Working the Mauser HSc post-war semi-automatic pistol and variants.

by Mark R. Hollensen

Firearms history wouldn’t be complete without the introduction of the German manufactured HSc pistol during World War II, after development of a blowback-designed pistol dating back to 1934 at Mauser Obendorf in Neckar, Germany. Research shows that Mauser began actual production of the original HSc in late 1940, beginning with serial number 700001. Production of the Mauser HSc halted around 1946 with the final serial number (purportedly) being 971239. The HSc pistols were produced in .32 ACP/7.65mm caliber and were made for the Nazi Military and Police. Some of those old WWII pistols made their way into the United States by returning service members coming home from the war, so you may see one of these in your shop from time to time.

The Mauser HSc action is a blowback operated design that has been produced in both .32ACP (7.65mm) and .380 ACP (9mm Kurz) calibers. The magazine capacity of the .32 ACP is eight rounds with the .380 ACP or 9MM Kurz only holding seven. The pistol has an overall length of 6 inches, give or take, and a weight of around 24 ounces. Barrel length is approximately 3.4 inches. Total wartime production is estimated to have been approximately 252,000. The Mauser HSc pistol was then reintroduced around 1967 and imported by Interarms, USA. Research tells us that approximately 63,118 post-war pistols were produced for commercial sale. The pistols were reengineered to accept the .380 ACP/9MM Kurz cartridge, a more popular cartridge in America. However, many were also sold in the original .32 ACP chambering. Accordingly, approximately 18,868 .32 ACP pistols and 39,250 .380 ACP pistols were produced as post-war models. These post war models had been redesigned from the original HSc, now sporting a separate (removable) backstrap on the grip frame.

The design of this particular pistol is unlike others in its class. First, there is no…

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