Small Arms Review
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
No Result
View All Result
Small Arms Review
No Result
View All Result
Home Articles Articles by Issue Volume 17 V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)

CZECHOSLOVAKIAN SUBMACHINE GUNS

SAR Staff by SAR Staff
September 21, 2022
in V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013), Ammunition, Articles, Articles by Issue, Guns & Parts, Search by Issue, Volume 17
CZECHOSLOVAKIAN SUBMACHINE GUNS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

By Frank Iannamico

After the end of World War II, most of the efforts in post-war Europe were being directed toward rebuilding cities, and people were primarily concerned with getting their lives back to normal. The world was finally at peace, and most countries were awash in surplus war material and weapons. Despite the peace, and many thousands of surplus small arms, weapon development in many countries continued. Most were focused toward a new class of weapon introduced during the war by Germany; the mid-range caliber Sturmgewehr made primarily of sheet metal stampings. The assault rifle was considered by many to be a weapon that would ultimately replace both the long-range battle rifle and short-range submachine gun. In spite of all the attention being focused toward the new assault rifle, a few armies still saw a place for the submachine gun in their inventory. Many new submachine gun designs emerged during World War II, and by the end of the war most of the shortcomings of World War II weapons were revealed. Designers took the best features of the World War II era submachine guns and added a few new ones.

Although the 9mm vz. 23 (top) and 7.62mm vz.24 (bottom) look very similar; the pistol grip of the 7.62 version is angled slightly, while the grip of the 9mm weapon extends at a 90-degree angle from the receiver. Note the 9mm weapon has a reinforcing cross-bolt in its stock. (U.S. Marine Corps National Museum)

Czechoslovakia has long been an innovator in firearm designs, introducing many unique weapons. Even as a member of the Soviet led Warsaw Pact, the Czechs did not conform to the Russian standard when it came to small arms. Designs like the vz.52 pistol, vz.52/57 rifle, and vz.58 assault rifle were fielded in place of the Tokarev pistol, SKS and AK-47 rifles. The Czechs even resisted adopting the standard Com Bloc 7.62x39mm cartridges by fielding their own, more powerful 7.62x45mm round, before eventually relenting and adopting the Warsaw Pact’s 7.62x39mm cartridge. The Czech designers and engineers implemented a number of revolutionary features in their weapons, some of which were later used by other designers for their weapons.

One series of Czech submachine guns developed after the war had many innovative features, although it is not clear if they were actually the first to do so. The weapons were the 9mm Parabellum vz.23 and vz.25, and the 7.62x25mm vz.24 and vz.26; the weapons are very similar except for their caliber. The vz.25 and vz.26 had a left side-folding metal buttstock, which attached to a collar that encircled the receiver tube. The stock could be locked in an extended or folded position and when folded the sheet metal buttplate could be used as a vertical foregrip. The vz.23 and vz.24 had a fixed stock made of wood with a stamped metal buttplate. The fixed stock attached to the receiver by a bracket welded to the bottom of the receiver tube; although some early fixed stock models had the same type of 360-degree stock bracket as the folding stock version. The Czech submachine guns featured an 8.25-inch long telescoping bolt, which surrounds the 11-inch barrel for 6.25-inches, allowing the weapon to have a relatively long barrel and a short overall length. The barrel, secured to the receiver by a threaded collar, could be easily removed for cleaning or replacement. A sling attachment loop was located behind the barrel retaining collar. The magazine well was located in the pistol grip, which gave the weapon good balance – enough to fire it using one-hand, if necessary, with some reasonable accuracy. Both the 9mm and 7.62 models used an excellent double-feed, triangular shaped steel magazine. Despite having such features, the Czech weapons are rarely recognized as most accolades go to the similar Israeli Uzi submachine gun, which was developed around the same period, although the prototype of the vz.23, the vz.447 was tested in 1948, reportedly a few years before the Uzi.

Although the vz.23-vz.26 submachine guns had many of the same features as the Uzi, the Uzi is much better known, and recognized for its modern innovations.

