The development history of the Mauser C96 Broomhandle pistol spanned more than 40 years from its introduction to discontinuation, with a total of 36 models produced
Mar 14, 2026
Did you know? The Mauser pistol series, widely known as the "Box Cannon" and "Broomhandle" pistol, was first introduced as a prototype in 1895 and discontinued in 1939. Over more than 40 years of development, the series spawned no fewer than 36 variants. In this article, we will take a look at all models of the Mauser C96 pistol.
I.The 10-round Prototype
Although it is known as the Mauser C96 or Mauser M1896, the pistol was not actually introduced in 1896. That was merely its official adoption date, while the prototype was completed in 1895.
The prototype already featured the general outline of the Mauser C96, but with a simpler appearance. It lacked a rear sight on top of the receiver, was fitted with plastic grip panels, and had a cocked-hammer style resembling a "cock tail."
Furthermore, the prototype was not chambered for the 7.63mm cartridge. Instead, it fired the 7.65mm Borchardt pistol cartridge, with a 140mm barrel and a 10-round fixed magazine.
II.6-Round Prototype
In addition to the 10-round version, there was also a 6-round prototype. It shared essentially the same structure as the previous model, featuring plastic grips, a cocked-hammer design, and no rear sight on the receiver. The biggest difference was its magazine capacity.
With a smaller round count requiring less space, the magazine housing is visibly shorter.
III. Unofficial Pre-Production C96 Variant
In 1896, an improved model was developed based on the prototype, which can also be regarded as the embryonic form of the Mauser C96.
The most significant change on this model was the replacement of the earlier cocked-hammer with a cone-shaped hammer. At the same time, the plastic grips were changed to wooden grips with dense, horizontal anti-slip grooves. However, the barrel design remained the same as the previous prototypes, and there was still no rear sight on the receiver.
IV. Mauser C96 Experimental Model
Also in 1896, the experimental C96 model appeared, representing the Mauser C96 pistol prior to its formal adoption.
The experimental C96 model was fitted with a rear sight and bolt guides, while lightening cuts were added to both sides of the receiver.The most significant change was its caliber: no longer 7.65mm, it was now chambered for the 7.63×25mm Mauser pistol cartridge, and retained a 10-round fixed magazine.Shortly after, this model was officially designated the Mauser M1896 pistol, commonly shortened to Mauser C96 - the original and well-known version of the "Box Cannon."
V. Ottoman Military Version C96
Also in 1896, after the Mauser C96 was finalized, it caught the attention of the Ottoman Empire.Mauser then produced a custom army variant for the Ottoman military based on the original C96, with a production run of only 1,000 pistols.
The Ottoman Army version of the Mauser C96 was largely identical to the original, except that it featured the Ottoman military markings on the receiver, and the rear sight used Turkish script instead of Arabic numerals.
VI. 6-Round Compact Model
In 1897, a compact variant was derived from the original Mauser C96. The most significant change was the reduction of magazine capacity from 10 rounds to 6 rounds, with the magazine structure identical to that of the earlier 6-round prototype.
VII. 6-Round Short-Barrel Compact Model
In the same year, a second compact variant was developed. It differed little from the previous model, except that the original 140 mm barrel was shortened to 102 mm, and a front sight barrel band was added at the muzzle. It appeared noticeably smaller than the original Mauser C96 pistol.
VIII. Officer Model
Also in 1897, an officer's model was developed.
The most significant change in this model was the removal of the rear sight on top of the receiver. The original 140 mm barrel was shortened to 120 mm, and a barrel band was also fitted at the muzzle.
IX. Officer Compact Model
Based on the previous model, an Officer Compact variant was further developed. It also had a 120 mm barrel, with the most notable change being the magazine capacity reduced from 10 rounds to 6.
However, the so-called Mauser Officer Model was never adopted as a standard military pistol by Germany; instead, it was used as a private sidearm for officers.
X. 20-Round Fixed Magazine Version
Around 1898, a 20-round variant was developed on the basis of the original C96. It also featured a 20-round fixed magazine, with the caliber unchanged, still chambered for the 7.63×25mm Mauser pistol cartridge. The barrel length remained 140 mm, and it was semi-automatic only, with no full-auto capability.
This model was also known in China back then as the "Big Belly Box".
XI. Short-Barrel 20-Round Fixed Magazine Version
Based on the previous "Big Belly Box" model, a short-barrel variant was developed, with a barrel length of approximately 102 mm; all other specifications remained identical to the preceding model.
XII. Simplified 20-Round Fixed Magazine Version
Between 1897 and 1899, a simplified version with a 20-round fixed magazine was introduced, widely known as the "Big Mirror".
This model also had a 140 mm barrel and was semi-automatic only, just like the earlier Mauser pistols. Its most distinctive feature was the extremely smooth receiver surface without any lightening cuts.
XIII. C96 Mid Production Model
Also between 1897 and 1899, the mid-production model of the Mauser C96 was introduced. Its most significant changes were the modified hammer and rear sight graduations.
