Ceska Zbrojovka vz. 59

History

In the 1950s, Czechoslovakia developed the General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) based on the vz. 52 model. This versatile weapon could be fed by either a belt or a magazine and utilized the 7.62x45mm cartridge. Over time, upgrades were made to accommodate different ammunition types, such as the widely accepted Soviet 7.62x39mm cartridge, leading to the creation of the vz. 52/57. By the end of the century, the design evolved into the vz. 59, which was optimized to use the 7.62x54R Soviet rifle cartridge, enhancing its range penetration capabilities.

The vz. 59, still in use by the modern Czech army, underwent significant improvements over its predecessors. It transitioned away from magazine feeds in favor of a more reliable belt feed system. This decision simplified the gun's construction and enhanced its functionality, ensuring better performance in various battlefield roles, including Squad Light Machine Gun, Stationary Heavy Machine Gun, and Coaxial Vehicle Machine Gun.

The vz. 59 comes in different configurations to suit its intended use. The squad variant features a light barrel and bipod, while the heavy machine gun version is equipped with a heavier and longer barrel for sustained fire. Additionally, a vehicle-mounted version exists. With a firing rate of 750 rounds per minute and a muzzle velocity of 2,700 feet per second, the vz. 59 is designed to deliver consistent firepower while mitigating the risk of overheating through standard bucket swapping procedures.

Specification

Basics

Years of Servicea: 1959

Origins: Czechoslovakia

Manufacturer: State Factory - Czechoslovakia

Carrier: Czechoslovakia;Czech Republic;Slovakia

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length: 1,220 mm (48. 03 in)

Run Length: 694mm (27. 32 inches)

Cured weight: 19.18 lbs (8.70 kg)

Action

Automatic: Bullets are automatically ejected from the breech, new bullets are removed from the chuck and inserted into the chamber, and the bullets will fire continuously as long as the trigger is pulled and ammunition is supplied.

Gas Power: Proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber: 7. 62x54R Russian; 7. 62x51mm NATO

Circle/Feed: 50 or 200 round belt

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived: 6,560 feet (1,999m | 2,187m)

Rate of fire: 750 Number of revolutions

Mile speed: 2,700 ft/sec (823 m/sec)

VARIANTS

vz. 59L ("Light") - Squad Light Machine Gun; lighter, changeable barrel assembly; bipod support.

vz. 59T ("Tank") - Coaxial-mounted vehicle machine gun; actuated through solenoid. vz. 68H - Chambered for the 7. 62x51mm NATO cartridge.