Yearbook Content

WE DISTRIBUTE OUR Introduction Interview with CEO Ladislav Britaňák 4 PRODUCTS TO MORE THAN The Management of Česká zbrojovka a.s. 8 100 COUNTRIES CZ P-10 F, SC and S Pistols 10 CZ P-10 C 14 The Journey to the CZ P-10 C 22 ALL OVER THE WORLD CZ 75 B Anniversary Editions 26 CZ SHADOW 2 32 CZ SHADOW 2 ORANGE 36 CZ Shooting Team and CZ Academy 40 Interview with Eric Grauffel 44 Interview with Maria Gushchina 46 Interview with Robin Šebo 48

Hunting The New CZ 457 Rimfire Series 50 Interview with Kateřina Emmons 54 Interview with Matthew Emmons 56 CZ 527 Centerfire Rifles 58 Interview with Tomáš Staněk 62 CZ 557 Centerfire Rifles 64 CZ 550 SAFARI CLASSICS II. 68 EXPRESS 72

Military Weapons and Accessories CZ SCORPION EVO 3 A1 and its Semi-Automatic Derivatives 74 From the CZ 805 BREN to the CZ BREN 2 78 CZ BREN 2 82 CZ BREN 2 BR 86 CZ BREN 2Ms 90 CZ 4M Tactical Equipment 92

The CZ Milestones 94 The CZ Subsidiaries 98

| 3 We strive to be a strong partner for our customers An interview with the CEO of Česká zbrojovka a.s., Ing. Ladislav Britaňák, MBA

Over the last few years, Česká and the legendary Dan Wesson Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fire- zbrojovka a.s. has continuous- 1911 pistols. However, we knew arms and Explosives that awards ly shown excellent economic that if we wanted to expand fur- points to for key proper- results. Has this trend followed ther on this market, we would ties and parameters. If the giv- since last year and what are have to look for new directions. en product doesn’t satisfy the the prospects for the next pe- We have therefore made the de- requirements, it has no chance riod? cision to manufacture our guns of being imported. One other You are right, the results of our directly in the USA. important reason to transfer the company are excellent and the production is also the Buy Amer- word continuous is certainly fit- ican Act. This Act stipulates the ting. The last period that began terms and conditions for sup- in 2007 can truly be regarded plying federal institutions. If we as a period of constant growth, wish to supply our guns, more unhindered even by the global than half of the value of the financial crisis, an extreme phe- must be manufactured in USA. nomenon such as it is. For us, being on the US market is not just a prestigious matter, Looking back to 2018, we con- it also holds a great potential, tinued the existing trend and hence, it makes sense to build showed record results with an- a production capacity here too. other year-on-year improve- ment. To be specific: we sold Traditionally, CZ has always 380,000 guns, with about 90 been a significant export- percent of that accounting for er. However, experience has export. Our company trades shown that selling is not with around 100 countries, the enough anymore. How has this largest export regions are Eu- fact changed your company’s rope, , Canada and attitude towards the customer? above all, the USA. Last year our company made The superior quality of the latest the first CZ gun at our Kansas CZ weapons is reflected in the The US market has been of City facility. Besides other things, expansion of the sales network to pivotal importance for CZ for a this means that this gun may be more than 100 countries world- long time. In 2018, there were offered and supplied to the US wide, as well as the ever-growing some changes concerning federal armed forces. It probably list of references from our happy this region. Can you give us comes as no surprise that the customers. Many of them opt to more details? model in question is our popular purchase from a comprehen- The US market became familiar , the P-10. sive product portfolio because with our company and prod- from the economical and logis- ucts thanks to our subsidiary, It is well-known that the Ameri- tic point of view, it makes more CZ-USA, which was established cans protect their market much sense, as in addition to guns, there in 1997. Eight years later we more rigorously than other such a portfolio will also include a bought Dan Wesson , countries. Consequently, we had range of accessories, all-inclusive the manufacturer of to meet the requirements of the services or targeted training.

| 5 I believe that we have put more have already become globally the market is an original folding rimfire adapters for ally belongs amongst the most fort to create a small gun with emphasis on our customers renowned: the CZ SCORPION system that provides su- CZ pistols. significant manufacturers in the a for plain clothes se- being our partners and that we EVO 3 A1, CZ BREN 2 assault perb rigidity and strength when world. We belong to those who curity services, however, we have also begun listening to rifles or CZ P-07/09 and CZ P-10 shooting as well as se- Also, in 2019 we actually set new trends. Follow- believe that the semi-auto- them a lot more. Moreover, we pistols. And our latest product, cure position will introduce three ing in the footsteps of the fa- matic Scorpion will also ap- strive to improve in the area of the CZ TSR rifle seems to more versions of the popular mous CZ 452 and its successor, peal to civilian shooters. after-sales service and provide be heading the same CZ P-10 models: full, semi-com- the CZ 455, we are launching the utmost support for our cus- way too. pact and subcompact. An- a new generation of CZ rimfire ri- Lastly, please allow me one tomers. We want to hear about other new model will be the fles. The CZ 457 model series has personal question. You have the problems they might be during trans- CZ SHADOW 2 ORANGE. This once again elevated us to the worked in Česká zbrojovka experiencing and discuss them port. In addition, this model has been based on the absolute top. We firmly believe since July 2004. How has the clearly and openly. system also allows for an easy CZ SHADOW 2, primarily a that at present, these rifles have company changed over that change of the folding direction. sport pistol, which currently oc- no equal rival on the market! time in your opinion? Which We also seek fur- Regard- cupies the podium in the Pro- models from the company’s ther oppor- ing other Česká zbrojovka is inherently duction Division at the most The sport shooting sector vast range do you like the tunities to new products, connected with the legend- prestigious international IPSC does not just include pistols. most and why? conquer I would like to es- ary CZ 75 pistols, produced in events. The ORANGE version What CZ guns can hobby I think that when I started, the the foreign pecially mention the new many variants. Are you bring- has been brought to perfection shooters in particular look for- company really was complete- markets. CZ BREN 2 BR rifle. It is a ing in another innovation for thanks to careful and well-prov- ward to? ly different. The only thing that One of the cutting-edge individual 2019? And what other new en gunsmithing adjustments I would like to point out es- has not changed is the poten- ways is co- automatic combining products in the pistol sector and other improvements. pecially two semi-automatic tial of the superb products and operation the strong points of the successful can your fans look forward to? firearms for hobby shooting the know-how. In those days, with forces CZ BREN 2 model series with the The famous name of the CZ 75 Firearms for sport shooting and sport: the CZ SCORPION the potential was largely left and services powerful 7.62×51 NATO . binds us to continue in this tra- and hunting also continue to EVO 3 S1 and the CZ unexploited, while since then governmental departments that The result is a new generation dition by coming up with new be a traditional and integral SCORPION EVO 3 S2 MICRO. we have managed to capital- deal with defence industries. For light , characterized by models. The CZ 75 mo- part of CZ’s portfolio. What ize on it to a significant extent example, in the second half of exceptional reliability, high ac- del series using the up- new products did you intro- for the benefit of all involved. 2016 we opened a centre for the curacy, smooth ergonomics and graded OMEGA duce in 2018 and what are you I would like both our existing assembly and repairs of our pis- easy control. In comparison with and future custom- tols in the Peruvian firearms fac- assault rifles in 5.56×45 NATO or tory FAME in Lima. 7.62×39 cal., the CZ BREN 2 BR boasts In March 2018, we entered into a con- a contract with a Hungarian sider- state enterprise for the licenced ably higher effective range and production of the CZ P-07/09 stronger effect at the target. And mechanism constitutes a stable planning for pistols, CZ SCORPION subma- all this comes without any signifi- element in our portfolio. At pres- 2019? ers to understand chine guns and CZ BREN 2 as- cant weight increase. ent, innovations in this series In 2018, we that they have a sault rifles. concern sport pistols, particular- brought out strong and reliable In 2018 we also introduced our ly the ORANGE models. several new partner in us. This Firearms for the Armed Forc- new , the CZ TSR. models: two is one more change es constitute a significant Our latest pistols – the CZ new models we have made every effort to portion of CZ’s production. P-10 C OR and the CZ inspired by bring about. What was the situation in SHADOW 2 OR were the versa- this sector last year and introduced at the be- tile CZ 557 The first model is a highly ac- And as for your second ques- what is expected in 2019? ginning of 2018. VARMINT curate strictly semi-automatic tion – I like all our products, In general, we can say that These models rifle for carbine in 9×19 calibre, based particularly the latest ones. thanks to intensive modern- have been modified sport shooting on the proven design of the CZ Nevertheless, there is one ization of the production and It is a brand so as to enable the easy and hunting, and the CZ 557 LUX SCORPION EVO 3 A1 subma- model that is especially im- development facilities, CZ of- new, highly and at the same time II. model. Naturally, 2019 won’t chine gun. Thanks to its prop- portant to me. It is a pistol that fers cutting-edge models in all accurate rifle sturdy attachment miss out. In the first place, I would erties, it is an ideal choice for has been created by people sectors of its portfolio. In recent in 308 Win. calibre (7.62×51 of small modern like to mention the CZ 457 family modern shooting disciplines working from both sides of years there was a major break- NATO) for the Armed Forces collimator sights. which constitutes the new ideal and hobby shooting. the Atlantic and has already through for our company in the and long-distance shooting. In In addition, we of a modern rimfire rifle in its become truly legendary – the fact that it has once again be- the development of this model, have brought out price range. I am sure there is no The MICRO is a miniature ver- CZ 75 SP-01 SHADOW which come the supplier for official we worked closely with elite po- three more ver- need to remind our customers sion of the CZ SCORPION EVO started a new successful peri- armed forces for whom we cur- lice and military professionals. sions of the third that regarding long firearms for 3 S1 semi-automatic model. od of growth in our company. rently produce firearms that A completely new feature for generation KADET rimfire cartridges, CZ tradition- This is a side result of our ef-

6 | | 7 From the left: Quality Director, Ing. Tomáš Hauerland, MBA; Technical Director, Ing. Pavel Majzlík; CZ-AUTO Director, Jaroslav Hruška, MBA, MSc.; Personnel and Administrative Director, Ing. Ladislav Koníček; Finance Director, Ing. Vieslava Piegzová, MBA; Production Director, Ing. Jiří Kundrata; President and Chairman of the Board of the CZ Group holding, Ing. Lubomír Kovařík, MBA; CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Česká zbrojovka a.s., Ing. Ladislav Britaňák, MBA; Commercial Director, Radomír Jarko, MBA

The management of Česká zbrojovka a.s.

In 2018, Česká zbrojovka a.s. be- thus offers customers not President and Chairman of the Members of the senior man- gic business unit Auto & Aero is Pavel Majzlík, Ing. Jiří Kundrata came a member of the interna- only guns but also ammuni- Board, Ing. Lubomír Kovařík, agement are the Finance Di- Jaroslav Hruška, MBA, MSc. and Ing. Tomáš Hauerland, MBA. tional Česká zbrojovka Group tion, optical sights, ballistic MBA, who was the CEO and rector, Ing. Věslava Piegzová, holding. In addition to the vests, helmets, uniforms etc. Chairman of the Board of MBA; the Commercial Direc- The Board of Directors of Česká The Chairman of the Supervi- mother company in Uherský The holding also offers its re- Česká zbrojovka a.s. for 12 years. tor, Radomír Jarko, MBA; the zbrojovka a.s. is almost identical sory Board which represents Brod, the holding will gradually search and development facil- Technical Director, Ing. Pavel to the senior management. The the interests of the owner is Ing. incorporate other companies ities that specialize in new ad- The current CEO of Česká Majzlík; the Production Director, Chairman of the Board is the Lubomír Kovařík, MBA, with that engage in manufacturing vanced technology solutions zbrojovka a.s. is Ing. Ladislav Ing. Jiří Kundrata; the Personnel CEO, Ing. Ladislav Britaňák, and members Mgr. Petr Holeček and developmental programs and products using metal ad- Britaňák, MBA, who has gained and Administrative Director, Ing. the Vice Chairmen are Ing. Věsla- and Ing. Jana Růžičková. of a similar nature. ditive manufacturing. extensive managerial experi- Ladislav Koníček and the Quality va Piegzová and Ing. Ladislav ence over many years as the Director, Ing. Tomáš Hauerland, Koníček, the Members of the The Česká zbrojovka Group This Group is headed by the Commercial Director. MBA. The Director of the strate- Board are Radomír Jarko, Ing.

8 | | 9 CZ P-10 F CZ P-10 SC CZ P-10 S

WHEN SIZE MATTERS

David Pazdera

In 2019, three new striker-fired models from the very popular CZ P-10 series are coming on the market. With these models and the OPTICS READY version introduced last year, Česká zbrojovka a.s. has appealed to all fans of modern . It doesn’t matter what pistol you are looking for, whether a model for personal defence, official purposes, dynamic shooting disciplines or hobby shooting, you will be spoilt for choice in the P-10 line. All you need to do is pick the features that are right just for you.

It is common knowledge that these guns are suitable for easy go for handguns in the style pistol have been created. They not many of them can be con- compact, was created by sim- Česká zbrojovka a.s. set out to open as well as concealed carry of classic army pistols. Then thoughtfully combine the di- sidered truly remarkable. ply putting the slide from the develop the CZ P-10 pistol as a while also providing large mag- there are the modern sport mensions with the key advan- full-size model to a compact comprehensive platform. The azine capacity. One might even disciplines with the IPSC in tages of the system – above all Where the CZ P-10 is con- frame, achieving completely reason for the Compact model take the C as short for Compro- the lead, where a few extra the excellent ergonomics and cerned, the great advantage flawless functionality in the being introduced first resulted mise – an ideal model for both mm or grams not only pose no an exceptionally smooth trig- was the perfect base pistol process. This is certainly not from the demand. Let us forget official and civilian use. problem but may even posi- ger pull. Achieving such a feat which enabled the designers common at all. for a moment that it is basically tively influence the results. On is not easy, particularly if the carry out fairly straightforward a new standard of a defence When a compact is not enough the other side of the spectrum manufacturer wants to retain changes for subsequent vari- Fullsize and service pistol. The fact is However, there are areas and there is the need to carry a gun the homogeneity of the com- ants. Thanks to that, both the So far, we have been able to that the so-called compacts situations when such a com- as covertly as possible. ponent base and ensure the larger and smaller versions test the CZ P-10 F the most, have been selling like hot cakes promise might not be the gun is absolutely reliable and were being developed at the with the F standing for Fullsize. for quite a few years. Thanks to best solution. For example, For these specific purposes, user-friendly. If one looks at sim- same time as the first C model. This model comes the closest their dimensions and weight, the armed forces still tend to further variants of the CZ P-10 ilar attempts of rival companies, The “in-between” SC, or Sub- to the traditional style of service

10 | | 11 pistols though it departs from bers of armed forces who wish Semicompact, but then again, distinctive checkering. What them in a notable way. Unlike to have a backup gun in which how many of these are there? is more, various tests have those pistols of old and thanks they could place their faith no The ergonomics won’t be confirmed the absolute reli- to the use of advanced ma- matter the conditions. a problem for anyone else. ability of the model, despite terials, this pistol weighs only the reduced gripping surface 0.8 kg when empty and the Something in between Subcompact (which in such a small gun is large-capacity holds A Semicompact was The third of these new not expected anyway). an incredible 19 rounds in 9×19 originally a designa- models, calibre. These are specifications tion for pistols whose In conclusion, the CZ P-10 S the older all-steel or partly “al- standard-size frame is a gun designed above all uminium” army pistols could was combined with for defence at very short CZ P-10 S only dream of. The same goes a slide (and barrel) distances, which can often for the model’s lifespan and du- of a compact version. mean point-blank range. rability of surface finish. However, this category of This model will provide pistols didn’t really catch users with a tool that in The CZ P-10 F is a pistol for on. Today, the matter is ap- such cases they can fully rely shooters who for various rea- proached differently, due to on. And that is the most im- sons need an extremely reliable the fact that the development portant thing. The fact that grip. Here, the hand grip has of new guns now largely in- this model allows you to shoot been engineered to fit hands cludes people with extensive the CZ pretty accurately even at from small to shovel-sized. experience from the ranks of P-10 S (known as longer distances is an added What is more, the user has an armed and security forces. the Subcompact), bonus – albeit one that will option to adjust the ergonom- does see some certainly be welcome. ics with three easy to use inter- The same is true for CZ. They slight design differ- changeable backstraps. came to the conclusion that ences – though noth- Made in Kansas City a far more meaningful and use- ing dramatic. The And last but not least

CZ P-10 C The barrel is 114 mm long, al- ful solution might be doing the major change lies in some special news – the lowing the shooter to fully ex- opposite – combining a com- the recoil spring, the CZ P-10 pistols are no ploit the ballistic potential of pact frame with a fullsize slide rest was mostly about longer made exclusively the somewhat underrated but (and barrel). The reason is simple: careful size reduction. in Česká zbrojovka’s mother in fact still fantastic 9×19 car- where concealed carry is con- factory in Uherský Brod but tridge. A longer barrel means cerned, the length of the hand The result is a very pleas- also in Kansas City, the base a longer slide which in turn grip is a much more important ant “darling,” ideal for highly of CZ-USA. This project is in means a longer sight radius, than the length of the slide. concealed carry and smooth a way a major turning point making the gun easier to be drawing, whereby the aggres- that both companies have accurate with. Hence the CZ P-10 SC variant sor can expect the arrival of an been involved in for quite was born. It is really quite re- incredible 12 9×19 bullets (or 13 a while, and it will undoubt- In short, the CZ P-10 F has markable due to the fact that if you like to carry with one in edly strengthen the position been optimized for situations essentially, owners of the C and the ). of CZ guns on the prestigious where the user needs to fire F models could build it them- North American market. a lot of rounds as accurate- selves. That’s how clever the In guns of this size, it is al- ly as possible, and the F ab- system is. The Semicompact ways about finding the right The P-10 models made in the solutely excels in this task. is intended primarily for users balance between the dimen- States are easily recogniza- We were able to confirm this who carry their gun covertly but sions and the grip that will ble by the inscription CZ-USA CZ P-10 F claim many times, most re- want it to guarantee high accu- ensure no negative effect on KANSAS CITY KS on the left cently in the very challeng- racy and deliver the full poten- accuracy or functionality (a side of the polymer frame, ing conditions of a “sandy” tial of the 9×19 cartridge. risk in guns with a polymer which replaced the words shooting range in Bzenec, in frame). As with other sub- MADE IN THE CZECH REPUB- south-eastern . Maga- We have only been able to use compacts, the CZ P-10 S will LIC. At the moment, the Kan- zine after magazine, no prob- this variant a few times. With not allow most shooters to sas-based company produces lems whatsoever. At 15 m, in respect to accuracy and re- get all of their fingers on the the C, F and S models, all of the hands of experienced liability, the bar is still set ex- grip. Saying that, the controls them in the OPTICS READY shooters, each model plinked ceptionally high. The decisive on this model are still reliable version, that is with the slide with every single round, even factor for a purchase will be and user-friendly, shooting allowing for an easy and the very small poppers. In the personal feel of the grip. is accurate and surprisingly strong attachment of a com- a nutshell, it is an ideal choice The previously mentioned fast. This is mainly credited to pact collimator sight. for fans of dynamic shooting shooters with hands like shov- the excellent ergonomics of disciplines as well as mem- els probably won’t favour the this series, enhanced by the

12 | | 13 CZ P-10 C

A SUPERB COMPACT WITH A SUPREME TRIGGER

Martin Helebrant

For many decades, the CZ brand has been synonymous with high quality affordable semi-automatic pistols with an external hammer. The CZ 75 family is a living legend, while the CZ P-07 and CZ P-09 models are a great choice for fans of polymer frames. So, in 2017, when Česká zbrojovka announced the launch of a completely new series of pol- ymer frame pistols with a linear, partially pre-cocked striker, their supporters and rivals alike eagerly awaited to see whether this renowned manufacturer would once again live up to its reputation. To their great delight, the very first model, the CZ P-10 C, not only fulfilled the expectations but exceeded them in many aspects.

