The Mauser C96 "Broomhandle"

[Jeff #111]

I've always been fond of the Broomhandle. I don't own one, but I hope to one day. Anyway I actually came across an article in one of my gun magazines from 1994. In it there is an article in which the writer, a California Highway Patrolman, carries a C96 "Bolo Mauser" with the 3.8 inch barrel as his off duty weapon.

In the article the author claims that the 7.63x25mm Mauser round is far superior to the 32acp or the .380 and the Broomhandle is easier to operate and far more accurate than the smaller Walthers, Colts, Sigs and so on. I don't know if anybody is making the 7.63 Mauser nowdays, but at the time that the article was written the author had to cut and load his own. I believe that it's a bottle neck round. Now while I will admit that the 85 grain round moving along at approxiamtely 1,400 fps is pretty darn quick and I like the Broomhandle I question the deciscion to carry one. Any feedback? Just thought it might be kind of a fun thread.

 

[PreserveFreedom]

I don't know that the Broomhandle would be a good off duty/CCW piece, but I like the idea for a survival gun. If you had the full setup with the holster that doubles as a stock, it could be an accurate little pistol. I would rather have a reliable one in 9x19mm for ammo availability reasons.

 

[Archie]

Ahem....

From all my readings, and the two or three I've handled and shot, the C96 is not my first choice of defense pistol.

Reliability seems to be "spotty". Similar to a Lugar, they must be clean, lubed and use high intensity ammo to function all the time.

The original sights are hideous: The rear is a tight "V" and the front is a "A". Even with the adjustable ones, they are difficult to use and regulate.

Trigger pull. It will make the gun fire. Best I can say for it. Long, creepy and somewhat heavy. The manual safety is functional, but one-off from what I'm used to. (1911)

The 30 Mauser cartridge is a peppy devil. 90 grain FMJ at 1200 or 1300 f/s. Almost as much energy as Super38. Probably rather low recoil... I don't recall anymore.

I like odd guns. I'd even like to have a Broomhandle. They are an interesting bit of firearms history. They are probably the most "menacing" looking heater I can think of.

As a defensive tool, they are far superior to a broken bottle or cudgel. But a 2" Model 10 Smith beats them all hollow.

 

[johnwill]

If you can pack the Broomhandle around, you have room for almost any defensive gun, the C96 is a rather large pistol! I've shot mine a few times, but the ergonimics are lousy, almost any modern defensive handgun would be a far better choice. I have to admit, every collection needs a Broomhandle, just because they're such an unusual piece.

 

[CWL]

I think that this CHP just wants something different to carry for fun. Many CHPs I know don't bother to carry off-duty (N. CA), and when they do, they prefer light & concealable (I just gave my KelTec P11 to one).

Broomhandle Mausers were quite feared in their heyday though, those little bullets had a tendency to shatter and create nasty & inoperable wounds. Fairbarn & Sykes wrote that both "cops & robbers" feared this round.