Mauser C96 Bolt Stop Hole Deformation Question

milesc2 · 12-21-2016, 09:32 PM

I recently purchased a C96 Bolo Mauser SN: 469828, it appears to have been re-blued and re-bored at some point in its long life. It is all matching numbers except the bolt and bolt stop. I have fitted a new safety and re fitted magazine follower (it would not feed the last round). But now I have a question regarding the bolt stop hole. The back edge of the frame is straight as an arrow but the rear face of bolt stop hole has a slight bulge. I wanted to get the forums consensus on the safety of firing this pistol. I think it will most likely be fine as I have been looking at a lot of early Bolo Mauser photos online and most of them seem to have this same bulge. What do you guys think?
Also, I know to never shoot 7.62x25mm and I plan on replacing all springs with new ones from Wolf. But I do not know if I should opt for the 10% stronger springs or not.

Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks in advance!

Wolf Springs:
https://www.gunsprings.com/MAUSER/1896-1912 (BROOMHANDLE)/cID1/mID40/dID172

kurusu · 12-22-2016, 02:38 PM

I think it's potencially unsafe. Who did the refinish job must have also straightened out, the probably also bulged, rear end.

So I gess that area has been stressed and it can fail at any moment.
I wouldn't risk it . I like my face the way it is.

Curss · 12-22-2016, 08:29 PM

I have to agree with Kurusu, if it doesn't look right, don't chance it. Other's will chime in soon, Alvin seems to be the resident C96 expert on the forum. Lugerdoc might have some springs available that would be a better choice if your not comfortable with the 10% stronger springs.

Olle · 12-22-2016, 10:15 PM

The previous owner could have been one of those who say that it's safe to shoot Russian 7.62×25mm in a C96. I don't know how many times I have heard comments like "There's no difference", "I have been doing it for years", "You're just overly cautious" etc, etc...

sheepherder · 12-22-2016, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milesc2

...I have a question regarding the bolt stop hole. The back edge of the frame is straight as an arrow but the rear face of bolt stop hole has a slight bulge. I wanted to get the forums consensus on the safety of firing this pistol.

This has actually been discussed here before, with pictures...If you do a Search for Bolt Stop and Alvin you should turn up some good poop...

Here's one -

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=21692

Quote:

Originally Posted by kurusu

I wouldn't risk it . I like my face the way it is.

You mean all in one piece, right???

kurusu · 12-23-2016, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepherder

You mean all in one piece, right???

Yup!

milesc2 · 12-23-2016, 12:20 PM

Thanks for all of the good advice guys!

kurusu · 12-23-2016, 01:38 PM

This is how it should look like. And even then, considering this particular one is 106 years old, I don't push my luck much.
And remember. The most important spring in a C96 is the main spring. The recoil spring only closes the bolt.

12-21-2016, 09:32 PM	#1
milesc2 User Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Kansas City Posts: 214 Thanks: 328 Thanked 249 Times in 66 Posts	Mauser C96 Bolt Stop Hole Deformation Question I recently purchased a C96 Bolo Mauser SN: 469828, it appears to have been re-blued and re-bored at some point in its long life. It is all matching numbers except the bolt and bolt stop. I have fitted a new safety and re fitted magazine follower (it would not feed the last round). But now I have a question regarding the bolt stop hole. The back edge of the frame is straight as an arrow but the rear face of bolt stop hole has a slight bulge. I wanted to get the forums consensus on the safety of firing this pistol. I think it will most likely be fine as I have been looking at a lot of early Bolo Mauser photos online and most of them seem to have this same bulge. What do you guys think? Also, I know to never shoot 7.62x25mm and I plan on replacing all springs with new ones from Wolf. But I do not know if I should opt for the 10% stronger springs or not. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks in advance! Wolf Springs: https://www.gunsprings.com/MAUSER/1896-1912 (BROOMHANDLE)/cID1/mID40/dID172 Attached Thumbnails

12-22-2016, 08:29 PM	#3
Curss User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 307 Thanks: 304 Thanked 98 Times in 75 Posts	I have to agree with Kurusu, if it doesn't look right, don't chance it. Other's will chime in soon, Alvin seems to be the resident C96 expert on the forum. Lugerdoc might have some springs available that would be a better choice if your not comfortable with the 10% stronger springs. __________________ -Chris

12-22-2016, 10:15 PM	#4
Olle User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,149 Thanks: 159 Thanked 664 Times in 318 Posts	The previous owner could have been one of those who say that it's safe to shoot Russian 7.62×25mm in a C96. I don't know how many times I have heard comments like "There's no difference", "I have been doing it for years", "You're just overly cautious" etc, etc... __________________ Deer Hollow Enterprises, LLC Gun repair and restoration

12-23-2016, 01:38 PM	#8
kurusu User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,225 Thanks: 2,679 Thanked 930 Times in 509 Posts	This is how it should look like. And even then, considering this particular one is 106 years old, I don't push my luck much. And remember. The most important spring in a C96 is the main spring. The recoil spring only closes the bolt. Attached Thumbnails

12-22-2016, 02:38 PM	#2
kurusu User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,225 Thanks: 2,679 Thanked 930 Times in 509 Posts	I think it's potencially unsafe. Who did the refinish job must have also straightened out, the probably also bulged, rear end. So I gess that area has been stressed and it can fail at any moment. I wouldn't risk it . I like my face the way it is.

12-23-2016, 12:20 PM	#7
milesc2 User Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Kansas City Posts: 214 Thanks: 328 Thanked 249 Times in 66 Posts	Thanks for all of the good advice guys!