Last week while browsing a few pawn shops in my hometown I stumbled upon something that caught my eye. It was a Mauser model 1914 chambered in 7.65 (32ACP). I was looking at pocket pistols and certainly didn't have this in mind but it looked cool, it was old, German, and pre WWII. Whats not to love!?
It was labeled as a "1939" but serial numbers proved that to be wrong.
This gun was produced sometime between 1924-1929.
When inspecting the pistol at the shop, and checking out the other side of the gun it was apparent there was a hack job attempted on the grip. The original Mauser 1914 grips are a straight one piece walnut wrap around grip. When removing them to totally strip the gun you have to be careful with them... The last owner was not. There was also some pitting on the slide/barrel that I'm guessing came from sitting in a padded case with a little neglect for a little too long. But for a 90 year old pistol not too bad.
Next up was the the action. Neither me, or the store manager could figure out the action. I was dissapointed, I couldn't get the slide on this little Mauser to slide forward after cocking it back. By luck we got it to go forward a few times. The trigger also just sort of clicked... What was wrong with this Mauser? Was it just an old busted up pawn shop find?(yes) Will this old girl shoot?(maybe) Inside the barrel looked pretty good.
So I held off, went home, did some research and figured the pistol out. Yep, I was sold already. The next day I went back in the shop and checked out the action, The action actually functioned as designed. Pull the slide back cocking the gun. Slam in the mag, and the slide slams forward. After firing it will continue to blowback and chamber another round until epmty, then the slide will hold open, until you remove the magazine and insert another one, chambering the next round and ready to shoot... Cool
The next problem, sometimes the old Mauser would do what on the range would equate to a slam fire. After cocking, inserting a mag, and as the slide would return to the firing position the firing pin(and cocking indicator) would slam forward as the slide hit home.
Mauser 1914 cocking indicator.
Something was obviously a little awry. But I just had to have it. The fact that neither store workers knew anything about the pistol, and the slam fire issues, I was able to walk away with the pistol for what I wanted, not what was on the tag. It still needed some work, but hey, I've put together an AR-15, and I can watch YouTube videos with the best of em' right?
Below is a picture of the Mauser 1914 7.65 with the barrel removed, and the slide, and side plate taken off. I have also taken out the disconnector, and trigger while trying to diagnose the "slam fire" issue.
First, let me say I was a little surprised by the lack of information on the web about these pistols, as well as the lack of parts. No one produces the parts anymore, and I will compare parts shopping to online junkyard purchasing. Usable parts can be found but until you get em' and fit em' theres no telling. A few days researching and tinkering later I determined that when my Mauser would slam fire, it was caused by a weak trigger bar spring. Which oddly enough is also the safety return spring. I originally thought the problem could be with a worn trigger bar, or, maybe it was the ever so loose side plate. But after playing with this thing long enough I figured out that If i held the safety down just a little bit, it would place a little more pressure on the trigger bar holding the firing pin in place! Success! No more slam firing(hopefully).
Lets go ahead and make it known that these model Mausers 1910/14/34 have weak springs all the way around. And its probably a good idea to replace, or have an extra set laying around if you own an older Mauser pocket pistol. I chose the standard kit offered for the Mauser 1914 through Wolff springs. It included, and I replaced every spring on the gun.
I still have not found an original grip to put back on this old piece of history, but when I do I will update this post. I have also not decided If I will work on the aesthetics (bluing/pitting and side plate) either But Shes in firing condition now! So this week will be the real test when I fire it for the first time.
These were the 1st two shots I have ever fired from this gun:
These shots were between 25-30 feet away from the target. the first shot by me, the 2nd my best friend. I took this target down for safe keeping and fired off about 5 more rounds that day with absolutely no issues with either functionality, or accuracy. It will take a time or two more at the range, but I am seriously wondering if this gun is more accurate than my gen 4 glock 23... Anyways It goes without saying this gun will not be leaving the family for a long time, and I am glad I was able to rescue it! If requested I will do a complete YouTube video covering all of the Mauser 1914 parts, action, breakdown, and assembly of the gun if needed. Thanks for checking out the blog, and leave them below!- Brandon
