The Mauser C96 Explained

Copyrights 2002 G. Henrotin & H&L Publishing (Belgium)All rights reserved

The Mauser C96 Explained

by Gerard Henrotin Translated in English by the author himself with the friendly help of John VeitRelease 01-00

 2002 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

Field stripping the Mauser C96

In 1896, the Mauser firm produced the first really successful military automatic pistol. While some experimental models had been manufactured prior to that time, it was not until Mauser patented his military automatic pistol that a weapon of reliable design was produced.

The patent specification described the invention as follows : " A magazine repeating firearm with a movable barrel, in which the recoil caused by the shock is used to unlock the bolt and open the breech, to eject the empty cartridge case and to work the firing mechanism, as well as to compress a number of springs arranged in such a manner as to effect the loading of a fresh cartridge, the re-closing of the breech and locking of the bolt and the advancing movement of the barrel. Upon these principles which are already partly known, I have devised a magazine firearm in which all previous experiences in respect to this class of arm have been carefully taken into consideration, not only with regard to its ballistic qualities, but especially by the peculiar skillful construction of the component parts, and the manner of connecting them without the aid of screws; it may, therefore, be considered that the improved firearm is in every way well adapted for military purposes." Producing a pistol in which the parts were made to interlock so that screws and pins were not necessary to assemble it, was then, and still remains as an outstanding achievement in the history of firearms development. The first four stripping steps are shown In the drawing below.

Using the point of a 7.63 mm cartridge or a tool of non-marring material, depress the magazine plunger and slide the floorplate forward until it can be lifted off.

Each end of the flat spring can be easily disengaged from the floorplate and the magazine follower, by just sliding them out of their retaining grooves.

The takedown latch is located at the rear of the receiver, just below the hammer pivot. To be able to push it up and unlock the barrel assembly, you first have to draw the hammer down in the cocked position.

The hammer body is machined in such a way that it prevents the latch from being raised when the hammer is not cocked. If the trigger is pressed when the hammer is cocked and the latch is unlocked, the caming surfaces of both the latch and the hammer prevent the hammer from reaching the firing pin.

The takedown latch is of paramount importance in regard to a shooter's safety. As the action and barrel assembly are mounted from the rear of the pistol, if the latch was unlocked or would fail at the instant of firing, the whole mechanism could fly rearward out of the receiver and strike the shooter.

The assembly, including the barrel and barrel extension, is drawn rearward out of the receiver. The lock sub-frame is loosely attached onto the underside of the barrel extension.

The sub-frame can be detached by simply lowering it. It is just clawed by the forward hook of the locking block.

Remove the locking block from the retaining stud that hangs below the barrel extension.

With a screw driver, push on the head of the firing pin until it can be given a quarter-turn to the right. Then allow it to spring out f the bolt block. Usually the firing pin spring will come out as well, and it will be attached to the front of the firing pin.

In very early models, as the one shown below, the firing pin was retained in the bolt by a small flat plate, that was dovetailed into the rear of the bolt.

Source : System Mauser (Breathed & Schroeder)

The bolt retainer can be removed through the rectangular opening on the right side of the barrel extension. Push it forward until its internal profile is aligned with the opening, then withdraw it.

Remove the bolt from the barrel extension. The recoil spring can be removed either through the lateral slot or the rear hole. This closes the field stripping chapter.

 2002 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

Advanced dismounting the Mauser C96

Insert a screwdriver under the nose of the extractor, and lift it until its front retaining wings are disengaged from their recesses in the top of the bolt. Then lever the extractor gently forward out of its housing. Caution : Proceed carefully as the extractor can be broken if too much force is applied.

Insert a screwdriver at the front of the rear sight blade, and lever it rearward while pushing down with a non-marring tool on the front area to compress the flat spring on its underside. The lateral axle ends of the blade will disengage from their recesses.

Classical 1000 m range rear sight for the 7,63 mmNote : Some twenty different rear sights can be found following the caliber's rangeor the typefaces used (some in foreign language)

When the sight is off, the flat spring can be slid out of its recess and the adjustment bar removed by moving it forward.

The latch, inside the adjustment bar, can be removed by moving it sideways with its coil spring.

A flat spring, located in the bottom of the receiver, retains both the magazine floorplate plunger and the trigger.

The front end of the spring is hooked down in a groove in the magazine plunger. A small tool with a hook shaped extremity must be inserted in the hole drilled in the front area of the spring to remove it. Lift the spring, until it disengages from the plunger's groove, and slide it rearward out of its slots in the receiver. The magazine plunger and the trigger then can be removed upward.

Remove the takedown-latch by moving it toward the left and by slightly lifting the sear.

Depress the hammer with one hand, and with the other position the safety lever to a point halfway between the two positions marked by machined notches on the frame. Then lift the safety until its pivot goes out of its hole in the block.

Depress the sear lever spring, then disengage the rounded head of the lever from the sear, and remove the lever downward. There is a small wing machined on the right side of the lever that prevents it from moving laterally.

Rotate the sear until its small forward lip clears its recess in the frame. Then remove the sear out of its pivot point.

Depress the mainspring plunger at the front of the action frame, and let the rocker coupling drop down from the underside.

Note : The mainspring is under tension even with the hammer at rest. So, is advisable to clamp the frame in a padded vise for this operation.

Remove the mainspring and spring guides from the frame by moving them toward the front.

Reassembly tip 1 When replacing the rocker coupling, its "nose" must be pointed forward. Also be sure that the rocker's milled out axle ends are well seated in the bottom of their recesses, and that the rocker's lower edge is flush with the frame. If the coupling rocker is not in the correct position (photo below) and you force the frame into the receiver when reassembling the pistol, the coupling rocker will be trapped in the trigger spring area, and you will have tremendous difficulties in getting the frame back out of the receiver.

Push the hammer pivot -which is also the sear lever spring pivot -toward the right side for removal. Reassembly tip 2

To assemble the barrel group, first place the recoil spring into the bolt and insert the bolt in the barrel extension. With a screwdriver or the original cleaning rod inserted into the firing pin hole, compress the recoil spring until it is forward of the bolt stop location. Then the bolt stop can be inserted, with its sleeve to the front, through the rectangular cut on the right side of the barrel extension.

Reassembly tip 3 To reassemble the action frame and the barrel group, place the frame up side down on the locking block so the "claw" or "hook" of the block is forward of the coupling rocker. Then press the forward part of the frame until the locking block hook snaps into engagement with the coupling rocker. With the action frame retained by the locking block, the assembly is ready to be placed in the receiver.

 2002 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

Technical description of the Mauser C96

The Mauser C96 pistol consists of four main parts. Barrel with extension; bolt; receiver; and lock assembly.

-The barrel and extension

The barrel and extension are milled out of one piece. Behind the chamber the extension is slotted on its upper surface, for loading and ejection.

Below that opening hangs the magazine well which is integral with the receiver. In its back the opening has verticle grooves which serve as a guide for the loading clip.

