C96

The Mauser C96, commonly known simply as the C96, is a semi-automatic pistol produced by the German firm Mauser from 1896 into the early 20th century. It is one of the first mass-produced self-loading pistols and became widely known for its distinctive design and long service life, appearing in many conflicts and eras.

Design and features: The C96 uses a grip that gives it a distinctive broom-handle appearance. It fires the 7.63×25mm Mauser cartridge in its standard configuration, though some variants were chambered for other calibers. The pistol uses a box magazine located in front of the trigger, typically loaded from stripper clips. A common variant is the carbine model, which adds a longer barrel and a detachable wooden shoulder stock that folds under the barrel, enabling shoulder-fired use.

Operational history: The C96 was adopted by the German army during World War I and subsequently exported widely. It saw use by many forces in the interwar period, and even outside Europe it appeared in the hands of soldiers, police, and insurgents. Its unusual grip, integrated stock, and forward magazine configuration contributed to its distinctive look and reputation.

Legacy: The C96 is considered one of the most recognizable pistols from the early days of automatic handguns and influenced later pistol designs. It remains a prominent subject in arms history and collecting.