Standard Catalog of Military Firearms. Phillip Peterson
ZK 383
This submachine gun was first introduced in 1933. It is chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge and fitted with a 12.8" quick change barrel with jacket. Adjustable rate of fire from 500 to 700 rounds per minute by means of a removable insert in the bolt. This model fitted with a bipod. Rear sight is a V-notch tangent graduated to 800 meters. Weight is about 9.5l bs. This gun was sold to Bulgaria, some South American countries, and was used by the German army from 1938 to 1945.
A variation of this model called the ZK 383P was used by police units and does not have a bipod or quick change barrel. The ZK 383H was a limited production version with a folding magazine housing fitted to the bottom of the gun rather than the side.
ZK 383 • Courtesy Thomas Nelson, The World’s Submachine Guns, Vol. 1
Skorpion • Courtesy West Point Museum, Paul Goodwin photo
Pre-1968
| Exc. | V.G. | Fair |
| 14000 | 13000 | 12000 |
Skorpion Samopal VZ61
Introduced in 1960 this weapon is sometimes referred to as a machine pistol because of its size. Chambered for the 7.65x17SR Browning (.32 ACP) cartridge. Export models of this gun are chambered for the 9x17mm (.380 ACP[VZ63]), 9x18mm Makarov (VZ64), and the 9x19mm Parabellum (VZ68). The gun has a 4.5" barrel and is fitted with a wooden pistol grip. Overall length with butt folded in 10.5", with butt extended the length is 20.5". Weight is approximately 3 lbs. Rate of fire is about 700 rounds per minute. A licensed copy is made in Yugoslavia called the Model 84. No transferrable examples known.
Pre-1968
| Exc. | V.G. | Fair |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
RIFLES
Immediately after WWI the Czechs continued to use the Mannlicher Model 1895 rifle until 1924 when they began production of their own Mauser action rifles.
Mauser
Ceskoslovensha Zbrojovaka (ZB), Brno
NOTE: In 1924 the Czechs began to manufacture a number of Mauser-designed rifles for export, and for its own military use. Czech Mausers were based on the Model 98 action. Many of these rifles were sold to other countries and will be found under Germany, Mauser, Rifles.
NOTE: Prices are for rifles with matching numbers and original markings. Most recent imports have mismatched bolts. Many have receiver markings ground off. Deduct 50 percent for mismatch or recent ground imports.
M1898/22 Rifle
Manufactured by CZ in Brno this rifle is based on the Mexican Model 1912 with a Model 98 action. It is half stocked with a full-length upper handguard with pistol grip. Chambered for the 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge. Barrel length is 29" with a 5-round integral magazine. Weight is about 9.5 lbs. This rifle was used by Turkey as well as other countries.
Courtesy Rock Island Auction Company
VZ23 Short Rifle
Used by the Czech army this 7.92x57mm rifle was fitted with a 21.5" barrel and 5-round magazine. Tangent leaf rear sight graduated to 2,000 meters. Most were marked, “CZECHOSLOVAKIAN FACTORY FOR ARMS MANUFACTURE, BRNO” on the receiver ring. Weight is about 9 lbs.
Czech VZ24 with receiver markings and crest • Paul Goodwin photo
VZ12/33 Carbine
This rifle was produced primarily for export. It has a pistol grip stock with 3/4 length upper handguard and two barrel bands fairly close together. Bolt handle is bent down. Barrel length is 21.5" with 5-round magazine. Rear leaf sight is graduated to 1,400 meters. Weight is about 8 lbs. Country crest stamped on receiver.
VZ16/33 Carbine
Designed for paramilitary units this rifle has a 19.25" barrel. Chambered for the 7.92x57mm cartridge as well as other calibers depending on country. Magazine capacity is 5 rounds. Tangent rear leaf sight graduated to 1,000 meters. Czech crest stamped on receiver ring. This rifle formed the basis on the German Model 33/40 paratroop carbine used during WWII.
Courtesy Cherry’s Fine Guns
CZECH STATE
Ceskoslovenska Zbrojovka Brno (BRNO) was established in 1919 as the state arms factory. It was originally state owned but later, in 1924, was reorganized as a limited liability company.
M1895
The Czechs built about 5,000 of these Mannlicher rifles.
Model 24 (VZ24)
This rifle marks the first Czech produced military rifle for the Czech army. It was based on the Mauser 98 action. The rifle was in wide use by other countries such as Germany prior to WWII. Chambered for the 7.92mm cartridge and fitted with a 23" barrel, this model had a 5-round non-detachable box magazine. The rear sight was graduated from 300 to 2,000 meters in 100 meter increments. Weight is about 9 lbs.
Bayonet for Czech VZ 24 and other Mausers
Wood handle. 11.75" single edge blade. The cutting edge is to the top. Most have a muzzle ring, but these were sometimes removed. Cross piece has two rivets. Marked on the blade “CSZ” and possibly a Czech lion and date. Price range 60 – 20.
Model ZH29
Introduced in 1929, this semi-automatic rifle was designed by Emmanuel Holek of CZ at Brno. It is chambered