The clip with cartridges is pressed down with the thumb into the magazine in the same way as with Mauser rifles. When the clip is removed, the bolt strips the top cartridge in line and pushes it into the chamber. As such, the C96 is automatically chambered when it is loaded. To unload the pistol, each cartridge must be manually ejected by cycling the bolt. When the bolt is drawn rearwards with a empty magazine, the bolt is prevented to close back by the magazine follower. So to close the action, grip the bolt firmly with one hand, and with a finger of the other hand depress the magazine follower. Then, while holding the follower down, ease the bolt forward over the follower and let it slide forward. Behind the loading guides, the barrel extension forms a tunnel of squared tunel which houses the bolt.

The rear sight, either fixed or adjustable is machined -or installed -over the tunnel.

Six shot C96 with integral rear sight -Source : Imperial Arms

The foresight is a thick blade that is milled out of the solid barrel piece.

At the rear of the barrel extension, on the right side, there is a rectangular slot for inserting-removing the bolt stop.

The lower edges of two sides of the extension are strengthened and grooved on their internal faces to form guides which slide onto corresponding ribs on the receiver.

On the underside of the barrel extension there is a massive rectangular lug onto which the bolt-locking piece is hooked.

-The bolt
The bolt is square and hollow. It contains the firing pin, with its return spring which is located on its tip, and a recoil spring which surrounds the firing pin and bears against the bolt stop through which the firing pin passes. The upper face of the front end houses the extractor.

The bolt stop, shown here for a better understanding of its position in the bolt, passes through -and is maintained by -the wall of the barrel extension.

The rear end of the bolt block terminates in a knurled T-shaped piece that provides a grip for opening the breech. At the back end of the bolt and on its under side, there is a flat lug that is bevelled in such way that it can push back and easily ride over the head of the hammer.

In front of the lug there are two machined transverse recesses. The front faces are square, while the rear faces are bevelled. They address corresponding lugs on the bolt lock, which is part of the lock assembly.

There is a central machined groove on the front third of the bolt that accommodates the ejector which projects upwards from the lock sub-frame, and is an integral part of it.

-The receiver

The receiver is made of one piece. The front part of it forms the fixed magazine. The trigger guard is also an integral part of the frame which continues downward to form the handle onto which the grip plates are screwed. The magazine -except for the 6-shot and 20-shot models -holds 10 cartridges, staggered in two rows. In the rear of the follower, on the left side, there is a stout lug which runs in its guide in the receiver. When the last cartridge is fired, it projects above the level of the platform to form a stop that holds the bolt open.

-The lock sub-frame

The lock assembly consist of the lock sub-frame, the bolt lock, hammer, sear, sear lever, sear spring, coupling rocker, and safety catch. The main spring with its two plungers is contained in a tunnel inside the sub-frame, and its lock hangs from its underside at the rear.

The lock sub-frame is designed to slide into the receiver from the rear. The front of the frame is provided with a rounded projection (blue arrow) which fits into a slot in the front wall of the receiver's well. A square cut on the right side (orange arrow) interlocks with a mating cut in the receiver. The upper front of the frame (red arrow) continues upward to form the ejector.

In the rear, on each side, are two guides which fit into corresponding slots in the rear of the receiver when the lock assembly is pushed home. As a result of this clever arrangement, the front and rear of the lock frame are tightly held in the receiver, but at the same time, it can be easily removed.

 2002 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

Operation of the Mauser C96

The Mauser C96 action is the classical example of what is known as "prop-up" type of locking. That term means that the bolt or breech is locked to the barrel by one or more lugs which are not an integral part of the barrel, and which can be disengaged from the bolt at just the right time by various means. Among those means, and as choosen for the C96, is barrel recoiling.

Drag the mouse over the drawings to start the animated sequences

Phantom view of a loaded C96

The hammer is pivoted around the rear of the lock sub-frame. In front of its round body, there is a simple angular cut whose upper edge is engaged by the sear (red arrow). The rear plunger of the mainspring (green arrow) bears on the lower extremity of that cut.

Lying along the right side of the lock sub-frame is the sear -a long flat lever, pivoted at the extreme front of the frame (yellow transparent).

The sear is actuated by a lever (pink transparent), the horizontal foot of which has a flat under surface (green arrow) that projects towards the trigger. The mainspring lies in a tunnel in the frame at an angle of about 30 degrees from the horizontal, and It has two plungers. The front one interlocks with the coupling rocker.

When the trigger is pressed, the sear actuator pushes the sear lever upwards. This action raises the nose of the sear out of engagement with the hammer, and allows the latter to fall on the firing pin and fire the cartridge.

The explosion of the cartridge drives back the bolt, which is connected to the bolt lock by means of their interlocking lugs and recesses. As a result, the whole barrel assembly will move backward.

As the barrel recoils, the forward tooth on the bolt lock bears against the rocker, and compresses the mainspring through its forward guide. Its lower rear projection rides over its supporting area on the frame. The tooth in front tends to be forced upwards; and, as the lock can pivot about its loose attachment to the barrel extension, the rear will drop and the bolt lugs will disengaged their recesses in the bolt. The bolt, on account of its momentum, continues to move backward and compresses the bolt spring and cocks the hammer. The bolt's rear travel is stopped by the bolt stop which is maintained by, and passes through, the barrel extension which guides the bolt. The bolt stop also supports the rear end of the recoil spring. The forward end of the recoil spring bears against the closed head

of the bolt.

It is of note that when the forward guide -or plunger -of the mainspring recoils, from the thrust of the coupling rocker, its underside projection bears against the sear actuator, and as a result the trigger is disconnected (red arrow) from the sear mechanism. Then the sear can fall down and re-engage the hammer which has been drawn back by the bolt to the fully cocked position. Note : Early models did not have the projection on the underside of the forward mainspring guide. As such, if the shooter did not depress the trigger energetically, disconnection would not take place and the rest of the cartridges would fire off in machine gun fashion. When the bolt is fully back, the empty case, which has been drawn back by the extractor, strikes the ejector projecting upwards from the lock sub-frame (red arrow) and is ejected.

At the end of the bolt travel, its return spring drives it forward, feeding the top cartridge from the magazine into the chamber, while the extractor claw slips over the extracting groove in the cartridge case. The slam of the massive knurled T-shaped piece of the bolt against the barrel extension, along with the action of the compressed main spring against the forward tooth of the bolt lock, causes the bolt lock to swing upwards and forwards around its attachment to the barrel extension, so that the latter is both allowed and forced to move forward into battery. With the raising of the bolt lock, its locking lugs reengage their recesses on the under-surface of the bolt. With the release of the trigger, its nose slips under the sear actuator, and it will be ready to fire the next shot.

2002 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

The safety of the Mauser C96

All models of the Mauser C96 have a manual thumb safety located at the left rear of the pistol. This safety can be applied both when the hammer is cocked or uncoked. On early models (until around 1905-1908 and ending with the large ring hammer model), the safety lever was of the long type as shown on the pictures below. To apply the safety, the lever had to be lowered.

