Broomhandle Mauser

[Tearlachblair]

So, for anyone who knows me, they know that I LOVE the style of guns that were used in the World Wars. Lugers, P-38s, 1911s -- all of them seem to hold a charm that is lost in nowadays world of Glocks, Sigs, and Berettas. But one gun that was always intriguing to me is the gun Windston Churchill carried in the Boer War, the Broomhandle Mauser.

I've heard that Norinco or some Chinese company is making copies of this pistol in 9mm. Would this gun, in your guys' opinions, have any practical uses today? Where can I buy one and what would the price *shiver* be?

 

[Jim K]

As a gun, I consider the Mauser C-96 in the same category as the Borchardt, the Luger, and the Model T Ford - nice collectors items, but not something to depend on day to day.

The Mauser and Borchardt are awkward and unwieldly for general pistol use, though they don't make bad carbines with the stock attached. The long barrel and long sight radius makes for accuracy, but the weight is back in the hand and barrel flip is very noticeable, as is a tendency to hurt the web of the hand. Concealability, needless to say, was not a prime consideration with the designers.

Contrary to common belief, the 7.63 Mauser (and its copy, the 7.62 Tokarev), are not super powerful. The impressive velocity comes from a simple cause - a light bullet. Pressures are no higher than the standard European 9mm Parabellum. Still, in consideration of the age of the gun, I recommend sticking with U.S. ammo or equivalent.

All that being said, the Mauser C-96 is fun to shoot and I have no doubt that a modern copy would sell. But I doubt the price would be very low, even from China; the gun simply does not lend itself to cheap production methods. Original guns, with orginal stocks, have been declared C&R items by BATFE, and have also been removed from the purview of the NFA, so they can be bought and sold like any other pistol. Modern copies with stocks would, presumably, still be NFA firearms.

Jim

 

[1911Tuner]

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

I positively love the things! One of my favorite conversation pieces, and they're a blast to plink with via the shoulder stock. For that matter, so are the Artillery Lugers. Ringin' steel plates out at 75-100 yards is just the game for those old relics.

Love the way the Broomhandle is built. Everything fits up like a jigsaw puzzle, and not a pin or screw in it, save the one that attaches the handle to the broom.

Not really precision though, like one would imagine. Case-hardened steel after the fit, and actually a little crude...but they work and they're just plain, flat-out neat gadgets that you'll fall in love with. Fun guns!

 

[mete]

Absolutely fascinating pistol , the first RELIABLE semi auto. Built like a chinese puzzle ,that's probably why the Chinese liked it .Made in 7.63 Mauser, 9mm Mauser and for the Chinese 45acp !!

 

[zoom6zoom]

7.62 x 25 Tokarev ammo will fit in the C96, however it is
too hot, can create too high of pressures and destroy your
pistol as well as seriously injure you and bystanders. Do not
use it in your C96.

Some good data here:
http://www.surplusrifle.com/pistolc96broomhandle/index.asp

 

[mete]

The original cartridge was the .30 Borchardt.From that the 7.63 Mauser was developed and from that the 7.63 Tokarev.In some pistols all three can be interchanged.The pressure levels are different as Zoom mentions. I have also fired modern factory 7.63 Mauser ammo that wouldn't cycle the gun, the pressure was too low [probably a safety thing for those who don't use the right ammo] .If you're a handloader I would suggest you load up with just enough pressure to function the pistol reliably and not go further...BTW a full auto version was also made as have a number of spanish copies .

 

[dracphelan]

http://www.iar-arms.com/mauser.htm

They are $1095