Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2009 3:56:26 GMT -5
HFC Mauser HSc model M7.65 Review
Real Steel History:
The Mauser HSc is a small caliber pistol made in Nazi Germany from 1940 until the end of World War II. The designation HSc stood for Hahn Selbstspanner ("self-cocking hammer") Pistole, third and final design "C". Production was continued in 1945-46 during the French occupation and, later, from 1968 to 1977 by Mauser. It features a semi-exposed hammer, double-action trigger, single-column magazine, and a spring surrounding the barrel.
It competed with the contemporary German Walther PPK and PP and Sauer 38H for police and military use. The Mauser HSc was originally intended as a commercial pistol, but was procured initially by the Navy (Kriegsmarine) soon followed by the Army (Heer) and police. HSc pistols used by the Luftwaffe or Waffen-SS were procured from Army and police stocks. (courtesy of Wikipedia.com)
Basic Info:
Ever since I purchased a Makarov holster for my East German kit, I've wanted something to fill it. Not wanting to make a custom Makarov, I decided to go with another small frame handgun. Just turns out this one is WWII era! I had received a 10% off coupon from speedytoys.com, so I ordered from them a few months ago when I purchased the gun.
First Impressions:
At $20, I was expecting one lousy gas pistol, but this thing surprised me. Inside the classy blue and white box were the pistol, some decent .12 bb’s, and a whole lot of Styrofoam.
Pulling the gun out, I found it to be pretty light. Although some would disapprove of this, I’ve found it helps make the pistol exceptionally maneuverable.
Externals:
Many websites have described this pistol as an HFC PPK, but I find it looks far more like the Mauser HSc. Constructed entirely of plastic, this pistol isn’t made to be beat around excessively. The frame is constructed of a fairly heavy duty ABS plastic, but the grips, trigger, and safety switch are made of a somewhat weaker plastic. That said, I don’t think the trigger (my main concern of the three) is going to break off anytime soon. The only marks on the gun are the words ‘Made in Taiwan’ and a P on the right side of the gun.
Aesthetically, this isn’t the prettiest gun either. There is a well-pronounced seam line running the entire length of the gun, and the trigger is a shiny, fake-looking silver.
The grips are fairly decent, with a pattern that makes them look like somewhat more expensive grips.
Safety Switch:
As mentioned before, the safety switch isn’t exceptionally strong. Facing straight, the switch is on Fire. Slanted downwards, the switch is on Safe, as designated by the S. The selector switch is only on the left side of the gun, which makes it somewhat difficult for left-handers like me to change from safe to fire. I have found the considerable trigger pull plenty enough of a safety, and my gun has a tendency to switch into safe while firing. So, I ended up just disabling the safety, which can fairly easily be done once the gun is taken apart.
Magazine:
Included with the pistol is an 11 round magazine. The magazine is quite similar to magazines for spring pistols, with a small slide being used to pull down the magazine spring and allowing it to be loaded. Once the spring is pulled down, it will lock in place until the magazine is inserted into the gun. After loading, the magazine must be inserted into the gun quickly or else the magazine spring’s tension is released and the bb’s will go everywhere. One downside to the magazine is the fact that the bb's just sit in it, and there is no lock to hold bb's in. This means spare magazines can't easily be taken into the field with you. Like many other Non-Blowback pistols, this gun holds gas in an internal reservoir instead of the magazine.
Stock Performance:
As far as gas pistols go, this one doesn’t have exceptional range or power. I loaded up the gun through the fill valve on the bottom of the grip and took it out for test firing. This is definitely a last defense or show weapon, with shots over 50 or 60 feet falling rapidly. At 40 feet, I could accurately hit a man-sized target every time. At 50 or 60 feet about half of my shots missed, primarily due to low velocity. Power wise, this gun isn’t a lollipops . .2 gram bb’s seem to be far too heavy for it, with shots dropping off after 15 or 20 feet. All prior tests were done with .12 gram bb’s, which seem to work fairly well. I’d guess it shoots at about 225 fps with .12’s. Like much of the rest of the airsoft world, I don’t have a chronograph, and I personally don’t drink soda, so my calculations of feet per second are going to have to be left to guesstimating for the moment. Although the gun isn't very powerful, it is very gas efficient. On one fill of gas, I am typically able to get about 70 shots off. Feeding wise, this pistol consistently feeds well as long as the user gives a firm, quick trigger pull. A slow trigger pull seems to allow two or three bb’s into the barrel though, drastically decreasing the fps and giving a shotgun effect.