The red arrows show the location of the safety lever pivot.The green arrows show the place where the safety acts

Picture source : Imperial Arms

The pistol then underwent several technical modifications -many of which were intended to reduce its weight. The safety lever length was shortened and worked in reverse of the earlier one. It had to be pushed up to set the pistol safe.

That modified or late safety is divided in two types. -First type The first type is encountered on all models from the large ring hammer (see picture above) to serial number

280000.

When the hammer is in the uncocked position and the safety is applied, the hammer is slightly rotated out of reach of the firing pin (blue arrow). The rear movement of the hammer is induced -as shown on the drawing below -by the caming of the safety axle profile against the wall of the hammer safety path that is machined in the left side of the hammer body.

When the hammer is in the cocked position, the safety is applied by raising the safety lever whose locking profile enters the front notch of the safety path. The same caming -as explained just above -occurs, and the hammer is slightly lowered.

Second type The modified safety was again changed -around serial number 200,000 -to become the "NS" safety or "New Safety". The two intertwined letters N and S are generally struck on the rear face of the hammer. The peculiarity of the new version is that when the hammer is cocked and a shooter wants to apply the safety, the hammer must first be drawn slightly back with one hand, before the safety lever can be pushed up with the other hand. As shown in the picture on the right below, this necessitated changing only the lower notch of the safety path. It is doubtful that the modification was intended to really improve the safety itself. Most probably, it was to ease the machining of the safety path.

Hammer-operated safety lever A variation of the safety is the hammer and safety combination depicted below. On a handful of pistols, dating from about 1905, the hammer was modified to interact with the safety lever in such a way that when the hammer is cocked, the safety lever is automatically drawn back into the "off" position.

Courtesy Lyndon HaywoodAuthor of : "The German Submachine Guns" -Ebook

To provide for that, the left side of the hammer has a lug on it whose rear face bears against the forward wall of a mating lug which is machined on the inner face of the safety lever. As the two pieces do not have the same pivot, when the hammer is in the cocked position, its lug no longer bears against the safety lug and the safety lever can be freely pushed up into the safe position.

Pictures source : : System Mauser (Breathed & Schroeder)

Universal safety On model 1930 and later (including the full auto "Schnellfeuer" model) these pistols were equipped with an improved universal safety. he safety can be operated by one hand. When the lever is raised into the safe position, the letter "S" shows up. When the lever is lowered and the weapon is ready to fire, the letter "F" may be seen on the lever.

Universal safety lever and "Schnellfeuer" hammer

As shown in the picture on the left above, the inner face of the safety lever has a newly milled area above the pivot to work with an extension added to the sear. The safety path on the left side of the hammer is devoid of any notch. When the safety is applied, the safety lever axle plays the role of a hammer stop, and prevents it from reaching the firing pin. As such, when the safety is engaged, the hammer may be safely dropped by depressing the trigger. Also while the safety lever is moved from one position to the other, the sear is blocked from moving.

New sear for the universal safety

The Mauser C96 Explained Page 8 of 16

Safety not applied -The trigger can be raised -The hammer will reach the firing pin.

During the process of moving the safety lever, the sear is maintained locked by running inside a narrow milled path.

When the safety lever clicks in a new position, the sear is freed and can be raised again.

When the safety lever is raised, the hammer can NEVER reach the firing pin as it is blocked by the profile of safety lever pivot (yellow arrow)

By lowering the safety lever, the profile of the safety pivot is so positioned as to allow the hammer to strike the firing pin.

As shown in the picture above, the safety lever pivot did not enter any notch in the safety path milled in the left side of the hammer body.

Model 1902 safety prototype The model 1902 -which is not a factory designation -is a rare variation of the C96. It has an articulated safety lever whose pivot is shared with the hammer. As shown in the drawings, the hammer's head has no striated cocking area. The safety lever spur is used for that.

When the hammer is drawn into its fully cocked position, a reverse pressure on the safety lever spur will drive the safety unit into contact with the rear of the bolt. The flat head of the safety will then prevent the hammer from striking the firing pin, as it is in the way of the lateral lug milled on the left side of the hammer. To set the safety "off" when the hammer is cocked, the safety lever spur must be turned upward to lower its front face and clear the way for the hammer's lateral lug which then can pass over the safety's retaining face.

Courtesy Lyndon Haywood Author of : "The German Submachine Guns" -Ebook

2002 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

Prototypes and pre-production Models

Even if it is not documented by factory materials, it is widely accepted that the Mauser C96 pistol came about due to the work of three Mauser employees : The Feederle brothers (Fidel, Friedrich and Josef). The brothers had important positions in the experimental department of the firm. It is said that Fidel was referred to as Mauser's right hand. Friedrich was employed as a master mechanic, and Josef, first associated with the experimental department, was later the Superintendent of the assembly and finishing department. It is also said that Mauser was not happy when he first heard that some of his employees were perfecting a personal project during factory work time. It seems that Mauser, who was mainly rifle-oriented, had little interest in the Feederle's project at first. But when a working prototype materialized by the summer of 1894, Mauser decided to back the project, and provided the brothers with all the factory means needed to bring it to completion. From then on, Mauser was closely involved in the development work, and it can be assumed that he personally influenced the design. As a result of his involvement and backing, a weapon was ready for firing on March 15th, 1895.

Courtesy Lyndon Haywood

The cartridge used in the first Mauser prototype was a 7.65 mm. It was designed and produced by DWM - which was the owner of the Mauser firm -, and used in the Borchardt pistol. The Borchardt pistol of 1893 was the first effective semi-automatic handgun ever produced, and the 7.65 mm Borchardt was the only cartridge available at the time for that class of weapon. So, the classic "bottleneck" Mauser cartridge of 7.63 mm, was no doubt an adaptation of the Borchardt cartridge design (its diameter was reduced, and the power increased). On December 11th, 1895, Paul Mauser applied for a German patent (No. 90430). The patent drawings show a 10-shot pistol with a fixed rear sight, and a semi-circular front sight.

Prototype 7.65 mm ( L. Haywood)

The first prototype had remained in a constant state of revision until the patent was application was filed. Then the design was stabilized prior to launching the mass production of the pistol. Also, in addition to the 10-shot model, a six-shot and a 20-shot model were produced.

Prototype 7.63 mm -six-shot version ( L. Haywood)

Prototype 7.63 mm -twenty-shot version ( L. Haywood)

Throughout the year 1896, the pistol was fine tuned and brought to its final stage for production. One principal external change was the form of the hammer. From a spur type; it evolved into one having a circular profile. In order to provide the shooter with a better grip, the spur was replaced by a series of concentric rings, which increased in width as the diameter decreased. The effect was a cone like shape on each side of the hammer grasping area. That is why those pistols are called "Cone Hammer" models by collectors. Also, a carbine version was designed during the startup time.

Pre-production serial 47 -six-shot -fixed sight -cone hammer ( L. Haywood)

The early models have a stepped barrel (red arrow), wood checkered grip plates (blue arrow), and the engagement of the breechblock by the locking block is performed by a single locking lug entering a square cut on the underside of the breechblock (green arrow).

