Broomhandle Mauser

[PSLguy]

Thinking of getting one in 9mm to occasionally shoot using some soft reloads of mine.

Got a line on a few and am wondering what to look for in terms of safety. Since I intend to shoot it (rarely), I want one that is safe to shoot.

Ones I'm looking at are mismatched though one in particular has never been fired by owner who has had it for 40 years.

[81turbota]

I am also in the market for a C96, and have a line on one. Everyone I talk to and the research I have done suggests inspecting the bolt stop or replace it. Even if it looks fine, it might be a Chinese replacement of dubious quality depending on the origin of the pistol. When I get one, it will get a new bolt stop and a set of Wolff springs.

[calibrator]

You MAY be lucky enough to find a genuine 9mm Mauser, if so the rear sights will be calibrated to 500m, not 1000m like the .30cal. Most 9mms out there have been re-bored, and most shoot... ??? Ask to function fire at a range before purchase. Check for POA vs POI, and Key Holing.

These were often shot with 7.62 Tok that was vastly overpowered for them. One the right side of the barrel extension, near the hammer, there is a square cut-out for the lug that holds it all together upon recoil. Make sure the cutout shows no signs of deformation or metal fatigue (should remove the upper from the lower to do this). A failure here could drive the upper back at ya.

[PSLguy]

This one was re-barreled to 9mm after WWI. Decent to good shape with wooden stock. Seller wants $900

[spb_la]

I am also in the market for a C96, and have a line on one. Everyone I talk to and the research I have done suggests inspecting the bolt stop or replace it. Even if it looks fine, it might be a Chinese replacement of dubious quality depending on the origin of the pistol. When I get one, it will get a new bolt stop and a set of Wolff springs.

James, did you see this one?

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1036534

Too far for me, or I probably would have made an offer.
But I agree, after reading horror stories about bolts flying back into shooter's face, that would be the first thing I'd check.
Also, I have seen few where the frame is deformed where bolt stop contacts it on recoil. I would probably stay away from those.

[edgerly779]

While the wood stock makes it more valuable remember in Kommiefornia when you attach that stock you create an sbr and a felony.

[PSLguy]

Crimes against Humanity

While the wood stock makes it more valuable remember in Kommiefornia when you attach that stock you create an sbr and a felony.

Yeah, I'm aware. Very cool to have though.

Only thing that makes me wary of this one is the seller never shot it in 40+ years of ownership. He has no idea if it will even fire, though I imagine it would.

[aolis110]

I have a C96 mixmaster in 9mm. It is incredibly accurate even with a relined barrel. Another weak spot on these old guns is the grip frame. The grip frame was not very meaty even when new. Before you buy one, take off the grips and look for heavy pitting and corrosion. You don't want the gun breaking off in your face when you shoot it.

[81turbota]

James, did you see this one?

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1036534

Too far for me, or I probably would have made an offer.
But I agree, after reading horror stories about bolts flying back into shooter's face, that would be the first thing I'd check.
Also, I have seen few where the frame is deformed where bolt stop contacts it on recoil. I would probably stay away from those.

I'm going to check that one out tomorrow morning

PSLguy, just verify the 9mm conversion was done correctly, and not here in the states. I have read horror stories of off-center bores and feeding problems. Good luck!