Curious Relics #058: Full of Features – The Mauser C96 Part Four
Sam.S 02.22.23
Welcome, if you are a newcomer to this fun bi-weekly segment of AllOutdoor.com! The last time around I covered the history and variations ( Part II and Part III) of a German pistol which is absolutely steampunk looks at its finest. In this article, we are continuing the Mauser Construktion 96. This is starting with dating, aftermarket parts, and accessories. This group of articles arguably ends in the next part with a range trip and review but after that, I will have another Curious Relics article that will mention the C96 pretty heavily so stay tuned. Let’s dive right into the rabbit hole!
Welcome to our recurring series of “Curious Relics.” Here, we want to share all of our experiences, knowledge, misadventures, and passion for older firearms that one might categorize as a Curio & Relic – any firearm that is at least 50 years old according to the ATF. Hopefully along the way you can garner a greater appreciation for older firearms like we do, and simultaneously you can teach us things as well through sharing your own expertise and thoughts in the Comments. Understanding the firearms of old, their importance, and their development which lead to many of the arms we now cherish today is incredibly fascinating and we hope you enjoy what we have to share, too!
Dating: The Mauser C96
This is one of those very seldom examples of dating a gun being pretty easy. Not only are their numerous boards and forums full of lists and serial number ranges but there is actually a handy dandy serial number lookup tool located at the link here which also gives a light smattering of detail along with the approximate year. With this tool, I was able to confirm that my pistol (which is in rough shape as far as finish goes) is a commercial M30 variant produced sometime between 1932 and 1934. Most likely my personal C96 was made in late 1932 or early 1933. This is because the finishing features fit the description of an early M30 such as fire-blued parts. It is hard to tell by the pictures but arts like the trigger and sight adjustment have some speckles of fire bluing left.
Specifications: The Mauser C96
- Years Produced: From 1896 to 1937
- Number Manufactured: Sources vary but roughly 1.1 Million
- Operating System: Short Recoil
- Chambering: 7.63 Mauser, 9mm Luger, 9mm Mauser Export (a few more in non-Mauser-made pistols)
- Barrel Length: Exact barrel length varies. Most commonly 5.5 Inches or 3.9 inches (My gun is 5.25 inches)
- Overall Length: Roughly 11.5 inches from heel to crown (my gun)
- Weight: Roughly 2lbs 8oz (my gun)
- Action: Single Action
- Safety: Manual Right-Handed Thumb Safety.
- Capacity: 10-round internal magazine (loaded via 10 round stripper clip)
- Front Sight: Fixed Front triangular
- Rear Sight: Elevator style windage and elevation adjustable (50-1000 meeter for 7.63 and 50-500 meters for 9mm Luger)
- Grip: Ribbed walnut or plastic checkered
Aftermarket Parts & Accessories: The Mauser C96
The Mauser C96 is one of those beloved and iconic pieces of small arms history that gets a bit of aftermarket attention. This means that not only is there a market for used original parts but also a whole host of reproduction parts and accessories. Starting off with parts sources there is the usual SARCO Inc, CMR Firearms, Numrich, and eBay. Some of the most common requests for parts would be grips, firing pins, and extractors. For the firing pin, I suggest this one here. For the newer most common extractor look here. Older-style extractors are still available on Numrich. For grips check out the links here, here, here, and here.
As far as accessories go you could take your pick out of the bunch of sights I already listed. Additional mentions would be lugerfirearms.com (expensive stuff), and Liberty Tree Collectors who have a bunch of striper clips. Speaking of stripper clips, they are typically pretty spendy. Recently I was asked where I got mine (I own 10) and it was off from eBay. They were no great deal but if you want to feed an old gun properly like I do I suggest forking out the money. I purchased my stack of 10 decent stripper clips for $20 which by the looks of it is as low as it gets. Just be patient and keep an eye out.
Note: When looking for a part or accessory make sure to search for both “C96” and “Broomhandle” some websites only call this gun by its classy nickname.
End of Part Four: The Mauser C96
There have not been this many parts in a Curious Relics series since the M96 Swedish Mauser set of articles. We are not even finished yet. I believe that is only a slight example of the monumental impression this pistol has made upon the world. This is not only to do with its ingenious design and ahead of its time features but also due to its unbelievable and iconic appearance. What a work of art! Excited to meet you all back here next time. Take care out there!
In closing, I hope our Curious Relics segment informed as well as entertained. This all was written in hopes of continued firearm appreciation and preservation. We did not just realize how guns were supposed to look and function. It was a long and tedious process that has shaped the world we live in. So, I put it to you! Is there a firearm out there that you feel does not get much notoriety? What should our next Curious Relics topic cover? As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