Pre-production -ten-shot -adjustable rear sight -cone hammer ( L. Haywood)

The twenty-shot version, was similar in every respect to the ten-shot model except for its elongated magazine housing capable of accepting 20 cartridges, and being fitted with a floor plate retainer housed in an enlarged portion of the magazine body, was similar in every respects to the ten-shot model. Though it was primilarly intended for military use, it was also offered on the commercial market. It met little success in either market, and its production was discontinued after 1898.

Pre-production -twenty-shot -adjustable rear sight -cone hammer ( L. Haywood)

All of the Mauser pistols were slotted on the back strap of the handle so that they would accept a removable stock. The stocks, which were hollow, could be used very conveniently as a holster. The 20shot model required a larger holster-stock.

Twenty-shot cone hammer -later version -Source : Imperial Arms

1896 prototype of a ten-shot carbine -adjustable sight -detachable stock - cone hammer -( L. Haywood)

Also of note, is the fact that among the varieties of pistols tested during the pre-production period, one was chambered in an experimental 6 mm cartridge of straight cylindrical shape (not necked down).
DWM specifications

Case number 414Bullet number 236 A 10-shot version of the pistol was presented to and fired by Emperor Wilhelm II in August 1896. More than likely that model accounted for the largest quantity of the pre-production. The rifling of the barrel had four grooves and a right twist. It remained the same until the appearance of the large ring hammer model with smooth sided receiver.

Mauser C96 early Models

After the successful demonstration before and by Kaiser Wilhelm in August 1896, it can be assumed that Paul Mauser thought that his pistol had reached its final technical form and that it was ready for mass production. But, as the Mauser firm was an asset of the Ludwig Loewe group (DWM), he had to first convince the board of the Ludwig Loewe that his model was worthy of the investment required for mass production. By chance, the Loewe management was facing commercial difficulties with their awkward Borchardt auto pistol, while interest in that type of weapon was rapidly spreading among military circles. As such, Mauser was authorized to produce his pistol and also to create a special department to do that. It took several months to gather all the elements and bring the new entity into full scale operation. From September 1896 until April 1897, small quantities (approx. 270 pieces) of the pistol -which can be classified as "transitional" -were produced to test the process, and make any last minute changes before the mass production launch. Those pistols were serialized after the last number of the pre-production, starting at about 90 and going to about 360. In the pre-mass production period and during the early stage of the regular production, the pistol underwent more modifications. Some of the changes were of more or less importance, with some of them being retained and others discarded. Based on drawings and surviving examples of pieces numbered below 360, it appears that three important changes and a number of revisions of lesser importance were evaluated. Important changes Introduction of the two locking lugs on the locking block and locking notches in the underside of the bolt.

In the pre-production models, the lock sub-frame, which slid into the receiver, was merely supported at the rear by its dismounting lever (red color above). With this arrangement, the forward end of the sub-frame was prone to twist or displace. To overcome this possible problem and give greater support to the sub-frame forward end, an horizontal groove (red arrow below) was milled on its right side, at the ejector level, to be engaged by a corresponding lug milled in the receiver.

The third important change pertains to the mainspring front plunger. In the pre-production models, both plungers were identical. But to improve the mechanical link between the forward plunger and the C-shaped rocker (blue color), the front plunger underwent modifications until it reached its final shape by the end of 1898. In its final shape, there was a slot milled in its body to allow the rocker to pass through it, and a disconnecting tail on its underside.

Minor changes The principal reason for making many of the changes listed below, was an attempt to reduce as far as possible the weight of the pistol. The Mauser C96 was, and still is one of the heaviest pistols (around four pounds) ever built. The plain handling button of the safety lever was bored out with an opening on the left side. Later, at about serial number 35,000, the button was drilled out from end to end. The left and right sides of the lock sub-frame had recessed areas machined in it where possible, and without weakening the frame's strength.

From around serial number 200, two long narrow grooves (red arrows) were milled out on the mounting ridges of each side of the barrel extension. Also note that the joining area between the barrel and its extension was changed from an abrupt shoulder profile to a tapered one (blue arrow).

Pre-production -serial no 214 ( L. Haywood)

The bolt grasping wings were drilled from the under side to remove material. This change was dropped after 1902. Also, for a short while, the bolt body received a milling cut on the left side ahead of the grasping head. That change was not adopted for mass production. The supporting tip of the locking block was made narrower. That change was not carried over into the mass production process. The angular forward end of the C-shaped rocker was ground off. And by the end of 1898, the rocker and mainspring plugs underwent important changes. -The underside of the barrel extension was milled out at its rear to remove material where possible. -The floor of the mainspring housing, in the lock sub-frame, received a rectangular milling cut (blue arrows).

It is likely that other changes were made during the transitional period, but to substantiate them, new and genuine pistols from that time will have to be found. From about the serial number 360 onward, we enter the period of mass production of the pistol. During the first stage of the production, the chamber marking was changed from "SYSTEM MAUSER" to "WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF".

2002 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

Mauser C96 "Cone Hammer" variations

(artwork by Lyndon Haywood )

-Cone Hammer 10-shot -

Prototype -stepped barrel -checkered grips

Pre-production -unstepped barrel -muzzle ring -grooved grips -barrel extension ridges grooved

At about serial number 1,000, the rear portion of the barrel extension was widened in the area below the head of the rear sight. As a consequence, the walls of the rectangular cut, on the right side, through which the bolt stop passes, were strengthened. This modification was maintained throughout the production.

The Mauser C96 Explained Page 2 of 9

Short version -4.75" barrel versus 5.5" -fixed sight -muzzle ring -checkered hard rubber grips -strengthened barrel extension

Standard 5.5" barrel - adjustable rear sight -no muzzle ring -serrated grips

Standard 5.5" barrelFrom about serial number 800, a square center flat area remained in the left rear milled out side panel. Probably to ease the engraving of foreign crests, fond on contract pistols

-Cone Hammer 6-shot -

Copyright (C) 2002, Gerard Henroti...

30-

03-07 The Mauser C96 Explained Page 3 of 9

Pre-production -unstepped short barrel -muzzle ring -serrated grips -barrel extension ridges grooved -no cut for stock

Long barreled version of the 6-shot with an adjustable rear sight and a cut for removable stock.

-Cone Hammer 20-shot -

Copyright (C) 2002, Gerard Henroti... 3003-07

Prototype -stepped barrel -chekered grips

Source : Imperial Arms

Late 20-shot model with a square flat area on the left rear milled out panel

-"Cone Hammer" resold by Westley Richards In June 1897, the English firm Westley Richards, London, which was already acting as the sole agent for Mauser rifles, was granted a license to resell and distribute the Mauser line of pistols. The venture proved to be very successful, as Great Britain soon accounted for the largest Mauser's commercial market outside of Germany. Mauser even furnished special rear sight leafs for the pistols, which had the range marked in yards. Westley Richards also fitted some models with homemade rear sights. One of them had a peep type aperture instead of the "V" one.

