Need Help with C96 Problem

Freischütz · 08-24-2017, 01:52 PM

After a shot with my C96 the lock mechanism frame slid backwards about ½” out of the pistol’s frame. I removed the lock frame but didn’t see any broken parts. I did note that the two springs on the hammer pivot pin didn’t apply much pressure to either the sear or the takedown latch. I reassembled the pistol and with the takedown latch in the locked position fired again. Nothing came out of the frame but the takedown latch pivoted up about 1/3rd of its full depth.

I would like to know if this is just a problem caused by the weak spring or if there are other problems I should consider.

DonVoigt · 08-24-2017, 03:44 PM

Weak spring or worn notch, or both.

George Anderson · 08-24-2017, 05:20 PM

What kind of ammunition are you shooting?

Freischütz · 08-25-2017, 01:50 PM

I'm shooting a reload 7.3 gr of HS-6 and a 94 gr cast bullet. Average velocity is 1228 fps.

sheepherder · 08-25-2017, 02:07 PM

I had that problem with a weak sear spring/hammer pivot. Alvin fixed me up with a good spring and that fixed the problem.

But beware of Numrich sear springs. They are either inferior steel or not hardened properly. YMMV.

alvin · 08-25-2017, 05:59 PM

This problem happens frequently on Chinese imported C96s, due to worn parts. Replace the lock frame latch and V spring should resolve this.

08-24-2017, 01:52 PM	#1
Freischütz User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Eastern Washington Posts: 125 Thanks: 9 Thanked 26 Times in 19 Posts	Need Help with C96 Problem After a shot with my C96 the lock mechanism frame slid backwards about ½” out of the pistol’s frame. I removed the lock frame but didn’t see any broken parts. I did note that the two springs on the hammer pivot pin didn’t apply much pressure to either the sear or the takedown latch. I reassembled the pistol and with the takedown latch in the locked position fired again. Nothing came out of the frame but the takedown latch pivoted up about 1/3rd of its full depth. I would like to know if this is just a problem caused by the weak spring or if there are other problems I should consider.

08-24-2017, 03:44 PM	#2
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,681 Thanks: 1,441 Thanked 4,350 Times in 2,040 Posts	Weak spring or worn notch, or both. __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

08-25-2017, 02:07 PM	#5
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,182 Thanks: 1,400 Thanked 4,442 Times in 2,330 Posts	I had that problem with a weak sear spring/hammer pivot. Alvin fixed me up with a good spring and that fixed the problem. But beware of Numrich sear springs. They are either inferior steel or not hardened properly. YMMV. __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

08-24-2017, 05:20 PM	#3
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,528 Times in 787 Posts	What kind of ammunition are you shooting?

08-25-2017, 01:50 PM	#4
Freischütz User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Eastern Washington Posts: 125 Thanks: 9 Thanked 26 Times in 19 Posts	I'm shooting a reload 7.3 gr of HS-6 and a 94 gr cast bullet. Average velocity is 1228 fps.

08-25-2017, 05:59 PM	#6
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	This problem happens frequently on Chinese imported C96s, due to worn parts. Replace the lock frame latch and V spring should resolve this.