The CZ P-10 C is available in striker is linear and partially It didn’t come as a surprise the powerful 9×19 calibre, pre-cocked. that CZ decided to manufac- it has a shortened Brown- ture and sell a compact mod- ing-style slide, locked into the The letter C stands for Compact. el first, since this category of ejection port by a four-sided Although the traditional divi- defensive has been protrusion. The slide is un- sion of pistols into standard size a long-time bestseller. locked by lowering the rear of and compact size is not so clear- the barrel with the help of an cut anymore, it tells the custom- Original trigger mechanism angled flat on the bottom of er that the gun is fairly powerful At first glance, the CZ P-10 C the four-sided protrusion. The and suitable for concealed carry. does not seem different from

14 | | 15 the traditional concept of tomatic striker : while fore the same as magazines with three white dots. The sides for field stripping. Be- It is attached to the frame by modern pistols with polymer traditionally, the body of the for the CZ P-07 and CZ P-09 front of the slide has partially hind them, roughly where the a dovetail groove and at the frames and linear, partially safety moves downwards, in hammer models. A new fea- smoothed edges to allow eas- front of the grip starts, pro- bottom it is secured by a pin. pre-cocked strikers (some- the CZ P-10 C, it pivots. ture is an opening in the ier holstering. tected by a rounded flat ob- The face of the is times simply called strik- front wall of the case for the long protrusion, there are the slightly convex. er-fired). In recent years, these A big advantage of this mod- magazine catch which has The polymer frame has serrated areas of the slide stop guns have become more and el is the fact all the major controls on both sides. It a standardized accessory rail controls. Between the slide Inserted in the polymer frame, more popular, above all due to forces in its trigger mecha- was typical for the first ver- at the front with one transver- stop and the magazine catch there are two metal blocks the fact that they put minimal nism are transmitted in the sion of the CZ P-10 C and will sal groove. The vertical front controls, or rather control, with slide guiding rails that demand on the shooter being longitudinal vertical plane of continue to be available on of the trigger guard is rough- there is a shallow depression carry parts of the mechanism. trained. Basically, all one has symmetry, therefore mini- request, for example when ened, ending in a small pro- on the sides of the pistol grip, The slide rails are external, to do after pulling the slide is mizing friction and jamming supplying the armed forces. trusion on the bottom edge. which helps the pistol to be a new feature on modern CZ caused by misaligned forces. As standard, this pistol is cur- The bottom part of the trigger gripped correctly every time. pistols – from the times of the rently available with guard lies horizontally, with CZ 75, the company used in- the magazine catch a slight undercut just before The grip itself is covered with ternal slide rails. The change control on one side it joins the pistol grip. In the distinctive textured squares to external ones has made the only, in line with centre, it is slightly narrowed on the front, on the sides and gun narrower and lower com- the CZ P-07 and CZ for easier reach of the trigger. on the back. The same style pared to the hammer CZ P-07 P-09 models. It may The trigger itself is fairly wide of checkering can be seen on compact, while making the of course be easily and has vertical grooves on the frame where the shoot- area of the serrated gripping switched to either the front. er’s index finger rests. The surfaces larger. side according to bottom of the grip bears the user preferences. On the sides of the frame, logo of the manufacturer. The slightly in front of the trig- backstrap is interchangea-

CZ P-10 C FDE Another new feature is the ger, there are buttons on both ble and comes in three sizes. red colour of the follower. It makes the visual check of the gun easier and also makes the magazine easier to find when the shooter lets it fall on the The originality of this solution ground. The magazine mouth is well evidenced in the fact is slightly slanted into a fun- that at least three elements nel-like shape, which allows for Easy stripping of the CZ P-10 C design are faster reloading. patent protected. The basic field stripping of After the last cartridge has the CZ P-10 C for cleaning is Ambidextrous been fired, the slide stays in simple and straightforward. and interchangeable controls its rear position. When a new Remove the magazine and The CZ P-10 C has a dou- to pull the trigger with a con- magazine is inserted, to re- check the chamber. Release ble-stack magazine with lease the slide, the shooter can stant trigger pull weight. the slide forward, point the a single-stack mouth. The either push one of the sym- magazine case is made of gun in a safe direction and Nevertheless, closer examina- metrically-placed slide stops steel with an anti-friction or slightly pull the slide back release the striker by pulling tion of the CZ design concept coating, the follower and the trigger. Slightly retract reveals several significant dif- and release it. baseplate are plastic. The ba- the slide, push the buttons ferences. The main one is the sic capacity is 15 9×19 cartridg- trigger mechanism. It has a External slide rails for stripping down and push es, however, as it is more and The steel slide has borrowed the slide together with the solid single trigger and du- more common nowadays, al-sided trigger bar that hugs design aspects from the CZ barrel off the front of the pis- the user may easily increase P-07 and CZ P-09. At the tol frame. Remove the flat the outside of the magazine it by two more rounds, thanks back and at the front there wire recoil spring from the well. In line with modern to an insert that is supplied as trends, the CZ P-10 C has no are right angle serrations for slide (it forms a unit with a standard accessory. better grip. The upper surface manual safety. Instead, there a guide usually not stripped of the slide is straight and is are several automatic safety The CZ P-10 C magazine has by the user) as well as the ba- mechanisms that effectively fitted with a right-angle front been designed so as to be sight and an extended wind- rrel. The pistol has now been eliminate unintentional dis- unified for all modern CZ pis- stripped. Assembly is identi- charge. Worth mentioning is age-adjustable rear sight with tols with polymer frames, its cal, in reverse order. the new and very clever au- a right-angle aperture. The key dimensions are there- sight picture is accentuated

16 | | 17 Trigger Pull Measurement its debut – an excellent trigger a single hole. There was no dif- I started to fully appreciate rounded projections behind pull. If you do not score with ference regarding the type of the high-quality ergonom- the magazine catches. The 25.0 the new CZ P-10 C, it is not the , the pistol tested ics of the pistol. The curve small textured squares on 22.5 trigger’s fault. was unfailingly reliable – any- between the backstrap and the gripping surfaces feel just thing we put in the magazine the rear part of the body is right and there is no slipping 20.0 At the shooting range was positioned correctly, in- fairly sharp and deep, making even when wearing gloves, For practical testing we opt- serted in the chamber, fired the user feel as if the pistol the same goes for the serra- 17.5 ed for three types of Sellier and ejected. literally “sucks” itself into the tions on the slide. 15.0 & Bellot ammunition: a 6.5 g correct deep grip. The convex semi jacketed truncated cone The next stage was shooting part of the hand grip filled 12.5 bullet; a 7.5 g full metal jacket at 15 cm gongs at a distance up the palm nicely, the grip 10.0 ogival bullet, possibly the most of just under 20 metres. Mov- was strong but not forced, common service calibre; and ing the firing line from tar- the position of my fingers felt 7.5 a 9.0 g full metal jacket trun- get to target was easy and completely natural. Another

5.0 cated cone subsonic bullet. We during rapid double shots, nice element are the small used 15 rounds of each type. 2.5 Testing began by shooting 0.0 with both hands at a simple Force 0.0 1.5 3.0 4.5 5.0 7.5 9.0 10.5 12.0 13.5 15.0 paper target, the aim was to (N) Distance (mm) check the sighting. We shot at a distance of 10 metres. From SA style trigger the very first round, the pistol My model was the first version The symmetrical design of the excelled. We had no problems of the CZ P-10 C with an am- trigger mechanism has once getting 5-round groups with- bidextrous magazine catch. again achieved what has made in 4 cm. The top result was First, I stripped it for cleaning pistols from Uherský Brod fa- a 5-round sighting through and inspected it for the qual- mous since the CZ 75 made ity of manufacture. In this re- spect, there is nothing to crit- S&B icize. I realized what a huge S&B S&B 9.0 KK CPL change the advancement of 9 mm Luger 6.5 g KKSP 7.5 g CPL SUBSONIC powder metallurgy and sinter- bullet weight (g) 6.5 7.5 9.0 ing (MIM or MIME) has brought v1 average (ms-1) 403.0 367.2 303.7 and the endless possibilities v1 standard deviation (ms-1) 7.93 6.44 5.83 it has opened for designers, -1 especially where small parts of v1 maximum (ms ) 415.4 375.0 311.4 complex design for the trigger v1 minimum (ms-1) 387.5 356.3 291.7 and striking mechanisms are E1 (J) 528 506 415 concerned.

The pistol I analysed was mod- Velocity at v2,5 of 9mm Luger from CZ P-10 erately run in, it had lost the 450.0 9.00 stiffness of a brand-new mod- 403,0 400.0 8.00 el. First, I measured the trigger 367,2 7,93 mechanism parameters with 350.0 7.00 a Lyman digital gauge. 303,7 300.0 6,44 6.00 5,83 CZ P-10 C 250.0 5.00 trigger pull weight N 200.0 4.00 average 21.2

Average v1 (m/s) Average 150.0 3.00 standard deviation 0.3

maximum 21.7 100.0 2.00 v1 deviation Standard (m/s) minimum 20.6 50.0 1.00

0.0 0.00 náboj: SB 6.5 g KKSP SB 7.5 g CPL SB 9.0 KKCPL SUBSONIC

18 | | 19 In the spirit CZ P-10 C of František Koucký calibre 9×19 The CZ P-10 C is a pistol that does overall length 187 mm not require much from the user. Its handling is simple and intu- height 132 mm itive, accommodating the cur- width 32 mm rent needs and requirements of barrel length 102 mm the armed forces, whose ideal is sight line 163 mm a gun that is as easy as possible magazine capacity 15, 17 (9×19) with an insert to use and at the same time as safe as possible. weight unloaded 0.735 kg

You begin to fully understand the trigger is pulled. The key If there is such a thing as the appeal of the new CZ pistol elements of the recoil and the a gunsmithing heaven, then once you take it in your hands trigger mechanism in both pis- Mr Koucký, the father of the and fire for the first time. It fits tols are symmetrical and try to CZ 75, must be there. And if your hand like a glove and the eliminate the passive resistance he is looking down and seeing trigger is simply outstanding. created by misaligned forces today’s CZ P-10 C, he must be as much as possible. Further- very happy. Despite the differ- When I think about the design more, both have many innova- ent concept, I see this pistol as of the CZ P-10 C, I find simi- tive features (although it must the continuation of the very larities with the legendary CZ be noted that at the time of its best that has made CZ so fa- 75. The concept of the trigger launch, the CZ 75 was a truly mous. It is great to know that mechanism in both models is ground-breaking model, while even after forty years, the spir- “everything one way”: the trigger the CZ P-10 C, as it were, follows it of Mr Koucký lives on... is a single lever; the trigger bar is modern trends) and both offer placed below the axis of the trig- excellent ergonomics. ger and moves backwards when

20 | | 21 During this time, serial produc- The Indruch concept configure parameters accord- tion of the already mentioned on the scene again ing to their own requirements. CZ 100 was launched and the With the coming of the new To the basic frame for the trig- company expectations were millennium, in the pistol sector, ger and striking mechanism, high. This model used the DAO Česká zbrojovka focused on the they could attach pistol grips trigger mechanism which was expansion and upgrading of in various lengths and several the preferred choice of many its flagship CZ 75 model series. variants of the front part (with experts who were ready to Yes, we are talking about the accessory rails, opt for no rail, overlook its negative effect on groundbreaking police com- etc.). Apart from other things, accuracy in favour of simplicity, pact whose success propelled this solution was meant to cre- safety, constant trigger travel the company to a considera- ate significant savings on injec- and readiness to fire. bly higher level de- But customers thought differ- spite some ently. Česká zbrojovka first re- growing sponded to their feedback by pains. A bit improving the trigger and in later, there 2000, the company launched the CZ 110 SA/DA version, orig- inally started in 1997 as a pos- For the CZ 100, a laser sight in sible candidate for the Czech the same design was Police tender. made, only a few were produced. Nevertheless, another idea was in the picture. It was a design followed the phenomenal CZ tion moulds. by Jiří Indruch from Valašské 75 SP-01 family, the CZ 2075 The bore axis Meziříčí, a keen shooter, who RAMI subcompact and the new in Indruch’s got a licence for the develop- generation of the CZ 75 Tactical pistol was very ment of arms as early as Janu- Sports specials. low, which was ary 1993. CZ first began cooper- achieved by using a new trigger ating with him in 1992, on the The CZ 100/110 pistols were and striker mechanism with design of barrel adapters for an on offer until 2007. In the end, a linear striker. over and under 12-gauge shot- more than 35 000 of them were The journey to the CZ P-10 gun, which eventually entered made. They gradually found In the company’s produc- small-scale production. Anoth- their loyal fans who swear by tion programme, this series When it comes to linear striker-fired polymer pistols, one might er quite intensive collaboration them, especially in the USA. In of pistols was to replace the get the impression that Česká zbrojovka has long stayed on the took place between 1998-1999 the meantime, specifically in CZ 100/110 models. At the time 2004, work started on a new when these models disap- sidelines. To the contrary! when the company and Jiří Indruch worked on a modifica- striker fired pistol, once again peared from the scene, the tion of the CZ 100 pistol. based on Jiří Indruch’s design. new project wasn’t ready to be One cannot overlook that pistols of this concept have been in demand for a while. At Originally, the project was called put into serial production yet times, they are for the sake of simplicity (and not quite exactly), called striker fired pis- Although in the end, In- the Indruch pistol but in 2005, it and the company suddenly was changed to the new series offered only hammer models. tols. Every company dealing with the manufacture of handguns has reacted to this de- druch’s solution wasn’t used of pistols, the CZ 010, 020, 030. mand in some way. Unfortunately, it is often forgotten that in the arms industry, great due to fundamental changes in the design which would The calibres considered were Omega first and promising ideas are not thought up on the spot. The more so when the aim is not the 9 mm Luger, .40 S&W and After the new general direc- just to come up with another -type variation, as seems to have become the norm have needed further consid- erable investments in serial .357 SIG, whose brief popularity tor Lubomír Kovařík took of- over the past two decades in this field of business. production, another project was fading, the 45 Auto was also fice in summer 2006, CZ con- followed in the spring of 1998. possibly on the cards. sidered its priorities and where The very beginnings took serious interest in, for ex- in 9 mm Luger, .40 S&W and It was called A pistol concept pistols were concerned, it first In Uherský Brod, the concept of ample, an idea by the Austrian .45 Auto calibres. In Moravia, according to Mr Indruch, but Going by information at the put its full focus on the design a modern polymer pistol with shooter and occasional design- Bubits’ model made it to the two years later, that too was time, there were several inter- of a “tender” hammer model a linear striker first came up on er, Wilhelm Bubits. In the mid- functional sample phase, how- stopped due to unsatisfac- esting features of the design with a polymer frame. The de- the agenda as early as the mid- 90s, he offered European fire- ever, it did not function well. So, tory test results. Still, it was that had not been used any- sign was based around the sig- 1990s, when first work on the arm manufacturers his series CZ withdrew from the contract obvious that there was a de- where before, which really stood nificantly modernized Omega future CZ 100 model began. But of service and defence pistols, and the opportunity then went signer who definitely had out. The crucial innovation came trigger mechanism which still it was not the only direction that the Dragon, which had poly- to Steyr Mannlicher. something going in the field in the three-part polymer frame rested on the principles of the was considered. At that time, CZ mer frames and original grips, of modern handguns. that allowed the customer to timeless CZ 75 but employed in