Submachine gun development in Czechoslovakia began as early as 1920, but progress was slow. The Czech army considered the U.S. Thompson and the German MP18, but after testing, rejected both weapons. During 1930s the ZK383 submachine gun was designed by the Koucky brothers at the Brno factory. The well crafted ZK383 had a bipod, a quick-change barrel, and a bolt that had a removable weight to change the full-automatic cyclic rate; features not normally found on submachine guns. The ZK383 submachine gun was sold to Bulgaria, Germany and a few countries in South America, but was not officially adopted by the Czech army. A few months prior to the start of World War II, Czechoslovakia was occupied by the German Wehrmacht. The Germans took over the Czech arms factories, putting them to work supplying their war machine.

Scott Van Gorder of Bloodhound Arms fires off a burst from a vz.26. The weapon handles very much like an Uzi and has a similar cyclic rate. (Scott Van Gorder)

During the post World War II era, the newly reorganized Czechoslovakian army was equipped with a variety of foreign-made small arms. While most countries stopped all development work on pistol-caliber submachine gun designs after the war Czechoslovakia, having no immediate requirement for an assault rifle, initiated a program to develop a new submachine gun. A relatively large number of indigenous designs were submitted by both the Zbrojovka Brno (ZB) and Ceska Zbrojovka (CZ) factories for test and evaluation. Since the test and evaluation program was being conducted during peacetime, there was no sense of urgency to find a suitable weapon. The first 9mm prototype submachine gun design, the ZB47, was tested in 1946, followed by the ZK 466, the H/47, CZ 47/1, CZ 147, H/P, CZ 47/P, ZK 471, CZ 447 and the CZ 247. The testing was further complicated in 1947 when it was decided that the program should include weapons firing the 7.62x25mm Soviet cartridge causing further problems and delays. As a result of the new 7.62mm round requirement, more prototypes were produced to include the CZ 248 and the ZK 476. By July of 1948 the competition was down to two finalists, the CZ 447 developed at the Strakonice plant and the ZK 476 from the Brno factory. The 9mm CZ 447 was chosen for production, after the army requested that the production weapon be chambered for the 9mm round. In 1948 the CZ 447 was adopted as the Sa vz. M48a for the fixed stock model and Sa vz. M48b for the folding stock version. Sa represents Samopal or submachine gun and vz stands for vzor or model. During 1950 the designations were changed, the M48a became the vz.23 and the M48b the vz.25.

When the metal stock of the vz.25 and vz.26 models are folded, the butt can be used as a vertical foregrip. (U.S. Marine Corps National Museum)

After a relatively short period, production of the 9mm vz.23 and vz.25 submachine gun ceased on 26 May 1950. Orders were received to convert the design to fire the Soviet Pact 7.62x25mm pistol round, to conform with other Warsaw Pact members. Although a seemingly easy conversion, it was nearly a year later on 11 June 1951, when the new 7.62x25mm models were put into production. The wooden-stocked submachine gun was designated as the Model 24, and the folding stock variant the Model 26. The 9mm and 7.62 models look very similar; however, the pistol grip of the 9mm is attached to the receiver at a 90-degree angle, while the 7.62 model is canted at an 87 degree angle to the front. Other differences between the two caliber models: the 9mm barrel has six grooves, while the 7.62 barrel has four. The 9mm model used two different magazines, one with a 24-round capacity, the other held 40-rounds. There was only one magazine for the 7.62 model, which held 32-rounds. To differentiate the 7.62 magazine, it has a long vertical impression on both sides. The width of the magazine was extended approximately 5mm to accommodate the 7.62x25mm cartridge, which is approximately 4.3mm longer than a 9mm round. The 7.62 model had a slightly heavier bolt to handle the more powerful round. The 9mm models had an unloaded weight of 6.8 pounds while the 7.62mm version was slightly heavier at 7.25 pounds unloaded, largely due to its redesigned bolt.