The original conical hammer was replaced with a large ring hammer, which featured a noticeably large circular ring.
The rear sight was also changed from the original 1–10 graduations to 50–1000 graduations, while all other features remained the same as the early C96 pistols.
XIV. Mid Production C96 Compact Model
Based on the mid production Mauser C96, a compact variant was developed.The barrel was shortened from 140 mm to 120 mm, the magazine capacity reduced from 10 rounds to 6 rounds, and the grip was overall smaller.
XV. Mid Production C96 Officer Compact Model
Among the mid production C96 pistols, there was also an Officer Compact model, which was largely identical in appearance and general structure, except that it had no rear sight.
XVI. M1898 Carbine Model
In 1898, the M1898 carbine version was introduced. It was essentially based on the mid production C96, with the addition of a wooden stock and handguard. It was produced with three barrel lengths: 254 mm, 300 mm, and 370 mm.
All variants used 7.63 mm ammunition and a 10 round fixed magazine, and were semi automatic only, with no full auto capability.Production of this carbine model was limited, at around 2,000 units.It was also copied by the Dagu Arsenal in Tianjin at the time, known as the "Horse Box," and was used by cavalry units of the Fengtian Clique during the Warlord Era.
XVII. Italian Navy Model C96
In 1899, Mauser received an order from the Italian Navy and produced 5,000 custom C96 pistols for them.The most distinctive feature of the Italian Navy model was its extremely smooth, mirror-like finish.After delivery to Italy, Germany continued production until 1902, manufacturing around 25,000 more units, most of which were sold to China.The Dagu Arsenal in Tianjin also copied this model, known locally as the "Dagu Mirror Box".
XVIII. Mirror-Finish Officer Model
Derived from the previous model, an officer's variant was developed, known as the Mirror Finish Officer Model.It also lacked a rear sight, and its grip was curved and slimmer, differing from other Mauser pistols.
XIX. Late Production Mauser C96
In the early 20th century, between 1902 and 1905, the late production model of the Mauser C96 was introduced.
It was generally similar in appearance to the earlier mid production model, except that the large ring hammer was replaced with a sparrow head hammer.
Upon closer inspection, the hammer strongly resembles a bird's head, hence the name "sparrow-head hammer".
This model also had a 140 mm barrel, a 7.63 mm caliber, and a 10-round magazine.It is reported that the late-production model was produced in large quantities-around 250,000 units. Most domestically copied "Box Cannons" in China were based on this version, known locally as the "Second-Handle Box".
XX. Late Production Officer Model
Among the late production Mauser C96 pistols, an officer's variant was also developed.Following the same pattern as earlier versions, it featured a shortened barrel with a front barrel band, no rear sight on the receiver-only fixed notches and front sights.The caliber remained 7.63 mm.
XXI. Late Production 20 Round Fixed Magazine Version
Among the late production Mauser C96 pistols, there was also a variant with a 20 round fixed magazine.The barrel length remained unchanged; apart from the magazine capacity, it was identical to the standard late production C96.
XXII. Persian Military Model C96
Between 1902 and 1905, the late production Mauser C96 caught the attention of the Persian Empire.Mauser then produced a custom batch of Persian Military Model C96 pistols for them.
It was identical to the standard late production model, except that the receiver was engraved with the emblem of the Persian Empire.The caliber and barrel length remained the same.
XXIII. German Military Model C96
With the outbreak of World War I, Germany faced a shortage of standard issue pistols, as production of the Luger P08 could not meet demand.In 1916, the German military had to order a batch of Mauser C96 pistols from Mauser to fill the gap.
However, the Mauser C96 used by German forces during WWI was converted from the original 7.63 mm caliber to 9 mm, allowing it to fire Germany's standard 9×19 mm Parabellum pistol cartridge.It also used a 10 round fixed magazine; all other specifications, including barrel length, shape and structure, remained identical to the original Mauser C96.To indicate the 9 mm caliber, the Arabic numeral "9" was marked on the grip panel.
XXIV. Export Model 9 mm Mauser C96
In addition to being used by the German military, later production of the 9 mm Mauser C96 was intended for overseas export.
The export version of the 9 mm Mauser C96 received minor modifications.For instance, the rear sight was changed from the original 50–1000 graduations to 50–500 graduations.At the same time, the Arabic numeral "9" on the grip was enlarged and filled with red paint.Due to this feature, it was nicknamed the "Big Red 9" in China at that time.
XXV. M1917 Carbine
Besides the 9 mm Mauser C96 pistol, Germany adopted a derivative during World War I: the Mauser M1917 Carbine, developed from the 9 mm C96.
Its most distinctive features include a 40-round detachable box magazine, a handguard, a stock, and a longer barrel.However, the rifle was semi-automatic only and lacked full-auto capability.
XXVI. M1920 French Police Model
In 1920, Mauser of Germany produced a custom batch of pistols for the French police, again improved on the basis of the late production C96.Its most distinctive feature was the short barrel, and the wooden grip was replaced with a plastic grip.Otherwise, it was identical to the standard Mauser pistol.