22 | | 23 a way technologically worthy of with a linear striker, but there Before prototypes were made, Then, there followed the crea- the 21st century. was neither enough energy nor CZ tried out another new ap- tion of two prototypes in 9×19 finances to make it to the se- proach – a collaboration with cal. and another two in the The first result was the CZ 75 a renowned more powerful 40 calibre, built P-07 Duty pistol in 2008, five Czech university with frames made by 3D print- years later succeeded by the to optimize the ing technology. After success- improved CZ P-07 model and ergonomics of ful functional testing, a rather its larger sister, the CZ P-09. the grip and more important moment ar- With these last two models, the position of rived: to undergo exhaustive Česká zbrojovka at long last the controls. Thus, testing by independent end managed to break free out of the Digital Fire- users, carried out by members the long shadow of the CZ 100, arm Ergonomic of the armed forces as well as for which the chief designer at Design (DiF- more experienced civilian users. the time had made the deci- END) meth- Yes, there are some lucky ones sion to use polymer not rein- odology was even amongst us. The response A working design of an unrealized forced with glass fibre. What is concept of the CZ P-10. born. This to the new pistol was favourable, more, the CZ P-07 and CZ P-09 concept there were recommendations The CZ P-10 has an original trigger and striking mechanism, the solution is protected by two patents. also constituted a turning point allows for for only minor details, especially in the surface treatment dura- designing with regard to the beavertail. bility of metal parts. rial production phase. Things the best er- cess as together with the ex- well as open carry. At the mo- changed when the manufac- gonomics with Next, the first extensive check cellent ergonomics, the trigger ment, this model is available in If we also take into account the ture of the CZ P-07 and CZ P-09 respect to the expected target tests followed, they were suc- properties of the new CZ pistol 9×19 calibre (the firing capacity fact that at the same time, the was fully under way. market by using a biomechani- cessful and it was recommended are what is praised the most. is 15+1 rounds, or 17+1 rounds with company was developing a new cally identical human model. for production to be launched. Where sights are concerned, a magazine baseplate). There , , Two ways the new unified dovetail of are additional variants on offer, In January 2014, work started and rimfire rifle, WHEN SEARCHING FOR A comprehensive offer the Shadow models was used, the OR (with the slide modified modernizing its machinery and on a project whose aim was to As the production was getting which has opened up interest- for an easy and secure attach- implementing completely new expand the CZ pistol portfolio A FITTING SOLUTION, CZ under way, alterations were ing possibilities for individual ment of a compact collimator technologies, it was clear that it by a model with a linear, par- APPROACHED SEVERAL being made to remedy all the adjustments, thanks to the ex- sight) and the FDE with the pol- had been working at full capac- tially pre-cocked striker with OUTSIDE EXPERTS AND shortcomings revealed during tensive range. ymer frame in a popular military ity, if not over it. Other projects a constant trigger pull weight testing. The pistol creators paid Flat Dark Earth colour. were contemplated for research and trigger travel. When FROM THE SUBMITTED special attention to the check- In 2017, the CZ P-10 C version and development, in 2009 it searching for a fitting solution, CONCEPTS CHOSE TWO ering and also to the trigger pull entered the market, officially In 2019, two more models are was a service and defence pistol CZ took an unusual route – it OF THE MOST PROMIS- weight where the goal was to called a compact but in reality, arriving, the CZ P-10 F mod- approached several outside ING ONES. reach the best parameters pos- it is a full modern defence and el in standard size and the CZ experts and from the submit- sible. This has clearly been a suc- service pistol for concealed as P-10 SC whose barrel and slide ted concepts chose two of the in standard sizes are smooth- most promising ones. Another interesting step was ly combined with a compact extensive cooperation with frame, and the CZ P-10 S sub- The winner was cho- computing and material engi- compact (see p. 22 for more de- sen after function- neering specialists. They are be- tails). With the coming of these al samples were coming more and more impor- latest models, the compacts are made and test- tant in development teams, as being partially modified. To pro- ed in the sec- their involvement leads to sav- vide better user comfort, the ond half of ings and eliminating potential compacts and their younger 2014. The de- problems during serial produc- sisters will now have a magazine velopment tion as well as during actual use release with the control on one workshop in of the weapons. For the CZ P-10, side that can easily be swapped Uherský Brod which was given this designa- to the other side. made two samples of tion under the company’s new each concept, in 9×19 and system of terminology (CZ also When appraising the CZ P-10 C .40 S&W calibres. The models registered it as an international pistols, there is a rare agreement by Jiří Indruch fared better, they trademark), the involvement of that CZ have taken the correct were worked on by Ivan Filko, specialists meant optimizing route and that within the sector an experienced co-designer of the frame (made of glass fibre of polymer pistols with a pre- many CZ polymer pistols from reinforced polymer), as well as cocked striker, they hardly have The slide stop with ambidextrous its injection mould. controls is also patent protected. previous years. an equal rival. And that is taking into account the price too. 24 | | 25 CZ 75 B

40th ANNIVERSARY, OPERACE ANTHROPOID, REPUBLIKA CZ 75 B Anniversary Editions

Between 2015 and 2018, CZ brought out no less than three limited editions of its symbol- ic flagship product, the CZ 75 B pistol. All three have enjoyed great commercial success, put simply – all models sold like hotcakes.

CZ 75 B 40th ANNIVERSARY that is meant in the best sense was called the 40th ANNIVER- When there is a number 5 at of the word. SARY and there is general the end of a year, for Česká agreement that with respect zbrojovka it traditionally The company has gotten into to its look, it is one of the best means an anniversary of the the habit of preparing limited ones ever made. CZ 75, a groundbreaking mod- editions of CZ 75 pistols named el in many aspects that be- according to the current an- Most of the shooting commu- came a crucial model for the niversary year of this famous nity learned about this anniver- Uherský Brod company. And weapon. The most recent one sary edition from the acquisi-

26 | tion sample photographs that style font. In addition, each CZ Primarily, this was a project for history, it is also well-known cated this time, as the matter the top, the checkering incorpo- literally flew around the whole 75 B 40th ANNIVERSARY model CZ-USA and 899 models were abroad, which is largely thanks in hand was very sensitive. It rates the Czechoslovak flag and world. However, the ultimate bears the words 40th ANNIVER- allocated for them. Shipping to the British-Czech-French was necessary to be factually at the bottom, there is the Small design of this edition differed SARY / 1975-2015 on the right commenced in March 2015, co-production movie Anthro- correct but at the same time national emblem of the Czech- slightly from the teaser. The side, at the back of the frame. however, given the complexity poid from 2016. Despite not fully proceed with great respect oslovak Republic. The overall CZ 75 B 40th ANNIVERSARY is of the decorat- ing, small effect is truly beautiful, without based on the current CZ 75 B in the state symbols being dimin- black finish, it is decoratively en- ished at all. graved, work once again carried out by the company’s engrav- Another key element of this se- er of choice, René Ondra from ries is the inscription on the slide Uherský Brod. In contrast to the and take into and the sides of the frame. Here first design, he added lines to The most attractive account legal limitations. too some changes occurred in the final design which optically feature of this limited René Ondra therefore comparison with the standard give the model more depth. edition was the unusu- approached the Military pistol, which makes it the only al combination of pur- History Institute in Prague one of its kind. After much con- The engravings are well com- ple-blue wooden grip pan- which has researched opera- sideration, CZ decided not to in- plemented by the “handwritten” els and small parts treated by ship- satisfying tion Anthropoid systematically clude the names of the para- inscription on the left side that nitriding (namely the controls, ments the more for a long time. troopers. Instead, the narrowed shows the usual model designa- extractor, grip panels screws were serious film side of the slide on the left bears tion (in the name although not and the baseplate). There were being buffs, it was The team preparing the com- the date 27. 5. 1942, on the right exactly in position). Right next also some changes in the nitrid- prepared a great global memorative pistols thus wel- there are the words Praha-Libeň, to the CZ trademark, there is ing colour finish in comparison through- reminder of comed a new member, the the place of the assassination. a number specifying the particu- with the acquisition sample – out the the remark- Institute’ director, plk. Mgr. Aleš However, the famous last words lar model of the limited series. originally, the dominant colour year until mid-2016. Demand in able event. When presenting Knížek. Involved in the plan- of the Czechoslovakian para- had rainbow gold hues, the fi- the was high, de- the special edition abroad, no ning and drafting was also troopers, heard from the under- An ordinary CZ 75 B has a se- nal design was rainbow blue spite the price set at USD 1499 lengthy explanations were a Czech Special forces veteran ground crypt of the Sts Cyril and rial number and a proof mark which complemented the grip (the pistol in a faux leather case, therefore needed. and the current head of mili- Methodius Church in Resslova on the two magazines and a certifi- tary weapons development in street on 18th June 1942, are in- cate). To compare – an ordinary It wasn’t difficult to decide CZ, Martin Šanda. scribed in three lines on the blued CZ 75 B sells for about which model to pick for the right side of 600 dollars. Nevertheless, most commemoration of operation the frame, of the CZ 75 B 40th Anniversary Anthropoid. Firstly, the para- between edition models sold even before troopers’ personal weapons the manual crossing the ocean. The remain- were pistols. When consider- safety panels much better. The ing 100 models was intended ing the current CZ portfolio, the axis barrel was left white and for the rest of the global market most classic model is the good and the polished to a high gloss. and only a few of those ended old CZ 75 B in 9mm Luger cal- The pistol was slide stop pin up on the Czech market, which ibre. Secondly, the all-steel el- based on the stand- (in Czech): right The grip panels, made of pre- makes them truly unique col- egant design also speaks in its ard CZ 75 B model, We are side, that mium Californian sugar ma- lector items. favour, and finally, last year it on the slide there is Czechs! is, on the ple, are a story in itself. They was 75 years from the event. an inscription CZ 75 OPERACE We shall frame and immediately catch the eye of CZ 75 OPERACE ANTHROPOID ANTHROPOID. Overall, only 75 never the slide as an admirer. Some described Following the success of the CZ Once again, the special edition models were made, with the se- surren- well as on them as if looking through 75 B 40th ANNIVERSARY edi- 75s were decorated by René rial numbers 1942-01 to 1942-75 der, do the barrel the Hubble Space Telescope, tion, another interesting pro- Ondra, in his engraving studio in and one pilot sample. The pistols you in the ejec- others saw them with more ject saw light in 2017. This time, Uherský Brod. Simply put, he is are blued and polished to a high hear? tion port. The 40th ANNIVER- earthy associations. the special edition commemo- always the safest bet, Mr Ondra gloss. The outline of the frame, Never! SARY Edition models bear the rated 75 years from one of the and his team not only have per- slide and magazine is inlaid with same designation, however, the There were 1000 models in the most successful resistance op- fect knowledge of all the secrets fine silver, the controls are nick- The model description on the idea was that the serial num- CZ 75 B 40th ANNIVERSARY edi- erations of the Second World and tricks of the engraving trade elled and together with the bar- left of the slide has also been ber need not be comprised of tion, with the model marked War – the assassination of the but they also know everything rel polished to a high gloss. The slightly modified, it is a little numbers only, it must just have 000 constituting the acquisition acting Reichsprotektor of the about CZ guns, making them all-metal magazine baseplate smaller than the standard seven digits (at present and in sample. That is why subsequent Protectorate of Bohemia and well aware of the limits of what bears the emblem of the First model and is preceded by the the near future). For this series models bear the inscription XXX Moravia, Reinhard Heydrich, by is possible and what is not. Republic Czechoslovak Army. company’s logo of a pistol in it was decided to use a clear OF 999 and the serial numbers Czechoslovakian paratroopers. a barrel bore. and apt format of 40THXXX, stretch between 40TH000 to Although this event is a funda- The choice of a suitable mo- The grip panels made of Turkish also done in the “handwritten” 40TH999. mental part of modern Czech tif was a little bit more compli- walnut deserve great praise – at

28 | | 29 The CZ 75 OPERACE ANTHRO- tion with the tant element of the interwar On the right side of the frame, microplush velvet. A portrait it. After all, a model with the POID pistols were basically – the golden era of Czechoslo- Czechoslovak Republic nation- slide and around the ejec- of the first Czechoslovak presi- number CSR-1928 has already made to order, and in spite of vak arms industry, a time when al symbols. The engraving can tion port, in addition to the dent, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk been reserved for the Prague their relatively high price, the the pistol’s designer, František be also found on the front and prescribed proof marks, each and the Czechoslovak Republic Military History Institute.” whole series sold out very fast. Koucký, rose to fame. back of the grip, where it model is also designated with a greater coat of arms on hand- The project ran until spring has replaced the usual unique serial number, CSR-1918 made paper is mounted into The uniqueness of the CZ RE- 2018, which incidentally means This edition took a while to vertical checkering to CSR-2018. In the front of the the lid of the case. The lid is held PUBLIKA edition is reflected that dating of the compulsory decide on the final design for a more relia- right side of the slide, there is an open by two tricolour ribbons. in the price which would have proof mark, commonly used and what should be in- ble grip. The gold- inscription expressing the anni- The cases are supplied in black pleased the legendary interwar for CZ weapons for manufac- cluded in the acces- en outline and the versary of this edition: 1918–2018. protective laminated cardboard entrepreneur Tomáš Baťa: CZK ture dating, fell behind in some sories, an important linden tree motif bearing the CZ logo. 199,900. The price is also one of cases after the particular mod- part of such pro- engraving con- Each CZ 75 REPUBLIKA pistol is the records we mentioned at the el was finished and shipped. jects. René On- tinue on the supplied in a specially designed “In my opinion, this model is beginning, as pistols from this Each “assassination” pistol was dra refined bottom wooden case fitted with little the most priceless CZ 75 pistol edition are undoubtedly the most shipped in a luxury leather case his vision of the legs. Regarding the materials, in history,” René Ondra adds. expensive CZ pistols ever to enter with a certificate confirming its with the mag- René Ondra says: “The case is “And not just because there the regular market. Neverthe- authenticity. help azine made from three types of wood – are only 100 models. In addi- less, the customer response has o f base- Turkish walnut, ash and burr wal- tion to the superb decorations also been record-breaking, the CZ 75 REPUBLIKA plate. nut veneer on the sides. The burr and unique accessories, it is whole series was basically sold The latest newcomer in the CZ More- was difficult to find in the Czech also unusual in that it has in- out (pre-ordered) immediately limited editions is the CZ 75 RE- over, Republic, in the end I managed scriptions in Czech and unique after it was officially presented. PUBLIKA, which was unveiled product twen- to source it from Austria.” numbering. A customer thus to the general public on the 28th managers Jan ty-four carat gold was also has the option, for example, Without doubt, this great suc- October 2018, on the occasion Gibek and Lubor used to plate the controls – the A linden tree branch is carved to choose a model with their cess just about guarantees of the 100th anniversary of the Pokorný, and also trigger, hammer, slide stop, on the lid, encircling the Czech- year of birth. I might not live to that we can look forward to foundation of . took into account his own fam- magazine release and manu- oslovak greater coat of arms see it myself, but I believe that seeing additional interesting As we will shortly see, this pro- ily. His great-grandfather was a al safety, including their axes from the First Republic. Inside, one day, one of these models limited editions of CZ guns in ject has broken several records. World War 1 legionnaire who for protruding from the right side the case is lined with dark red will become a museum exhib- the future too. the rest of his life held the first of the frame, as well as the The idea to commemorate Czechoslovak president, Tomáš extractor and screws secur- such a special anniversary of the Garrigue Masaryk, in high es- ing the anatomical grip panels Czechoslovak Republic came teem. “With this project I want- made of briar root. The beauti- once again from René Ondra, ed to pay tribute to him as well ful grain of this brown wood is CZ’s engraver, who recom- as to all those who one hun- accentuated by varnishing. mended the commemorative dred years ago fought for the edition be based on the timeless creation of our republic,” René There is also a special decora- CZ 75 B. This pistol continues to Ondra explains. tive feature in the form a small be somewhat of an icon of the coat of arms of the Czechoslo- vak Republic used between 1920 and 1938. It is made of gold (certified by a hallmark), embedded into the right side of the frame, between the safety axes and the slide stop.

