The going rate on Mauser 96 pistols

[Icypu]

I went to a local shop and they have a broomhandle mauser 96 in the original 7.63 mauser cartridge for $575, and they would take my C&R and COE combo. The item has no collector's value since the metal is all professionally reblued, and the iconic broomhandle is replaced with some sort of fancy wood. There is no s ripper clip or accessory holster/stock.

Not knowing much about Mauser pistols, I estimate they go for around 700-1200. I love the han solo look! I have 3 questions:

1. What should I check, how should I perform the function check on this?
2. Is this a fair price on a redone model?
3. Is there anything to be aware of, like how to tell if its a Spanish copy?

[Alan Block]

I know nothing of Spanish copies.

Most of the C96s imported came as Chinese surplus. German made and sold to China. Most of the ones I have seen had almost smooth bores. Someone was refinishing them and welding on new barrels. Some had liners installed and some were rebarreled in 9mm (with the red 9 grips added.

[jl7422]

As to your questions:

Things to inspect before firing would be the bolt stop and its opening in the upper frame for signs of cracks in the stop (will require field stripping) or an elogation of the bolt stop hole--both vary dangerous conditions, caused by excessive use, use of too stout a round (7.62 Tok.), or simply age.

Fair price for a re-done broom is a very subjective thing. As Alan said, many of the Chinese imports were very crudely made and poorly refinished. On the other end, I have seen some very nicely restored Brooms, and the Federal Ordnance Brooms from the 1980's command a premium on Gun Broker these days.

Spanish brooms are easy to spot--although they are rare-- the Astra 900 being the one seen most. Marked "Astra" on a removable plate on the left side of the lower frame. The "Royal" is quite rare, and has a round bolt as opposed to the square one of the Astra or Mauser. A Royal in any condition would be worth what they are asking for this one.

Good luck with your decision. If you decide to go ahead with it, I would suggest the replacement of the springs with a kit from Wolff

[Icypu]

As to your questions:

Things to inspect before firing would be the bolt stop and its opening in the upper frame for signs of cracks in the stop (will require field stripping) or an elogation of the bolt stop hole--both vary dangerous conditions, caused by excessive use, use of too stout a round (7.62 Tok.), or simply age.

Fair price for a re-done broom is a very subjective thing. As Alan said, many of the Chinese imports were very crudely made and poorly refinished. On the other end, I have seen some very nicely restored Brooms, and the Federal Ordnance Brooms from the 1980's command a premium on Gun Broker these days.

Spanish brooms are easy to spot--although they are rare-- the Astra 900 being the one seen most. Marked "Astra" on a removable plate on the left side of the lower frame. The "Royal" is quite rare, and has a round bolt as opposed to the square one of the Astra or Mauser. A Royal in any condition would be worth what they are asking for this one.

Good luck with your decision. If you decide to go ahead with it, I would suggest the replacement of the springs with a kit from Wolff

Thank you so much for your comments! Now I know a little more, and where I can begin to do my homework.