Mini Weapons 101 • Vol. 2 Mauser C96 “Broomhandle” — The Blaster Blueprint in 1/6 Scale
Invented in 1896, the Mauser C96 was the first truly successful commercial “auto‑pistol.” Its broom‑shaped grip, integral 10‑rd magazine, and shoulder‑stock holster screamed steampunk before the term existed. Used from the Boxer Rebellion to the Spanish Civil War, the C96 spawned countless copies and set the template for future machine‑pistols.
| Year | Highlight |
|---|---|
| 1896 | Paul Mauser unveils the C96 in Oberndorf, Germany. |
| 1900s | Nickname “Broomhandle” coined by British troops. |
| 1930 | Chinese warlords commission the select‑fire “Shansei .45” clone. |
| 1976 | Becomes Han Solo’s DL‑44 blaster base prop in Star Wars. |
| Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) | DL‑44 blaster (dressed‑up C96) | Quick‑draw cantina shot — add orange muzzle flash. |
| Cowboy Bebop (1998) | Spike’s C96 | Rooftop duel stance at sunset. |
| Dr. Zhivago (1965) | Red Army C96 | Winter trench pose with snow FX. |
| Indiana Jones comics | Standard C96 | Indy left‑hand draw while holding whip. |
| Pose | How‑to | Lighting Cue |
|---|---|---|
| One‑Hand Cavalier | Grip mid‑frame, elbow out 45°, classic C96 silhouette. | Low, warm key at 30° to highlight barrel. |
| Stock‑On Sharpshooter | Clip shoulder stock, two‑hand cheek weld. | Cool rim light, smoke haze for battlefield mood. |
| DL‑44 Hero Stance | Add custom scope & muzzle; hip‑draw + blaster flash. | Cyan gel key + magenta rim for retro‑sci‑fi vibe. |
4. Outfit Match 👗
Recommended look: Venom Violet V‑Cut Leotard
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Purple sheen echoes Spike Spiegel’s suit color palette.
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Holster sits neatly on thigh strap; stock can mount on back harness.
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Shop link 👉 mauzaC96
Alt pairing: Vintage leather bomber jacket + Beyoncé Blade Suit (Matte White) for a pulp‑serial aesthetic.
🔫 Weapon: Mauser C96 “Broomhandle”
📏 Scale: 1/6 – fits S07C, S25, S37, S43
🎞️ Pop‑Culture: Star Wars DL‑44, Cowboy Bebop, Dr. Zhivago
💡 Pro‑Tip: Shoulder‑stock doubles as dio prop
👗 Outfit Pair: Venom Violet Leotard