Mauser Guns Collectors Forum

Pistols => C96 / C12 Broomhandle => Topic started by: Osmosis on November 19, 2020, 06:41:39 PM

Title: When to retire my M30 due to wear?
Post by: Osmosis on November 19, 2020, 06:41:39 PM
  I have 4 images in the link below showing wear near the slide stop on my M30.


  A pair of images shows a straight-edge against both sides of the rear of the barrel extension, one side is straight but the bolt stop side shows slight bowing. The other two pictures show a little peening in the slide stop opening.


  If anyone knows how to judge if a C96 is past its shooting lifetime please look and comment. Thanks!



https://www.flickr.com/gp/191084667@N04/3012jb (https://www.flickr.com/gp/191084667@N04/3012jb)


P.S. I don't yet know how to put the image directly into my posts, any advice appreciated.
Title: Re: When to retire my M30 due to wear?
Post by: gauffin561@gmail.com on January 04, 2021, 07:32:47 PM
As you have noted, this condition is not normal.  The only C96 pistols I have seen with this bowing have had a lot of use with a weak recoil spring, or have been fired with 7.62x25 Soviet ammo (which is too hot for a broomhandle).  This condition is serious and potentially dangerous if the bolt does not close fully due to the bowing.  You need to have this checked by someone who knows what they are looking at.  I have corrected this problem before by TIG welding the bolt window and removing enough of the bowing to ensure the bolt engages the locking block fully.  Happy to look at it for you if you bring it to me in New Hampshire.  (There would be no charge, since I'm a retired gunsmith)