Mauser 1914 .32 ACP Pistol

[Gun Master]

I recently bought a Mauser 1914 .32 ACP since I am a collector/shooter, and had never owned one.
I have not shot it yet, but I've cleaned and oiled it. In the process, I noticed the magazine catch/release is AWFULLY STIFF, especially considering arthritis in my hands.

Is there any remedy for this stiff mag release ?

Also, the safety release is extremely easy to engage. I thought this was a positive, at first.
No more hard pushing and shoving to let it go. But then I considered an unintentional disengagement, and shooting myself, or others. I can't conceive an answer for this, other than to be careful.

Regarding the mag release problem, can you file down the release, or do something else to not make it so stiff, and not interfere with the function ?
All positive answers appreciated.

 

[Jim K]

That pistol design is unique and I do not recommend messing with it. The magazine release is hard and that is normal. The safety is engaged simply by moving it down - there is almost no resistance.. And releasing it involves pushing the button so the safety snaps up (off) with no force needed. Unlike most auto pistols, the slide is released when the magazine is inserted, whether the magazine is loaded or not. If it is loaded, the reload is very fast, but having the slide close automatically can be disconcerting to one not used to it.

To be honest, I do not recommend that pistol for carry or any serious use, even aside from the low power cartridge. The flat ("U:" shaped) springs are very fragile and tend to break easily, rendering the gun useless. The gun is an antique, a relic of another day in auto pistol design. Mauser sold many of them (and the equally odd C-96 Broomhandle) by requiring bulk buyers of the company's excellent rifles to take a quantity of pistols as well.

As to lightening the magazine release (it is its own spring), that could be done by careful use of a hand grinder, but that is a long, dual purpose spring that is pretty expensive so I would be careful about doing any work that would ruin the existing spring. They are pretty expensive, $30-40 when available, which is rarely.

I strongly recommend that the Mauser be retired to wall hanger status and something more reliable and suitable be obtained for any serious purpose.

Jim

 

[Gun Master]

Thank you for you reply. It is an excellent commentary and good advise.

I totally agree with you, except for your last sentence.
I am a collector/shooter. If I can't shoot it, I don't want it.
I do plan to shoot it.

Oh, BTW regarding the mag release and hand arthritis problem, I came up with a temporary(?) solution.
With the mag out, I hooked a simple key chain ring on the inter part of the release, and insert (slam) the magazine home.
This must be done each time the mag is inserted and/or released.
Then I am able to pull the ring with my right index finger (which has less arthritis than my thumbs), thus allowing the mag to pop free to withdraw.
Other possible methods are tying cobbler's thread (or your choice of strong & flexible material) to the mag release, which could be a more permanent fix.

 

[Gun Master]

I have Winchester SilverTip HP 60 grain, and Fiocchi FMJ 73 grain.
Which do you think would be best to test in this gun ?

 

[Speedo66]

I have Winchester SilverTip HP 60 grain, and Fiocchi FMJ 73 grain.
Which do you think would be best to test in this gun ?

If you're ever going to carry it, both. Plus any other .32acp cartridges you can find, see what works best.

 

[Gun Master]

If you're ever going to carry it, both. Plus any other .32acp cartridges you can find, see what works best.

According to Google, we are neighbors (close to White Sta. Rd. and Quince)
Due to the age (actually made in 1914), I want to not have it blow up in my face !.

 

[Tallball]

I have owned one for a year or two. Before I shot it I bought and installed new springs. They were cheap. It is as accurate as any similar service pistol. Mine has an occasional malfunction, which I believe is magazine related, but it is just a range toy and I'm not willing to pay for another magazine. It's fun to shoot, but a PITA to field strip.

Mine is from 1916, IIRC, and has a German government acceptance mark.

 

[Speedo66]

According to Google, we are neighbors (close to White Sta. Rd. and Quince)
Due to the age (actually made in 1914), I want to not have it blow up in my face !.

I'm shooting my made in 1889 Model 1873 Winchester with regularity. If it's a proper load, and the gun is in serviceable condition, I doubt you'll have a problem due to age itself. If anything, modern cartridges seem to be weaker than the original loads in many guns.

 

[Gun Master]

I'm shooting my made in 1889 Model 1873 Winchester with regularity. If it's a proper load, and the gun is in serviceable condition, I doubt you'll have a problem due to age itself. If anything, modern cartridges seem to be weaker than the original loads in many guns.

Yes, several of THR threads have indicated currently made ammo is not as powerful as that in years past.
Hope that's true, 'cause I plan to shoot it with the two above stated types of ammo.

 

[Jim K]

US ammo in .32 ACP/7.65mm is normally less powerful than ammo made in Europe, where the cartridge was a standard police load for many years.

Gun Master's concerns about that gun blowing up are not really warranted. They don't blow up, but springs do break and there are enough other potential problems that I always advise that they not be shot, or at least not depended on for self defense. Another common problem is the breaking off of the firing pin "tail" or the firing pin hooks as a result of dry firing.

Jim

 

[lsudave]

I have Winchester SilverTip HP 60 grain, and Fiocchi FMJ 73 grain.
Which do you think would be best to test in this gun ?

I have a Savage 1907, and a couple of CZ 27's.
These old pistols are designed to shoot round ball with a pretty good charge; I'd say go with the Fiocchi to check reliability. PPU, I've discovered, is also a good choice (and I like the 2 little trays in the case ).

I can't speak to the Winchester HPs, but the Winchester flat nose offerings didn't run well in either pistol. I'd test since you have them, but wouldn't expect much.

