SURPRISED by 1896 Mauser

[golden]

The last time I went out to LAS VEGAS, I rented an 1896 MAUSER pistol (the famous Broomhandle). It surprised me with being much better balanced than I would have expected from its appearance. I fired off 6 rounds and it was a decent shooter, the worst thing being the sights.

Has anyone else shot one of these very interesting (at least to me) pistols and what were your impressions.

Jim

 

[mdrisc85]

Thats pretty cool- local to LV here and had no idea there was a local range renting a 96 Mauser.

I remember shooting one from time to time as a young kid, my grandfather had a nice 96 and shoulder stock combo in his collection. Recall ammo being scarce at the time and loading from the stripper clips a bit different but it being quite accurate, especially with the stock attached when you got the hang of it. I found a couple of boxes of 7.62 Mauser for him as a gift a few years ago and made his day.

Always a fun experience to shoot some of those old classics.

 

[MikeInOr]

I have a Bolo C96... it isn't my favorite shooter but it is a good conversation piece.

 

[tark]

I've got two and I shoot the snot out of one. The other one is still in the factory cosmoline. At least on the inside. They're a lot of fun to shoot. They throw their empties pretty much straight up and every once in a while one will land down your collar. They usually shoot high. Mine has a pitted bore so its not real accurate. I have never owned any handgun that draws more attention at the range.

 

[Jim Watson]

Thats pretty cool- local to LV here and had no idea there was a local range renting a 96 Mauser.

Battlefield Vegas rents one, and about anything else. Not cheap.
We once had a thread by the owner, describing the many guns and the work required to keep them up and running for the tourists.
https://www.battlefieldvegas.com/

 

[Random 8]

I have fired both a 7.62 and a "red 9" 9mm. Both were as you observed, remarkably accurate and well balanced. The 7,62 had a shoulder stock (repro) and I was able to consistently ding a 10" steel plate at 100 yards with carefully aimed fire.

 

[HisSoldier]

Got mine a few months ago, lifetime dream, but then I like unusual weapons.

 

[Speedo66]

Cool, the very definition of steampunk in a pistol.