 2002 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

Mauser C96 "Large ring Hammer" variations

(artwork by Lyndon Haywood )

-Large ring Hammer 10-shot -

Early transitional large ring hammer -milled panels on the receiver's sides

In 1899, at about serial number 15,000, there was a major change in the appearance of the pistol. A "Flat Side" variation was introduced in which the receiver's sides were left plain. This variation started with an Italian Navy contract. That contract, following the usual procedure for that kind of customer, received a specific range of serial numbers running from 1 to 5,000. Both the cone and large ring hammer had been used for a short period of time prior to the Italian Navy contract. The first pistols with large ring hammers often sport the name of English or U.S. dealers, as for example : "Von Lengerke & Detmold, New York". It is interesting to note that the skip of 5,000 serial numbers which were used for the Italian contract, between serial number

15,000 and 20,000 in the current commercial serialization, was never back filled.

Flat side and large hammer ring Italian contract -5.5 " barrel -"DV" and "AV" Italian proof markings

The pistols of the Italian contract were also among the first to include a new trigger that had integral axle ends. As such, it was no longer pinned.

The same system was applied to the sight leaf after the completion of the Italian contract. It was also no longer pinned to the barrel assembly.

Another change, already applied in the Italian contract, was the modification of the firing pin, whose retaining plate was replaced with a single locking lug machined on the firing pin's head. The red arrow below shows the cut in the bolt's grasping head through which the unique firing pin lug passes in dismounting.

During its time of production, the C96 showed many variations in the form and depth of the milled out panels on the receiver's sides. In the 30,000 range, there appeared what is known by collectors as the "shallow-milled" panel variation. The milled out panels on those pistols are only about half as deep as those found on earlier models. It is on that variation that one also finds the two narrow milled out panels at the rear of the right side of the receiver. Later, the plain area between those narrow panels -which were not milled out as deeply as before -was used to stamp the Mauser company name and address. That practice was continued until the end of production.

Large ring -shallow panels

Although the large ring hammer continued to be used on a few higher serialized "Bolo" and 6-shot models, this variation appears to be the last of the full-size large ring hammer pistols.

-Large ring "Bolo" 10-shot -

Fixed sight flat sided "Officer Model" -4" barrel -10-shot -unusual grip shape

The variation shown above, which was offered in the flat side and large ring hammer configuration only, is known as the "Officers model". It was another short lived variation proposed around 1900 for the commercial market. It is the only variation to have that unique receiver shape with a curved and rounded grip. Also, the grip was not slotted for a detachable shoulder stock, and the grip plates were made of checkered walnut.

Early large ring hammer "Bolo" -floral designed hard rubber grips

The "Bolo" variation, offered in the serial range 29,000 (1901 -1902) was a compromise between the full-size 10-shot and the 6shot models. It kept the global dimensions of the 6-shot, but the magazine capacity was upgraded to 10 shots. Late large ring hammer "Bolo's", in the serial range 40,000 had the benefit of the new two-lug firing pin (as shown in the takedown chapter 1). It is also during that serial range that the early safety which was applied by pulling it down (cf chapter 5), was discontinued.

-Large ring 6-shot -

Fixed sight flat sided "Officer Model" -4" barrel -6-shot -unusual grip shape

This pistol is a 6-shot variation of the "Officer Model", with the same overall description as the 10-shot model.

Fixed sight 6-shot model -hard rubber grip

This pistol is probably the most often seen of its type in the U.S., as a good number were imported by the firm Von Lengerke & Detmold. That 6-shot variation is also found with an adjustable rear sight and with the flat sided receiver.

2002 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

Mauser C96 "Small ring Hammer" variations

(artwork by Lyndon Haywood )

During a transitional period of time, in the 40,000 serial range, the first pistols fitted with a small ring hammer appeared. They also had some elements that were soon to disappear, such as the long extractor which was replaced by a shorter one. Also, early small ring hammer variations have the safety of the later type, first variation, and not yet the improved "NS" safety.

Early small ring hammer "Bolo" -long early extractor -two-lug firing pin -40,000 serial range

Long early extractor replaced by a new shorter none

External ribs of the barrel extension lengthened towards the rear.

It is also in that serial range that the rear the rounded shape of the side ribs on the lower edges of the barrel extension, were extended toward the rear.

Copyright (C) 2002, Gerard Henroti...

Standard pre-war commercial 10-shot -late extractor -two-lug firing pin -6-groove rifling

On the collecting market, in the 40,000 to 275,000 serial range, this pre-war model is the most encountered . Also, around serial number 40,000, the barrel rifling was changed from four grooves to six. About 10,000 pistols of that variation were stamped with the Mauser banner trademark on the top of the chamber. It is said that the pistols were equipped with the new safety "NS" from serial number 200,000 (1912), to around serial number 700,000. But serial number 200,000 was arbitrarily chosen to set an official starting point, and many pistols with the new safety can be found in the serial range starting from 140,000 onward.

Standard pre-war commercial 10-shot -chambered for 9 mm EXPORT.

Mauser C96 pistols chambered for the 9 mm Export are generally found beyond serial number 80,000, even if strays are reported with serial numbers between 40,000 and 80,000. Some of them have a letter "a" added below the serial number, which probably stands for the different caliber. The 9mm Mauser cartridge was introduced commercially around 1907-08, and was probably designed to get a share of the colonial markets such as those of Africa, South America and the Orient, where bigger calibers were appreciated. The 9mm Export models were phased out in 1914. Mechanically they are characterized by a magazine follower that was slightly modified by a short indentation milled into its upper surface.

It is of interest that later 9 mm Export models can have the external flat sides of the chamber extended well forward. That was most probably done in an attempt to strengthen the chamber whose forward wall thickness was diminished to accomodate to the longer straight cartridge.

9 mm Parabellum military contract -"Red Nine" variation

Mauser C96 military holster

In early 1916, when WWI was in full swing, a shortage of handguns obliged the German military to urgently find complementary sources to supply front line troops. Mauser was given an order for 150,000 C96 models, which were serialized in their own range. But, as the Luger P08 pistol, which was the regular military side arm of the time, was chambered in 9 mm Parabellum, Mauser was asked to adapt the same caliber to its pistols. As many 7.63 mm Mauser pistols, gotten privately by soldiers on the commercial market, had already been drafted into service, to avoid any confusion about the cartridge size used in those arms, a large red nine was carved on the grip plates and painted in red. As the carving can differ greatly from one arm to another, it is assumed that it was not done in the factory, but by the units to which batches of them were assigned. The finish of these wartime pistols is not very good by Mauser standards. Many tool marks remain visible, the grip plates are rather roughly made, an the fit to the handle is generally poor. Most of these pistols were stamped with the Imperial German Eagle on the front wall of the magazine well. The order was nearing completion when the war ended in 1918.

-Small ring Hammer 6-shot -

Late 6-shot with adjustable rear sight -first type late safety -7,63 mm Reinforced chamber -fixed sight -first type late safety -9 mm

This variation is seldom found. As reported, the external walls of the barrel extension are reinforced in the vicinity of the ejection port. They do not have the grip slot and they are chambered for 9 mm.

