Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • News
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Special Weapons
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics & Sights
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Pop Culture
    • Military & Police
    • Training
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • News
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Special Weapons
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics & Sights
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Pop Culture
    • Military & Police
    • Training
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
No Result
View All Result
 
New Year, New FREE GUN FRIDAY! Enter to WIN the Smith & Wesson and Black Hills package.

How the Mauser C96 ‘Broomhandle’ Ushered in the Era of Autoloaders

Robert Shell by Robert Shell
September 24, 2018
in Guns, Handguns
0
mauser, mauser c96, mauser c96 pistol, mauser c96 broomhandle, broomhandle pistol, mauser c96 pistol beauty

Chambering the “bottlenecked” 7.63x25mm, the C96 “Broomhandle” Mauser was a revolutionary handgun that heralded the beginning of the era of the autoloader.

3
SHARES
268
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
mauser, mauser c96, mauser c96 pistol, mauser c96 broomhandle, broomhandle pistol, mauser c96 pistol beauty
Chambering the “bottlenecked” 7.63x25mm, the C96 “Broomhandle” Mauser was a revolutionary handgun that heralded the beginning of the era of the autoloader.
mauser, mauser c96, mauser c96 pistol, mauser c96 broomhandle, broomhandle pistol, mauser c96 pistol german soldier
Although never officially adopted by a nation’s military, the C96 “Broomhandle” Maauser has seen action around the world. From Europe to Asia, the C96 has made its mark and is truly a legend to this day.
mauser, mauser c96, mauser c96 pistol, mauser c96 broomhandle, broomhandle pistol, mauser c96 pistol bolt
Unlike most modern centerfire autopistols with reciprocating slides, the C96 featured a bolt that projected out of the upper assembly and back against the hammer when fired.

mauser, mauser c96, mauser c96 pistol, mauser c96 broomhandle, broomhandle pistol, mauser c96 pistol markings
The C96 is clearly from a different era of handgun manufacturing, as shown by its intricately machined and fitted parts that would be prohibitively expensive to produce today.
mauser, mauser c96, mauser c96 pistol, mauser c96 broomhandle, broomhandle pistol, mauser c96 pistol frame
The safety of the C96 “Broomhandle” is located above the grip and to the left of the hammer. Note its knurled, rounded top and reasonably low-profile design.
mauser, mauser c96, mauser c96 pistol, mauser c96 broomhandle, broomhandle pistol, mauser c96 pistol rear sight
The sturdy rear sight assembly of the C96 is a sliding tangent unit with a notch that is adjustable out for distance. Although optimistic for a pistol, the 7.63x25mm chambering did warrant longer-range markings.

mauser, mauser c96, mauser c96 pistol, mauser c96 broomhandle, broomhandle pistol, mauser c96 pistol front sight
The front sight of the pistol is a thick inverted “V” unit attached to a band around the thin, protruding barrel. The simple front sight mates well with the advanced rear sight unit of the pistol.
mauser, mauser c96, mauser c96 pistol, mauser c96 broomhandle, broomhandle pistol, mauser c96 pistol loading
Loading of the standard C96 “Broomhandle” pistol was accomplished through the use of stripper clips. Lock back the bolt, insert the clip and push the rounds down into the magazine.
mauser, mauser c96, mauser c96 pistol, mauser c96 broomhandle, broomhandle pistol, mauser c96 pistol grip

Generally considered the second-oldest successful semi-auto pistol, the iconic Mauser C96 was developed and introduced in the 1890s and signaled the beginning of the modern era of the autoloading pistol. While the Borchardt C93 may have earned the title of being the first successful autoloader, it did not prove to be particularly popular (soon being overshadowed by the P.08 Luger pistol). Developed concurrently with the Borchardt pistol was a new .30-caliber “bottleneck” cartridge, the 7.65x25mm. This round featured a stepped neck like a modern rifle cartridge, and it proved to be a very capable round. In fact, a round almost identical to the Borchardt cartridge, the 7.63x25mm, soon thereafter found a home in the Mauser C96.