The CZ 75 RE- On the left side of the frame PUBLIKA is based on an there is an inscription in elegant all-steel CZ 75 B SA/DA retro style font PRAVDA VÍTĚZÍ model in 9 mm Luger (truth prevails – a motto used on calibre. The frame and slide the presidential standard and on Uher- are blued and polished to a high the greater coat of arms) and CZ ský Brod gloss, with the barrel in high 75 REPUBLIKA. The pistol also company gloss as well. The outline of the bears the traditional CZ trade- and if one frame and slide is inlaid with mark and the calibre designa- looks care- 24-carat gold. Within this area, tion. On the left of the frame, fully, they the surface is engraved with the there is a two-line text (in Czech) will see motif of a linden tree branch Made in the in CZ’s engraver, René Ondra, a connec- which constitutes an impor- the edition of 100 models. working on the CZ 75 REPUBLIKA

30 | | 31 Back to the top of these areas compared with bottom. The same one can also In fact, Česká zbrojovka wasn’t the CZ 75 SP-01 SHADOW. be found on the left side of the taken by surprise. On the con- slide, behind the laser engraved trary, even at the time of the By speed, they meant the designation. All this gives the CZ 2014 World Shoot, the company speed of shooting, including SHADOW 2 its sport status, while had the first prototypes of a new everything that goes with it. In still being suitable for defence or sport pistol which was to elevate the CZ SHADOW 2 the crucial for the armed forces. the CZ brand back to the top at step forward was the new shape prestigious championships. of the frame. It is still a variation Moreover, the new design of the on the proven design of the orig- frame significantly contributes At first, the development team inal CZ 75 SP-01 SHADOW, but to the low weight of the serially spent what felt like a lifetime adjusted at critical points to en- produced model, which is 1.33 kg gathering and evaluating moun- able the shooter’s hand to get as when empty. However, thanks CZ SHADOW 2 tains of data from production close as possible to the bore axis, to the great balance, its percep- and user experience of the CZ while the beavertail has been tion of weight is similar to the 75 SP-01 SHADOW model. The slightly extended. original SHADOW (1.18 kg). Com- CZ Shooting Team proved an pared to its predecessor, the CZ invaluable source of information The new shape of the large trig- SHADOW 2 is also more stable, and advice at this stage, since ger guard with no sharp edges the shooter is able to cope with its members have hundreds of has a long roughened front wall. the recoil better and the muzzle thousands of rounds behind There is a standardized accesso- climb has been reduced. them, they represent the elite ry rail on the front of the frame of the target group of custom- with a single transverse groove. In addition, the slide is now ex- ers and offered their help with On the grip, we can see a distinc- ceptionally durable without any great enthusiasm. No wonder, tive pad to the magazine release increase in weight. After many since they were the ones who lever that can be set to three tests, its design has retained the were able to use the new pistol positions using a torx securing characteristic slanted edges with in competitions and hopefully screw. In comparison with the two pairs of cocking serrations. win in the years to come. CZ 75 SP-01 SHADOW, the mag- azine well has much more of Single in its glory In such cases, the aim is usu- a funnelled mouth which makes The modified SA/DA trigger ally finding the weaknesses. for faster reloading. mechanism fundamentally con- Where the SHADOW was con- tributes to the increased rate of cerned, it was more about tar- A new feature in this category of fire. The key changes apply to the geting the parts and proper- CZ pistols is a sport-style check- “meeting point” of two parts: the ties that would be possible to ering in the form of small tex- rear part of the trigger bar and a TOUCHING THE IMPOSSIBLE improve significantly. tured squares on the front and small hooked part. On the com- rear of the grip. pany’s current exploded drawing, In March 2016, the IWA trade fair in Nurnberg saw the spectacular premiere of the sport At the same time, it was im- this part is called a disconnector, and defence pistol, the CZ SHADOW 2. This event took place ten years after the launch portant to keep in mind that CZ has used a similar finish of but originally it was called an in- of the CZ 75 SP-01 SHADOW, which in 2006 marked a significant leap in the quality of CZ despite all the changes and the gripping surfaces on their serted coupler and later a revolv- handguns. The second Shadow certainly dwarfs its predecessor in all the key parame- improvements, the new CZ TACTICAL SPORTS series. For the ing intermediate coupler. ters, as one can see from its winning streak at the most prestigious IPSC championships SHADOW 2 should remain an SHADOW 2, after careful con- around the world. affordable IPSC pistol that could sideration, the company opted While the triggering process in be purchased even by a novice for a finer pattern with a level of the DA mode remains basically shooter. And so they are. roughness that is just about ac- unchanged, in the SA mode The first model, the CZ 75 SP-01 important competitions in the And at that, they were variations ceptable during extended shoot- the trigger travel is smooth- SHADOW, is without a doubt world with it. on the timeless CZ 75, which As fast as possible ing with bare hands. Although er and more manageable, the an excellent pistol. In a way, managed to catch up with the When developing the new softer hands may find the grip trigger pull weight is lower it completely fulfils the origi- Even as the years stretched on, first SHADOW only because the model, ultimately called the CZ too sharp, it is extremely reliable (in the range of 8 to 15 N) and nal vision of the IPSC Produc- the CZ 75 SP-01 SHADOW kept rules in the Production division SHADOW 2, Česká zbrojovka de- even when sweating. This is fur- with a much shorter overtravel tion division. Its dimensions on winning in IPSC, its absolute have allowed for the creation of fined three key areas that were ther helped by the modern flat and reset than the CZ 75 SP- and weight allow for comfort- dominance lasted for many sea- guns that, albeit resembling cus- crucial for a sport shooter and aluminium grip panels, in the 01 SHADOW. Specifically, the able everyday carry, including sons. Only after a long time were tom-made sport specials, are in which could also benefit other CZ SHADOW they are anodized overtravel and reset are items concealed carry, and in case competitors able to come up fact serially-produced. This move users. These areas were speed, hard to the specified colour that an ordinary user won’t ap- of need, it is the perfect weap- with models that in the hands of has opened up a new chapter of accuracy and lifespan. The com- twice (the basic is blue) with an preciate that much, but when on for self defence. But at the elite shooters equalled these su- competition amongst manufac- pany then tried to achieve sig- inscription and the characteristic taking into account the current same time, you can win all the perb pistols from Uherský Brod. turers in this sector. nificant improvements in each “handwritten” number 2 at the standard of top IPSC shooters,

32 | | 33 these are the key factors that technology than the original In addition to the 9×9 calibre, its successes has been grow- number of shooters from all Another thing is that a prob- determine who succeeds. SHADOW. In this regard, Česká all the above-mentioned var- ing and growing. The reason is over the world have come to lem can be approached from zbrojovka has moved on and iants are also available in 9×21 clear – with this gun, shooting understand that if they want a completely different way yet The new shape of the triangu- the CNC machining centres cal., used in countries where at each stage is much faster to win, they need this gun. again. In this respect, CZ gives lar hammer with a large weight have been replaced by mod- the 9 mm Luger is forbidden and such pace has no negative little hints here and there. With reducing hole is more of a de- ern robotic centres. As a result, for use by civilian users. Last effect on accuracy. Often it is It seems that the CZ SHAD- regard to their impressive sign feature in the CZ SHAD- the serial production provides year, another newcomer has not only faster speed but bet- OW 2 might be the limit where know-how, surely there might OW 2. When talking about the a more stable manufacture joined the portfolio, an adapt- ter accuracy too. In short: with one can go in the Production be a treat in store. safety catch, the left one was of a much higher quality. The er for easy conversion of the this gun, good shooters shoot division using the base of the originally slightly elongated. precise manufacturing pro- CZ SHADOW 2 to the 22 LR superbly and superb shooters timeless CZ 75, where design But for now, the CZ SHADOW However, after feedback from cess has a positive impact on cartridge. Such a rimfire pistol push their talent and skills to and technology are concerned. 2 is undoubtedly the queen of users, the safety on both sides the accuracy of the weapon is a great tool for realistic, ef- the maximum. But perhaps more surprises the IPSC Production division is flat. The basic accessories and thus significantly increas- fective and at the same time are awaiting, after all, when and it is highly unlikely any- now include three magazines es the service life of all its parts. affordable training. And what See p. 41 for the list of laurel the CZ 75 SP-01 SHADOW was thing could change about that and a set of buffers. is more, shooting with a - crowns achieved with the CZ in its prime, one might have in the near future. Variants and an adapter fire CZ SHADOW 2 is great fun SHADOW 2 pistol in 2018 – thought that nothing better A new rear sight, In addition to the basic black (also tried and tested). The only need we say more? A growing could come. new technologies version with its typical blue negative thing is that due to fo- When speaking grip panels, another attractive cusing on maximum reliability, about accuracy, version, the CZ SHADOW the magazine capacity is “only” CZ had two 10 rounds. That’s the penalty for things in having the 22 LR calibre, as it is CZ SHADOW 2 through during discharge. The sharp mind: the a rimfire cartridge. the eyes of Robin Šebo checkering and the flat alu- accu- minium grip panels contribute racy Then there are various special to the firmness of the grip. Robin Šebo (b. 1988) has been of the editions, from the 40th anni-  The pistol is slightly longer a sport shooter since 2007. pistol and versary of IPSC to a beautifully than the original SHADOW He first took part in an IPSC the preci- 2 URBAN GREY soon decorated model bearing the which means that the sight competition in 2008, at first sion of followed. The name signature of three-times world radius is also longer, thus in the Standard division and manu- designates a frame champion of the Lady Produc- improving accuracy as well. since 2012 in the Production factur- coated with a highly du- tion division, Maria Gushchina, The upper part of the frame division. Because of his great ing. rable heat-cured Polycoat. The who won her last title with this and the slide are 1mm thick- success, he was soon offered a black aluminium grip panels very model. er on each side. The result is place in the CZ Shooting Team. In the on this model contrast beauti- increased weight and there- first fully with the grey colour. A separate chapter is the latest fore partial stabilization of the As one of the best shooters case, addition, the CZ SHADOW 2 climb – the mass of the mate- in the world at the moment, the ac- The CZ SHADOW 2 OR en- ORANGE, which you can find rial absorbs the kinetic ener- Robin takes an active part in curacy tered production in 2018. OR on p. 36. gy. the development and test- according to his or her prefer- poten- stands OPTICS READY, which ing of new CZ pistols. He has  Modification of the trigger ences and ammunition. The tial of the new SHADOW has means that this model has A new era greatly contributed to the fi- mechanism has shortened sights are designed to with- been increased by a some- a slide modified so as to allow The CZ SHADOW 2 is enter- nal version of the CZ SHADOW the overtravel in the SA mode, stand a tremendous number what longer barrel and sight easy and highly stable attach- ing the market with the slo- 2 with which he immediately significantly improving the of rounds without damage. line. Then there are the new ment of modern miniature gan Competition Ready. This began winning the most pres- perception and control of The front sight is dimension- sights, including an adjusta- collimator sights. These have means that each pistol is fac- tigious world championships. pulling the trigger. The trig- ally adapted for sport shoot- ble rear sight with an angled become more and more pop- tory tuned so that you can So, let us listen to his views on ger travel has come closer to ing and fully complements roughened sight surface, and ular, especially due to the fact enter a competition and win the most important advan- the “SA only” system. the notch in the rear sight. a front sight with red fibre op- that they enable even faster straightaway after taking it out tages this pistol brings to the  All the major parts have been tic. The rear sight is compact, shooting – for the CZ SHAD- of the box. At the same time,  The magazine release lever main target group of custom- treated in a new and high- yet has a clear sight picture. OW 2 that means one hellu- it is a kind of a play on words – its increased size is a huge ers: ly durable finish, thereby It is very simple and therefore va speed. We have tried and in the sense that with this gun advantage during fast reload- increasing its accuracy, en- durable, it has proven so good can certainly agree. Moreover, CZ is once again ready to take  Great improvement of the grip ing at competitions as well as durance and durability while that CZ has decided to use it collimator sights will now be on their rivals – and win. – the undercut beneath the during ordinary use, also with reducing friction. for their other modern pistols. joining sport shooting com- trigger guard and beavertail the possibility of adjustment petitions. Given the results And this aim has certainly allows the bore axis to be closer  The rear sight is adjustable in in three positions according Regarding production, it can shown by even the very ba- been fulfilled. In 2016, the CZ to the axis of the hand there- height so each shooter can to the needs and comfort of be briefly said that the CZ sic CZ SHADOW 2, we can SHADOW 2 was registered for by reducing the muzzle climb customize the point of impact the shooter. SHADOW 2 is manufactured definitely expect great things use in the IPSC Production di- using a completely different from this pistol in this field. vision and since then the list of

34 | | 35 CZ SHADOW 2 ORANGE

MAKING CZ’S SPORT SPECIAL EVEN MORE SUPERB!

2019 brings some excellent news to the fans of high-quality competition pistols in 9×19 calibre – the popular CZ SHADOW 2 model gets an upgrade in the ORANGE version.

If you have been following CZ of work that does not easily company gradually discovered where the final inspections a permanent fixture in the first time in September 2016 for a while, you might know mesh with mass production. a way how to satisfy the needs take place. CZ portfolio. And obviously so at the international journalist that the company has always of customers yearning for fine- successful that it has encour- meeting organized by CZ, and had reservations on whether In the 1990s, when CZ be- ly-tuned specials while not This process has also been aged the company to come its photographs subsequent- or not to customize. This isn’t gan producing the first fine- slowing regular serial produc- used for the manufacture of up with more and more vari- ly appeared in many special- a unique concern, the issue ly-tuned pistols for IPSC, it was tion that was in full swing. CZ ORANGE pistols. Let us re- ants in other models. ized magazines. At that time it interests many renowned fire- considered a somewhat pres- mind ourselves that models wasn’t called ORANGE, but it arms manufacturers around tigious venue and a good way Nowadays, various customized bearing this name appeared The wonders caught the attention of many the world. For a large factory to ensure work for the proto- and finely-tuned CZ guns are on offer in Česká zbrojovka of a barrel bushing sport shooters who were sor- that churns out hundreds of type development workshop mostly created in collabora- for the first time in 2012, orig- The latest addition to this sig- ry to see this gun go on the thousands of firearms in seri- during idle periods. The idea of tion with a carefully sourced inally just to bring out a little nature series is the CZ SHAD- back burner as high demand al production, having its own a custom shop kept cropping outside supplier, on the ba- extra something. However, OW 2 ORANGE. When see- focused production on the tuning centre is not as easy up now and again but never sis of exact specifications pre- the enthusiastic response ing this gun for the first time, standard CZ SHADOW 2. or as justifiable as customers with any immediate priority. scribed by Česká zbrojovka, from customers made these some might have the feeling might think. The root of this Only in the latest era that be- primarily using parts manu- custom grade pistols with of déjà vu – and rightly so. This Nevertheless, in 2019 the CZ is a completely different style gan in 2006, the Uherský Brod factured in the mother factory unique orange elements product was unveiled for the SHADOW 2 ORANGE has at

36 | | 37 adjustments: the trigger and the flat safety catches on both en’t that evident; however, the been mentioned, at a certain striking mechanism are tuned sides (which some users fa- slightly different balance of level, these details can be a de- to achieve the smoothest trig- vour), the height of the grip on the gun is telling in itself. So ciding factor. ger travel and the main parts the gun changes and the reg- which con- are hand-fitted. Experienced ular wider slide stop may get figuration By the time you read these shooters will appreciate the in the way. to go lines, the CZ shortened reset – and that is for? SHADOW saying something since CZ Superb trigger travel Now 2 ORANGE SHADOW 2 already features a We were able to test the CZ that is will have short reset to begin with. Nat- SHADOW 2 ORANGE pistols a very had its urally, all tuned CZ pistols have in both configurations in Sep- good official a polished barrel. tember 2018 during another question premiere of the company’s internation- which could possibly take which As standard, the CZ SHADOW al meeting of journalists. We several hundred pages will have re- 2 ORANGE is equipped with were shooting at a distance of to answer. vealed its an IPSC hammer with a large 15 m at popper targets in vari- retail price. weight-reducing hole. The ous sizes and because many of To sum up: From what we Regardless magazine release lever is fairly us wished to have a go, there have had the opportunity to of the price wide, adjustable and can be of were relatively few rounds see and test so far, it is appar- though, it course swapped to the other available for each shooter. ent the CZ SHADOW 2 OR- is a fore- side of the frame, a feature ap- ANGE pistols are an example gone con- long last joined the regular more accurately than they do preciated by left-handed users. Despite these limitations, the of an insightful innovation of clusion portfolio and Česká zbrojovka themselves. However, master orange CZ SHADOW 2 mod- an already excellent gun. It that these certainly sings its praises – this shooters hold the view that a The lever, the flat grip panels els were extremely well re- is not a model for everybody, fine- gun is meant to “elevate your good quality barrel bushing whose design is slightly differ- ceived. Those who knew what above all, it is ideally suited for ly-tuned shooting experience and results can help them achieve extra ent to the basic CZ SHADOW to home in on really enjoyed highly experienced shooters specials to the very top.” So, let us see if tenths of millimetres closer 2, and the baseplate are made the trigger’s absolutely superb who will be able to fully exploit will not stay on the shelves for these accolades are justified. to their aim, which at certain of a highly durable alumini- travel and minimal reset. In its potential. The well-thought- long. For 2019, not more than competition levels can decide um alloy and are anodized to those circumstances, the ben- out details are an additional 2000 models will be produced The new model is based on who wins. Moreover, there is bright orange. This shade has efits of the barrel bushing wer- bonus, although as has already for the global market. the SHADOW 2, a gun that has the factor of a very slight but given its name to the whole been incredibly successful for very welcome move of the family of custom-grade CZ pis- CZ. Specificially designed to gun’s centre of gravity forward. tols and shall remain its distin- appeal to IPSC shooters and guishing mark. (Well done to others in the sport shooting Gunsmithing adjustments, CZ for sticking to their guns world, it is quite hefty at 1.33 sophisticated controls and resisting the efforts of some businesses to make or- ange grip panels a commonly available accessory.)

The controls deserve a special mention: in the basic config- uration, the CZ SHADOW 2 ORANGE is available with the left safety catch considerably kg empty – all the better larger. It makes controlling the for recoil attenuation and gun easier and according to rapid shooting. the experience of elite shoot- ers, it also helps provide a reli- The biggest difference in the Besides, able grip. The safety catch on ORANGE model is the barrel the CZ the right side is a regular flat bushing – a feature that drew SHAD- shape, nevertheless, the com- the eyes of customers in 2016. O W 2 pany has also answered the To be frank, for lots of users it is ORANGE customer demands and for quite insignificant as even the is also un- the SHADOW 2 ORANGE, it basic version of the CZ SHAD- dergoing offers a set of a flat left safety OW 2 where the barrel bush- quite ex- catch and a flat slide stop as ing is a part of the slide shoots tensive an additional purchase. With 38 | | 39 CZ Shooting Team

Since 1993, the success of Česká zbrojovka’s team of shooters has played a major role in the worldwide popularity of CZ guns. Today, the team includes the best shooters from the Czech Republic as well as abroad, giving it an international name - the CZ Shooting Team.

