Special Interests - Groups & Societies > Zoot Shooters

Hunting for Broomhandles

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DeaconKC:
The Mauser C96 "Broomhandle" is a very fun gun to shoot. However, there are a couple of things new buyers should know.
1. All factory records were destroyed at the end of WW2, so we cannot know exact dates of production.
2. There are 2 basic sizes of Broomies, the Standard with a longer grip an 5 1/2" barrel and the later Bolo with a shortened grip and 4" barrel.
3. NEVER fire Tokarev ammo in a Broomie. It is loaded much higher pressure and will crack the bolt stops.
4. Genuine Mauser Broomies come in 3 calibers, the original 7.63 and later 9x19 and 9mm Mauser [thanks for reminding me LJW!]. There were copies made in Spain in 9 Largo and in China in .45ACP.
5. Find some stripper clips for it. Trying to load the mag without them is frustrating and painful.
6. Shoulder stocks are legal on them per ATF without having to get a tax stamp.
7. If you have a 7.63, barrels are often worn but if you reload cast bullets at .313 often shoot well.
8. There are only 2 other guns that get as much attention at the range, Lugers and Tommy Guns. Be warned
And you will get the urge to wear a monocle and speak with a Prussian accent when no one is around! Have fun, Broomies are great!

Trailrider:
Aw, you don't have to wear a monocle and speak mit a Cherman accent. Broomhandles were popular with Army officers in the Phillipines during the Insurrection. Think about it...muzzle velocity was almost on a par with an M-1 Carbine, and a heckova lot better at stopping Moro tribesmen than a .38LC! The grandfather of a WWII buddy of my Dad packed one over there in the early part of the 20th Century. 

Professor Marvel:
It was the favorite of Winston Churchill too...

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Long Johns Wolf:
Thanks for the list DCK.
The Broomhandles aka Mauser C96 could be had in three regular production calibers back in the days: 7,63 Mauser, 9 mm Mauser (straight case) and the 9x19.
Admittedly the 9 mm Mauser is a rare beast, way more powerful than the 9x19.
Long Johns Wolf

DeaconKC:

--- Quote from: Long Johns Wolf on September 24, 2020, 03:36:30 AM ---Thanks for the list DCK.
The Broomhandles aka Mauser C96 could be had in three regular production calibers back in the days: 7,63 Mauser, 9 mm Mauser (straight case) and the 9x19.
Admittedly the 9 mm Mauser is a rare beast, way more powerful than the 9x19.
Long Johns Wolf

--- End quote ---
You are quite right! Completely slipped past my 4 brain cells!

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