israeli k98 rifle right profile
RELATED STORY

Israeli K98: How the Jewish State Acquired German Rifles After WWII

While the name of the renowned gunmaker Paul Mauser is indelibly attached to the famous C96 pistol (known popularly as the “Broomhandle” due to the unique shape of the protruding pistol grip), he did not design the firearm. In fact, three brothers who worked at the Mauser factory developed the design over a period of several years, beginning in 1893. By March of 1895 the brothers, Fidel, Friedrich and Josef Feederle, had a working prototype made, and by 1896 Paul Mauser applied for patents in several countries as he quickly assessed the potential impact of such a revolutionary design.

First Steps

Manufacture of the 7.63x25mm C96 pistol began in 1896. Various prototypes were made with magazines with capacities ranging from as few as six to as many as 20 rounds. Most were designed to accept carbine-style shoulder stocks, if desired. These wooden shoulder stocks also doubled as holsters for the pistols. In early 1897 full production began and the design was finalized. Interestingly, serial numbers were not always consecutive; at later dates they sometimes went back to the lower numbers. Despite the impressive capabilities of the C96, sales proved to be disappointing, especially to the German military as they preferred the Luger P.08 as it was easier to shoot and better balanced.

While no nation officially adopted the “Broomhandle” Mauser, they were used in one form or another by the militaries of a number of countries. However, between 1916 and 1918, 150,000 Broomhandles were manufactured for Germany in the standard 9mm Luger chambering to supplement the short supply of P.08s, Germany’s official sidearm. They were ordered by the Die Gewehr-Prüfungskommission (Rifle Proving Commission) to make up for shortages and losses. They were marked with a red “9” on the grips to differentiate them from the 7.63x25mm models as they were externally similar. The Germans also produced a M712 Schnellfeuer, which is a full-auto version of the Broomhandle.

Unfulfilled Promise

The Broomhandles were manufactured from 1896 until 1937. Following WWI, the Treaty of Versailles prohibited Germany from manufacturing military weapons. Full production resumed around May of 1922 and continued until the late 1930s. According to some reports, all the production records at the Mauser factory were destroyed in 1945. Consequently, this makes it more difficult for collectors and historians to study the Mauser. However, it is estimated that a total of slightly more than a million Mauser pistols were produced. This does not include Chinese versions or the Spanish Astra pistols. In addition, there were about a thousand carbine versions produced, and if you run across one today it would be a very valuable collector’s item.

Gun Details

To load the C96, you open the action and put the stripper clip in the groove machined directly into the barrel extension/upper receiver. Once the stripper clip is in, just shove the cartridges down into the magazine of the pistol. You can also single load rounds if desired. Once the safety, a lever located to the left of the hammer, is disengaged you are ready to shoot. Loading and shooting can be pretty quick once you get used to the system.

The C96 Mauser has a locked-breech, short-recoil system that is fairly strong and reliable. The rectangular bolt moves within the barrel extension, which was machined as a one-piece unit with the barrel. Beneath the barrel is the locking piece, which is a one-piece steel block with a locking lug that engages a slot in the lower surface of the bolt. Shortly after production resumed in 1922, it was changed to two corresponding slots and lugs, and it stayed that way until production ceased in the late 1930s.

When a cartridge is fired, the recoil drives back the bolt, which is locked to the barrel extension by the bolt lock. When this happens, the bolt block pivots downward to disengage the lugs and allows the bolt to travel rearward. This subsequently cocks the hammer and extracts the empty case out of the chamber. The case strikes the ejector, which is machined into the receiver, and throws the case away from the gun. The bolt coming forward picks up a new round and re-engages the locking lugs as it closes. The inclined surface at the rear of the bolt also meets the surface at the top of the lock frame, forcing the lugs to engage firmly.