The pistol team Maria Gushchina (however, Ma- simple words, the factory shoot- The key arena for the CZ Shoot- ria has lately began participat- ers won anything they could ing Team has traditionally been ing more in the Open Division). with their CZ guns. Here is IPSC shooting and CZ contin- In the new Production Optics a small selection of some of the uously develops and produces division, it is Andrej Hrnčiarik. most important achievements: an array of first-rate models for The Standard Division includes  Robin Šebo – titles from Aus- this sector. In return for that, Josef Rakušan, Zdeněk Liehne tralia Nationals, continen- these elite shooters in company and Petr Znamenáček, in the tal African Championships, colours participate in the devel- Open Division there is Miroslav Champion of Canada; opment and testing of new CZ Havlíček and Martina Šerá.  Ljubiša Momčilovič – winner guns. The CZ Shooting Team of the CZ Extreme Euro Open also strives to raise public aware- In addition, the CZ Shooting (one of the largest compe- ness of this beautiful shooting Team supports regional con- titions in the world, last year sport and encourage as many tinental shooters, for exam- it was the 10th anniversary people as they can to take it up, ple in , , which saw more than 1 000 both at the international as well Australia, etc. This year, Ger- competitors take part); as national level. mán Romitelli from Argentina  Maria Gushchina – titles from won the Production Division continental African Champi- The CZ pistol team is currently in the Pan American handgun onships, Euro Asia Extreme divided into two parts: World Championship in Jamaica with Open or Far East Asia Cham- Class – the best of the best in the a CZ SHADOW 2 pistol. pionship, where in the Pro- world. The Production Division duction Division she sailed to includes Robin Šebo, Ljubiša For the CZ Shooting Team, 2018 victory beating all the shoot- Momčilovič, Michal Štěpán and was truly an excellent season. In ers, including men;

CZ guns for IPSC

Production Division Standard Division Open Division Shooters may only use facto- Factory-produced models There are no limitations on ry made models with open with open sights only, without pistols in the Open Division, sights with no additional ad- compensators and with lim- the participants therefore use justments or modifications. ited dimensions (must fit in individually modified or spe- In this division, the reigning a 225×150×45 mm box). Adjust- cially built models. These guns model is the CZ SHADOW 2 ments are restricted to improv- usually have collimator sights, pistol, used since 2016. The lat- ing accuracy, reliability and extended magazines and est newcomer is the improved functionality while using com- muzzle climb compensators. CZ SHADOW 2 ORANGE. mercially-produced parts. Cur- In this division, shooters from rently, shooters from the CZ the CZ Shooting Team use Shooting Team use the CZ 75 the CZ 75 TACTICAL SPORTS TACTICAL SPORTS ORANGE. CZECHMATE.

| 41  Zdeněk Liehne – Canadian Eric Grauffel – CZ Academy Championship winner;  Miroslav Havlíček – conti- nental African Champion- The 2019 shooting season has ’s northwesternmost er and armed forces instruc- ships winner; welcomed a new member of region, Brittany. A brand new tor), J. J. Racaza (the current the CZ Shooting Team, Eric multipurpose indoor shooting two-times USPSA Champion The pistol division of the CZ Grauffel (b. 1979), who will range is being built there at in the Open and Limited divi- Shooting Team is looking for- shoot in the company colours the moment, it will offer shoot- sions) and the famous Czech ward to the 2019 season, with in the Production division ing from all angles and will be shooting star, Robin Šebo. the European Championship with the new CZ SHADOW 2 available for sport purposes being the greatest competition ORANGE model. Eric is con- as well as for highly effective The value of the EG-CZ Acad- of the season, taking place in sidered to be the best pistol realistic training for the armed emy project is reflected in the Belgrade. Everything suggests shooter of all time. forces. The building works are fact that many related industry that it should be an exception- to be finished in the first quar- companies have become its ally fruitful season for many He is an eight-time World Cham- ter of 2020. sponsors, to name just a few: reasons. All the team mem- pion in IPSC – he won the first Dillon Precision (reloading bers are in great shape and title in 1996 on the Open Junior Meanwhile, in 2019 a pro- equipment), Shield Sights and they have welcomed a new division, then five titles in the motional tour for the EG- C-MORE (collimator sights), member, the phenomenal Eric Open division, one title in the Pro- CZ Academy will take place and RCC (a Russian company Grauffel. What is more, in the CZ Shooting Team, Tomáš Sport events duction division and at the last around the world, primari- whose owner is a long-time Production division, Eric and Staněk and Martin Šlechta, for the Armed Forces World Shoot, he triumphed in the ly in countries with a strong supporter of sport shooting). his CZ Shooting Team mates who take part in hunting dis- It is a little-known fact that as Standard division. base of IPSC shooting where will shoot with the new CZ ciplines, such as the Game an important service hand- major events are held. Mem- More details about the EG- SHADOW 2 ORANGE which Rifle or Combined Game. guns supplier, CZ also cooper- Moreover, Česká zbrojovka and bers of the CZ Shooting Team CZ Academy will be pub- offers an even higher standard ates with the Armed Forces in Eric Grauffel are launching who rank among the best on lished in due time during than the already exception- In 2018, Tomáš Staněk be- the organization and support a joint project called the EG-CZ the planet will act as shoot- 2019, and a website will also al CZ SHADOW 2, thanks to came a three times Czech Re- of various national as well as Academy. The aim of this pro- ing instructors. In addition be launched to enable those the barrel bushing and finely public Champion in various international competitions, for ject is to create a global net- to Eric Grauffel, the project interested in training to sign tuned trigger mechanism. disciplines and also the Euro- example for , recon- work of training centres which will be joined e.g. by Ljubi- up for individual courses. pean Champion in Combined naissance units, etc. What is should set a new standard in ša Momčilovič (a long-time Rifle shooters Game Shooting. more, since 2017, the company this field. The headquarters will member of the CZ Shooting Slightly less known to the has organized its own event be based in Quimper, a town in Team, an outstanding shoot- www.EG-CZACADEMY.com general public, yet also ex- These exceptional results have aimed at Armed Forces, the tremely successful are the been of course achieved with Warrior Camp. long gun shooters from the the aid of CZ sport specials. Visualization of the new multifunctional shooting range EG-CZ Academy

42 | | 43 I love speed! An interview with three-time world champion Maria Gushchina

Maria Gushchina was born in 1995 in , home country to many famous shooters – a tradition she follows in impressive fashion. Introduced to shooting at age 11, she imme- diately fell in love with IPSC shooting, quickly making her way to the absolute top of the sport. She became world champion in the Lady Production Division for the first time in 2011 and has since repeated this feat twice more – most recently with a CZ SHADOW 2 pistol in 2017 as a member of the CZ Shooting Team. Having dominated the Production Division, she plans to repeat her success in the Open Division.

You became a member of the start something new, to feel In 2018 you triumphed at the CZ Shooting Team in August a little bit of a beginner in Far East Asia Handgun IPSC 2015, during the USPSA Cham- a new division and to make Championship, where you pionships. It is said that your new goals. It is always interest- won the Production Overall decision to join the team was ing to improve your skills and with your CZ SHADOW 2 pistol, very spontaneous. How do see your progress and I think beating 140 competitors, guys you feel about that decision the Open gun will give me this included. What were your feel- now, more than four years and feeling. Besides, I love speed ings after the competition? a world champion title later? a lot and I really don’t love re- I was the happiest girl in the I am so happy that fate made loading my gun for stages, so world at that time. I love to me cross paths with the CZ that’s why this division is my prove that in IPSC everyone is Shooting Team. At the time dream come true. equal, it doesn’t matter what I had rented a gun which was gender and age you are – if not very good, so I tried the Where can we see you in 2019? you have talent, passion and CZ 75 SP-01 SHADOW pistol. This shooting season I will you work hard – you can win! This gun gave me the oppor- compete in Australia, Russia, tunity to discover my shooting a few big Czech matches, Ger- You always like to push your boundaries and I was able to many, and . shooting further, what are get very good results. So, when your next goals? I was given the offer to join You and Robin Šebo are I would prefer to keep that the CZ team, I readily agreed. amongst the absolute elite a secret. The only thing I can The following year I competed in the CZ Shooting Team. You tell is that I want to achieve with the new CZ SHADOW 2 are both very competitive. the maximum result in the model which I completely fell What is the relationship like? Open Division. in love with, as it has made me I am lucky to have him. He is go further still. my shooting paragon whose Please allow me one personal results I aim to achieve. I can question. You are said to en- Lately, we have seen you more compare my shooting and his joy karaoke. What is your sig- often in the Open division and see how good or bad I nature piece? with a CZ 75 TS CZECHMATE, shoot in a match, if I have to I love karaoke so much that has this division become your push a little or be careful and I decided to buy a profession- favourite now? not to take any risks during al karaoke system to have at I think I have explored the next few days of the com- home. Every few days I sing everything in the Production petition. It is also good to have and try new songs. And I think Division and achieved all the a reliable partner who helps my best song in karaoke is goals. It breaks my heart but you, supports you and laughs “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele. I think the time has come to with you during competitions.

| 45 sional shooting, I am quite old. this idea. (laughing) And I also give our best to succeed. So, we (laughing) like the idea of developing new all have to pull together. My job guns. I have my own shop and is to make sure we make good What do you consider to be my own team of people. We guns, to pick the right bits to your greatest success? like to develop new models and modify so as to get the best re- My best success? I would say I think we are very good at it. We sult possible. And I guess Česká that it’s got to be my champi- like to test and actually modify zbrojovka would like me to do on titles won all over the world, whatever we can. So, we cut a good job at competitions and some of which I have achieved things down, do a bit of upgrad- carry on winning as well. But several times over. I think it is ing here and there or find other we must also work on the new something that nobody else has solutions. We improve equip- academy which will be a great repeated yet and I think it will ment, materials and put the marketing tool. We will be able take a while before anyone does. resulting model into produc- to make sport shooting acces- tion. For me it is important that sible to the wider public and at And what are your immediate other people can buy whatever the same time promote this bril- goals in IPSC shooting? I use. The models are not spe- liant sport. I hope we will be able Shooting, I expect. I need to cific models made for specific to get best team of instructors in keep shooting, I am a competi- shooters. They are customized Europe as well. All that will help tor so I need to shoot and com- but still accessible to everyone. us promote the brand and the pete. It’s like a drug for me, I just sport too. What I mean is that it need to shoot. And regarding Do you already own a CZ gun is not just a business venture, it is new goals – I don’t know yet, or are you still waiting for your much more than that. I have already achieved a lot. But first one? the main goal for me is to keep I am still waiting. We started In what aspect do you think taking part in main events and sorting out the necessary per- CZ pistols are better than the shoot to be the best in the world. mits and documentation only competition? I am still very competitive. at the start of January 2019 so it They are all different. We can- will take a while. not say that the gun I used But we don’t know what division today is better than another yet. I will try Production, Stand- What has led you to collaborate one. It is as if you compared ard as well as Open, a last-min- with CZ? Where did it all begin? Michael Schumacher who was ute call is also an option. We will In a certain sense, it is only just with Mercedes and then he I STILL WANT TO BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD see what is best. I like the idea of starting now. I have always went over to Ferrari. Success is the last-minute decision, it kind had a very good relationship a combination of a driver and An interview with Eric Grauffel not just about joining the CZ Shooting of keeps things spicy. with the shooters from the CZ his equipment, which plays Team and the EG-CZ Academy project Shooting Team, we are friends. a big part too. When we are How and when did you get We meet at competitions all using CZ guns, we know we are into CZ guns? the time, some of them I have at the top of the world. We are Well, January 1st 2019 – I am just known since they were little in the lead and losing is basi- starting with them. We are go- nippers. (laughing) cally not an option. So, we have ing to work on a mutual pro- a great combination of the end The CZ Shooting Team is indeed an international squad which thanks to the superb ject, we have in mind a kind of I have also got on very well with shooter and the equipment properties of CZ guns attracts the best shooters from all over the world. The latest as- a shooting academy. Also, I will the with the Team’s boss, Jakub he or she has available. This set to join the team is Eric Grauffel, a living legend from France and many-time world be involved in the development Sondel. He would always come makes for a win-win situation. champion who has demonstrated his great talent in three IPSC divisions. Anybody who of a new gun for the Standard up to me and say: “Hey, who And when we have great guns wants to improve in practical shooting will certainly welcome the fact that Eric’s liaison and Open divisions. Working knows… you never know… one and great shooters, we have to with such a renowned company day… we will see…”. And then find out which gun is best for with Česká zbrojovka a.s. is not limited to taking part in competitions. is a great challenge for me, as is I came up with the new project each shooter. becoming a part of such a great of building a shooting acade- How did you get into guns up presiding over it for about 10 when I was about eight years team and participating in sever- my. Jakub heard about it and Personally, I prefer new models. and sport shooting? years. When I was little, my par- old, so we can say that I’ve been al projects all at the same time. in the end, we thought that it For Production I will get the CZ It was my dad who introduced ents both worked, I didn’t have around guns almost all my life. That is a pretty big task but at would be a great opportunity SHADOW 2 ORANGE with the me to them, when I was little. any babysitters, I basically spent the same time very exciting. to create something bigger new barrel bushing which offers When he was in the army, he be- just about every weekend at When did you take up IPSC than just a training centre. even better accuracy. As I have came a national champion and the shooting range. I must have shooting? So, you still don’t know which CZ already mentioned – unfortu- then with some of his friends been about six, so I had access Exclusively since I was about model you will choose to shoot? What do you expect from this nately, I am getting on a bit in he established a shooting club. I to guns and ammunition from 15, so that is around 24 years I would pick all of them, a differ- collaboration? this line of work, so I need a few think it was in 1975 and he ended an early age. I started shooting now. Let’s say that in profes- ent one for each division – I like Naturally, I expect that we will all tricks to stay sharp. (laughing)

46 | | 47 meet different people. I can say perform, you have to be a win- a big love in my life. I feel that that shooting has allowed me ner? Do you feel it as a kind of I have found a profession as well to experience many interesting obligation or is it just a part of as a way of life which really suits things and collect lots of unfor- your nature? me. I can say I am a very happy gettable memories which will I feel it is in my nature to be person. Of course, sometimes stay in my mind forever. the best, to desire being a win- I am tired after a difficult match ner in each part of my life. For and have to take a short break You also like off-road bikes and me, it doesn’t matter that I am from shooting for a couple of fast cars. Do you see any sim- a professional shooter or if shoot days to distract my attention. ilarities between shooting and as an amateur – I want to win. But after a while I feel that I miss driving? Do you drive the same The responsibility that comes shooting, so I go and train and way you shoot? with being a professional shoot- work once again. Off-road bikes and fast cars are er doesn’t make me to feel nerv- my obsession. There are similar- ous during a match. One of your colleagues is Maria ities in these sports and shoot- Gushchina. Can you compare ing – in both you have to be You participate in many com- her to a movie character? careful and very attentive, be- petitions at home and abroad. I think there is no film star which cause every mistake can cost You train hard on a regular ba- can compare to Masha. But her you a place. But you must also sis. You launched your own web character can be seen mostly in be fast and, in a way, furious shop, you tune guns for other Lara Croft – she is powerful, am- too, while keeping your speed people, both competitors and bitious, fearlessness, kind, beau- under control. So yes, I can say shooters. You reload your own tiful and very charismatic. She is my shooting style absolutely re- ammunition and teach others a role model for many people, flects my driving. I am sure you how to shoot. Do you still love it? in shooting as well as a person. can imagine that. Shooting is my obsession and

How do you concentrate be- fore and during a major com- petition? Do you have any ritu- als that work for you? I don’t have any rituals before major matches, sometimes my teammates help me during shooting if I get nervous. They Speed is nothing without control say the right words and support An interview with Robin Šebo about his exceptionally successful me mentally, so I usually feel much better and continue in season and more my competition.

What does being a part of the CZ Shooting Team mean to you? I am very happy to be a part of Robin Šebo is one of the all-time greatest sport pistol shooters on the planet. In 2018, he such a strong and cool team. put his skills on display to amass an impressive collection of championship titles in the IPSC We have the best shooters for all divisions, so it is interesting Production Division. Combining Robin’s talent and hard work with the right tool for the job to compare our stage results to- – the Shadow 2 – the results were incredible, though he remains very modest about them. gether. Also, we can complete- ly rely on each other and have You had a successful shoot- country. All of them were difficult Can you recall how many fun. Each competition is a small ing season in 2018, being the and very important for me, some countries you have visited celebration for us because we Champion of Australia, Africa, were even level 4. The compe- because of shooting? Do you meet again and have a good Canada and Czech Republic. tition was very strong. I trained even count them? time shooting. How does it feel? hard during the year so I can say I have never counted how many I am very happy to have had the those wins were truly deserved. countries I have visited, but can For many shooters IPSC is just opportunity to travel so much in It makes me very happy and has say I have been to each conti- a hobby. For you it is a bit dif- 2018. Every match has its own motivated me to continue work- nent except Antarctica. Shoot- ferent, as you are a profession- particular style of stages which ing hard on my shooting skills to ing gives one a great opportuni- al shooter. How difficult is the reflect the shooting style of the achieve new goals. ty to travel all over the world and knowledge that you have to

48 | | 49 CZ 457

UNMATCHED The new CZ 457 rimfire rifle series that owners of these guns have an option of an easy and af- fordable generational upgrade. Regarding rifles for rimfire cartridges, Česká zbrojovka a.s. is not only one of the tradi- vailing element of controls on tional world leaders in this field but also a trend-setter. This is undoubtedly reflected Safety first rifles is the so-called positive in their latest model series, the CZ 457. All CZ guns are completely safety, which manifests on the safe, not only when handled CZ 457 guns as a lever on the extractor control on the properly but during common right-hand side of the . left side of the receiver, which Czech rimfire rifles are a glob- changed once again. Based on place and why they keep en- accidents such as when the The safety is released by mov- means it is not necessary to al phenomenon. The ZKM their extensive experience and joying such popularity. Rimfire gun is dropped. So, what does ing the lever forward, thus in- pull the trigger when removing models that were first created using radically upgraded pro- rifles are often sought after by safety mean in the new CZ dicating that the gun is ready the bolt for basic maintenance. shortly after the end of World duction facilities, Česká zbrojov- owners of hunting rifles, above 457 series? to fire by revealing a red dot on War 2 set the bar for ingenuity ka has launched the complete- all for practice, to have fun or in the side of the receiver. Last but not least, and once again and exceptionally high quality ly new CZ 457 model series. It is order to teach the younger gen- in keeping with the current pref- in a production rimfire. They characterized by a sophisticat- eration the basics of shooting ranked very high and rightly ed modular design, thought and hunting. In this respect, the deserved the huge success out to the smallest detail. In design of the new CZ 457 family that followed. So much so that comparison to previous mod- is certainly quite remarkable. CZ produced guns based on els and rival products, the CZ The partial integration with the Its designers focused on par- the designs thought up by the 457 brings improvements in all successful CZ 557 rifle series has tial modification and im- A new element in CZ rimfire legendary Koucký brothers in key parameters, whether we been a great move, particularly provements of safety features rifles is the striker status indica- the mid-1940s up until very are talking about user safety, where the fully-adjustable trig- in line with modern trends. tor which gives a visual and tac- erences of recently. A trained eye will find accuracy or lifetime. ger mechanism with exception- After careful considerations, tile status of the striker mecha- most shooters, the CZ 457 guns many features found on the al properties is concerned. CZ decided to stop using the nism: when the striker is cocked, allow the bolt to be opened and timeless ZKMs even in the re- It is worth mentioning that the popular manual wing safety a small red bar protrudes from removed with the safety on. cent CZ 455 series of rifles. concept of many of the new It is also worth stressing that that was a characteristic fea- the back of the bolt shroud. CZ rimfire rifles returns to the this series has retained the ture of their rimfire rifles from Improved accuracy New directions original reason this category of popular CZ 455 magazines and the time of the famous CZ 452 An additional benefit for saf- In general, CZ rimfire rifles are However, the situation has firearms was created in the first barrelled action, which means ZKM model. Today, the pre- er handling is the separate highly accurate firearms, how-

