Several years ago, I acquired a Broomhandle Mauser BOLO from a local gun collector for $250. in fair condition. This BOLO was from China and had arrived here in the late 1980's by way of CAI importers. It had seen much and been through much gauging its condition at time of purchase. The former owner had purchased it and put it away in a safe, never to be seen again. He ran across it, several years later, while looking for another arm and decided to sell it. I would subsequently become the new owner. I replaced the worn grips with new repos and lamented the bore. It was well worn and typical of the Broomhandle imports that came from China but it was a "real" Broomhandle. Oiled it, cleaned it and discovered that the safety latch was missing. I don't think the former owner noticed because both of us were not well schooled Broomhandle collectors. I put the BOLO up and would bring it out from time to time to admire and study. I found this Mauser arm had a fascinating history. Also only one screw in the whole set-up and that being the grip screw. Kinda remind me of the "rubik cube" the way the parts fitting interlaced with each other to make a complete BOLO. The name BOLO and how that came into being was all an interesting study in firearms history.

The Chinese looked upon ownership of a Broomhandle much like some of us would a Rolex watch. A Chinese Officer of General Chiang Kai Shek was well regarded by his peers should he be in possession of the Broomhandle. Winston Churchill packed a Broomhandle in the Boer War skirmishes he was in and was a very proud owner. I will post pictures later today of my BOLO. It is not a pristine collector piece, just one that saw much action in China in pre-war and post-war times. I count myself fortunate to own such a historical firearm even one brought off the battlefield. I invested in some research material by way of the book on Broomhandle Mausers by R.J. Berger and by the time I finished this great read, it become apparent that the Broomhandle is a legend unto itself!

David

Thanks David for posting your Broomhandle story. I really enjoyed and now I look forward to your pics.

An elderly friend of mine who has passed on had one. I used to admire it greatly. It had a special box with holster and other items, a complete package. I think his wife sold it for a considerable sum a number of years ago.

__________________
I'm gonna grow fins.

Mauser C96 are probably my only grail gun. Unfortunately I don't know enough about them to know if I'm buying a good one or just paying for the fact that they are collectable. And those that are clearly in good condition are out of my price range.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

I bought a number of those China import C96 pistols in the late 80's and early 90's. They were initially priced at $100 for most of them with a few choice pieces going for more.
The $250 todays price tag is probably about $50 in late '80s money. Inflation has really beaten us into the ground.

The pistols make good shooters even with their mostly iffy bores. I used to replace the springs with a C96 spring-pak from Wolf. Check the TD latch and make sure it's engagement is secure, and the slide recoil block isn't battered to heck.

I had a WW2 bring back late Bolo model w/the capture papers from an Army Sgt stationed in the Pacific. There was a Japanese flag and a 'sword' also but the dog tore the flag up and the kids used the 'sword' for play over the years and finally broke it in half and it was thrown away.
I sold the C96 after owning it for many years.
As usual, it seemed like a large amt that I got for it at the time but..wish I had it back now!

Good idea to replace the recoil spring with one from Woolf. This is the long spring that goes around the firing pin, not the short one wound around the tip. Also check that the extreme rear of the barrel extension on the right, behind the bolt stop, is not peened out to the rear. This often happens with too many rounds of SMG ammo being fired in them. Your pistol almost certainly has an intertwined NS on the back of the hammer, This means 'new safety', and is the most common type of Mauser safety; they are available from Gun Parts Corp, and probably other places. Probably no hand fitting will be required.

I remember that a friend and I ordered a couple of Chinese broomhandle Mausers from CAI in the early 1990s. When looking down the barrel it was a long dark tunnel. We returned them.

Haven't forgot to post pictures and hope this is accomplished todays date. The Broomhandle holds a fascinating history as well as some craftsmanship rivaled only by the P-08 Luger. For myself, to own one, even one in rough condition, is a treasure. I aim to follow my friends suggestions in regards to the springs. Since my recent retirement, I've got of little more time now to devote to this BOLO. Dang, I'm handling this arm now as I type and love the profile, its operation, the craftsmanship, and its history. It really charges my battery getting this firearm out for serious refurbishment.

David

I'm a fan of turn of the century autos. The C-96 is one of my favorites.

Here's mine (Thinking about putting it up for sale). Took it in trade.

Here's mine (Thinking about putting it up for sale)

Looks to me like it is already for sale???

RugerForum.com • View topic - For sale: Oldie and Goodie in WA State

__________________
"Tastes just like chicken"

I got one a couple months ago. It was stripped down to parts, kind of a
"kit gun". Hasn't been together since some one snuck it home from WW2
7.63 sewed up in the sleeve of old army shirt. I'm missing some parts &
no grips, but what I have is in excellent shape. Got a bullet mold off
Cyrano and already cast up a few hundred. Have 3 boxes of old Rem ammo to shoot before I have to load.

"Here's mine (Thinking about putting it up for sale)

Looks to me like it is already for sale???"

Didn't want to post something from another forum over here. Sold Pending Funds.