Ceska Zbrojovka vz. 38

History

Many weapons of Czech origin during World War II (1939-1945) were later widely used by parties outside the host country. This is the case with CZ vz. The Series 38 semi-automatic pistols, prized for their robust design and ease of maintenance, proved difficult to single-handedly due to the considerable trigger pull required. A special tilt feature (hinge at the muzzle end) allows relatively easy cleaning of the gun (or complete disassembly), as the barrel and slide can be raised for access and disassembly.

The design of the pistol was attributed to Frantisek Myska, and it went into mass production in 1939, albeit in limited numbers at the time of the German invasion (1939).

As a semi-automatic pistol, v. 38 to Double Action Only (DAO) trigger system. It is made for .380 ACP (9x17mm Browning Short), which gives it good stopping ability, and feeds from a 9-round detachable magazine on the bottom of the grip.

Many aspects of the design are very traditional, including the fixed sight on the slide, the ribbed section on the action end of the slide, and the slight overhang of the slide structure over the shooter's net. The trigger ring is given a rather slender shape for easy access to the trigger assembly.

The cartridge ejection port is located in the center of the slide.

Production of this weapon continued until 1945, but once the dust settled, the stockpile quickly fell into the hands of the conquerors. Then some with improved manual fuses were shipped to Bulgaria, a German ally.

For the Germans, these pistols were often used by local police and security forces, not front-line troops - with many criticisms of the weapon's overall feel and action.

Specification

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Changes