50 | | 51 angle of the bolt handle (30° or 525 mm long. The premium variant in .17 HMR calibre is less than previous CZ mod- walnut stock whose beautiful extremely accurate too. els). Thanks to this, the gun grain is emphasised by oiling enables comfortable handling features a decorative tip and Different level even with a riflescope. Safari style swivels. Its design Česká zbrojovka a.s. claims that is based on classic stocks pop- the new CZ 457 family repre- And while focusing on this gen- ular in the Commonwealth sents a new paragon of erational upgrade, CZ has also countries: its typical features are a modern rimfire made improvements in the a straight comb, round cheek- quality of work with regard to piece and slim forend. smaller parts, such as the trig- ger guard, magazine frame, CZ 457 MTR in .22 LR cal. rear part of the bolt, new Weav- rifle in its er rail interface, etc. price range without an As has already been equal rival on the cur- mentioned, rent global market.Speaking the im- Anoth- from our own experience, we portant er new model can certainly confirm that the benefits whose design has properties and performance of of the been based on those the new CZ rimfire rifles really previous rifles is theCZ 457 PRE- are a different level – we ha- CZ rim- MIUM. It will especially ven’t been able to find a rival fire rifle appeal to owners of product that could measure genera- CZ 557 or CZ 527. This up to them. tion have rimfire rifle has a pre- been mium walnut stock with a Eu- Nevertheless, the arrival of the ever, the truth is that the de- CZ 457 ROYAL with walnut stock the stock. Improve- retained: the modular system ropean style cheekpiece and CZ 457 also means the end and 16“ barrel sign legacy of the CZ 452 ZKM ments have also allowing an easy replacement once again features a decora- of rimfire rifles based on the limited the options to modify been made where of barrels and changing of cal- tive tip. The thin-walled hunt- tried and tested concept of the the trigger mechanism pa- ergonomics are con- ibres, and compatibility of the ing barrel is 630 mm long Koucký brothers. Such a fare- rameters. CZ has already cerned, the grip on the barrels and magazines with the and is equipped with iron well is always poignant, the managed to solve this CZ 457 is thus once again CZ 455 series. sights – a front sight with fi- more so that in this case it is problem in several a bit more comfortable than on bre optics and a tangent rear the end of an era, a very long variants in One its predecessors. Generational upgrade sight adjustable from 25 to and exceptionally successful the element The CZ 457 rimfire rifles are 200 m. There is also a muzzle one. Saying that, we firmly which is often Improved user properties replacing the CZ 455 series. thread for the attachment of believe that without a doubt, overlooked but which In the past few years, CZ has In addition to replacing the a silencer. these brilliant designers would plays an important role advanced its technologies con- variants, such as the LUX, have been very happy with the in accuracy is the weight of siderably, such as procedures VARMINT, AMERICAN and The great accuracy potential of new generation of their fore- the striker. In comparison with for the surface treatment of JAGUAR, the advantages of the new series is fully reflected runners. They always relished previous models, the weight metal parts. The company’s the new design will also be in the CZ 457 MTR, a version new ideas and put great em- of strikers in CZ 457 rimfire ri- new products, including the applied to completely new in the .22 LR calibre featur- phasis on the quality of man- fles has been reduced by new CZ 457 series, are thus models with unique pa- ing a match chamber with di- ufacture – and in this respect, CZ 455 family. more than 60%, resulting in mensions the CZ 457 rimfire rifles give us As a result, the a faster strike and at the much to be proud of. company has intro- same time less shock and duced a new trigger vibration when fired. mechanism for the CZ 457 se- treated with one the most ries. It allows the user to adjust Where stocks are concerned, durable anticorrosion surface rameters, which CZ the trigger pull weight within a there has been a great improve- treatments on the market. has not offered before. very favourable range of 8 and ment in all long guns from CZ, 15 N, the trigger travel may be reflected in the new rimfire ri- In addition, users will undoubt- For example, the design of the on the bottom limit adjusted within 0.5-7 mm. Ba- fles. For CZ 457, the company edly appreciate the improved CZ 457 ROYAL model in .22 LR, of allowable parame- sically, the shooter may choose has developed a new type of trigger travel, achieved by re- .22 WMR and .17 HMR calibre is ters. In combination with the bedding which allows consist- to use the gun at a common designing the receiver and closely related to hunting rifles. other innovations, the guar- CZ 457 PREMIUM training level as well as that of ent tightening of the screws the bolt. Another advantage Its thin-walled barrel with no anteed accuracy at 50 m is a target special. in the barrelled action within is the notably reduced turning mechanical sights is either 412.5 only 15 mm! The hunting

52 | | 53 Taking into account your ex- tensive experience, what do you think about the CZ 457 series? Do you feel it’s suita- CZ 457 – a truly versatile ble for ? Absolutely. That’s why it is so ap- top quality rimfire rifle pealing. It would make a great gun for higher levels of shoot- An interview with a three times Olympic medallist and the face ing sports. For the highest lev- of CZ 457, Kateřina Emmons el – not quite. But one never knows... As soon as I held it in my hands, I was bowled over by the bolt and the trigger. They are just incredible. This is possibly the best bolt I have ever had the Kateřina Emmons, née Kůrková (b. 1983), has won an impressive number of European and World opportunity to try. Championships alike, as well as Olympic Games. Fans of shooting sports will never forget her fantastic accomplishment at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Although she retired from Which CZ guns have you used professional shooting in 2015, she has not left the world of guns and shooting behind. On the before? contrary. In 2019, together with her husband Matthew, also an elite shooter, she is launching To be completely frank – none. a campaign to promote a new line of rimfire rifles from Česká zbrojovka a.s., the CZ 457. I have never made a secret of the fact that I am basically not interested in guns at all. It is One could say that Kateřina You have four children with your understood this discipline that more time with their families That is very important to me, it is funny really, but that’s how it Emmons and shooting sports husband, Matthew. Will any of I began to enjoy it and get a grip – for example they coach. How a tremendous motivation and is. I take my guns as tools that are one and the same, the more them become a shooting hope- on it. was it for you? There has been great joy. So, I am able to use enable me to do a sport. I can so because of the strong family ful and then a champion like talk that perhaps you should everything I have learned in my provide care and maintenace, roots and ties. Were you influ- their parents? Were you tempted to switch assist in coaching the Czech 15 years of professional shooting I can adjust them and do some enced by your family to take up I have no idea. If I did, I would to, say, a rimfire rifle after your biathlon team in shooting... and apply it somehow to biath- minor repairs. That’s about it, shooting sports? Why didn’t be a fortune teller (laughing). superb results at the Olympics, At first, I gave up shooting com- lon, which is of course a much that’s the extent of my knowl- you choose a different sport? We try and bring our kids up and the Air Rifle World and Eu- pletely and got a job at an Amer- faster sport. edge and interest. As a little girl, I started with to think for themselves and to ropean Championships? After ican company dealing with car swimming. For 10 years, swim- learn to solve their own prob- all, your husband, Matthew parts, here in Pilsen. They were In 2019, you and your husband Saying that, the CZ 457 is a gun ming was the sport I wanted lems, to see things from differ- Emmons, is an Olympic winner launching a wellness project for Matthew became the faces category that I have a close to see myself competing in ent points of view. And if we in this category. their employees. It was a fantas- of Česká zbrojovka for their association with and also, it’s at the Olympics in the future. manage to achieve that, then I did shoot rimfire rifles from tic experience for me, I was in CZ 457 rimfire rifles. How do suitable for shooting sports. Around the time I was twelve, they will be good at whatever the start but as I have already a completely new environment you feel about this role? Your So for me, it is an exceptional I found out that I didn’t have they want. It is entirely up to mentioned, it wasn’t my disci- and I met lots of great people. husband is American, will you sporting tool. what it took to be a great them to choose what they want pline really. It wasn’t until 2007 But then we became the par- promote these rimfire rifles in swimmer. And also, I wasn’t to do. Sometimes we wonder that I understood what it was all ents of two more girls, which the United States too? What about your husband, enjoying it that much any- what that will be as well. about. That was when I learned had not really been on the cards. We feel very positively about what’s his attitude to guns? more, as I had been swim- to use the slings, that is shoot- I went on maternity leave and this, of course, we wouldn’t have Matt is the complete opposite ming since I was three. So You have achieved your great- ing from the kneeling and my coming back there doesn’t done for it otherwise. We are not in this respect. He is interested I quit. My dad asked me then est success with an air rifle. prone positions. That’s when look very promising. A big family the kind of people who yearn in all sorts of guns. Not just for if I wanted to try shooting be- Why did you choose this gun? things really took off. I was sud- needs a lot of flexibility workwise, for their name to be connected sport, he also takes an interest fore deciding what to do next. Well, it was quite simple. I was denly able to compete and unless you live in a large city with as many companies as pos- in hunting, it is the love of his I did, was bitten by the shoot- really good at it, progressed even win the 3×20 three-posi- where you don’t have to think sible. Our credo has always been life. I come a close second, as he ing bug and the rest is history. quickly and soon achieved tion. So that makes competing about logistics so much. for such a relationship to make cheekily likes to point out. some pretty exceptional re- and training a completely dif- sense to both sides and we must Talking about families – many sults. So there was no reason ferent kettle of fish. The high- The Czech Biathlon Union of- always trust the product. Was Matt familiar with CZ people think that you are re- to switch to another one really light of my rimfire rifle career fered me a position as a shoot- guns before? If so, what does lated to the Mexican Olympics (laughing). At the time, I knew was a silver medal at the 2008 ing assistant. There is some trav- For Česká zbrojovka, the CZ 457 he think about them? winner, Jan Kůrka ... nothing about three-position Summer Olympics. elling involved but I can work is an important step forward. He really likes Česká zbrojovka It may seem so but we are not shooting with rimfire rifles. My from home a lot too, especially It is a very flexible product that as a firearms producer, above related at all. Although he and achievements were more about After retiring from profession- doing all the preparations. And will appeal to many. So we are all, for their high quality of my grandfather, Libor Kůrka, luck, apart from the standing al sport, many athletes carry also, it means working in a high- happy to promote the CZ 457 manufacture. were in the Czech national position, I was really good at on with their sporting activ- ly motivating environment with anywhere. It really is a versatile team together. that one. It was only after I fully ities – apart from spending people who work really hard. gun of first-rate quality.

54 | | 55 are great fun, but not when it’s In your opinion, what are the friends both in the US and Czech pouring. (laughing) biggest benefits of the CZ 457 who hunt and who use the CZ series? 550 or CZ 557 rifles. I have never We asked Kateřina about the fu- I really like the new CZ 457 heard them say anything neg- ture shooting prospects regard- a lot. I like things that are sim- ative about them. They all say ing your children. We would like ple yet work very well. Its bolt that they are very good quality to ask you the same: will any of and trigger are outstanding – rifles which shoot well. I certainly them become a shooting hope- very smooth and refined. And hope that I will have an oppor- ful and then a champion like having the option to change tunity in the future to gain some their parents? the barrel and calibre is ideal. new experience with CZ guns. That’s a very good question. Our One can use the same gun at a aim is to teach all the kids to shooting range as well as when Česká zbrojovka make a wide shoot and to understand guns, out hunting, provided the coun- range of firearms, from those which has a lot to do with safety. try’s law permits it. All you need for armed forces to those for If they want to compete that’s to do is change the barrel and hunting and sport shooting. fine with me but I hope they will the stock, which takes about Which one do you think you take up a different sport. Maybe 5 minutes. It is very important would relate to the most? And golf, biathlon or baseball... We for a gun to fit the hand nicely, it which one do you think would would like our children to en- must be comfortable and shoot Kateřina choose? joy playing and try out various well. The CZ 457 has definitely Hmmm…. Good question... I think sports and commit to none of made the grade. I would go for a hunting rifle, so it them fully until they are at least would have to be the CZ 557. And 14 or 15. Saying that, I hope that Have you had an opportunity to I think Katka would definitely Collaboration with CZ at least one of them will share use or try some CZ guns before? pick the CZ 457 rimfire rifle for my love of hunting. Regrettably, I have very little per- sport shooting, so that would be sonal experience with CZ guns. the MTR model at the moment. is a great honour for me In 2019 you and your wife will One of my close friends in the An interview with Matthew Emmons on his journey to sport help promote the new CZ 457 States is a police officer and car- You have lived in the Czech Re- rimfire rifle series. How do you ries a CZ 75. I haven’t shot with public for a number of years, shooting and on the new CZ 457 rimfire rifle series. feel about this project? it but at least I have held it in your wife is a top shooter. How I am very happy to be working my hands. It is a beautiful pistol would you rate the standard with Česká zbrojovka and taking and he swears by it. Also, I know of sport shooting in the Czech part in this project. The new CZ a few people from various parts Republic? Do you think Czech rimfire rifle is very well thought- of the world who used some old shooters have access to high Matthew Emmons (b. 1981), an Olympic medallist and World Champion in rifle shooting out. I see great potential in it and types of CZ rimfire rifles, I don’t quality guns? has become the new face of the CZ 457 rimfire rifle series, together with his wife, Kateřina, quite a few opportunities. Both remember the exact models When we take into account the me and Katka are honoured to they had. They were sport shoot- size of the country, then on the herself a brilliant Czech shooter. The native American has lived and worked in the Czech be working with a Czech compa- ers, or let’s say hobby shooters, whole, the standard of shooting Republic for many years and has adopted this country as his homeland to such an extent ny that has such a long history of and they all spoke very highly is good. In general, the conditions that he conducted this interview in the Czech language. making excellent guns. of their guns. Then I also have for training are very good – at For shooters, the United States But I never really knew that Do you remember your first least where sport shooting is con- is the Promised Land. How did shooting could be a sport as well. gun? cerned, there is a system of state you get into sport shooting? In Not really, no. It was probably an assistance to clubs that is not so your wife’s family, sport shoot- I got into sport shooting by ac- air rifle of some kind. But I do common in other countries. ing was already pursued by her cident. One of my dad’s mates remember my first rimfire rifle grandparents. Have you also told us that some colleges in the – a semi-auto- And yes, Czech shooters can use been influenced by your family States have shooting teams and matic. It used to be my grandpa’s, excellent guns. In this respect, where shooting is concerned? grant scholarships. He asked so I was able to use it too. I must both the best of them and the What you say about the USA me if I liked shooting, I said yes have been about six or seven. hopefuls are looked after very is certainly quite true but it de- and so I began. He taught me well. But shooting is a very ex- pends on the kind of shooting. the basics and then he found Later, you achieved superb pensive sport and personally, For example, the Olympic dis- a club for me about an hour’s results with a rimfire rifle at I think that with some slight ciplines are not as well-known drive away from where I lived. Olympic Games. Did you con- modifications, especially where there as they are here in the That’s where I started training. sider switching to a different accessories are concerned, the Czech Republic. I grew up in a So, the original motive was that discipline, like skeet? new CZ 457 could make an ideal family where every male was a I enjoyed it and I wanted to get Of course! If I was to have gun for those who are starting hunter. I have always enjoyed that scholarship. The Olympics a choice again, I would definite- with sport shooting and who shooting so I am a hunter too. didn’t come into it then. ly go for skeet. Or archery. Both want to get to a quality rifle.