Fuel For The Fire

In 1930, Russia brought out the 7.62×25 Russian Tokarev round. Essentially, it has the same dimensions as the 7.63x25mm Mauser round, but therein lies a problem. The Tokerav round is 0.5 millimeters shorter but otherwise the same. I use the same set of dies to reload both rounds. The newer Tokarev round is loaded somewhat hotter than the Mauser offering, making it dangerous to fire in a Broomhandle. The rounds look identical, but I must emphasize again to not mix them up. Failure to heed this advice may result in a ruined pistol and injuries to the shooter and bystanders.

If you can’t find factory ammo for the C96 and are a reloader, then you are in luck. Starline makes plenty of quality brass casings at a reasonable price. Suitable bullets of various weights and styles are also available from Hornady, Speer and Sierra, among others. Cast bullets can also be successfully used with proper loads. For this test, I used some from Hornady and cast bullets from a couple of sources. Just to clarify, the Hornady bullets are swaged and are softer than the typical cast bullet. Shooting swaged bullets at higher velocities will lead up your barrel, so keep that in mind when working up loads.

My objective in making ammo for this pistol was to have something that approximated the military ballistics and would prove reliable. Keeping in mind that the design is over a century old and that my particular sample is about 85 years old, I didn’t try for the last foot-per-second in velocity. Rather, I wanted ammunition that was safe and enjoyable to shoot.

Range Report

The ammuniton is easy to make by using regular reloading techniques. Belling the case mouth is necessary, especially with lead bullets. You can buy an inexpensive Lee die that has two inserts that cover almost any caliber that you will encounter, and it also bells the case mouth just fine. Small pistol primers also work fine, and I used Winchester primers for this shooting test.

Shooting the gun proved to be an interesting experience. Since the magazine is located in front of the triggerguard, the balance is different than most other autopistols. The recoil was very mild, enabling me to consequently shoot accurately and have long shooting sessions. The trigger pull isn’t too bad for such a gun, though the hammer fall is a little heavy. It is a typical single-action auto, meaning you cock the hammer for the first shot and then pull the trigger for each succeeding shot. The gun can be fired rapidly without any problems, though the muzzle will climb a little.

Steyr MP34 submachine gun
RELATED STORY

Steyr MP34: The Top Dog of German WWII Submachine Guns

Final Thoughts

When you take something like a Broomhandle to the range, it generally attracts a crowd. Some of the more knowledgeable shooters may know what you have, but the majority of shooters do not have a clue. I also get some pleasure in explaining what it is and letting other shooters try it out. They get a kick out of shooting the antique, and sharing knowledge with other shooters is what it’s all about. Many shooters also don’t often get the chance to shoot such a neat gun.

How good is the Broomhandle? While it may not have been initially successful upon its release, overshadowed by follow-up designs in Europe such as the P.08 Luger and the American 1911 pistol, it still deserves a place of honor in the history of firearms development. Although ungainly looking and a bit odd in the handling department, the “Broomhandle” heralded a new age of autopistol design that would soon overtake the military and later police and civilian markets to supplant the revolver. Proving that an autopistol could reliably deliver potent power, the C96 Mauser set the stage for the future.

Mauser C96 Specs

Caliber: 7.63x25mm
Barrel: 5.5 inches
OA Length: 12.3 inches
Weight: 40 ounces
Grips: Wood
Sights: Inverted “V” front, notch tangent rear
Action: SA
Finish: Blued
Capacity: 10+1

This article was originally published in “Military Surplus.” For more information, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

RELATED POSTS

The CZ Custom A01-SD OR.

The CZ Custom A01-SD OR is Optics Ready and Dialed in For Competition

The cover of the new Heritage Journal 2023.

Athlon Outdoors & Heritage Firearms Release HERITAGE JOURNAL 2023

The Daniel Defense MK12 Alpine Predator.

