You did not answer my question, but I think I figured it out with more reading and looking at the pictures. Please correct me if I'm wrong:
If you pull the bolt far enough back, the hammer catches on the protrusion on the bottom of the bolt and holds it _on its own_.
This is not something that happens on mine (I have to pull the trigger and drop the hammer for it to catch) and I do not believe it is supposed to happen. The hammer locks back in a position that is too low (I assume it locks)? I don't know if this is an indication of a mechanical problem... but once again this is certainly a different behaviour than what I'm seeing.
This could be a difference in bolt length, of course without them both on hand to mic the bolts this is speculation at the moment. Another of the many variations during the initial development of the C-96 was known as 'long extractor' and 'short extractor' which did lead to some variation of the bolt, barrel assembly, and ejection port sizing.
Keep in mind that these were hand machined and parts were individually fitted to the pistol, which is why a fully matching C-96 and one that isn't matching can behave a little differently. Especially during takedown and re-assembly, matching pistols are buttery smooth to takedown and re-assemble, where as non matched pistols can be problematic and require some tricks that would make Macguyver proud
. A non matched bolt can cause slightly different mechanical behavior if not fitted properly.
Also, your second set of pictures that shows the front part of the bolt seems to show a gap between the bolt face and the chamber edge. Can c96s have headspacing issues? That gap would worry me if that was my c96...
On closer inspection you're correct, that gap can likely be closed with a firm tap on the rear of the bolt, much like a forward assist on a rifle. If that clears the issue this is a sure sign of dire need for a spring replacement, something that should be done prior to shooting for the sake of safety. While replacing the springs I would do the bolt spring, firing pin spring (this requires fitting), lockwork mainspring, and since you've now upgraded everything the mag spring as well just to make sure it keeps up with the rest of the new springs. Of course Del already has new springs on order, so we'll see if that clears this gap up.
Otherwise if a spring replacement doesn't clear the issue then it'd be interesting to note if the bolt matches the pistol. If not it could require further fitting, another issue that should be cleared up prior to pulling the trigger on a live round.
