C96 Mauser (Shooting it as a pistol cartridge carbine)

[barnetmill]

I was trying to think up new stuff to do at the range. My range opened up a section with steel targets. I took my World War I era C96 Broomhandle Mauser pistol, attached the stock, used it as a PCC, and shot it from a VTAC wood barrier. It was a fun day. I made this little video.

I watch about 60% of it and noticed that the other shooter was resting the barrel on the barricade and the short barrel recoiling C96 still functioned.
How a C96 functions

 

[Littlef]

Nice video, Littlef.

The crown my collection is this circa 1915 - 17 Wartime Commercial C96 that I bought at the end of 2016. It was a WW2 GI bring-back. The stock is original, although the serial number doesn't match the pistol.

I almost peed my pants after I got it home and ran a couple patches through the bore, because it was damn near mint.


That's a beautiful c96 Dave. - One suggestion for you on the replica leather harness. (Mine's a replica too.) If you take it off the wood, and twist it, and bend it up a bit it'll get a few creases in the leather here and there. Then, take black shoe polish, and put a good coat of black shoe polish all over it. Use a toothbrush and really work it into the new white threads, all the fresh cut leather edges, and really work it into any of the creases formed from twisting and bending. Then, buff off the black polish. It stays in the creases and nooks and crannies, and gives the appearance of a little age where dirt and grime would naturally collect over the years. It still is a new replica, but it helps it blend in so it doesn't look blatantly obvious that its brand new. I've started doing that with any new leather that needs a little aging.

 

[Littlef]

I watch about 60% of it and noticed that the other shooter was resting the barrel on the barricade and the short barrel recoiling C96 still functioned.
How a C96 functions

It functions fine resting on the wood. Its one thing to touch the wood to steady your aim. Its another thing if you really put weight down on it. If you tried to jam it, you could... but why would you?

 

[Littlef]

Thank you, OP, the C96 has been a Grail gun for me for a long time now. Had an absolutely thrashed unit way back in the late eighties, got it 'cheap', but it needed serious attention I couldn't provide, so I let it go. Had a chance a year ago, but before I could put the money together, someone snatched it up.

you're welcome, glad you enjoyed it! That was a fund day at the range.

 

[barnetmill]

It functions fine resting on the wood. Its one thing to touch the wood to steady your aim. Its another thing if you really put weight down on it. If you tried to jam it, you could... but why would you?

I did not notice you resting the barrel on the barricade, but I may have missed it when you rested the barrel on it.

 

[Littlef]

I did not notice you resting the barrel on the barricade, but I may have missed it when you rested the barrel on it.

I'm talking in general, not me specifically. Touching the wood is not going to effect its operation, unless someone really pressed down hard.... trying to affect the recoil. It just doesn't take much pressure to steady the aim.