Mauser 7.63x25mm C96 "Broomhandle"
Mauser 7.63x25mm C96 "Broomhandle"
The C96 "Broomhandle" Mauser pistol is one of those revolutionary firearms that is really unique, and holds a very significant place in the development of the semi-automatic handgun. Revolutionary, yes, but essentially an evolutionary dead end.
Never the less, it is a wonderful piece of engineering and workmanship, and still sports some pretty advanced features over a hundred years after it was designed by three brothers, Friedrich, Josef and Fidel Feederle. Marketed by Mauser as "The Mauser Military Pistol", it was, and remains a marvel of early automatic pistol design and engineering.
It saw service in a number of conflicts, under many different nationalities, and was quite popular the world over.
At one time or another, it saw service with the likes of Sir Winston Churchill, Bolshevik Revolutionaries, Chinese Warlords, Viet-Cong guerillas, and civilian and police entities from Madrid to Singapore.
1000 meter incremental rear sight.
They are still encountered in hotspots from Kosovo, to Iraq. A history regrettably dripping with the blood of conflict spanning over a hundred years, and all across the globe, but a testimony none-the-less to this pistols enduring popularity.
Notice the very hip 1896 font Mauser used...Yeah Baby!
All put away in its stock/holster.
Coming out to play...
Once fitted, the pistol becomes a handy little carbine.
A fun pistol. I may keep this one, or sell it someday, but as long as I am collecting firearms, there will always be a broomhandle in my clutches!