I've been fascinated in the C96 for some time now.  But I've never had the cash on hand to pick one up.  Recently I stumped across an auction for an incomplete Astra 900.  Which is a Spanish made copy of the original Mauser C96.  Given some talks I've had with some friends I got the impression that I could use C96 parts to restore.  But now it's starting to look like this may not be the case.  Really I should have seen THAT coming, as I have a somewhat rare model of Llama .45 (IX-D) that has a similar problem.  You just can't use all the standard 1911 parts to work on those.

So I'm wondering it anyone knows if I can use ANY C96 parts to restore this Astra 900?  I do realize that these weapons are before the time of really precise tolerances.  So I'd be looking at gobs if fitting on... well probably ALL the parts.

Any thoughts?

Well I've managed to answer my owner question with my own research.  Looks like I have an old Astra 900.  And it also looks like I'll not be able to use parts off a C96 to restore her.  At least nothing from the bottom end of the gun.

I'm still doing research so if I find anything else out I'll make sure to post.  Maybe I'll post a 'want to buy' post to see if anyone has an old worn out one of these pistols.  Then maybe I could make a detailed set of photos for comparison.