This Old Gun: Mauser HSc Pistol

by
posted on May 11, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Mauser HSc pistol left-side view This Old Gun

When Walther introduced its svelte Polizeipistole (PP) and Polizeipistole Kriminalmodell (PPK) double-action pocket pistols in 1929 and 1930, Mauser realized that it might be a good idea to think about retiring its own serviceable, but increasingly hoary, line of 1910/1914/1934 6.35 mm (.25 ACP) and 7.65 mm (.32 ACP) repeaters.

Though the earlier Mauser pocket models were extremely well-made, cleverly designed and popular in their day, being single-action and a bit boxy they were perceived to be old-technology. In the face of stiff competition from Walther, sales were flagging. Mauser went to work and, by the mid-to-late ’30s, a handy 7.65 mm double-action pistol had been achieved by its designers.

Totally unlike Mauser’s earlier wares, the HSc, as it was called (“HS” standing for Hahn Selbstspanner—“self-cocking hammer,” and the “c” indicating the third and accepted design), was a streamlined, up-to-date double-action blowback. Reflecting the sleek Art Deco look of the period, in the manner of such things as the new Volkswagen automobile which appeared almost concurrently, this handy semi-automatic was definitely a product of its time.

Measuring just 6" in length with a 3.4" barrel, the 25-oz. HSc featured a reduced exposed hammer, the spur of which—to allow for easier concealment—peeked out of the rear of the slide just far enough to allow a positive thumb-cock. A single-stack magazine held eight rounds and this, along with one round in the chamber gave the pistol an effective nine-shot capability. The magazine had a typical European heel-style catch, though a lip on the forward part of the magazine allowed it to be easily extracted when the catch was pushed to the rear.

As well, the gun had a slide-mounted safety which, when “on safe,” locked and lifted up the rear of the internal spring-loaded firing pin, preventing the hammer from striking it. Stocks were plain, simply checkered walnut panels. Standard finish was blue, and sights involved nothing more than a dovetailed rear round notch and a small square blade milled out of the slide.

Production on the HSc began in 1940 and, given what was going on in the world at that time, the gun was evaluated and accepted by the German army, navy and police in short order. Such examples were stamped with the appropriate waffenamt inspector’s marks. Civilian models were also available. As well as wartime examples, some were made under French auspices for a couple years following World War II and then by Mauser commercially until 1977. In 1970 the gun was also offered in 9 mm Kurz (.380 ACP). Additionally, copies were made in Italy by Renato Gamba. Ultimately about 350,000 HSc pistols were manufactured by Mauser.

While embellished HScs can be found, standard finishes are those most normally encountered. Generally speaking, from a collector’s standpoint, with the exception of very early “low grip-screw” models, the wartime, military-issue pieces hold the most interest and bring the best prices, early war variants having a slight edge. The pistol we’re looking at here, for example, has a “WaA135” waffenamt, indicating it was army-issue. Navy guns bring about double that of army specimens, as do World War II-vintage Swiss commercial models. All things being equal, late World War II police and postwar guns normally have the least value.

Gun: Mauser Model HSc
Manufacturer: Mauser–Werke A.G., Oberndorf am Nekar, Germany
Chambering: 7.65 mm (.32 ACP)
Manufactured: c. 1943
Condition: NRA Very Good (Modern Gun Standards)
Value: $500

Photos by Jill Marlow

Latest

Cz600 Review Right
Cz600 Review Right

Review: CZ 600 Alpha

One of several models in the CZ 600 series of rifles, the CZ 600 Alpha is an affordable bolt-action design with a unique action that incorporates a lightweight receiver and a "hybrid controlled feed" system.

San Tan Tactical Launches Defender Program

San Tan Tactical has launched a Defender Program to provide increased support for the professional community of law enforcement officers, servicemen and women and veterans.

I Have This Old Gun: The Ortgies Pistol

One of the lesser-known, German-made handguns from the early 20th century, the Ortgies pistol has a fascinating history stretching from the end of World War I all the way to the conclusion of World War II.

New For 2025: Taurus GX4 Strike Bravo

In a collaboration with Strike Industries, Taurus USA has launched its GX4 Strike Bravo, which combines elements of its popular micro-compact handgun with a chassis-frame design capable of accepting a stabilizing brace.

PenFed Touts Successful Three Quarters In 2025

In a quarterly update to members, PenFed Credit Union CEO James Schenck highlighted the company's strong financial position while also sharing some of his financial insights.

2026 NRA Youth Education Summit Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), an all-expenses-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.