mauser HSC

[tinmantis]

Hi all,
I know nothing about guns, so...
I've been offered a Mauser HSC 32. caliber. Real good condiotion. Serial no. 751342.
I havn't seen it yet, but is it worth pursueing it? The guy wants 300-400 bucks for it. (I'd be selling it on)
hoping for some advice, as I've never bought a gun before! ha ha

best regards
jon

[Douglas Jr.]

Mauser HsC

Jon,

In your place, I´d ask for some pictures to post here. The guys around here have some pretty nice knowledge and literature to help you. But with pictures would be better.

Why? Well there are a lot of variations concerning the HsC pistols. Proofs, marks, grips, finish, etc. that affect directly over the gun´s price.

For the info that you have, I can tell you, for sure that this is a very early production Mauser. The production started at the serial number 700.000 (corrected), so you have one of the first made (probably 1942). Assuming that this one has most of its original finish (high polish, almost "commercial" blue), it is highly desirable. for 300.00 - 400.00 it would be a nice purchase.

Other points to look: it must to have matching numbers, I mean, the last three digits of its serial number must be stamped inside the slide and barrel. Also, check the rifling and acceptance proofs stamped in the trigger guard, barrel and slide (right side, just behind the ejection port). And tell us what you find (eagle/L, eagle/N, etc...).

At last, but not the least, check to see if there is something else, like a holster or a spare magazine. It also increase the price.

Hope it helps,

Douglas.

[tinmantis]

Thanks Douglas,
that helps a huge deal...
I'll be getting back with a bit more information soon, about the proofs etc. (it's a whole new world to me!)
much appreciated!
regards
jon

[Douglas Jr.]

Questions...

Jon,

You´re welcome. Feel free to ask any questions about this weapon. It is always a pleasure to help a forum mate.

Regards,

Douglas.

[hochadler]

Mauser HSc

Tinmantis:
Mauser HSc production began in December 1940 with serial 700001 and ended in May 1945 at approx 952000.

The pistol you're checking out (751342) was produced in early 1942 and should have a highly polished, commercial finish. Of particular importance is what is stamped at the rear of the trigger guard on the left side of the pistol. An Eagle over 135 would signify Army procurement, while the absence of any stamping would indicate a commercial pistol. While improbable in that serial number range, an Eagle with a small "L" to the right would signify police procurement.

All Mauser HSc's produced under the Third Reich bear the firing proofs (Beschusstempel) of an Eagle over N on the RIGHT! (corrected) side of the pistol at the rear of the trigger guard and at the front of the slide.

A value of $300 - $400 as indicated by Douglas, Jr. would be reasonable.

[Matt Weber]

Hochandler is correct about the serial ranges of the Mauser HSc. Production started with serial number 700001. So your pistol would definately be a 1942 production (mid-war), as Hochandler stated.

Hochandler is aslo correct that all Mauser HScs' will have commercial proof markings "eagle/N" on them. However they are all located on the RIGHT side of the slide, trigger guard, and a firing proof on the barrel at the ejection port (also on the right side of course!) (Sorry, Hochandler, I couldn't resist correcting your minor error, especially since you underlined "left" in your posting! since this guy is buying a gun for the first time he needs to know the difference between right and left, so let's not confuse him ) Any military or police proofs will be located on the LEFT trigger guard!

As Douglas also stated, many different type of markings, grips, and finish will have a bearing on the value of this pistol. Pics would be great!

Matt

[hochadler]

Mauser HSc

Matt is absolutely correct! In describing the firing proofs on all wartime Mauser HSc pistols, I mistakenly said Left side, when I meant Right side! Correction has been made in above posting
I apologize to all and thank Matt for pointing it out!

[Douglas Jr.]

Correction

Hochadler and Matt,

I also corrected my errors in the previous post (serial number and year of manufacture) . Let´s keep the things straight.

Regards,

Douglas.

[tinmantis]

more questions...

Hochadler and Matt,

I also corrected my errors in the previous post (serial number and year of manufacture) . Let´s keep the things straight.

Regards,

Douglas.

Thanks again.
what are the gun laws in the US? can I just pay this guy cash, and legally walk away (and posess) the gun? Do I need paperwork? or paperwork to sell it on? Can you put a gun like this in the mail?

these may sound real basic questions, but as someone from the UK, who's kinda new in the US, all I know is that back home you'd get locked up in the Tower for even whispering about a 'real gun'! shhhhh!
best regards
Jon

[Matt Weber]

Thanks Douglas and Hochandler for correcting the errors. I hope poor Jon isn't too confused by now!


Jon, your question is simple but confusing. The truth is, it is simply confusing!

All right, I'll attempt to answer this for you, though, and try not to confuse you. First step,
1. I'll assume that you do not have an FFL or C&R license. (?)
2. I'll also assume that the seller does not have an FFL or C&R license. (?)

If both statements 1 and 2 are correct, then you have two options, and it really depends on what the seller would like to do.

Option 1- you can do a private sale between two US citizens. No paperwork required. No one has to register or claim taxes on the exchange.
This is how many firearms sales are made at gun shows.