Fixed sight -"NS" safety -7,63 mm -no cut for stock attachment

That pistol represents the last variation of the 6-shot model in the 43,000 range. The extractor is of the early long type, but the safety is the "NS" type.

2002 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

Post-War 1920 Reworks and 1930 Model

(artwork by Lyndon Haywood )

-1920 Rework 10-shot -

To conform to the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles, many originally 10-shot long barrelled Mauser C96 pistols were modified by shortening the barrel to less than four inches.

Typical 1920 rework -"1920" marking on the barrel extension

The tangent sight was removed, and the top of the barrel extension was milled flat except for the rear rib onto which was fitted a dovetailed rear sight. To complete the conversion, a new front sight was welded to the barrel at the muzzle. Those modified pistols usually have a "1920" marking somewhere on the barrel extension or the frame. Under the new German Republic of Weimar, very few new weapons were produced, but large quantities of existing arms were overhauled, and in many cases modified to comply with the treaty restrictions. Also, new proof and unit markings were applied in most cases.

Standard 10-shot model re-barrelled with a 7.65 Luger barrel and marked "SA"-typical Lathi pistol like front sight

Many firearms found their way out of Germany. In Finland for example, pistols often bear specific marking

such as a "SA" logo -Suomi Army. Others were used by occupying troops like the French Gendarmerie. Most of those sold on the international market, were stamped with the mention : "Germany".

Short barrelled standard 10-shot model with hard ruber grips -Supposed to be an official French contract.

Among other oddities of the period, are a host of hybrid pistols like the long barreled "Bolo" type, with Luger barrels in 7,65 mm that are screwed into or welded onto the sawed-off Mauser barrel, with or without adjustable rear sight, etc...

Long barrel assemby fitted on a "Bolo" frame marked "Germany"

The Mauser C96 Explained Page 3 of 9

Welded 7.65 mm long barrel into a 9 mm pistol

Luger front sight rework on an erased barrel extension.

Rebarrelled 9 mm Para to 7.63 mm -"1920" and "Germany" markings

-Post War regular 10-shot production -

Copyright (C) 2002, Gerard Henroti... 3003-07

Pre 1928 "Bolo"

1928 "Bolo"

This model is the first, since the pre-war "Banner over chamber" pistols, to sport the Mauser banner trademark. About midway through the 600,000 serial range, those pistols sported a glossy bright blue somewhat similar to the old Colt "Charcoal" blue.

-Post War special and experimental models -

Target version of the standard "Bolo" with two barrel lengths Serial no 1 experimental magazine

The Mauser C96 Explained Page 6 of 9

Experimental muzzle brake

-Model 1930 -

Transitional model 1930 -Stepped barrel but still the late second type safety.

Copyright (C) 2002, Gerard Henroti... 3003-07

Early model 1930 -"Universal Safety"

Early 1930 models, in the 800,000 range, are characterized by the new "Universal Safety", which permits the hammer to be lowered safely on a loaded chamber. Other changes included a new shape of the hammer and a wider rear grip strap. The standard chamber marking is repeated in the center of rear right frame panel along with D.R.P.u.A.P., (which means that the design is protected by both German and foreign patents). The Mauser banner is stamped on the left rear frame panel.

Late model 1930 -no grooves on the barrel extension side rails -occasional reversed rear sight -serial range 900,000 Early model 1930 in caliber 9 mm Para

Some 1930 model pistols are found in caliber 9 mm, but other than the larger bore -and sometime a nine carved in the handle there is no visible clue on the outside that distinguishes them from 7.63 mm models.

Model 1930 with removable magazine

Very few semi-automatic versions of the 1930 model were built with the frame for the selective fire model which was also known as the "Schnellfeuer". The frames do not have the extra cuts required for the selector switch mechanism. The action is the regular model 1930 semi-auto action.
2002 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

The "Schnellfeuer" Model

(artwork by Lyndon Haywood )

This model most probably originated with a selective fire carbine prototype that was built in 1917 under the urging of the German military. Equipped with a 40-round magazine, it was the forerunner of submachine guns.

1917 selective fire carbine prototype

Nickl model -20-shot magazine

The first selective fire model to be produced by Mauser, was based on a patent filed by Joseph Nickl on November 17th, 1931 (U.S. 575,618). Except for the selective fire switch, the pistols included all the usual features of the M1930 "Universal safety" model. They can be found in 7.63 Mauser, 7.65 or 9 mm Parabellum.

Westinger model -10-shot magazine

Another fully automatic model was designed after that by Karl Westinger, and a U.S. patent was granted October 27th, 1936. All of the patents were assigned to the Mauser Werke. The Nickl model was displaced by the Westinger model which by far is the most often seen.

Technical description of the Westinger "Schnellfeuer"

Note that this weapon is classified as a machine gun in the U.S. and its unlicensed ownership is against the law. It was listed in Stoeger catalogs as the "Model 712", but that is not a factory designation. The same 1930 model with detachable magazine, but no rapid fire capability, is known as the "Model 711". The weapons were very popular in the Orient and are often encountered with Chinese characters on the side of the magazine well which mean "Made in Germany" . Several variations are known, and they have different selector switches and markings. A total quantity of some 100,000 pieces were produced, and the great majority of them were of the Westinger type that is shown below.

"Schnellfeuer" Model -20-shot detachable magazine in 9 mm Para -Based on the Westinger patent.

This arm retains most of the C96's classical characteristics. It was offered with either a 10-shot -flush with the magazine housing or a 20-shot detachable magazine (as shown over). It can be loaded through the top of the action, with a clip, in the standard fashion, or, as the magazine is detachable, the magazine can be loaded separately and then inserted. When the pistol is loaded with a detachable magazine, it remains unchambered until the breechblock is pulled back and released. This is not the case when using a clip, as when the clip is removed, the breechblock is released and the first cartridge is chambered automatically.

Breechblock caught by the hammer's head.

In this model, when the breechblock is pulled back, the hammer's head rises into a notch and holds the breech open (see the photo above). Drawing back the hammer slightly with the thumb will ease the breechblock out of the notch and let it fly forward. This differs from the standard pistol where the removal of the clip releases the breechblock. When the last cartridge is fired, as with the standard model, the breech is held open by the magazine follower.

This arm also differs from the standard model in that a magazine release button is on the right side of the receiver.

Dismounting the Westinger "Schnellfeuer"

Except for some extra parts, which are specific to the "Schnellfeuer" model, dismounting is done the same way as with the standard pistol. Among those extra parts is the fire-selecting lever that is located on the left side of the receiver.

When facing the lever, there is no clue on how to dismount it. However, as usual with a Mauser product, one can be certain that the designer had thought of a clever way to do it. The clues on how to make the dismount are hidden behind the lever. They are the frame cuts.

