Mauser C96

Lore & Background

The Mauser C96, often called the 'Broomhandle' due to its grip shape, was a popular choice among criminals and law enforcement in the early 20th century. In Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven, it is a high-damage pistol that can be fitted with a wooden stock to function as a carbine, offering improved accuracy at range. Its appearance reflects the game's 1930s setting, drawing from real-world gangster lore where the weapon was used by figures like Winston Churchill and Chinese warlords.

In Their Own Story

Tommy Angelo crouched behind a stack of crates in the warehouse, the Mauser C96 heavy in his hand. He'd taken it from a dead rival's holster—a weapon meant for precision, not panic. The wooden stock clicked into place as he steadied his aim, the familiar weight settling his nerves. One shot, one kill, then silence. The Broomhandle had earned its keep.

Reader's Guide

The Mauser C96 is a secondary weapon in Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven, available from the second chapter onward. It deals high damage per shot and has good accuracy, especially when using the attachable stock (which reduces recoil). Its magazine holds 10 rounds, and reloading is slower than other pistols. The weapon is ideal for medium-range engagements, allowing players to conserve ammunition for the Thompson or shotgun. It can be found on enemy corpses, in hidden locations, or purchased from weapon dealers. To maximize its effectiveness, aim for headshots to conserve ammo. The stock is automatically equipped when aiming down sights, improving stability. Use it in missions like 'The Whore' or 'A Trip to the Country' where precision matters. Avoid using it in close quarters where a shotgun or revolver would be faster. The Mauser's rarity makes it a prized find—don't discard it lightly.

Did You Know?

• The Mauser C96's nickname 'Broomhandle' comes from its distinctive rounded grip.
• In real history, the Mauser C96 was used by Winston Churchill during the Boer War.
• The weapon can be dual-wielded in Mafia II, though not in the original game.
• Its 7.63x25mm Mauser cartridge was one of the fastest pistol rounds of its era.