56 | | 57 be used, it can be attached When a new generation of sponse from both the profes- and removed... There is an Czechoslovakian civilian fire- sionals and the customers was opening at bottom of the re- arms was ready to enter man- very favourable indeed. In 1963, ceiver for the attachment of ufacture in the mid-1950s, the the company itself proudly a 5-round magazine. The trig- ZKW 465 light rifle could not stated of its ZKW 465 model: ger mechanism operates on be left behind. Together with “Very popular around the a stronger as well as a more representatives from the De- world for its elegance, mod- sensitive pull (adjustable to partment of Foreign Trade, ern design, shooting accu- your own feel) with the help of the Koucký brothers had not racy and affordable price. a set trigger.” failed to notice that the era Rival products (including a of the Vierling cartridge was basically direct copy) do not In the ZKW 465, the set trig- gone and that new, more come to the same standard.” ger was located in the trigger modern calibres were coming Nevertheless, they also added guard, behind the trigger itself. As for the bolt mechanism, the Koucký brothers used a clev- erly modified, tried and tested 98 concept with two robust locking lugs. This lit- tle-known tidbit allowed them to offer calibres with consid- erably more power for deer hunting, and in addition to the 5.6×35 R, they included the 5.6×52 R and the 6.5×52 (25-35 Historical photo of the Vierling from Brno aka ZKW Win.) calibres. This oversized 465 in 5.6×35 R cal. action wasn’t exploited until later, as the 465 Vierlings from Brno were originally available only in the calibre that shares CZ 527 – AN AGELESS HEART that name. Arrival of Hornet IN A YOUNGER BODY The first model of the ZKW 465 was produced for a fairly short to the forefront. The designers that the 5.6 Hornet cartridge Remarkably, the technology of the Czech arms industry is linked with several sibling time, between 1948–1950 and laid their bets on the 22 Hor- was starting to be overshad- teams. The three Holek brothers, the Kratochvíl brothers and the Koucký brothers. The then also in 1953. Since in the net calibre, lending its name owed by the .222 Remington last two, Josef and František, played an important part in elevating Czechoslovakia, as first half of the 1950s, Soviet to the new variant of the rifle. and partly also by .22 WMR. It influence in Czechoslovakia It was ready as early as 1955, was clear that before further the country was then called, among the most significant global manufacturers of small shifted production focus to though it didn’t enter pro- production, a new and thor- arms for hunting and sport. A number of their models have become true legends, with the armed forces on a large duction until 1958. It is worth ough market survey needed some still being produced today. Those models may have undergone some moderniza- scale, leaving no free capacity mentioning that one beauti- to be carried out. tion, but the healthy heart of the original design has always remained. One great exam- for civilian production. Moreo- fully decorated ZKW 465 was ple is the extremely popular CZ 527 rifle platform. ver, export to so-called capital- included in an award-winning ist countries came to a stand- collection of Czechoslovaki- ZKW 465 in .22 Hornet cal. The very first light rifle designed first made in the USA under the “This gun allows you to shoot still for a few years. Nevertheless, by the Koucký brothers was cre- name .22 WCF in its more pow- accurately even at longer dis- ated just after World War 2 end- erful version, it quickly gained tances, which will surely be ed, when the famous Zbrojovka popularity in Europe, especially welcomed by those hunting Brno factory promptly refocused used by four-barrelled break-ac- for grouse etc. The graceful an weapons at the fa- To Uherský Brod on the mass production of civil- tion guns. shape of all its parts forms mous international trade fair With the many transitions ian firearms due to the lack of a beautiful and harmonious EXPO 1958 in Brussels. in production from military orders from the armed forces. From the start, the ZKW 465 whole. With its overall length the powers that be firearms to sporting firearms The new rifle was called the ZKW was introduced as a must- of 1040 mm, it weighs 2.7 kg. at the time changed their Unfortunately, due to prob- and other non-arms products, 465, originally including the have for the collection of any The barrel is 580 mm long mind in the end, as building lems with the inflexible or- could not cope name Vierling. It was the name hunting and sport shooting ... The rear sight ... easily ad- a socialist state without for- ganizers of Czechoslovakian with the increasing demand of the 5.6×35 R cartridge, used as enthusiast. Let us quote a part justable for 75, 100, 150 m. For eign currency was no fun. export, not many Hornets for sporting arms. After exten- the basic calibre. Although it was of its original description: precise aiming, a scope may were made in Brno, but the re- sive review, the ministry found

58 | | 59 a permanent solution to the erful chambering allowed weight). In addition, unlike the a “mirror” version for left-hand- The front and rear sights of blasting. The result is a sat- problem of fluctuating orders. the rifles to be used through- faster calibres like 222 and 223 ed users. A premier group of all CZ 527 models with iron in-matte finish with less re- From the mid-1960s, the new out the year, when hunting Rem., this slower cartridge cre- models includes the high-end sights are the same as the CZ flection and a higher resist- main manufacture of firearms both light and medium-sized ates less damage to the game. CZ 527 EXCLUSIVE EBONY 557 rifle. It means these mod- ance to corrosion. for hunting and sport shooting hoofed game. Still, the design In the USA and other countries EDITION (distinguished by its els have a windage-adjustable in Czechoslovakia was tran- team from CZ did not stop at where it is still possible to en- helical barrel, ebony details sloped rear sight blade and And still quite new is the in- sitioned to the younger and just a new cartridge. The most gage in expeditionary hunting, at the tip of the stock and on an elevation-adjustable front troduction of the popular more modern arms factory in noteworthy of these chang- the CZ 527 Carbine in 7.62×39 the pistol grip, and a jewelled sight accentuated by red fibre modern cartridges, the 6.5 Uherský Brod, known today as es were the improved trigger cal. is popular because it can bolt) as well as some small- optics. This solution is espe- Grendel and 300 Blackout, Česká zbrojovka a.s. Amongst travel, more reliable feeding both take game and serve as scale and custom-built mod- cially suitable when shooting which have opened up yet the models it took over from and above all the improved a defensive firearm, while do- els, such as cutting-edge sport at a moving target. more new possibilities... Zbrojovka Brno (still bearing trigger mechanism.Upon de- ing so in a short, Brno’s famous brand name) but, the portfolio lightweight Ageless heart was also the light rifle de- offered two As we have learned, the signed by the Koucký brothers, versions – light rifle portfolio of CZ is the ZKW 465. one with specials for elite The wooden stocks of the CZ set, regularly amended and the tra- Czech Combined game shoot- 527 with mechanical sights, also significantly upgraded The Uherský Brod company ditional ers (see p. 62 for an interview the Exclusive Ebony Edition as required so that customers manufactured this original double package. The with the current European and the new CZ 527 MTR are can choose a model that fits Hornet between 1967 and set trigger ability to digest more af- Champion). now oiled rather than lac- their purpose. 1976. Though the volumes (German set fordable surplus ammunition quered. The reason for this is were not large, this era lay the trigger) and makes it a popular choice for New possibilities not just a more elegant look The CZ 527 can be a work- foundations of the tradition one with a single set trigger, recreational shooters. Nevertheless, the activities and perfect impregnation but ing rifle, an accurate varmint for the Lite rifles from Uher- also known as French set trig- of CZ are not limited to just it also enables easier repairs of control tool, a hobby gun, or ský Brod, which are still be- ger. However, the German Some of the other calibres the adding new calibres or bring- scratches and dents. a sport special. No matter ing made today and show no style soon faded away, while CZ 527 has been produced in ing new materials for stocks. what version chosen, custom- signs of retiring. the single set mechanism was include, for example, the 221 The entire CZ 527 series has More and more CZ 527 mod- ers can rest assured that each successful, eventually being Remington Fireball, 17 Rem- recently undergone a thor- els have muzzle threads for model that they will hold in Produced in higher numbers, chosen for use in the CZ 550 ington and 204 Ruger. None ough review, resulting in ex- the attachment of a silencer their hands will be equipped the ZKB 680 – aptly called the rifles of the Medium category. of these are offered currently, tensive modernizations. We and other accessories. Česká with an identical ageless FOX – was a nimble light rifle though in 2013 CZ began pro- can very well call it a complete zbrojovka aims to gradually heart, inspired by the reliable ideal for varmint control. Its The CZ 527 series hit the pro- ducing a model in 17 Hornet, upgrade. Many innovations upgrade all of the CZ 527 rifles and safe bolt that the ingen- 222 Rem. calibre was perfect verbial jackpot. Thanks to the heartily welcomed especially are not immediately apparent without mechanical sights. ious Koucký brothers put in- for just such a task. The Fox- sound design of the bolt, the by US customers. but all have brought signif- side their first light rifle more es, easily recognizable by the original trio of the 22 Hornet, icant improvements of user In addition, during 2018, all than 70 years ago. Such a per- re-modelled magazine catch 222 Rem. and 223 Rem. cal- Where stocks and barrels are parameters. metal parts for the CZ 527 ri- fect heart hasn’t needed any on the side, had a somewhat ibres could later be supple- concerned, over the twen- fles began to be finished by improvements.. complicated history for which mented by many modern car- ty-five years of its existence, With the addition of more and there is not enough space tridges, though not all of them the CZ 527 series has grown more CNC turning and milling here. So, let us mention just would stay in the lineup for to offer numerous versions, centers at Uherský Brod, the one snippet: later, another an extended period of time. continuously reviewed with 527’s receiver has transitioned version in 22 Hornet calibre With so many chamberings to regard to current trends. The to this manufacturing pro- was produced and ultimate- choose from, CZ let customer series offers stocks in both cess. These actions are now ly, customers preferred this demand determine whether European and American turned and machined from version to the more powerful a particular calibre addition style, thumbhole type stocks solid billet, resulting in greater 222 cal. was one worthwhile of remain- and more recently also a tar- precision and ultimately re- ing in the lineup. get-style stock for the MTR flected in superior accuracy of Hitting the jackpot model. Regarding materials, the firearm. In simple terms, Today’s CZ 527 series came into It transpired that the domi- there is walnut, laminated we can say that the receiver being in the late 1980s. Natu- nant calibre was the truly out- wood or polymer, the latter has been made both stronger rally, it was based on the popu- standing 7.62×39 mm. It was now being offered in the us- and more precise. lar ZKW 680 FOX RIFLE, more first used in the Carbine mod- er-friendly soft-touch finish. specifically on its modernized el, an ideal working rifle for With CZ’s cold hammer forged The trigger mechanism is now model 2. When developing the professional hunters, which is barrel, models can be had with the same as the CZ 557 and 527 model, the primary task suitable for varmint control as thin-walled sporter barrels or allows the adjustment of all was to expand the portfolio well as for hunting small and heavy varmint barrels in sev- the crucial parameters – the by another powerful calibre medium-size hoofed game eral lenghts and with or with- trigger pull weight, reset and – the 223 Rem. Such a pow- (roughly up to 40-50 kg live out . There is also overtravel.

60 | | 61 Czech Triumph at the European Championship in Combined Game Shooting 2018

Between 29 June and 1 July sible overall score of 800 points. dato event: “I must say that this ALL MY RIFLES 2018, the 11th FITASC European The event was split into competition was the best Eu- Championship in Combined four parts with 100 points for each ropean Championship I have ARE FROM UHERSKÝ BROD Game Shooting took place in – two Compak sporting parts and ever experienced in my shoot- Piancardato, Italy. two Universal trenches. In the ing career, the organizers did a An interview with the current European Champion rifle event, 20 rounds were shot marvellous job. I am overjoyed in Combined Game Shooting, Tomáš Staněk The event, held at a beautiful at fixed targets (deer, fox, cham- to have come out on top and shooting range, 170 km north ois and boar) and another 20 at beat some serious rivals. It is my of Rome, saw Czech shooters three static targets (deer, fox and dream come true.” and Czech weapons do their chamois). The highlight came In the women category, the very best. One of the shooters, with shooting at one moving gold medal went to another Tomáš Staněk, a member of the target (wild boar) at a distance of Czech shooter, Michaela Šten- Tomáš Staněk is the new, very bright star of the CZ Shooting Team. In April 2018, this top CZ Shooting Team, gave a su- 50 metres. This discipline is con- glová who also used the CZ 527 long gun shooter became the Czech Champion in Combined Game Shooting and in the perb performance and became sidered to be the most challeng- Varmint rifle. Piancardato saw summer of 2018, he confirmed his great form by winning the European Championship the European Champion. ing in the whole competition as the triumph of the whole Czech where the whole Czech team shone. The success of our Czech rep- it is nearly always the one that national team using CZ rifles, resentatives is well deserved, decides the final ranking. In the followed by the Austrians in rifle event, all the Czech shooters Can you tell us more about the shooting is basically the hunt- I strive to give both as much as as the competition was very second place and the Swedish strong indeed and the condi- used the CZ 527 Varmint in 222 team who came third. It is well individual shooting disciplines ing equivalent of some IPSC I can and do it as best as I can. Remington calibre. you do? divisions. The gun used must be tions were definitely not easy. worth mentioning that regard- I take part in shotgun disciplines, a hunting style gun, the targets Which CZ weapons do you use? Not only did the event host The best overall score was ing the game rifle shooting, namely skeet, trap and sporting, resemble real animals and the All my rifles are from Uherský the best shooters from Europe achieved by Tomáš Staněk the Czech representative team that is shooting at clay targets numbered zones correspond Brod. I have a CZ 550 in 308 but the temperatures stayed from the CZ Shooting Team have been unrivalled for five in open terrain; as well as in rifle with real hunting hits. Winchester, a CZ 557 in 6 mm around 40° C. who was extremely delighted years. Such success has been disciplines. In this case, these XC – that is a special calibre The Championship consisted to become the new European significantly supported by spe- include shooting from a prone Are you more of a hunter or for sports, with a fast bullet, of two parts – a rifle event and Champion in combined game cial variants of hunting rifles, position with two arms on the a sporting shooter? suitable for shooting at a dis- a shotgun event, with the pos- shooting, praising the Piancar- developed in CZ. ground (fox), a standing posi- Now that is a silly question tance of up to 1,000 metres. tion (boar), a standing position (laughing loudly)! If there And of course, I also have a CZ with the weapon either resting were no hunters, there would 527 with which I won the Com- you got into them? In summer 2018, you achieved shoulder, I have aimed. What is on one side of a post (deer) or be no sporting shooters. And bined Game Shooting Europe- I have been shooting since I was excellent results in Combined more, it has been made just so resting on a stick (chamois), and vice versa, the sportsman in an Championship, this one is in small, at first with an airgun in Game Shooting in Piancardato, to be perfect for game shooting also a running boar. In addition, me gives the hunter assurance 222 Remington calibre. the garden. My dad used to do Italy, and became a European – it is held in a slightly different I do long distance game rifle, pa- and peace of mind. They are sports shooting, so it was him Champion. What were your feel- way than a classic hunting rifle, per game targets as well as steel two sides of the same coin, They are rather less traditional who introduced me to it. And ings during the competition? but this is an advantage in some plate targets or gongs. Game they cannot be separated. But shooting disciplines, how have another good thing was that It was nerve-wracking right up disciplines. It also has a very good the local shooting range was until the last moment, no doubt and reliable trigger and great barely 2 km from my house. about that. But the main thing trigger travel. But above all, the I spent a lot of time there. As was that my body was hold- barrel is just terrific – in 222 Rem- Combined Game Shooting a hunter, I need to be able to hit ing up, that my old neck injury ington calibre, the barrel is a big a target, so I practiced and prac- didn’t rear its head. When your thing. And also, I am used to it. It is an attractive sport disci- ticed, until I learnt (laughing). body bears up, a competition All these little bits put together pline based on general hunting feels completely different. If you make one exceptional rifle that practices. Its uniqueness, as the You and Martin Šlechta, an- have to concentrate on your may even lead you to victory. name suggests, lies in the com- other excellent shooter, joined neck not hurting, you cannot fo- bination of shotgun shooting the CZ Shooting Team at the cus on shooting. And when you Do you remember your best shot? at clay targets and rifle shoot- beginning of 2018. How would don’t focus, you don’t hit. One best shot? Probably a fox ing at fixed paper targets or you assess your first official at 520 metres, in winter, shoot- a running boar paper target. season in CZ colours? Why is your rifle the best? ing prone with a tripod. There Both Czech shooters and Czech It was a season which will be Do you mean my CZ 527? It has are more good shots, maybe guns have been at the Europe- very difficult to repeat. It was a superb stock, tailor-made for not loads, but definitely quite a an top for many years. great, more than great. There me. It sits in the shoulder and I few – and I hope more are still is not much more to add, really. don’t have to look for the sight to come. But this take at a fox line. As soon as I put it in my was quite possibly the best...

62 | | 63 CZ 557

CZ 557 – FIRST-RATE RIFLES FOR THE WHOLE WORLD

For many years, the globally-renowned CZ 557 rifles have held a stable position in the hunting and sports rifle market. The numerous variations and diversity of calibres the 557 series offers have made these rifles a truly universal product, fulfilling the needs of a large number of customers from all over the world.

Although both European and LUX II. It came as a response to when scrambling through overhaul. In the CZ 557 LUX II, ammunition. Because of this, The CZ 557 LUX II is available US markets tend to favour a the wishes of many traditional- dense vegetation during the improved trigger mecha- there is no loss of muzzle ve- with a detachable magazine fairly limited range of calibres ists, local and foreign alike, who a battue or when tracking nism allows the user to set the locity or uncomfortable in- (308 Win) as well as fixed mag- and certain types of materi- yearned for the return of some wounded game. trigger travel and pull weight, crease in the recoil and flash azine (308 Win, 30-06 Sprg., al and stock designs, for the parameters associated with as well as the pull weight of the after discharge. This improve- 7×64, 8×57 IS). The model 2018/2019 season, designers the CZ 550 RIFLES, the previ- Another element that has also actual trigger lever after the ment will be most welcome equipped with a detachable from CZ have brought out ous CZ 537 model or even with been modified is the SST has been activated. by hunters who are not afraid magazine is supplied with some rather interesting fu- the legendary ZKK 600 series. to shoot at longer a shortened receiver. sions of structural and design elements. Thus, the CZ 557 ri- While the CZ 557 LUX II has It should be em- fles now offer an even more retained the elegance rep- phasized that all versatile solution for just about resented by the traditional trigger mechanism. Where CZ the described every hunter or shooter any- Bavarian style stock, it has rifles of the “medium” category changes, including where on the planet. also been given several in- are concerned, and after many The last difference to the CZ the extension of the novations. The first one is a years, Česká zbrojovka has 557 LUX is the barrel, which barrel, have been CZ 557 LUX II modified two-position safety made a return to the single set is 24 inches, or 610 mm, long. carried out whilst Regarding new products of which in the “locked” position trigger. However, the trigger This increase of nearly 10 cm distances and who fully ex- taking into account 2018, one name worth men- blocks the bolt mechanism, mechanism system, very fa- allows for the optimum burn- ploit the potential of modern the practical aspects of hunt- tioning is the second genera- thus preventing its uninten- miliar to all the users of CZ 550 ing of the powerful gunpow- hunting ammunition. ing. That is another reason why tion of CZ 557 LUX, the CZ 557 tional opening, for example series, has undergone a major der used in modern hunting there has only been minimum