Daniel Defense Limited Series MK12 Alpine Predator Rifle Sells Out in 30 Minutes

The DSI Variant 1 comes out-of-the-box-ready for 3-gun.

A 3-Gunner’s Dream: The Dark Storm Industries Variant 1 Rifle

Load More

TACTICAL-LIFE NIGHT SHOOTER SEASON 2

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

The CZ Custom A01-SD OR.

The CZ Custom A01-SD OR is Optics Ready and Dialed in For Competition

When it comes to shooting competitively, it helps to look for any advantage you can find. Fortunately, there are companies...

Read more

TRENDING

U.S. Secret Service adopts Glock G47

FIRST LOOK: Glock Just Very Quietly Unveiled the New Glock 47 Pistol

...

5 new pistols launched at NASGW.

5 New Pistols Launching for 2023

...

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: The Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

...

The upgraded Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical is built for long-range shooting.

FIRST LOOK: Rounds Downrange With the new Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical

...

PICK A CATEGORY

TACTICS & TRAINING SPOTLIGHT

Tactical Reload Semi-Auto Pistol Step 8

5 Strategies For Effectively Completing a Tactical Reload

If you’re reading this publication, you’re most likely familiar with the “speed reload,” sometimes called the “combat reload” or “emergency...

TACTICS & TRAINING SHOWCASE

Fact vs. Fiction 5 Myths Gunfight Survival lead

5 Common Myths on How to Survive a Gunfight

Standing Your Ground Castle Doctrine lead

Understanding Stand Your Ground Laws and Castle Doctrine

long distance shooting tips

Long-Distance Shooting: 5 Must-Know Tips For Spotters & Shooters

IMPACT Experience Events.

IMPACT Experience Events Redefine Your Long-Range Shooting Limits

Enhance your shooting precision skills in a course with Modern Day Sniper.

Sniper Skills: Taking Your Shooting Precision to the Next Level

Once you find a carry gun that works for you, get another for a spare. These “hammerless” S&W J-frame lightweights are M340 M&P with Hogue Bantam grips, top, and a M442 Airweight with Crimson Trace Lasergrips, below.

10 Commandments of Concealed Carry

self-defense myths can be dangerous

Self-Defense Myths that Could Get you Killed

Mossberg 590 Shockwave review for home defense myths

4 Home Defense Myths You Need to Stop Repeating

The Dicken Drill is named for Eli Dicken who saved many lives in the Greenwood Mall

The Elisjsha Dicken Drill

AMMO SPOTLIGHT

Remington Ammunition Issues Recall Notice on 12-Gauge Premier Accutip Ammo.

Remington Ammunition Issues a 12-Gauge Premier AccuTip Ammo Recall

Remington Ammunition has recently discovered an issue related to its 12-Gauge Premier Accutip ammo and issued a recall notice. This...

site logo
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun news, gun reviews and gun magazines for gun enthusiasts, military and law enforcement

Tactical

  • tactical-life.com

Magazines

  • Tactical Life
  • The Complete Book of Reloading
  • Guns of the Old West

Facebook

  • Tactical-Life Facebook
  • Guns of the Old West Facebook

Twitter

  • Tactical-Life Twitter

Self Defense

  • PersonalDefenseWorld.com

Magazines

  • Personal Defense World
  • Combat Handguns

Facebook

  • Personal Defense World Facebook
  • Combat Handguns

Twitter

  • Personal Defense World Twitter

Shooting Lifestyle

  • BallisticMag.com

Magazines

  • BallisticMag.com

Facebook

  • Ballistic Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Ballistic Magazine Twitter

Alpha Lifestyle

  • SkillsetMag.com

Magazines

  • Skillset

Facebook

  • Skillset Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Skillset Magazine Twitter

Instagram

  • Skillset Magazine Instagram
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
  • Knives
  • Gear
    • Holsters
    • Optics & Sights
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Suppressors
  • Videos
  • News
  • Contact Us

© 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.