Top, overall view of the fixed stock model. (U.S. Marine Corps National Museum)

The Czech models 23 through 26 were constructed in the same manner, primarily from sheet metal stampings; the receiver is a seamless tube. The select-fire weapons all fire from an open bolt and the cyclic rate is approximately 600 rounds per minute. A progressive trigger controls the mode of fire; pulling the trigger partially to the rear provides semiautomatic fire, while pulling the trigger completely to the rear provides the operator with a full-automatic function. The long bolt has a fixed firing pin and extractor. The recoil spring is held by a rod on the left side of a circular plate located at the back of the receiver alongside an ejector rod. The bolt has a space in the center to allow the cartridges to eject as it passes by the ejection port in the receiver. When the bolt is forward or to the rear position the ejection port is blocked by the bolt, which helps to keep debris from entering the receiver. The back of the receiver has an end cap to facilitate the removal of the bolt assembly. The cap is secured by a series of lugs on the receiver and held in place by the dimples in the cap and pressure from the recoil spring. The front sight is a blade type protected by a metal hood and the adjustable rear sight is a square shape with four positions: 100, 200, 300 and 400 meters. It is adjusted by rotating it to the desired range, which is marked under each sighting notch. On the fixed stock model, the sight is attached to a bracket spot welded onto the receiver. On the folding stock weapon the rear sight is attached to a collar welded around the receiver tube, which is used to support the folding stock. The pistol and foregrip are a composite made from phenolic resin and wood, commonly used for furniture on other Czech small arms. Located on the right foregrip is a metal insert that is used for loading the magazine. Two safeties are provided. One is located in the trigger housing; the safe position is to the right. When in the fire mode a painted red strip is visible. A second safety is the cocking handle, which can be used to lock the bolt in a forward or rearward position. Before the bolt can be retracted the handle must be pushed inward. Sling attachment loops are located behind the barrel retaining nut. The rear loop is on the side of the arm of the folding stock and on the fixed stock model the loop is attached to an inleted section of the wood. Several examples were studied and all had the manufacturer’s code “she” above the serial number on the left rear side of the receiver. Some examples had their year of manufacture below the serial number. The code “she” was that of the Ceska Zbrojovka plant in the town of Uherský Brod. Early submachine guns were blued, while many later models were phosphated or painted gray. The design of the vz.23 and vz.25 submachine guns have been credited to Vaclav Holek, assisted by F. Myska, J. Kratochvil, and V. Zibar.

The 9mm vz.25, with its stock extended. Note the stripper clip magazine loader on the side of the foregrip. (U.S. Marine Corps National Museum

M48 Ammunition

The 7.62x25mm M48 ammunition has been documented in several publications as being 20-percent “hotter” than normal loads, and often cited as being for “submachine gun use only.” The M48 ammunition has been the subject of much internet debate as to whether or not this is fact or fiction. The ammunition does generate more felt recoil and muzzle flash than most 7.62x25mm rounds, but there has been no official documentation found as to whether or not it was intended only for use in submachine guns. The ammunition comes packed on 8-round stripper clips, presumably for ease of loading in the vz.24 and vz.26 subguns. There are five clips packed in each cardboard box (40 rounds). One type has gray painted cases with the headstamp markings “aym” and a year of manufacture (usually 52 or 53). There are other types of Czech-made 7.62×25 ammunition on stripper clips that have brass cases and different head stamps.

By the early 1960s the 7.62 vz.24 and vz.26 submachine guns were being phased out and replaced by the 7.62x39mm vz.58 assault rifle: another very unique Czech design. The submachine guns were sold or given to other communist nations and were eventually distributed around the world. The weapons have surfaced in Cuba, Syria, Nigeria, Chile, Cambodia, Libya, Lebanon, and South African among others, often in the hands of terrorist groups.

To charge the magazines with the loader located on the right side of the foregrip:

To load the magazine with the stripper clip loader device on the foregrip, place the stripper clip against the stop on the forward end of the guide. Align the top of the magazine on the stripper clip and push the magazine forward.
  1. Insert the 8-round stripper into the loading slot on the foregrip, the clip is held stationary by a guide stop on the end of the slot.
  2. Place the edge of the magazine at the bottom of the guide slot and push the magazine toward the cartridges.
  3. After the cartridges are pushed into the magazine the empty stripper clip is simultaneously moved forward and ejected from the slot.
  4. The procedure is repeated until the magazine is filled.

