Your Preferred C96 Loading Style

[calibrator]

Hello Broomhandle shooters. I would have posted this on the 1896 Mauser forum owned by "Nemo", but it is now completely over-run with Porno-spammers and there seems to be NO administrator to fix it. Too bad as this is a great site for vast Broomhandle knowlege. I see alot of the posters there also post here and they probably feel the same as I.... ??? ANYWAY, I just recieved a nice M-30 in 7.63 cal and am having some trouble "smoothly" loading it via the stripper clip. All the instructions I've found state just locking the bolt back on the follower, inserting the loaded clip and squeeze the rounds into the mag well. I find this approach to be impossible. I'm a big guy 6ft 210lbs have VERY large hands and train with weights 5 days a week so strength or dexterity is not an issue. This piece is in excellent condition, #s matching, well cleaned and oiled, mag follower and spring fit well and move freely. My first thought was the bolt resting on the follower was almost locking the follower in place. Therefor I tried pulling the bolt back, off the follower while pushing the rounds in, can do it but not gracefully or safely. Once the first round enters the mag well the others follow nicely. I get the best results by loading and pushing just 3 rounds to get the 1st in and the bolt freed from the follower. Unless I'm doing something wrong or there IS a mechanical issue, I can't see why anyone, anywhere would use this weapon for the 1st half of the 20th century ( as they surely did ) as a combat weapon. Please share your loading experience or thoughts about mechanical issues here ( I don't want to modify any parts until some need to comes to light ). Best Regards!! Joe