Mauser C96 Pistol

Mauser C96 pistol, 1896 model, 7.63 mm (0.3") caliber, with rear safety lever, safety catch ring for hanging, and removable wooden stock (in walnut), which doubled up as a holster. Multiple models were manufactured: automatic (machine gun), semi-automatic, and a version that could switch between the two. Invented and designed by the German Paul Mauser and manufactured by the Waffenfabrik Mauser in Oberndorf (Germany), production began in 1896 but was interrupted in 1918. Production resumed in 1932, but was shut down for good in 1945. It was the weapon of choice for the Russian Imperial Army from the early 19th century, as well as a regulation gun in the German Army. It was widely used throughout both World Wars, during which its high quality and precision was proven. However, its complicated mechanisms required substantial adjustment and fine-tuning, making it very slow and costly to produce.