Antique Status Mauser C96 Restoration

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cdnskier

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Hello everyone,

I would like some opinions on the restoration of an antique status Mauser C96 broomhandle.

The bore has frosted pitting throughout with some visible rifling left (no original rust), would maybe rate as a "good" condition barrel. I want to keep this as a shooter for the bush and was wondering if relining the bore with a new sleeve would be detrimental to the value or would it be a good idea; it won't be obvious that it's sleeved to the naked eye. It's also missing the lanyard ring and has already been refinished on the outside, it's missing it's original stock and has a reproduction one, grips are a bit chipped. Was thinking about Vulcan gun refinishing to do the job.

I was also thinking about getting new Wolff Springs. I was wondering if you would recommend sticking with factory standard springs or getting the stronger plus 5% or plus 10% springs instead. I was told that the bolt would be harder to retract with the stronger springs. I also read online that it would be a good idea to replace the bolt locking block with a modern repro for safer shooting. Of course I would keep all the original parts on the side if I ever decide to sell her.

Cheers and thanks for your advice
 
I'd say go for it for the reproduction parts, having them won't hurt.

As for relining it, is it currently so inaccurate as to warrant one? Most barrels will still shoot fine even with pitting, relining may not even help accuracy.
 
Have you tried shooting it with the barrel as is to see how it performs? I only ask as mine (Pre war non antique) has a very poor bore but is still very accurate.
When you say bolt locking block, could you mean the bolt stop? Numrich gun parts has reproductions of those (it is part number 4 in their diagram). The bolt stop and the part of the upper assembly at the back right is usually the part people are concerned about. If this is distorted and/or the bolt stop fails the bolt can come out while shooting but if the frame and the bolt stop look to be in good shape (not bent) it is likely ok. If you need to look into it further looking up the issues with shooting tokarev/hotter ammo in the pistols will bring up pictures of the place in question.

As for the locking block that locks into the underside of the bolt and unlocks after the first bit of barrel recoiling, I haven't personally heard of wear of that part with the upper being a common problem, and that parts interchangability can be hit or miss with them. If you are swapping that it would be good to get an expert to check into that. I have also seen complete upper assemblies for sale from time to time (Rarely though), if you need to reline the barrel and everything that might be the better option and comparable price wise. Once again, they may not fit perfectly so caution may be advised.

Numrich also has spare grips that appear to be well made.

I used the regular wolff replacement springs in mine and shoot mostly lighter reloads (85 grains at 1100 fps) with good results but have also used PPU ammo and it cycled well with those as well. The slightly more powerful springs would probably be easier on the frame over the long term and wouldn't make it much harder to manually cycle. Only issue would be if they were too stiff to cycle whatever type of ammo you intend to run but I doubt that.

One thing to be aware of is the earlier C96's went through some design changes over time and some parts may differ. I think it is mostly with the hammer shape and safety assembly though so likely wouldn't affect what you are looking to do. The locking block itself (not bolt stop) did change from 1 lug to 2, etc... but well under the first thousand had that so likely not a factor. Just something worth quickly double checking before ordering any parts. C&Rsenal on youtube has several videos on C96's including some of the earlier ones and what changed if that is interesting/useful.

Nick from Vulcan is excellent to talk to as an aside, calling him and asking if he's any experience with them in particular and what he would reccomend couldn't hurt. He's helped me with parts and servicing a less common rifle before.
 
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