Known as the Model 1916, this was in fact the 1912 Mauser, chambered and altered to accommodate the 9 mm Luger Service cartridge, the original calibre having been 7.63 mm. Mechanically and in appearance, the 7.63 mm and the 9 mm are the same. As a quick means of identification, the Model 1916 has the figure '9' carved or painted on the grips.

Georg Luger originally developed the 9mm Parabellum cartridge in 1902. The cartridges case is rimmed with a slight taper from rim to mouth which enhances feed reliability. It uses a .356-inch diameter bullet.

Hand-made from fitted interlocking parts, called the "broomhandle" because of its distinctive grip, the C96 was never any nation's standard issue pistol but was a favorite sidearm around the world. Its effectiveness is measured in that popularity, the pistol being produced from 1896 to 1937, and was used in combat from the 1898 Sudan campaign through the Korean War.

When the last round has been ejected, the bolt will remain locked back, being held by the magazine follower. Because the bolt is being held back, you can neither easily nor safely load the magazine singly, but rather must reload by the 10-round stripper clip.

Its effectiveness also may be understood from relating its performance capabilities to the throes of chaotic close-range combat:

Semiautomatic, 10 round magazine, reloaded by a 10-round stripper clip, usable either as a pistol or carbine, firing an 85-grain bullet at 1,400 fps.