Ceska Zbrojovka vz. 52/57

Ceska Zbrojovka vz. 52/57 History

The Czechoslovakian vz. 52 series light machine guns (LMG) were initially designed for the Czech army, using a local 7.62x45mm rimless rifle cartridge, known as the vz. 52. However, Soviet pressure for logistical consistency led to a switch to the more common Soviet 7.62x39 M43 cartridge in 1957, resulting in the vz. 52/57 designation. This change presented design challenges as the LMG had to adapt to foreign cartridges, despite its solid Czech engineering.

The LMG could use a 25-round detachable magazine or a 50-round belt feeder and retained features from WWII-era ZB vz. 30 models. It offered both single and fully automatic firing modes, weighed 17.5 pounds, and measured 41 inches in length. A carry handle on the barrel aided in transport and barrel replacement. It could achieve a high rate of fire, up to 1,150 rounds per minute, and had a range of 2,800 meters.

The vz. 52/57 series served from 1962 to 1964, with approximately 8,000 units produced in Brno. Czech troops later replaced it with the "Universal Machine Gun" model, vz. 59, which remained in service as of 2016 and saw use in combat during the Vietnam War (1955-1975).

Specification

Basics

Years of Service: 1952

Origins: Czechoslovakia

Categories: Light Machine Gun (LMG) / Infantry Support Weapon

Manufacturer: Ceskoslovenska Zbrojovka - Czechoslovakia

Carrier: Czechoslovakia; North Korea

Fire Support: Ability to suppress enemy elements at a distance using direct or indirect fire.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length: 1,045 mm (41.14 inches)

Barrel length: 583mm (22.95 inches)

Cured weight: 17.53 lbs (7.95 kg)

Action

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: 7.6x45mm / 7.62x39mm M43 (depending on model)

Circle/Feed: Detachable 25-shot or 50-shot ribbon feeder

POWER

Maximum efficiency: 2,625 feet (800m | 875m)

Rate of fire: 1,000 Number of revolutions

Mile speed: 2,500 ft/s (762 m/s)

Variant

vz. 52/57 - Successor model with a new chamber of 7.62 x 39 mm.