The distinctive characteristics of the C96 are the integral box magazine in front of the trigger, the long barrel, the wooden shoulder stock which gives it the stability of a short-barreled rifle and doubles as a holster or carrying case, and a unique grip shaped like the handle of a broom. Mauser Model 1896 Pistol Handbook Skennerton & Riling (Author) on Amazon.com.FREE. shipping on qualifying offers. Ideal workshop reference for stripping & assembly with exploded parts drawings, specifications, service accessories.
Last month I picked up a Mauser C-96 Broomhandle. I got it to the range after detail stripping it, cleaning out the last bits of the Western Front, lubing it, and replacing the hammer and recoil springs. Unfortunately, the bore is so worn that bullets keyhole and there's enough blow-by that the gun fails to eject empties. It will be definitely be sent off to Redman's for relining to the original 7.63x25 caliber.
While I had the gun apart I took pictures. If you right click on each pic and select View Image (or your browser's equivalent, you'll see a descriptive file name.
![Manual Manual](http://surplused.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Anatomy-Mauser-C96-1024x682.jpg)
The Mauser C-96 is one of the finest examples of the machinist's art you'll ever find. It's remarkable how this was able to be mass produced on manual machinery.