Modified Performance:
With a few simple modifications, which I will describe later, the performance of this gun can definitely be improved. It still isn't an absolute lollipops , but it definitely performs better than before. I'd still recommend .2's, but the range, accuracy, and fps is a bit higher now.
Upgrades/Modifications:
With a few simple tools, it is very easy to modify this gun into a slightly more skirmishable piece. I have listed here a basic guide on how to do this.
Tools needed: hacksaw, electrical tape, small phillips screwdriver
Removing threaded outer barrel
Although the threaded outer barrel may be great if you feel like adding a silencer for a more modern loadout, the original HSc didn't have this longer barrel.
This step is easiest when the slide is already removed. Pull the safety switch towards you and then gently lift the slide up and to the front. This will leave the outer barrel showing.
Now using the hacksaw cut into the barrel a little after the end of the inner barrel. Don't cut too close or the slide will not have anywhere to affix to. This will fix up the first modification.
Assisting internal compression
This is where your screwdriver and electrical tape come into play. Gently remove the grips of the pistol.
Next, you will see 5 small screws underneath the grips and where the slide was. Remove these and gently separate one half of the frame from the other. Be careful when doing this or a couple small springs may go flying. Once the two halves are separated, make sure to release tension on two small springs inside. One is in charge of operating the gas valve, and is towards the top rear of the gun. The other provides tension to the trigger, and is located underneath the barrel of the gun.
Gently remove the gas cylinder. Remove a fair sized strip and wrap it around the top section of the cylinder (as shown in the picture). Also cut a smaller strip of electrical tape in half length wise and wrap it around the air nozzle. This provides an easy fix to any gas leak problems this gun has.
That about covers the modifications of the gun. I will be attempting to make a set of wood grips for it at some point, but that won't probably be for a while.
Pros:
Dirt cheap ($20 at most stores)
Relatively accurate
Compact size
Very gas efficient
Easy to take apart and work on
Cons:
Entirely plastic externals
Low FPS
No hop up
Possible feeding issues
Fairly small magazine (11 rounds)
No magazine lock
Conclusion:
Overall, I’m definitely pleased with this pistol. For $20, the HFC Mauser HSc outperforms springers and looks quite classy in my Makarov holster. Although it is by far not the greatest gas pistol out there, this pistol is well worth the $20.
Other pictures
(excuse the East German gear)
If you have any other questions about the gun, etc. let me know. Any ideas for additions to this review/article would be appreciated. Thanks!
-Ritter
Real Steel History:
The Mauser HSc is a small caliber pistol made in Nazi Germany from 1940 until the end of World War II. The designation HSc stood for Hahn Selbstspanner ("self-cocking hammer") Pistole, third and final design "C". Production was continued in 1945-46 during the French occupation and, later, from 1968 to 1977 by Mauser. It features a semi-exposed hammer, double-action trigger, single-column magazine, and a spring surrounding the barrel.
It competed with the contemporary German Walther PPK and PP and Sauer 38H for police and military use. The Mauser HSc was originally intended as a commercial pistol, but was procured initially by the Navy (Kriegsmarine) soon followed by the Army (Heer) and police. HSc pistols used by the Luftwaffe or Waffen-SS were procured from Army and police stocks. (courtesy of Wikipedia.com)
Basic Info:
Ever since I purchased a Makarov holster for my East German kit, I've wanted something to fill it. Not wanting to make a custom Makarov, I decided to go with another small frame handgun. Just turns out this one is WWII era! I had received a 10% off coupon from speedytoys.com, so I ordered from them a few months ago when I purchased the gun.
First Impressions:
At $20, I was expecting one lousy gas pistol, but this thing surprised me. Inside the classy blue and white box were the pistol, some decent .12 bb’s, and a whole lot of Styrofoam.
Pulling the gun out, I found it to be pretty light. Although some would disapprove of this, I’ve found it helps make the pistol exceptionally maneuverable.
Externals:
Many websites have described this pistol as an HFC PPK, but I find it looks far more like the Mauser HSc. Constructed entirely of plastic, this pistol isn’t made to be beat around excessively. The frame is constructed of a fairly heavy duty ABS plastic, but the grips, trigger, and safety switch are made of a somewhat weaker plastic. That said, I don’t think the trigger (my main concern of the three) is going to break off anytime soon. The only marks on the gun are the words ‘Made in Taiwan’ and a P on the right side of the gun.
Aesthetically, this isn’t the prettiest gun either. There is a well-pronounced seam line running the entire length of the gun, and the trigger is a shiny, fake-looking silver.
The grips are fairly decent, with a pattern that makes them look like somewhat more expensive grips.