Field Stripping Procedures:

  1. Remove the magazine and visually inspect the chamber to insure that no cartridges are present.
  2. Depress the button in the center of the endcap, at the same time turn the endcap to remove it from the receiver.
  3. Retract the cocking handle and push it down into the bolt, the bolt and recoil spring assembly can be removed through the rear of the receiver tube.
  4. To remove the barrel, loosen the barrel retaining nut and slide the barrel out of the receiver.
  5. Reverse the procedure to assemble.
Once the stripper clip is empty it will be pushed from the loader. Repeat the loading process until the magazine is full. Each stripper holds eight cartridges. All of the vz.ís magazine capacities are in multiples of eight; 24 and 40 for the 9mm weapon and 32 rounds for the 7.62 version.
The special high-pressure Czech M48 ìsubmachine gunî ammunition is the subject of much controversy, as to whether it is actually hotter than normal loads. The ammunition box is coded ìaymî the letter code for the N·rodnÌ Podnik PovaûskÈ Stroj·rneí plant, in the town of Povaûsk· Bystrica. Bottom, left: The Czech 7.62 ammunition was factory loaded on 8-round stripper clips. A magazine loading device for the clips is located on the right foregrip.
The stripped submachine gun. (U.S. Marine Corps National Museum)
This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V17N2 (June 2013)
Tags: 20132nd Quarter 2012CZECHOSLOVAKIAN SUBMACHINE GUNSFrank IannamicoJUNE 2013V17N2
Previous Post

BLANK FIRING WEAPONS FOR TACTICAL DEMONSTRATIONS

Next Post

GETTING BACK TO THE BASICS BUILDING A RETRO XM16E1

Next Post
GETTING BACK TO THE BASICS BUILDING A RETRO XM16E1

GETTING BACK TO THE BASICS BUILDING A RETRO XM16E1

TRENDING STORIES

  • U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

    U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Customizing the Already Custom SIG P320 Spectre Comp

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Evolution of the U.S. Grenade Launcher From World War II to Today’s Conflicts

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

SIG Spectre Comp with AXG Grip Module

Customizing the Already Custom SIG P320 Spectre Comp

Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

New Review: V19N1

New Review: V23N3

SAR|Special

SAR|Special

The Grand Power Q100

The Grand Power Q100

A Fading Star: The star S135 Submachine Gun, That is

A Fading Star: The star S135 Submachine Gun, That is

The Iron Door: Soviet Russian Weapons Designers Stop the Germans in Their Tracks

The Iron Door: Soviet Russian Weapons Designers Stop the Germans in Their Tracks

The American FN FAL Rifle: In Search of the Perfect Lightweight Rifle

The American FN FAL Rifle: In Search of the Perfect Lightweight Rifle

Ahead of Its Time: British Fosbery Pump-Action Shotgun with “Stoner” Bolt

Ahead of Its Time: British Fosbery Pump-Action Shotgun with “Stoner” Bolt

The Big Bang! : Great American Fun at the 2018 Big Sandy Machine Gun Shoot in Wikieup, AZ

The Big Bang! : Great American Fun at the 2018 Big Sandy Machine Gun Shoot in Wikieup, AZ

QUICK LINKS

  • About Chipotle Publishing
  • About Small Arms Review
  • Advertise with Us
  • Write for Us

CONTACT DETAILS

  • Phone: +1 (702) 565-0746
  • E-mail: office@smallarmsreview.com
  • Web: www.chipotlepublishing.com
  • Chipotle Publishing, LLC 631 N. Stephanie St., No. 282, Henderson, NV 89014
Small Arms Review

FOLLOW US

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
      • Volume 2
      • Volume 3
      • Volume 4
      • Volume 5
      • Volume 6
      • Volume 7
      • Volume 8
      • Volume 9
      • Volume 10
      • Volume 11
      • Volume 12
      • Volume 13
      • Volume 14
      • Volume 15
      • Volume 16
      • Volume 17
      • Volume 18
      • Volume 19
      • Volume 20
      • Volume 21
      • Volume 22
      • Volume 23
      • Volume 24
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Are you in the know?
Stay up to date with the latest articles.

Facebook-f Linkedin Instagram

Redirecting to External Website

You are leaving the Small Arms Review website and will be redirected to an external link in a 5 Seconds.
VISIT NOW!