Option 2- The seller can take the gun to a licensed dealer, and do a transfer. You, as the buyer, will have to fill out registration paperwork, and pay a transfer fee (usually about $25). You will also have a 48 hour waiting period for a background check (Brady Bill). This way protects both parties in case of illegally activities, since it would show a paper trail of the transaction.

Hope this answers your questions. If you have any more, please feel free to ask.

Matt

[tinmantis]

Thanks again for all the info.
after researching the 'legal' side of purchasing this gun, I've found that I may be still bound by UK laws. (I'm not quite a US citizen yet) Not quite got a firm conclusion on that, but it seems all a bit of a grey area to me, and put me off just a bit... (well my wifes's trying her hardest to put me off)
I may be getting some pics soon, and I'll post them here.
I've still got a load of questions though, if you all don't mind listening?

If I purchased a gun, could I then sell it on, and mail it?
also, could I sell it on the estand?

and also, I seem to be attracting guns like a magnet of late! I've been offered another one (but I'll start another thread) and would like to hear your views about that one too before I decide to pursue it...
best regards
Jon

[leondes]

Thanks Douglas and Hochandler for correcting the errors. I hope poor Jon isn't too confused by now!


Jon, your question is simple but confusing. The truth is, it is simply confusing!

All right, I'll attempt to answer this for you, though, and try not to confuse you. First step,
1. I'll assume that you do not have an FFL or C&R license. (?)
2. I'll also assume that the seller does not have an FFL or C&R license. (?)

If both statements 1 and 2 are correct, then you have two options, and it really depends on what the seller would like to do.

Option 1- you can do a private sale between two US citizens. No paperwork required. No one has to register or claim taxes on the exchange.
This is how many firearms sales are made at gun shows.

Option 2- The seller can take the gun to a licensed dealer, and do a transfer. You, as the buyer, will have to fill out registration paperwork, and pay a transfer fee (usually about $25). You will also have a 48 hour waiting period for a background check (Brady Bill). This way protects both parties in case of illegally activities, since it would show a paper trail of the transaction.

Hope this answers your questions. If you have any more, please feel free to ask.

Matt

Hi Matt,

Regarding your Option 1, I believe the law in most states is that you can sell to another resident of your own state (depending on the laws in that state).

That's true in Texas and most other states, I believe, but if you are are in one of the more liberal states like California, New York or Massachusetts you had better check on the state law before you do any selling.

If you are going to sell to the resident of another state, the gun must only be shipped to a FFL holder or, in the case of this gun and other guns classified as curio and relics, the gun can be shipped to a holder of a Curio & Relic license. The laws of the buyer's state can come into play, also.

It's my understanding that in California, a C & R holder cannot transfer a C & R handgun to or from a resident of another state. It can only be tranferred to or from a holder of an 01 dealers license.

Selling a gun to a non-resident of your state is controlled by Federal law and non-compliance can get you in real hot water.

It really gets sticky when you start buying and selling guns for profit. There are no set guidelines so the ATF can treat each case as it sees fit. Buying and selling several guns within a short period of time can be deemed dealing in guns and then, even if you are selling to residents of your own state, you must have an 01 dealers license and enter each transaction in your FFL book.

This is the law as I understand it (if anyone can). Correct me if I'm wrong.

Regards, Leon

[GWA]

Hi Matt,



That's true in Texas and most other states, I believe, but if you are are in one of the more liberal states like California, New York or Massachusetts you had better check on the state law before you do any selling.



Regards, Leon

Leon, I believe I would rephrase that to read"...one of the more repressive states like California, New York or Massachusetts..."

[tinmantis]

Hi Matt,

Regarding your Option 1, I believe the law in most states is that you can sell to another resident of your own state (depending on the laws in that state).

That's true in Texas and most other states, I believe, but if you are are in one of the more liberal states like California, New York or Massachusetts you had better check on the state law before you do any selling.

If you are going to sell to the resident of another state, the gun must only be shipped to a FFL holder or, in the case of this gun and other guns classified as curio and relics, the gun can be shipped to a holder of a Curio & Relic license. The laws of the buyer's state can come into play, also.

It's my understanding that in California, a C & R holder cannot transfer a C & R handgun to or from a resident of another state. It can only be tranferred to or from a holder of an 01 dealers license.

Selling a gun to a non-resident of your state is controlled by Federal law and non-compliance can get you in real hot water.

It really gets sticky when you start buying and selling guns for profit. There are no set guidelines so the ATF can treat each case as it sees fit. Buying and selling several guns within a short period of time can be deemed dealing in guns and then, even if you are selling to residents of your own state, you must have an 01 dealers license and enter each transaction in your FFL book.

This is the law as I understand it (if anyone can). Correct me if I'm wrong.

Regards, Leon

Thanks Leon
that's cleared up alot of questions for me.
I think I'm better off letting these two offers go. I thought maybe I could get them, enjoy for a short while, and pass them on to a better home... but maybe not.
It seemed a good deal too. Both from vets, Mauser for 300-400, and the P38 for 400. hmmmm, I think I'm gonna go back to the 'safer' world of Medals and Insignia

I'll keep you all informed of what I decide, and I greatly thank you for your invaluable help in this matter, I really appreciate it
best regards
Jon