I strongly recommend that the Mauser be retired to wall hanger status and something more reliable and suitable be obtained for any serious purpose.

They don't blow up, but springs do break and there are enough other potential problems that I always advise that they not be shot, or at least not depended on for self defense. Another common problem is the breaking off of the firing pin "tail" or the firing pin hooks as a result of dry firing.

I agree that guns like this not be a primary carry device, but

I am a collector/shooter. If I can't shoot it, I don't want it.
I do plan to shoot it.

I also agree with this. Old guns are fascinating and unique objects of fine craft, but they were also intended to be functional tools. If I had an old clock, I wouldn't expect it to stay as accurate as something set to synch with the atomic clocks via radio signal... but I'd still wind the springs and use it as a clock. Same applies to guns... a pistol designed to shoot 7.65 Browning (aka .32 acp), if in good mechanical condition, should still be able to shoot that round. It hasn't changed over the years, unless it's actually decreased in load.

 

[Gun Master]

No dry fires here, and not for primary or secondary carry.
Just occasional recreational use, hopefully.

 

[Jim NE]

It looks like the European mag release. I think my FIE Titan .25 also has a mag release that's very stiff now and then. I'm wondering if wearing a pair of thin leather gloves while shooting could help a little. They might give extra grip that will allow you to keep your hand in a more comfortable position when removing the mag. Or maybe using a strip of leather or rubber when taking out the mag if putting on gloves is too difficult.

 

[JONWILL]

I have a Savage 1907, and a couple of CZ 27's.
These old pistols are designed to shoot round ball with a pretty good charge; I'd say go with the Fiocchi to check reliability. PPU, I've discovered, is also a good choice (and I like the 2 little trays in the case ).

I can't speak to the Winchester HPs, but the Winchester flat nose offerings didn't run well in either pistol. I'd test since you have them, but wouldn't expect much.



I agree that guns like this not be a primary carry device, but

I also agree with this. Old guns are fascinating and unique objects of fine craft, but they were also intended to be functional tools. If I had an old clock, I wouldn't expect it to stay as accurate as something set to synch with the atomic clocks via radio signal... but I'd still wind the springs and use it as a clock. Same applies to guns... a pistol designed to shoot 7.65 Browning (aka .32 acp), if in good mechanical condition, should still be able to shoot that round. It hasn't changed over the years, unless it's actually decreased in load.

Those are great guns. One of my favorite C&R type guns. High capacity for the time and loved the feel when shooting

The other gun from that era I like is the

 

[Tallball]

US 32acp ammo does not always work well in European pistols. The US ammo may or may not be weaker, but also it may or may not be shaped correctly.

 

[Jim K]

"I am a collector/shooter. If I can't shoot it, I don't want it.
I do plan to shoot it."

It is your gun. I can only point out weaknesses that can result in problems, and have.

Jim

 

[Gun Master]

"I am a collector/shooter. If I can't shoot it, I don't want it.
I do plan to shoot it."

It is your gun. I can only point out weaknesses that can result in problems, and have.

Jim

Jim K, that was from my posting # 3, back last Tuesday, and this is Saturday.
I thanked you for your reply and said it was "an excellent commentary and good advise."
You recommended it to be a "wall hanger".
I also stated that this was the only part I disagreed with since I'm a shooter/collector.

I will consider testing it first based on your observations.

I still think your reply was excellent and good advise, and I thank you again.
No offense intended.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Yep, I'd stick with FMJ- as round a bullet as I could find. I've never had good luck running JHP, semi wadcutters, or truncated flatnose through any old (pre 1970) autos,and the smaller they are, the more ammo sensitive.
Also, don't forget that tiny, low-powered guns need a good grip to operate against- this may be a factor if you are having arthritis issues.
Good luck and send pics!

 

[Tallball]

I agree with Jim, in that mine would be one of my last choices for any "serious use". On the other hand, with new springs, European fmj ammo, and no dry firing, I enjoy plinking with mine or taking it to the range. I have fired hundreds of rounds through it and enjoyed doing so.

 

[Deanimator]

The original "Man From U.N.C.L.E." gun.

 

[Gun Master]

The original "Man From U.N.C.L.E." gun.

See post # 22 below.

 

[Gun Master]

It was the Mauser 1934 (1914 update version) at first, but most of the TV versions were shorter barreled (and otherwise customized versions of the P-38).

 

[Deanimator]

It was the Mauser 1934 (1914 update version) at first, but most of the TV versions were shorter barreled (and otherwise customized versions of the P-38).

I knew it was one or the other. It's been so long since I saw one of the first season episodes, I couldn't remember.

BTW - The "U.N.C.L.E. Specials" were full-auto... and originally unregistered, which caused some legal problems with the Treasury Department.

 

[Gun Master]

I knew it was one or the other. It's been so long since I saw one of the first season episodes, I couldn't remember.

BTW - The "U.N.C.L.E. Specials" were full-auto... and originally unregistered, which caused some legal problems with the Treasury Department.

And, "Da-da-da-da-da-da!" credits to you, my friend.

 

[popeye]

It looks like the European mag release. I think my FIE Titan .25 also has a mag release that's very stiff now and then. I'm wondering if wearing a pair of thin leather gloves while shooting could help a little. They might give extra grip that will allow you to keep your hand in a more comfortable position when removing the mag. Or maybe using a strip of leather or rubber when taking out the mag if putting on gloves is too difficult.

I too have one of these little Titans. The mag latch spring also serves as the hammer spring. With the gun cocked the additional spring pressure on the mag release makes it a bear to drop the magazine. Try ejecting the mag with the hammer down.