C96 Ammo?

Hello! I recently purchased a C96 chambered in 9mm Mauser. I have searched the web for two days and can find no ammo or brass. Can anyone refer me to anyone who might be able to help? Thanks, Howard

Is your C96 chambered in 9 x 25 Mauser or 9 x 19 Luger (Red Nine)?

This case was never made in the US and was last made in europe before the start of WW2. The closest round to it is the 9mm Bayard Long but it's not an exact match as it's a little bit shorter. The rim diameter is within a couple of thousands of the 9mm Mauser. You can find surplus 9mm Bayard and it's not loaded as hot as the 9mm Mauser was. Will it work for you I don't know but there is not much else you can do with it.

A tip from a German pistol shooter of my acquaintance: keep the load down, and use lead bullets (not jacketed). The 9mm Fiocchi ammo, for instance, is considered to be too hefty for the mechanism, and a "red 9" is a valuable antique. See also the Visier Special Edition No. 48 on the "Pistole 08" for ammo information.

Patrick

A club member use the 127grs. KSHS from H&N with 4.1 grs HP38 and an OAL 28,1mm CCI pistol primers in his "Red 9". He has good results.

Regards

Gunner

Patrick & Gunner .... he might not even have a "Red 9"!

Well, that's easy enough to tell - he just has to look at the grips. If they have a recessed red-painted 9 carved in - then it's a "red 9" -if it's original, of course, and not a later makeover!

Patrick

Never heard of a C96 in 9mm Mauser/ 9x25mm/9mm Mauser Export. Just the really cool and weird "flapper" locking blocks C'08(?) pistol of which they made about 100.

I wouldn't think a C'96 would be strong enough for that round!

jmoore, that is exactly why one has to be careful with the load!

The C96 chambered for the 9mm Parabellum ("Luger"), a.k.a."Red 9" is one of the most sought after pistols in Germany, second only to the long-barrelled Artillery Luger P08.

Patrick

Mmmm, well, I actually prefer the 7.62mm for accuracy. Red 9s just never seem to shoot as well, even if they're in excellent condition. I've no idea why! P'08s seem much more accurate, even when a bit rough.