The Mauser HSc was one of the three best pocket pistol designs from the 30's. The other two were the Walther PP series, and the Sauer 38H.
The HSc was used by the German police, Army, and Navy. It was popular with senior officers of all services.
For some reason, the HSc wasn't loaded with proof marks like most other German pistols. Most had Commercial markings and finish until late in the war.
The Mauser has an unusual slide stop opperation. If the slide is retracted, unless there is a loaded magazine in place, the slide will lock open. It can be closed only by inserting a loaded or empty magazine. When a loaded magazine is inserted, the slide automatically chambers a live round.
To close on an empty chamber, remove and reinsert the empty magazine.
The safety is one of the best. When the safety is applied, the firing pin is completely removed from any possible contact from the hammer.
Check the frame carefully around the recoil stop area. The HSc was prone to cracking in this area.
The HSc is often refered to as an Art Decco firearm.
A slightly modified version was made during the 60's. After Mauser stopped importing it, they sold/leased the design to Gambia in Spain. The early Spanish guns were close copies of the post-war HSc, but the later production was changed to a high capacity version, which destroyed Mauser's original concept of a pocket auto.
