raised its unlovely head such that it was a rare for me to be able to
hit the drum. My uncle, on the other hand, could still hit that blasted target about half of
the time.
Many years later I happened to be there while a surveyor was doing some work, and
talked him into checking the actual range from our shooting point to the drum. Turned
out to be 565 yards! If I had known how great the range to the drum really was, I most
likely wouldn’t have tried what I always believed to be an impossible shot. And would
have missed some of the more memorable experiences of my life!
I’m sure that there will be many folks who, upon reading the above, deny that such
shooting is even possible. I’ll say only this - give it a try, you may just surprise yourself.
In any event, if I had to choose just one word to describe the C96 I think that word
would be ubiquitous. For a pistol never chosen as a primary sidearm, the C96 seems to
crop up at every violent turn of history.
No less a personage than Winston Churchhill is known to have carried a Mauser
Broomhandle (in the Sudan and the Boer Wars). In WWI, the C96 was used by the
Germans, Russians, Austrians, Turks, and Italians. One or more C96 pistols were used
in the murder of the last Czar of the Russians. In the turbulent years which have
followed WWI, the C96 crops up again and again in global hot spots. The C96 was used
by both sides in the Chinese Civil War, and may be seen in a number of period
photographs. More recently, the occasional Mauser C96 could be seen in news footage
from the Soviet incursion into Afghanistan (I especially recall seeing a Schnellfeuer
with a twenty round magazine being used to hold down the corner of a map in the film
of an Afghan bunker).
Nor has the C96 faded from view with the demise of the Soviet Union. A few months
ago I was watching news footage of the current conflict in the Balkans when I noticed
the sidearm of one of the “Bosnian Militiamen” was a C96, complete with
stock/holster...
Mauser Military Pistol FAQ