My first C96

alvin · 02-11-2012, 06:17 PM

It's actually not my first C96. I played some importer marked ones, even tried to find a gunsmith with business name "Mentor Arms" who had done quality bore relining work. Unfortunately, I could not find him, probably retired at that time. I sold those guns.

It's not even my first C96 in good original shape. But it's the first one survived. I read somewhere a collector saying that he found his first few Lugers were all refurbished after he gained knowledge. I was fortunate enough to avoid that, but most earlier acquired guns in collection were sold later because I got better ones. But this one survived. It's a very common C96 with minor honest wear, I met many better ones later, but I did not upgrade because this particular instance has a special position in my mind.

Neil Young · 02-11-2012, 06:47 PM

Alvin, you may have met better ones, but they would have to be very nice to beat this one--a great looking pistol.

Neil

alvin · 02-11-2012, 07:21 PM

Thanks Neil. It's my first C96 that I really loved. That's special.

padredan · 02-11-2012, 08:10 PM

great looking c 96, be hard to beat this one

alvin · 02-11-2012, 08:28 PM

I guess it's made in 1915. The finish is more military like, but better done than those 1916 Red 9's. Another thing special about this one: it's the first time I saw a C96 with real nice bore. The bore of all others I had played earlier were like moon surface. It's a gem for me at that time and at now.

Douglas Jr. · 02-13-2012, 07:48 AM

It's a beauty, Alvin!
You know, sometimes the beauty is in simple things.
We don't need only ultra rare guns to be happy.
Confratulations!
Douglas

alvin · 02-13-2012, 08:09 AM

Doug, thanks!

Since more people are interested in C96s now, I keep saying: starting from a common variation. Not only they are more affordable and more available, there is one important reason: it's those common variations made this gun world famous in history, not those rarely seen ones. Gradually going towards scarce ones.

====

A video of a few years old. Enjoy!

http://archives.gunsandammo.com/vide...-pistol-c-1896

02-11-2012, 06:17 PM	#1
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	My first C96 It's actually not my first C96. I played some importer marked ones, even tried to find a gunsmith with business name "Mentor Arms" who had done quality bore relining work. Unfortunately, I could not find him, probably retired at that time. I sold those guns. It's not even my first C96 in good original shape. But it's the first one survived. I read somewhere a collector saying that he found his first few Lugers were all refurbished after he gained knowledge. I was fortunate enough to avoid that, but most earlier acquired guns in collection were sold later because I got better ones. But this one survived. It's a very common C96 with minor honest wear, I met many better ones later, but I did not upgrade because this particular instance has a special position in my mind. Attached Thumbnails

02-11-2012, 06:47 PM	#2
Neil Young Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Scottsboro, Alabama Posts: 546 Thanks: 559 Thanked 442 Times in 168 Posts	Alvin, you may have met better ones, but they would have to be very nice to beat this one--a great looking pistol. Neil __________________ Neil The hurrier I go the behinder I get. Sometimes it takes me all day to get nothing done.

02-11-2012, 07:21 PM	#3
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	Thanks Neil. It's my first C96 that I really loved. That's special.

02-11-2012, 08:10 PM	#4
padredan User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: louisiana Now, but from the Rebublic of Texas Posts: 937 Thanks: 429 Thanked 316 Times in 182 Posts	great looking c 96, be hard to beat this one

02-11-2012, 08:28 PM	#5
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	I guess it's made in 1915. The finish is more military like, but better done than those 1916 Red 9's. Another thing special about this one: it's the first time I saw a C96 with real nice bore. The bore of all others I had played earlier were like moon surface. It's a gem for me at that time and at now.

02-13-2012, 07:48 AM	#6
Douglas Jr. User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: South America Posts: 948 Thanks: 598 Thanked 584 Times in 254 Posts	It's a beauty, Alvin! You know, sometimes the beauty is in simple things. We don't need only ultra rare guns to be happy. Confratulations! Douglas

02-13-2012, 08:09 AM	#7
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	Doug, thanks! Since more people are interested in C96s now, I keep saying: starting from a common variation. Not only they are more affordable and more available, there is one important reason: it's those common variations made this gun world famous in history, not those rarely seen ones. Gradually going towards scarce ones. ==== A video of a few years old. Enjoy! http://archives.gunsandammo.com/vide...-pistol-c-1896