Need advice on Mauser HSc .380

[J-Bar]

My father liberated a Mauser HSc after serving in Germany in WWII. I had to sell it to a collector in the 1980's when there was too much month at the end of a paycheck. Like all the other times I had to sell a gun, I regret it.

I found a nearly new .380 HSc in box with papers, three magazines and factory target and in a pawn shop for $425. Looks reasonable when compared on Gunbroker. The nostalgia angle is getting in the way of my judgement.

Is this a good buy?

Do the newer HSc models have any inherent problems, or are the reliable enough for concealed carry ?

I would appreciate comments and thoughts from those who have owned one.

Thanks for your time.

 

[Armor Snail]

Hearing your story, if it was me and I really wanted one back I would do it.
I would try $375 going for $400.

I have zero knowledge of this pistol type but as they say if it makes you happy it's worth it.

 

[Willie Sutton]

HSc is a superb pistol, and was eclipsed in fame only because of the existance of the marginally different Walther PPK, which was it's competition from the beginning to the end of its production. They are a very high quality arm and are undervalued in the marketplace these days.

Buy and carry if desired with confidence.


Willie

.

 

[Dframe]

I agree. The Mauser is a very high quality pistol. Some however are finicky about ammunition. You'll just have to try out a few brands to find the one it likes. The Mauser has a number of unique features not the least of which IS that it's perhaps the most snag free design ever invented. It's smooth lines and almost completely hidden hammer are an engineering marvel. My only complaint aside from the finicky part is it's DA trigger which (in mine) requires two gorillas and a linebacker to pull. Must be about 20 pounds.

 

[golden]

What are you going to use it for?

J-Bar,

I have seen several MAUSER HSc pistols for sale in the @$400.00 range.

As a collector and shooter, they are a great looking pistol, BUT...

Back in the 1970's, Skeeter SKELTON of SHOOTING TIMES tested 3 double action pocket pistols side by side. I figured the HSc would do well, but it broke during the test. Skeeter was a big fan of compact autos and carried a WALTHER PPK or PPK/S, I believe. I have heard the same thing from other sources as well.

Recently, I came across one of the AMERICAN EAGLE, nickel plated HSc pistols at a decent price. While handling it, I was reminded of why I had not bought one before, the trigger was quite heavy and not as smooth as my old PPK.
My PPK is a pre-war model, so the quality may have been very good to begin with or it may have simply have warn smooth. The difference was noticeable. Many of the modern PPK'S (especially the INTERARMS version) have any equally awful trigger.
For a collector, the HSc is fine, but I DID PASS ON IT for a carry gun because of that trigger and concerns about the reliability.

Good luck,

Jim

 

[Jim K]

The HSc, like other Mauser pistols, is over-engineered and a bit tricky. Also, like the Walthers, it was originally designed for 7.65 (.32 ACP) and they have not always been reliable with .380, especially with U.S. ammo and other than FMJ bullets.

Anyone who chooses to carry one should (ideally) fire 200 rounds of the carry ammo with each carry magazine to get at least some assurance that the gun will work when needed.

Jim

 

[9 fingers]

I have 3 of them and really like them (why I own 3). The single best thing you can do is buy a set of Wolf Springs, the recoil and magazine springs. Both are approximately 5% stronger than the originals, and of higher qulaity as well, and seem to solve any function issues. My original one had trouble chambering rounds but the Wolf Springs have made it 100% reliable. They are beautifully made guns, in nickel or blue and I have found them to be accurate as well. Original magazines are pretty pricey so that gun is a steal for $425! The DA trigger is heavy but I don't have any trouble with it and I have weak office worker hands. We can't carry here in NJ but if it were legalI would not hesitate to carry one of my HScs. BTW, the Wolf Mag springs come in a 3 pack and they are very reasonbly priced. Will attach a pic for those that don't know what they look like. The grips are from Marchal, if I recall.
9 fingers

 

[groundhog34]

I had one 30 years ago and had a couple of problems with it. First the trigger as referenced above is very heavy in DA. Second they are somewhat unreliable. They are very ammo sensitive. There are many better more modern 380 designs. They do look good and feel good in your hand.

 

[bannockburn]

My brother had a Mauser HSc that Interarms imported years ago. While very well made the gun itself was rather problematic. The trigger pull was rather heavy and gritty, but its biggest problem was its inability to reliably feed even FMJ ammo consistently. Different ammo and mags and several trips to the gunsmith failed to correct the problem and he eventually sold it.

 

[9 fingers]

As noted, the change to Wolf Springs for recoil and magazine cure the feeing issues. I have no issues with any of my 3 HScs. It does have a heavy DA trigger but it is not meant for target use.
9 fingers

 

[PabloJ]

I would pass. The magazine release is extremely difficult to engage making weapon slower to reload than DA revolver. If you like look of this gun and don't mind 9x18 chambering J&G sales is offering P-83 which I would choose over the HSc. It is improved version of German gun, you know, cheaper to make.

 

[J-Bar]

Thanks to all for your thoughts and experience.

I am continuing to mull this over and your input has been valuable.

 

[SwampWolf]

As noted, the change to Wolf Springs for recoil and magazine cure the feeing issues.

Said changes did nothing to cure the feeding unreliability of my HSc. I really wanted to like this pistol but I will not own a gun that doesn't fiunction correctly. I could never get mine to run without malfunctions and finally gave up; selling it at a loss with full disclosure at a gun show several years ago. Not saying that mine was representative of the lot, just reportng my experience(s).

 

[heycods]

I have no gripes about mine other than the Mag release.

 

[chiroindixon]

I have three....love 'em..EDC

USE Pow'RBall 380....the best of all worlds between the FMJ and JHP.

Grease the ejector....

Read the loading directions....when using the "sling shot method" these babies tend to "hiccup". HSc....

Limp wristing will also cause problems....and with Walther PPK's as well.

(I just spent 30 minutes with a longer, detailed reply with detailed how and why...but the reply got crashed when I looked to preview.)

Chit.....

Doc

 

[MI2600]

I like my Hsc. I bought it for $135 back in the 70s, sold it to my brother, and then bought it back. My only complaint is the "bite" on my upper thumb joint after several rounds. So, at range time, I just wear a thin glove.