Safety Switch:
As mentioned before, the safety switch isn’t exceptionally strong. Facing straight, the switch is on Fire. Slanted downwards, the switch is on Safe, as designated by the S. The selector switch is only on the left side of the gun, which makes it somewhat difficult for left-handers like me to change from safe to fire. I have found the considerable trigger pull plenty enough of a safety, and my gun has a tendency to switch into safe while firing. So, I ended up just disabling the safety, which can fairly easily be done once the gun is taken apart.
Magazine:
Included with the pistol is an 11 round magazine. The magazine is quite similar to magazines for spring pistols, with a small slide being used to pull down the magazine spring and allowing it to be loaded. Once the spring is pulled down, it will lock in place until the magazine is inserted into the gun. After loading, the magazine must be inserted into the gun quickly or else the magazine spring’s tension is released and the bb’s will go everywhere. One downside to the magazine is the fact that the bb's just sit in it, and there is no lock to hold bb's in. This means spare magazines can't easily be taken into the field with you. Like many other Non-Blowback pistols, this gun holds gas in an internal reservoir instead of the magazine.
Stock Performance:
As far as gas pistols go, this one doesn’t have exceptional range or power. I loaded up the gun through the fill valve on the bottom of the grip and took it out for test firing. This is definitely a last defense or show weapon, with shots over 50 or 60 feet falling rapidly. At 40 feet, I could accurately hit a man-sized target every time. At 50 or 60 feet about half of my shots missed, primarily due to low velocity. Power wise, this gun isn’t a lollipops . .2 gram bb’s seem to be far too heavy for it, with shots dropping off after 15 or 20 feet. All prior tests were done with .12 gram bb’s, which seem to work fairly well. I’d guess it shoots at about 225 fps with .12’s. Like much of the rest of the airsoft world, I don’t have a chronograph, and I personally don’t drink soda, so my calculations of feet per second are going to have to be left to guesstimating for the moment. Although the gun isn't very powerful, it is very gas efficient. On one fill of gas, I am typically able to get about 70 shots off. Feeding wise, this pistol consistently feeds well as long as the user gives a firm, quick trigger pull. A slow trigger pull seems to allow two or three bb’s into the barrel though, drastically decreasing the fps and giving a shotgun effect.
Modified Performance:
With a few simple modifications, which I will describe later, the performance of this gun can definitely be improved. It still isn't an absolute lollipops , but it definitely performs better than before. I'd still recommend .2's, but the range, accuracy, and fps is a bit higher now.
Upgrades/Modifications:
With a few simple tools, it is very easy to modify this gun into a slightly more skirmishable piece. I have listed here a basic guide on how to do this.
Tools needed: hacksaw, electrical tape, small phillips screwdriver
Removing threaded outer barrel
Although the threaded outer barrel may be great if you feel like adding a silencer for a more modern loadout, the original HSc didn't have this longer barrel.
This step is easiest when the slide is already removed. Pull the safety switch towards you and then gently lift the slide up and to the front. This will leave the outer barrel showing.
Now using the hacksaw cut into the barrel a little after the end of the inner barrel. Don't cut too close or the slide will not have anywhere to affix to. This will fix up the first modification.
Assisting internal compression
This is where your screwdriver and electrical tape come into play. Gently remove the grips of the pistol.
Next, you will see 5 small screws underneath the grips and where the slide was. Remove these and gently separate one half of the frame from the other. Be careful when doing this or a couple small springs may go flying. Once the two halves are separated, make sure to release tension on two small springs inside. One is in charge of operating the gas valve, and is towards the top rear of the gun. The other provides tension to the trigger, and is located underneath the barrel of the gun.
Gently remove the gas cylinder. Remove a fair sized strip and wrap it around the top section of the cylinder (as shown in the picture). Also cut a smaller strip of electrical tape in half length wise and wrap it around the air nozzle. This provides an easy fix to any gas leak problems this gun has.
That about covers the modifications of the gun. I will be attempting to make a set of wood grips for it at some point, but that won't probably be for a while.
Pros:
Dirt cheap ($20 at most stores)
Relatively accurate
Compact size
Very gas efficient
Easy to take apart and work on
Cons:
Entirely plastic externals
Low FPS
No hop up
Possible feeding issues
Fairly small magazine (11 rounds)
No magazine lock
Conclusion:
Overall, I’m definitely pleased with this pistol. For $20, the HFC Mauser HSc outperforms springers and looks quite classy in my Makarov holster. Although it is by far not the greatest gas pistol out there, this pistol is well worth the $20.
Other pictures
(excuse the East German gear)
If you have any other questions about the gun, etc. let me know. Any ideas for additions to this review/article would be appreciated. Thanks!
-Ritter