
The Mauser C96 “Broomhandle” pistol is the first military semiautomatic pistol to prove itself both rugged enough and reliable enough for field use, argues Massad Ayoob in his newly-released Greatest Handguns of the World, Vol. II.
But that's not all. Here are 5 more reasons why the Mauser C96 made the cut as one of the most important handguns of all time:
1. The 7.63mm Mauser C96 was the first pistol to lock its mechanism open automatically when it ran dry of cartridges, the better to facilitate reloading. Mauser set a standard for auto pistol design with this feature.
2. This 19th Century single action auto set early standards for handgun ergonomics, particularly when taken from “cocked and locked” carry to “Fire” mode.
3. When viewed from above, the C96 Mauser was a “Flat” pistol…”the shape of things to come” in semiautomatic pistol design and set the stage for the Luger, the Colt/Browning 1911, and all the others that followed to this day.
4. The Mauser C96 was carried and used in battle by a 23-year-old British cavalry Lieutenant by the name of Winston Churchill in the Battle of Omdurman. It was also carried by Lawrence of Arabia!
5. In WWI, 150,000 Mauser 96s were ordered by the Imperial German Army to supplement the Luger pistol. It had become abundantly clear that, in trench warfare, a handgun was a vital tool of close-quarter survival and the C96 filled the role.
Why You Can Trust Gun Digest
Since 1944, Gun Digest has been a trusted authority on firearms, shooting and shooting gear, delivering expert firearms reviews backed by nearly a century of experience. We go beyond standard reviews, combining hands-on independent gun testing, in-depth research, and expert insights from industry professionals and manufacturers.
Our reviewers are the bedrock of our testing and come from a comprehensive cross section of the shooting world. Their diverse backgrounds include law enforcement professionals, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and life-long firearms enthusiasts. In addition to being firearm experts, we are also thorough journalists adhering to the strictest standards of the profession.
For our readers, this means objective, unbiased reviews, free from outside influence. Our priority is to provide the information you need to make informed decisions—whether a firearm or piece of gear is a must-have investment or one to pass on.
Find out more about our Editorial Standards and Evaluation Process

Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack
Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.
Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.