First, there is a long curved cut, which clearly is a path for the lever to follow in rotating around its pivot. Then there are two additional small rectangular cuts on the upper edge of that path (yellow arrows). And, as those cuts are facing the letters "N" and "R", it is easy to conclude that they are there for the purpose of being engaged by the lug of the push button and locking the lever in either position. Finally, the extreme left end of the path cut is round shaped, and has yet another small rectangular cut that is milled downward (blue arrow). That cut clearly does not relate to the operation of the lever, and as such must be considered as an element of the dismounting design.

As shown in the picture above, the lever can be rotated slightly beyond the "N" marking towards the left, and a screw driver can be inserted in the central groove of the push button. Then the button can be depressed and turned a half turn, until its locking lug faces the lower cut in the path. That will allow the button to exit the receiver under the pressure of its spring.

With the push button out, the fire-selecting lever can be turned upside down to align its first pivot lug with the shallow opening cut on the upper edge of the pivot hole in the receiver.

When the first lug has passed through the opening, the lever can be rotated slightly clockwise to align the second lug with the opening. Finally, the lever can be pulled out of the receiver.

Another extra part of the pistol is the magazine release button on the right side of the receiver. That button is maintained in its housing by a flat spring, which is also the return spring of the trigger. The forward end of the spring was profiled to enter a slot machined in the body of the magazine release button. To free the button toward the right side, just lift the forward end of the spring, using the tip of tool engaged in the dismounting hole drilled in the spring.

 2002 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

How the Mauser C96 "Schnellfeuer" works

If we compare the lock frame of the "Schnellfeuer" with the lock frame of the standard model, many differences show up. First, a lever was added which acts as a second -optional -sear (orange arrow). It is loaded by a small coil spring (blue arrow). Then, the "V" shaped sear spring was modified (yellow arrow) to accommodate a bearing surface for the new coil spring. Many areas on the right side of the frame were milled out or modified to allow the inclusion and functioning of the new parts. On the lower front end of the frame, a rectangular cut was milled out to accommodate a path for the pivot of the fire-select lever, which is installed on the left side of the pistol.

"Schnellfeuer" lock frame Standard lock frame

As shown on the picture below, the fire-select lever has a pivot with two lugs (blue and red arrow), which control the type of fire selected.

The forward lug of the lever (blue arrow), engages a small steel bar lying on the bottom and right side of the receiver (orange on the drawing). When the fire-select lever is in the "N" position, its forward lug slightly pushes the steel bar towards the rear and into contact with the foot of the second sear (yellow). As such, the bar blocks the second sear against its spring and sets it off.

As shown in the drawing below, upon firing, when the hammer is drawn back by the breech block, the second sear cannot

engage the rear notch of the hammer to retain it in the cocked position (blue arrow).

The second lug of the selecting-fire lever acts on the articulated member which is spring loaded and pivoted at the bottom rear of the trigger.

Copyright (C) 2002, Gerard Henroti...

When the fire-select lever is in the "R" position, its forward lug pulls the contacting bar back out of engagement with the second sear (red circle), while its middle lug slightly raises the articulated member of the trigger (orange arrow).

The Mauser C96 Explained Page 6 of 17

Blue arrow : Trigger's pivoted leverRed arrow : Safety lever's lug in contact with the trigger's pivoted leverYellow arrow : space left when the steel bar is drawn forward

As a result, the hammer can be caught by the second sear (red circle), and the articulated member of the trigger becomes active.

To allow the full automatic firing of a firearm, some modifications are mandatory. In semi-automatic weapons, the trigger is always disconnected from the sear with each shot. That is why before firing again, the shooter must release the trigger. So, to change a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic one, a system must be devised to prevent disconnection with each shot. The first drawing below shows the parts configuration when the first shot is fired in full auto mode. The sear actuator (red) is pushed up (orange circle) by the trigger. We can also see that the trigger's pivoted lever (blue), was raised by the lug of the fireselect lever into slight contact with another area of the sear actuator.

The drawing below shows the parts configuration after the first shot. The trigger was disconnected from the sear actuator by the thrust of the forward main spring plunger (black arrow), acting upon the sear actuator. But the trigger's pivoted lever remains in contact with, and acts on the sear actuator and keeps it raised (orange circle). As such, the sear (violet arrow) will not engage the hammer as long as the trigger remains depressed.

Note that the hammer was caught by the second sear (blue circle). If the second sear was not present, the hammer would follow the breechblock and the firing could occur before the breech was fully closed.

The technical challenge presented, is to disengage the second sear from the hammer at just the right time, which is when the breech has completed its forward travel and is fully locked. To meet that challenge, the second sear is shaped like a lever with a curved upper end. In the drawing below, one can see that if something pushes on the upper end of the second sear towards the front (red arrow), the sear will be disengaged from the hammer notch (blue circle).

And to allow that to happen, a specific area was milled out in the barrel extension (yellow arrow). It is in that area that the upper tip of the second sear is housed.

So, when the breechblock closes and the barrel assembly is returned into battery, the rear wall of the milled area shown above (red arrow), will push on the curved tip of the second sear and force it to rotate. Thus the hammer will be freed and it will fly forward at the moment the breech is safely locked.

In many countries, the ownership of fully automatic firearms is forbidden. For those who have a "Schnellfeuer" model, it has to be modified so that it will not operate on fully automatic. Below is the result of such a modification. The second sear was inactivated by welding the lever to the frame (red arrow) after its upper tip was chopped off (green arrow). Also note that the small coil spring was removed from its housing. It also would be necessary to grind off the lug on the fire-select lever that acts on the pivoted trigger member.

 2002 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

MAUSER -Historic details

Today, the name MAUSER is well known around the world, and it is held in high regard by those in the armourers'world. It is synonymous of the profession.

However, the Mauser legacy began in the modest circumstances of the of Andreas Mauser. Andreas was a worker at the Royal Arsenal of Oberndorf am Neckar, at Wrttemberg. On June 24 1838, his wife gave birth to her thirteenth child who was christened Peter Paul. Pater Paul who was to become, Paul von Mauser after ennoblement many years later.

Paul Mauser (1838 -1914) Paul had a brother, Wilhelm, who was four years his elder. Both of them worked part-time at the Arsenal while going to school. When their school years were over, they became full-time employees of the Arsenal.

Wilhelm Mauser (1834 -1882) By that time, the infantry was considered the most important force by the military and the infantry rifle was the weapon upon which all interests converged. The most effective rifle of the time was a Dreyse design that worked via a needdle percutor, and a combustible cartridge made with a paper case. The primer was nested far inside the cartridge. Paul Mauser had a bent toward inventiveness, and he focused his energies on creating a rifle that would accept a new metallic cased cartridge, and employ a new bolt action design which cocked the striker when the breech was opened.

