Chinese Navy Arms TU-711 9mm Detachable Magazine Broomhandle Mauser Pistol
SOLD FOR: $1,838.00
WOA#: WY240316RG001
Make: Chinese, imported by Navy Arms
Model: TU-711
Serial#: 85137
Year of Manufacture: Late 1980s-Early 1990s
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by a Detachable Magazine
Markings: The right of the frame has Chinese characters (Google translates as “self-made pistol”, likely closer to “self-loading pistol”) over a circled “S” logo. The left of the frame has a bow and arrow in gear logo. Under the grip on the right of the frame is “85137”. The top-rear of the barrel extension is marked “44802” behind the rear sight. The top fo the chamber ring is marked “9MM”. The lock frame is marked “5132” on the top. The backstrap is export-marked “CHINA”, the frontstrap has import mark “N.A. CO. / RIDGEFIELD, N.J.”. The 20-round magazine floorplate is marked “54173”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch tangent sight pinned to the top of the barrel extension, graduated from 50-1000 meters. The slider is finicky and difficult to move between positions.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece serrated wood panels. The grips have a few scattered minor marks, but no notable damage. The serrations are well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Most sources agree that these pistols were assembled with Mauser schnellfeuer surplus parts on new-production Chinese frames. There is no indication that this pistol has been refinished since assembly to its current configuration.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some erosion in the front of the chamber and in the rifling just in front of the chamber. The bore shows tool-chatter marks. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with a few scattered minor marks. There is good fire-blue on the extractor, bolt-stop and trigger. There are some polish and tool marks under the finish. The action shows light operational wear. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, the pistol is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pistol comes with a total of two magazines. One is a 10-round magazine. One was marketed as a 20-round magazine, we were able to load 22 rounds into the magazine.
Our Assessment: The Mauser C96, or “Broomhandle”, is one of the most iconic handguns in history. Originally developed and adopted by Germany, the pistols would go on to see extensive use in the Russian Civil War and all across China during the Warlord Era. The model is also iconic for its use as the base for prop pistols in the Star Wars films. In China, they were popular enough that there was some domestic production of copies and variants, including massive hand-cannons chambered for .45 ACP.
In the 1980s, this variant was produced, believed to use schnellfeuer parts kits installed on new-production frames. Rather than an internal box magazine, these pistols are designed to use double-stack double-feed detachable magazines and are chambered for 9mm Luger. The FedOrd imports were designated the Model 714 while Navy Arms designated their imports the TU-711. This Navy Arms pistol is in Fine condition, appearing to have seen limited and responsible use since making it here to the States. It comes with a pair of magazines and will make a wonderful addition to any collection. Good luck on your bid!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
