Need help on Mauser C-96 purchase

[East03]

I have been looking at a C-96 carbine (7.63mm?) with a 15-16" barrel for sale. A cursory inspection showed it to be in reasonably decent shape. It's German made and not some Chinese warlord knockoff. If I get serious about it, what should I be looking for in terms of troublespots? Any advice you can offer is welcomed.

 

[MTF]

It's a little hard to believe you've found a C-96 carbine that's not a copy of some sort. They're pretty rare and pretty pricey. If you've found one, grab it. If you're thinking of shooting it, get a manual off the internet, take the thing apart, and look for any fractures in the metal of the internal parts. They're pretty rugged pieces and most likely you'll be OK. Still, you never know what they've been through. Take it apart and check for fractures. If you're near a good gunsmith, ask him to do it. Good luck with it.

 

[OneBarfly]

Federal Ordnance in California made a whack of carbines in the 80's out of German shot-out C96's found in China stores. They spliced-on new barrels and carbine buttstocks.

Price would be the same as a shooter IMO. If it is a rare and original carbine, it would be worth megabucks.