XXVII. Post-War Improved Model
In 1920–1925, Germany was restricted by the Treaty of Versailles after World War I, which prohibited the German military from equipping pistols with a barrel length exceeding 100 mm.As a result, the early Mauser C96 was modified: the 140 mm barrel was shortened to 99 mm, the rear sight was removed, leaving only the front sight and notch, and the marking "1920" was engraved on the rear of the barrel.
The caliber remained 7.63 mm, and it still used a 10-round fixed magazine.
XXVIII. 9 mm Post-War Improved Model
In the same period, the remaining 9 mm military Mauser C96 pistols left over after WWI were also converted.Their 9 mm chambers were re-chambered back to the original 7.63 mm, the rear sight was removed, leaving only the notch, and the barrel was shortened to 99 mm.However, the Big Red 9 marking on the grip was retained.
XXIX. BOLO Police Model
Between 1921 and 1930, the BOLO Police Model C96 was introduced.To comply with the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles, it also used a 99 mm short barrel with a barrel band at the front, and a shortened, smaller grip.The caliber remained 7.63 mm, with a 10-round fixed magazine.
Production was substantial, totaling about 345,000 units, many exported to Eastern Europe, Europe, and Asia.It was also imported to China during the Republican period, known locally as the"Third Model Mauser" or "Three-Handle Box".Many commanders of the Red Army carried this pistol.
XXX. M1926 9 mm Experimental Model
In 1926, Mauser developed the experimental M1926 9 mm pistol, also based on the C96 frame.Its most notable feature was the 30-round detachable box magazine.
However, it remained an experimental model and never entered mass production; only a few prototypes were built for testing.
XXXI. C96 M1930 Version
In the 1930s, between 1930 and 1932, Mauser developed the M1930 variant of the C96.Its caliber and mechanism remained unchanged; the main improvement was simplified manufacturing.
The M1930 version of the C96 had three key modifications.
First, the barrel featured an inserted construction, with a visible joint line in the middle of the barrel.
Second, the grip panels:The earliest C96 had dense, fine checkering on the grip panels, while the M1930 version featured wider, coarser checkering.
Third, the hammer:the previous sparrow-head hammer was replaced with a large-ring hammer, with a smooth, untextured hole.
The M1930 version had a 132 mm barrel, still with a 10-round fixed magazine and 7.63 mm caliber.
XXXII. C96 M1930 Late Version
Also in the 1930s, a late version of the C96 M1930 was developed.
Also in the 1930s, the late version of the C96 M1930 was introduced.
Changes from the early model were minor: the barrel was restored to 140 mm, and the two-section lightening cuts on the bolt rails were removed, leaving a smoother surface.
Around 120,000 units were produced, most of which were exported to Republican China.Since the barrel was 8 mm longer than the previous version, it was nicknamed "Er Ba Chang Ba Fen" (Two-Handle, Long Eight Tenths) among the public.
XXXIII. M1930 Full-Auto Model
Also in the 1930s, since Spain had produced unlicensed copies of the late-model C96 capable of fully automatic fire, Mauser could no longer stand by and began developing a full-auto version of the C96.Thus, the M1930 fully automatic pistol was born.
The M1930 full-auto pistol retained a 132 mm barrel and brought back the two-section lightening cuts on the bolt rails.This time, however, it was available with either 10-round or 20-round detachable double-stack magazines.It could fire in either semi-automatic or fully automatic mode, and was chambered in 7.63 mm.This model served as the forerunner of the later Mauser M712.
XXXIV. 24-Round Full-Auto Model
After the Mauser M1930 full-auto pistol was introduced, a further improved version was developed to use a 24-round magazine, also chambered for 7.63×25 mm ammunition.However, this 24-round variant was extremely rare at the time.
XXXV. M1932/M712 Full-Auto Model
In 1932, the more refined M1932 fully automatic pistol-also known as the M712 Schnellfeuer-was developed.
The M1932 restored the barrel length to 140 mm and inherited the bolt rails from the late M1930 model, which were smooth and without the two-section lightening cuts.
It was also chambered in 7.63 mm, with a choice of 10 or 20 round detachable double stack magazines.The selector switch design was revised, making it clearly distinguishable from the earlier M1930 model.
Around 98,000 of these were produced in the 1930s, most exported to China.They were widely used by German trained Chinese divisions during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.
XXXVI. Yugoslavian M1932
Also in the 1930s, Mauser produced a custom batch of M1932 fully automatic pistols for Yugoslavia.
However, the Yugoslavian model differed from the standard M1932.Its barrel joint and profile resembled the earlier prototypes, with an added barrel band at the front, and the barrel was slightly shorter than the original M1932.Production of this variant was limited.
The entire Mauser C96 broomhandle pistol series was manufactured from 1895 until 1939.After that, no further Mauser broomhandle pistols were designed or produced at the Mauser factory, making the M1932 the final model of the line.
What has been covered in this article represents only a portion of the variants-specifically, those documented and verifiable in historical records.In reality, several undocumented variants also existed.
