Gunsmith for Broomhandle

foggbird · Dec 28, 2016

I have a Mauser Broomhandle with what I think is a broken safety. The hammer stays in a cocked position while the safety lever swings back and forth freely. I understand that it is not difficult to disassemble a Broomhandle, but I don't have the expertise to do the repair myself. I'd also like a smith to check out the rest of the gun to be sure it is safe. So I need a gunsmith who is familiar with Broomhandles. I have tried to reach smiths who specialize in them, only to find out they aren't in business any more. Any ideas?

Walter Rego · Dec 28, 2016

There are several variations of safety levers that were used during the C96's production span. I would first get a positive ID on what you need and then find the correct part. There are a couple of very well done disassembly/assembly videos on Youtube. Here are a couple to watch:

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7Y1dAtQXug[/ame]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZOEPZN_6W0[/ame]

Once you get it apart and detailed cleaned, examine the bolt for cracks and especially the bolt stop. Check the bolt face for heavy pitting, an oversize firing pin hole or signs that it has been piercing primers. Check the firing pin tip for proper shape. It's probably a good idea to order a set of new Wolff springs as long as you have it apart. Whatever you do, make sure that you don't install the rocker coupling backwards, the crescent shaped part needs to point towards the muzzle. Check the takedown latch for cracks and proper operation, i.e. that it moves back downward and locks the subassembly securely within the receiver.
If you have one of the heavily used imported guns from China that came in back in the 1990's you may want to have a pro go through it. Otherwise it's not a difficult one to take apart and look for obvious issues.
Edited to add: There was a place known as The Broom Closet or The Gun Rack in Florida that specialized in reworking and repairing broomhandles but I am not sure if he is still in business. I was unable to find an online listing for them.

nicky4968 · Dec 28, 2016

Go to 1896mauser.com. there is much information on identification and disassembly/reassembly.

My other favorite site.

moralem · Dec 28, 2016

Look up LUGERMAN in Pennsylvania. Some people hate him others like me have him do all my work on my Lugers and broomhandle. He does work from minor fixes to full blown refurbish. He works at his own pace so if you need fast forget it. If you need excellent work you will get it but it takes time. Read all the pros and cons and then decide. I took my chances and they have paid off well for me.

Examples of his work at the full refurbish level.

foggbird · Dec 31, 2016

Walter Rego, thanks for the information, but I still need a gunsmith who can work on Broomhandles. I do have a Chinese Broomhandle from the '90's, and I want to have it checked over before I fire it.

Unfortunately, Thomas Thurman of The Broomcloset died recently, and Jim Green of Downeast Gun Works is now making more money driving a gravel truck than he did gunsmithing. I did talk to Luger Man, but he scared me off, quote a bunch of prices that were 2 or 3 times the value of the gun. Not a good way to start any kind of relationship.

So I'm back where I started from, needing a gunsmith. I wish I had the background and education to do it myself, but I'll have to wait for the next reincarnation or the 2nd Coming to be able to do that. I am open to any suggestions at this point. I do plan to talk to Redman when he opens up on Monday to see if he can do the repair or send me to somebody who can. He does reline or bore out Broomhandle barrels so he is knowledable.

John

foggbird · Jan 3, 2017

I am about ready to despair. I've posted on every forum that I can think of, including Gun Boards. So far I've gotten directed to YouTube for directions on disassembling Broomhandles or references to The Broomcloset where the owner has died recently. I still need a gunsmith who is knowledgeable about Broomhandles. Isn't there anyone who can direct me to such a person?

moralem · Jan 3, 2017

I listed some other names on your other posting but another member kept saying that the smiths I mentioned did not do repairs.......sorry I tried. At this point you might want to talk to Eugene again and just ask him to do the safety work. It can't hurt to try.....because in the end if you do nothing you have exactly what you have a, a non functioning broomhandle.

You might consider selling it, just a thought.

foggbird · Dec 14, 2018

Time to Sell My Broomhandle

I've been thinking that just having it but not being able to shoot it is not what I want. Maybe I should just pass it on to somebody who would like to take on a project, somebody with more mechanical skills than I have. I did at one point fire one shot with it, but I have never been able to duplicate that. I have no idea of what sort of price to ask. I live in S.E. North Carolina and would be happy to show somebody it before deciding whether or not to buy it.

jag22 · Dec 17, 2018

It's been a couple of decades since I fiddled with my Broomhandle but it really isn't that tricky, especially with those videos.
What makes you think the safety is broken, other than it is flopping around? With just minimal disassembly you should get an idea of what is wrong and maybe clue you in as to what style safety you have so you can start looking for one. It may be just that easy. What do you expect a gunsmith to do about it being safe to fire. I guess they would basically look for any broken parts, check to make sure everything is moving okay (not binding up) and do a good lube job. I doubt they do any metallurgy test. Hope I haven't offended any GS.
I don't shoot mine that often but it is fun. Always gets a little attention at the range, doesn't sound like most other pistols. My range officer came down to look and said "I thought sounded like a Broomhandle".

DB404 · Dec 30, 2018

It's getting harder and harder to find really good smiths familiar with Mausers, Springfields, Lugers, etc. Just like the guys who brought them back, they're mostly gone. Like others have said, a C96 is easy to tear down and inspect. Watch the YouTube videos, put some news paper on your foot stool and have at it. Then, clean the bore and all the parts, lightly oil, and decide if the gun is worth investing any money in. If it's part numbers match and the bore is good, it is.
Dave

robertrwalsh · Dec 30, 2018

I know it is out of your area but I have had Ken Genecco in Stockton, CA work on several Lugers and one Broomhandle for me. He is not fast but his prices are reasonable and he is VERY good at what he does.

Gunsmith for Broomhandle

foggbird

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Walter Rego

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nicky4968

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moralem

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foggbird

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foggbird

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moralem

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foggbird

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jag22

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DB404

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robertrwalsh

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