Around 1867, the arsenal of Oberndorf facing a serious economic slump, and had to lay off part of its workforce. The brothers, Paul and Wilhelm, then went to LIEGE, Belgium where they eventually met and worked for Samuel Norris, who was the European representative of the Remington Arms Co. Norris was very interested in the Mauser's bolt action rifle. He entered into an agreement with the two brothers and subsidized their research and development. As a result, a joint patent for the Mauser bolt action design was issued on June 2, 1868 at the US patent office. Apparently, the Remington company did not appreciate the initiative and private dealings of Norris concerning the Mausers' works, and the agreement was broken. The two brothers returned to Oberndorf, where they set up a small workshop in the home of Paul's father-in-law. They continuously improved their rifle, and they also were in touch with the Spandau Arsenal on a regular basis. The Spandau arsenal at that time was also home to the Prussian military commission. Eventually, their rifle was officially adopted as the "Infanteriegewehr Modell 1871" on February 14, 1872. From then on, Mauser rifles were continued to be improved, and were used in the Prussian and German army until the end of World War II. To insure production, the Mauser brothers founded their first factory, in 1872. It was located on Oberndorf's heights, and was named "Gebrder Wilhelm und Paul Mauser". The first years were not very prosperous, as the long expected financial rewards, which would follow the official adoption of their "M/71" rifle were slow in coming, and they were much less than expected. As such, they were unable to make much of a profit. Moreover, as the production of rifles was assigned to State arsenals, the royalties they received were low. To make ends meet, they were compelled to produce rifle sights as a subcontractor. At the end of 1873, they received an order for 100,000 "M/71" rifles from the Government of Wrttemberg along with a contractual obligation to buy the Arsenal of Oberndorf. With the financial support provided by the bank of Wrttemberg, "Gebrder Mauser & Co" was founded on February 5, 1874. From then on, they had the necessary financial backing that would allow their company to continue to grow. However, the Mauser brothers did not own it. They were instead minority partners. If the Mauser infantry rifles, through all the years of their production, and in all their variations, met with outstanding commercial success, the same could not be said of Mauser handguns. Around 1875, the Mauser company began to develop its own revolver, as at that time, the revolver was the military sidearm in use. In 1878, a model was introduced on the market, and was also proposed for use by the military.

It was unusual in regard to the way the cylinder was rotated. The external face of the cylinder was grooved with "zigzag" lines that were engaged by a stud. During the cycle, the stud engaged an oblique groove, which forced the cylinder to turn 1/6. On the hammer release, the stud would engage the ajoining straight groove and return to its initial position. Eventually, the Prussian army chose a less sophisticated revolver. It was known as the "Reichsrevolver Modell 1879", and was

developed by military technicians of Spandau. That selection put an end to the Mauser revolver's fate of being a service sidearm. 1882, was not a good year for the company. Wilhelm Mauser died, and Paul was left to manage the firm. Both men had been very complementary. Paul covered all the technical aspects of the production, while Wilhelm devoted his efforts to management and public relations. As such, Paul found himself all alone at the head of a full-scale growing company. In 1884, the firm became a limited company named "Waffenfabrik Mauser A.G", and commercial ties were soon created between it and another important armament company, Ludwig Loewe. The companies reached an agreement, and worked together to fullfil a large Mauser rifle order for Turkey. In 1887, Ludwig Loewe acquired the Bank of Wrttemberg which already owned a substantial part of Mauser's stocks. That gave Loewe a considerable shareholding of the firm. Paul Mauser remained as its technical director. By the end of the 19th century, the semi-automatic pistol had appeared on the scene. Ludwig Loewe had already developed one thanks to Hugo Borchardt, but there was, no official research and development efforts underway in regard to such a handgun at Mauser. However, three Mauser employees, the brothers Fidel, Friedrich and Josef Feederle, had privately started such a project. When Paul Mauser learned of their work, he evaluated the project and decided to give them all the necessary means to complete it promptly. As a result, a prototype pistol was ready for firing by March 15, 1895. Its caliber was the 7.65 mm Borchardt. After the firing tests had been completed succesfully, Paul Mauser applied for patent rights on the new "pistol with an automatic breech-loading mechanism". A German patent was granted on December 11, 1895. The handgun, which is well known to collectors, was called the "C96", which stood for "Construction 96". In August of 1896, a "C96" pistol was presented to Kaiser Wilhelm II. A test firing was made by the Kaiser himself, and the weapon was engraved with a text to memorialize of the event.

The Mauser "C96" pistol had a good commercial run, even though it was never officially adopted as the service pistol of the German army. In 1916, however, 150,000 pistols were ordered. The pistols were chambered for the 9 mm parabellum cartridge, and they were specially marked with a Red "9" carved into the grip pieces to avoid any confusion with the commercial 7.63 mm model. It was reported that the pistols were very effective in closequarters combat. Besides the C96 production, the continued development of the M/71 rifle brought it to the point where it was one of the best rifle designs ever conceived. The 1898 model was to become the most produced and sold rifle in the world either as a military or sporting gun. During the 1907-1914 era, a growing interest for small caliber pistols led Mauser to develop of such a weapon, working with an easy to produce, and therefore inexpensive blowback system.

Mauser pistol model 1914 (7.65 mm Browning)

The result of that development was the 1910 model in a 6.35 mm caliber. It was followed some years later in 1914, by a version chambered for the 7.65 mm Browning. The pistol was produced on a regular basis until 1939, and at least 640,000 pieces were made. Models produced after 1934 were fitted with improved grips. After World War I, Mauser like other arms producers, experienced the effects of the Versailles Treaty restrictions. Most of the available job were to rework weapons for the drastically compressed military forces allowed by the Treaty. On May 30, 1922, the company's name was changed from "Waffenfabrik (Arms factory) Mauser A.G." to "Mauser Werke A.G.". That name was better suited name for peace time. The commercial production and sale of the "C96" pistol continued. Chinese Warlords, who were very fond of the pistol with its aggressive and authoritarian look, were good customers. The weapons were usually sold through Japanese trading houses which controlled the Chinese market.

Mauser C96 model 1930

In 1930, due to economic reasons, BKIW (DWM) decided to transfer its entire Luger production-line from Berlin to the Mauser's facilities in Oberndorf. The "C96" pistol, by then, had an improved safety mechanism, and remained in production until 1939.

In 1932, a new model, sometimes called the "712", was launched in response to the competition from the Spanish firm Astra who made C96 copies. The "712" which was also known as the "Schnellfeuer" had a selecting device that allowed either a full or semi-automatic firing. The total production of all "C96" types was close to one million pieces. In 1937, a new model appeared in response to the famous Walther PP and PPK blowback semi-automatic pistols. It had a double-action lockwork, and it was designated as the "HSa". The "HS" stands for "Hahn Selbstspanner", and advertised the double-action capability of the pistol. Improvement were made to the "HSa", and it evolved into the "HSb" and finally the "HSc". It is under that last name that it was brought on the market. The production of that model reached about 250,000 pieces.

Mauser Hsc

The pistols were issued only to the army and "Luftwaffe" forces. They bear therefore the usual acceptance markings of the "Waffenamt" ( WaA ...). The serialization started close to 700000 and ranged up to 950000. After World War II, the French authorities in charge of the Oberndorf zone, produced some 20,000 "Hsc" pistols for their own needs.

2002 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)