Opportunity for Post-War Broomhandle

[mattwong92]

So i've been looking for a broom handle for a long time now, and finally have the opportunity to buy one locally for 450. Just wanted to ask some people that actually own one to see if this is a good deal or I am I just throwing money in the wind for this. I've attached some pictures from the ad.
He says the rifling is worn and thats ok with me (might get it redone in the future). But one thing I am concerned about is in the last picture you might see it looks like the barrel extension is deformed behind the bolt stop. Is that a big concern?
Thanks

[George Anderson]

Someone's been shooting high powered Russian ammo with this pistol.

[alanint]

I agree with George. This had had some Tokarev/PPSH ammo through it and as such, has been deformed. The Bolt stop may also be cracked or crystalized. This gun is now a danger to shoot unless completely gone over by someone who knows his business.

Remember that with this design, a failure in this area plants a bolt traveling at high speed right between your eyes.

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by alanint

I agree with George. This had had some Tokarev/PPSH ammo through it and as such, has been deformed. The Bolt stop may also be cracked or crystalized. This gun is now a danger to shoot...

I agree with Doug agreeing with George.

It is also a 'Bolo', which is not exactly the textbook definition of a 'Broomhandle' (if there is such a thing). Barrel is shorter than a C96 and the grip is smaller. IMO, much less desirable than a C96 Broomhandle.

(Also, those grips are junk)

[mattwong92]

So if it were your money would it be worth 450 even in parts? /:

[Terry Tiell]

Meh for $450 I'd buy it just to have even if just for parts for a future buy. That or with a few add ons and a Wookiee you can be Han Solo.

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by mattwong92

So if it were your money would it be worth 450 even in parts? /:

I'm not sure if your question is directed to me/Doug/George, but No, it is not worth $450 in parts to me (I have a box of C96 parts). The frame has the small Bolo grip, and the Bolo barrel is part of the receiver and is not desirable to me...that's the two main parts, the rest would likely be interchangeable between the Bolo and the C96, but I don't need them. Others here (like Alvin) like Bolos; I don't, and would not own one. I'm a Broomhandle snob.

(I have a C96 and an M30, both Broomhandles).

Just my own personal preference; I'm an accumulator, not a collector. I only own what I like the looks of. And I don't like Bolos.

[Terry Tiell]

Originally Posted by postino

I'm not sure if your question is directed to me/Doug/George, but No, it is not worth $450 in parts to me (I have a box of C96 parts). The frame has the small Bolo grip, and the Bolo barrel is part of the receiver and is not desirable to me...that's the two main parts, the rest would likely be interchangeable between the Bolo and the C96, but I don't need them. Others here (like Alvin) like Bolos; I don't, and would not own one. I'm a Broomhandle snob.

Just my own personal preference; I'm an accumulator, not a collector. I only own what I like the looks of. And I don't like Bolos.

Well since you don't want em I'll PM you my address.

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by Terry Tiell

Well since you don't want em I'll PM you my address.

If I come across any Bolos, I'll contact you.

[mattwong92]

Thanks guys a lot of helpful information. I'm going to see if I can get a price decrease but I think I'm still going to pick it up.
Thanks!
-Matthew

[sheepherder]

If you're looking for points to lower the price, ask to remove the grips. Mauser pistols of this type invariably have severely pitted steel under the grips. And the grips themselves, too - Home made...

There are several choices as to fixing the smooth bore. There is at least one place that relines them (The Broom Closet) and possibly also Redmans...Or the barrel can be cut off and a threaded replacement fitted...

It would make a nice desk decoration just as it is...