Chinese “Warlord Period” copy of the C96 broomhandle Mauser scaled up to 45 ACP, earning it the nick name “Shanxi Handcannon”. In the 1920s, China acquired a large number of Mauser C96 automatic pistols and eventually became the only country to adopt the strange, awkward "Broomhandle" Mauser as a primary military sidearm. The demand was so great, in fact, that even foreign imitations (such as the Spanish Astra Model 900 series) were actively procured, and various local arsenals would go on to mass-produce the German-pattern design.  One such indigenous efforts was made by a weapons lab within the country's Shanxi Province, albeit in a modified form. The imported pistols, as well as the majority of Chinese-made copies, fired the German-designed high-velocity 7.63x25mm cartridge, but the Warlord of the Shanxi Provence, Yen Hsi-shan, had the design expanded to chamber the harder-hitting American-designed .45ACP to simplify his supply needs, as his men also used the Thompson submachine gun. When the Republic of China was invaded by Japan, the Broomhandle, including the .45ACP "Shanxi Type 17", saw extensive use in the hands of Chinese Nationalist and Communist troops who resisted the invaders.

We have powder, primers, brass and bullets available as well, call to inquire.

No shipping on Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday

If you have any further questions, or wish to purchase the item please call between 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mountain Time, Mon-Sat. WE DO NOT USE THE "Buy It" feature, you must call us at (208)(375)(8694) to actually secure/purchase an item.

Please keep in mind, due to high volume of internet sales, we may not be able to answer your e-mails as quickly as you need.

All prices reflect a discount for cash or money order payment, if you pay with a credit card , prices will be 3% higher than the price shown. All local sales are subject to Idaho sales tax. Call for Trades

Warranty: Previously owned (used) firearms have a 3 Day Inspection at Your Dealer Location, there is a 25% restocking fee on all returned used guns, if you fill out the 4473 form and take the firearm home, the firearm is yours.

All NEW firearms are warranted by the factory. We reserve the right to correct Pricing, Typographical, and Photographic and/or Descriptive errors.

Cliffs Guns, Safes & Reloading