64 | | 65 increase in weight compared tal slipping when handled in a riflescope, with an option to Above all, this is due to the ri- Every keen shooter will also The innovative CZ 557 Predator to an ordinary CZ 557 – the damp conditions. In addition, remove it and attach it again fle being extremely compact, appreciate the fact that the rifle is currently available with new CZ 557 LUX II model with the contrasting de- without losing the thanks to the length of the bar- ergonomic stock is now a fixed magazine in 308 Win., 30- a 610 mm long barrel, still re- sign of green equipped with a practical, 06 Sprg. and 6.5×55 SE calibres. taining its height-adjustable cheek- legend- piece. As with the CZ 557 VAR- Living Tool ary ro- rel and shortened receiver. In its MINT SYNTHETIC, it helps to The CZ 557 rifles are clearly bustness sighting. Every user who wants basic configuration, it weighs keep the optimal position of not just a stable part of the CZ of the to shoot at longer distances only 4 kg. the eye towards the riflescope. portfolio but also living tools barrelled will appreciate the option to with which the company con- action, and dark grey of- have the basic version of the New Predator A huge added value of the new stantly responds to the current weighs fers an interesting element in rail replaced by a modified one Another model that is worth Predator is the radial muzzle requirements of the hunting a mere 3.4 kg without cartridg- the overall look, guaranteeing with a 25 MOA incline, which mentioning is the innovat- brake, supplied as a standard and shooting communities as es. Hunters who work with this to catch the attention of other fully enables the utilization of accessory. It well as innovations where rifle on a daily basis will cer- shooters. improves ballistics and tainly appreciate that. Yet another change in the CZ 557 VARMINT SYNTHETIC CZ 557 VARMINT SYNTHETIC the whole range of vertical cor- Another new product ready model comes in the modifica- rection of the point of aim on ed CZ 557 PREDATOR to make use of the “medium” tions of metal parts. The most commonly available optical which now boasts several new shooting category calibre is the CZ 557 crucial one is the shortening of scopes. It means you can shoot elements. The polymer stock comfort when using VARMINT SYNTHETIC. As the the barrel to 520 mm. The new at longer distances perfectly of this rifle is reinforced with more powerful car- name suggests, this new rifle rifle is therefore considerably well even with fairly basic op- glass fibre and finished in a tridges, such as the 30-06 Sprg. constitutes the fusing of two more compact than its prede- tical equipment offering a rel- real tree camouflage design Should the user for some rea- versions of the 557 rifle series, cessor but the barrel is still long atively small range of sighting. that makes this model high- son prefer not to use the muz- ammunition are concerned. namely the CZ 557 VARMINT enough to fully exploit the po- ly suitable for the hunting of zle break, they can easily un- Those are just some more of and the CZ 557 SYNTHETIC. tential of the 308 Win. and 243 Lastly, the CZ 557 VARMINT shy game, where not only the screw it from the M14×1 thread the reasons that make the CZ The new model therefore com- Win. calibres it is available in. SYNTHETIC is supplied with hunter himself requires care- and attach a device in accord- 557 family so popular amongst bines a durable anatomical a 10-round magazine which ful camouflaging but his gun ance with his or her preferenc- shooters and hunters world- polymer stock with an accurate Furthermore, changes in the has received the designers’ at- too. The stock has a soft-touch es (e.g. a silencer) or cover it wide, from the most experi- barrelled action incorporating a design are also reflected in the tention too, whereby they have finish whose advantages have with a cap. enced to complete beginners. heavy and highly precise barrel. muzzle that now has a new pro- taken into account modern already been mentioned. What is more, both main parts file which positively influences trends of increased populari- h a v e the stability of the bullet at the ty of long bullets with a high also re- brief but important moment ballistic coefficient. The new ceived when leaving the magazine has therefore been extensive modified to place longer CZ 557 LUX innovations resulting cartridges reliably, in a new and extremely versa- but the new rifle is tile platform. bar- still compatible rel. The with the The Synthetic stock is muzzle is fit- equipped with an adjustable ted with an M18×1 thread cheekpiece that allows for an for the easy attachment of optimized positioning of the a compensator, muzzle break head towards the riflescope or silencer in countries where when shooting from various such device is permitted or re- positions. Thanks to this, it no quired. The trigger mechanism existing longer matters whether you in the CZ 557 Varmint Synthetic 4-round need to place the perfect shot has also been modified. It al- compact magazine. from a prone position, sitting lows the user to set the trigger or standing, you will always feel travel and trigger pull weight Overall, the CZ 557 VARMINT comfortable in any of those. within a really low “target” 10 N SYNTHETIC offers a versatile up to 22 N. platform that performs excel- The stock has the tried and lently at shooting ranges as tested soft-touch finish that As standard, the receiver is well as when hunting, especial- enhances the comfort of the equipped with a Weaver rail ly when hunting predators at grip and prevents acciden- for the quick attachment of medium and long distances.

66 | | 67 CZ 550 SAFARI CLASSICS II.

CZ 550 SAFARI CLASSICS II.

In 2017, Česká zbrojovka entered a new phase of their prestigious programme for the manufacture of cutting-edge rifles for the hunting of the Big Five and other heavy game. The new generation is called CZ 550 SAFARI CLASSICS II – a culmination of the combined knowledge and experiences of many in the CZ brand and brought to life through artisan workmanship.

In order to tell you all about the This changed after 1945. At that these models were more favour- the military, the ZG 47 didn’t en- ture of the ZG 47 model was an to the Uherský Brod company in luxurious CZ 550 SAFARI CLAS- time, Zbrojovka Brno respond- able for hunting. What is more, ter serial production until the operation solely in the hands of 1965 and the production of ZKK SICS II rifles, we need to go ed to the change in the mar- their receiver took into consider- second half of the 1950s. By that Zbrojovka Brno. To begin with, it 600 and ZKK 601 commenced back in time to the city of Brno ket and quickly redirected their ation the greater requirements time, the market situation had seemed the same would be true the following year. In 1967, a third in the first half of the 20th cen- focus on mass production of for durability when using more changed once again and new, for the new ZKK series, finalized model, the ZKK 602, appeared tury. The local arms factory had hunting and sporting firearms powerful cartridges such as the more modern cartridges were in 1963 by the world-renowned and it is this model that is of par- begun to manufacture rifles which were in great demand 8×64, 9.3×62 or 5.6×61 vom Hofe. being introduced. The origi- designer brothers, Josef and Fran- ticular interest to us. In all these based on the Mauser system not only in Europe but around nal ZG could not meet the re- tišek Koucký. However, around cases, the design was a modified soon after the end of World the world. With the emergence I am of course talking about the quirements of the new trends that time, competent authorities version of the tried and tested War 1, but for a long time, it fo- of this new market, the compa- superb ZG 47 rifle. This rifle made without undergoing extensive decided to concentrate the man- Mauser system. The individu- cused on military service mod- ny not only put more focus on its first appearance in the Zbro- design modifications and this ufacture of Czechoslovakian rifles al models differed especially in els. Although hunting variants the classic inter-war Z models, jovka Brno portfolio not long situation resulted in the decision in what today is known as CZ – our the length of the receiver and were made, they were based but also started the story of the after the end of World War 2. Un- to develop new rifles. factory based in Uherský Brod. bolt. The rifles were manufac- on repeating military firearms first Zbrojovka rifles based on fortunately, due to a temporary tured in our Uherský Brod fac- and regarding volumes, it was the Mauser system. Modifica- refocus of the Czechoslovakian ZKK rifles The documentation concerning tory and exported around the purely a side venture. tions in their design meant that arms industry on the supply for The development and manufac- the new rifles was handed over world, marketed under the pop-

68 | | 69 ular and well-established Brno brand. Thanks to the top quality of manufacture, customers most possibilities of CNC machining. likely didn’t know that these rifles A major turning point came in weren’t in fact manufactured by 1995 with the introduction of the 375 Holland & Holland, 416 Rig- the Zbrojovka Brno factory. CZ 550 series. by or 458 Lott. The company also offered custom-made Nevertheless, other modifica- The ZKK 602 model allowed the The CZ 550 is a truly universal models. The customers were tions were carried out. The orig- user to use extremely power- hunting and sporting weapon, therefore able to order their ri- inal CZ 550 trigger mechanism ful hunting cartridges with an in which Česká zbrojovka put fles in other calibres or with be- has been replaced by an im- al finishes beautifully emphasise overall length up to 95 mm and to good use everything it had spoke engravings. It was one of proved one borrowed the unique grain of this wood. with the diameter of the base tion full of dangerous buffaloes. up to 14 mm. Gradually, calibres In connection with the stock de- sign, there is an important ele- Taking into account the various from the CZ 557 model. This has ment in the form of bedding. Bed- types of hunted game and desti- made the trigger travel consist- ding a rifle is a method whereby nations, the current offer includes ent and fully adjustable, as well epoxy resin is used to provide the the following calibres: 404 Jeffery, learned until the reasons why only 150 “mag- as making the operation of the correct fit between the wooden 416 Rigby, 300 H&H Mag., 375 H&H then in the devel- num” rifles were made in this safety very quiet. stock and the steel receiver. Once Mag and 485 Lott. Allowing for the opment and manufacture of programme every year, as they set, it ensures the stability of con- differences in the individual stock popular rifles using the tried and tested were made in an external gun- Moreover, CZ uses their own, cold tact surfaces during changes in blanks and the diameter of the amongst hunters of Mauser system. This has been smith’ workshop in the USA by hammer forged barrels. Only bar- temperature or dampness. Con- barrels, the rifle weighs between African big game were made reflected in a huge success in carrying out highly demanding rels for the 300 Holland & Holland sequently, bedding improves the 4.1 and 4.5 kg. It might seem rath- available, such as 375 Holland & sales and in the fact that the 550 conversions of the Czech-made and 404 Jeffery calibres are pur- precision of the fit of the barrelled er high to those used to dealing Holland, 358 Norma Magnum rifles of Medium category have CZ 550 barrelled actions. chased from the renowned Ger- action in the stock and increases with common European calibres, or 458 Winchester Magnum. been manufactured for more man manufacturer Lothar Wal- its lifetime. but quite on the contrary. When Later, there were also 7 mm two decades, with countless var- Second generation ter, due to a different technology. using high power chamberings Remington Magnum and 300 iants appearing in the process. Even though the CZ Safari Clas- Beautiful and practical such as the 458 Lott or 416 Rigby, Winchester Magnum. sics fulfilled the expectations, The steel parts are treated with The CZ 550 Safari Classics II rifles the weight of the rifle significantly Where the Magnum category is after some time, Česká zbro- the DLC surface finish, which thus constitute a perfect combi- helps to cope with the recoil. So, The ZKK 602 became very pop- concerned, CZ originally didn’t jovka decided to look at these has replaced traditional bluing. nation of modern technological where CZ 550 SAFARI CLASSICS ular amongst big game hunters even consider it. Luckily, in 2003, models in a new way and move This surface finish is extremely processes and traditional gun- II are concerned, the hunter can and with a few short breaks, it thanks to the initiative of the them to an even higher level of strong, durable and resistant to smithing skills. The result is an admire not just the appearance was manufactured until 1999. In CZ-USA subsidiary, the origi- quality. Thus, the CZ Safari Clas- damage. Also, the rifles can be accurate and, above all, reliable but also appreciate the practical total, more than 26,000 of these nal plans were reviewed. On sics II concept was born. finished in matte or high gloss, rifle that is simply befitting the aspects and lengthy heritage that “magnum” rifles were made the basis of positive feedback with both finishes retaining the African plains and thick vegeta- these great rifles offer. and many of those are still do- from African hunters and their The main difference between same properties. ing a great job, despite their professional guides, and with these series is the actual manu- advanced age. regard to the high demand for facturing method. The rifles are And we must not leave out rifles using powerful “magnum” still made in a gunsmith’s work- the chief feature of the rifle’s Magnum-style CZ 550 cartridges, the production pro- shop, but in the Czech Republic. beauty – the high-quality wal- Thanks to the manufacture of gramme Safari Classics was In addition, the manufacture no nut stocks. Where CZ 550 Safari ZKKs, CZ gained a lot of expe- launched in 2005, primarily fo- longer involves the conversion Classics II rifles are concerned, rience, which they put to good cusing on US customers. and complicated modification the stocks are made of grade 5 use from the late 1970s during of finished barrelled actions. Turkish walnut in colour version the development of modern At first, the original CZ 550 Sa- The gunsmith receives precise dark ++. The stocks for the high hunting rifles. Their first attempt, fari Classics were available in individual semi-finished main gloss models are varnished with called the ČZ 531, wasn’t a great the 450 Rigby and 505 Gibbs parts without surface finish a shellac-based varnish, in matte success. On the other hand, the calibres. Gradually, these were which he then works further, models, CZ decided on oiling. CZ 537 model did much better, complemented by further es- polishes them and fits them However, both of these tradition- here the company explored the tablished cartridges, such as together manually.

70 | | 71 barrel block anew. All it takes is one visit to a shooting range. bolt action firearms, that is cal- ibres which have proven to be BRNO EXPRESS For prompt reliable in bolt action firearms and accurate shooting as well as effective on large Eu- The single trigger in the BRNO ropean hoofed game. And Zbro- EXPRESS switches between jovka Brno relies only on tried the barrels mechanically. Un- and tested calibres. like an inertial system, the sec- ond round fires immediately Versatility after the trigger is pulled even if In the past, the complex and NOT JUST A BATTUE SPECIAL the first barrel misfires for some demanding manufacture of the reason. To serve its purpose, barrel block resulted in a higher One of the main animals hunted in Europe today is the wild boar. This highly intelligent a battue rifle must have sights price which prevented Express and resilient animal has spread around most of the continent. Modern agricultural that enable fast intuitive aim- style rifles gaining wider popu- methods suit them, the boar has learned to live mainly in the night and they have prac- heat up substantially during ing even in low visibility and at larity. Some shooters were also tically no natural enemy. rapid fire, the mean point of a fast-moving target. The BRNO worried about having to carry impact doesn’t change in ei- EXPRESS over and under rifle is out complicated adjustments Because of these factors, the only a quick reaction to pick the rifle barrels. To fully exploit the ther barrel and neither does therefore fitted with a fibre op- of the barrels when switching number of wild boar has grown right target but also a weapon potential of this gun, it was nec- the barrel regulation. tic front sight so the shooter can ammunition. Neither of these significantly over the last sever- that enables the shooter to fire essary to redesign the trigger find the point of aim quickly. arguments applies to the BRNO al decades, which has resulted repeatedly in a flash. mechanism so that the shooter Another much appreciated EXPRESS over and under rifle. in some problems – damage wouldn’t have to reposition his quality of the thermostable bar- Also, to fully exploit its great ac- in agriculture and recently also A specific gun has therefore or her finger, that is, to equip rel block is the option to exactly curacy potential, the BRNO EX- You may feel that you do not a risk of infection from Afri- been created for battues, just the model with a single trigger. adjust the barrel regulation rea- PRESS is equipped with a rail for have enough boar to deal with in can swine fever. As a preven- as there is one for the hunting sonably easily, using the desig- the attachment of a sighting de- your hunting district to warrant tive measure, most authorities of big African game – a rifle The resulting model, the BRNO nated screws. Does the shooter vice – a collimator sight or a rifle- the purchase of the Express, but have suggested to radically re- with two barrels. In Europe, a EXPRESS, also uses a thermo- want to have the intersection scope, depending on the prefer- the BRNO EXPRESS is not just duce their numbers. rifle with the barrels placed on stable barrel block, where the point of both barrels at 50 me- ences of the shooter and the type a battue special – it is an extreme- top each other has become barrels are not soldered to- tres? They can have it. Do they of hunting. There is a choice of ei- ly accurate and versatile rifle that One way how to achieve this is the ideal solution, it is a so- gether but are fixed in a sleeve. can be used in the hunting of by organized battues. During called over and under rifle, ge- any hoofed game. It is a rifle that a battue, groups of wild boar are nerically called the Express, af- distils down the shooting expe- forced to move in daylight and ter a model of the same name. rience, enabling you to show off hunters have a chance to hunt ther a dovetail mount (identical to everything you have ever learned. them down even though their Express from Brno want it at 150 or 200 m? It’s up to the BRNO COMBO rifle/shotgun) senses are not as good as the With its ergonomically friend- them. Even if the shooter chang- or the more popular MIL-STD-1913, The BRNO EXPRESS has arrived boar’s. However, when a large ly receiver, the BRNO COMBO This means es their ammunition, especially also known as a . and it is waiting for you. The de- number of potential targets rifle/shotgun was perfect as that when heated, with regard to its weight, and cision is yours. In any case, the materializes in front of a shoot- the basis for a new model that they can freely expand. the intersection point changes, The BRNO EXPRESS is made in cost of entry is affordable for er, such hunting requires not would be equipped with two Even when one or both barrels again, it is possible to adjust the European calibres intended for almost anyone.

72 | | 73 CZ SCORPION EVO 3

FROM A1 TO MICRO CZ SCORPION EVO 3 A1 and its semi-automatic derivatives To achieve high reliability, controls and gripping surfac- The S1 We live in turbulent times full of security threats which pose a great challenge to the a hammer striking mecha- es where they need them, to- Inevitably, such a great gun armed forces. This situation has reinforced the role of firearms with short burst-fire nism has been used. The fir- gether with the option to par- quickly caught the interest mode using pistol cartridges, which pose a lower risk of collateral damage during an- ing mode can be set at single tially move the pistol grip to of civilian shooters. To their shot, three-round burst and adjust the reach to the trigger. great delight, the first strictly ti-terrorist operations in urban environments. One of the best modern submachine full automatic, and firing oc- semi-automatic variant of the guns of the modern age is the CZ SCORPION EVO 3 A1. Nonetheless, this trend toward curs from a . The The CZ SCORPION EVO 3 A1 Scorpion entered the market 9mm platforms also benefits law-abiding fans of sport shooting, for whom Česká zbro- fire mode selector on both submachine gun offers great in 2011, it was the CZ SCORPI- jovka a.s. has prepared several strictly semi-automatic SCORPION variants. sides also serves as the man- shooting comfort and high ON EVO 3 S1 model. The big- ual safety. Another safety fea- accuracy in all modes of fire. gest difference to the subma- ture is the automatic firing In addition, it is absolute reli- chine gun was the absence of Česká zbrojovka a.s. developed around a patented blowback firmly connected parts made of pin block safety that prevents able, a quality confirmed by short burst fire option (with the CZ SCORPION EVO 3 A1 sub- design that combines a robust durable structural polymer. The unintentional discharge – for extensive experience in the the mechanism modified so in response to dynamic slide with a remova- same material has also been example, when a loaded gun field. Due to its advantages, as to ensure this change can- needs in today’s asymmetric ble trigger housing. The slide is used for the handguard, trig- with the safety off is dropped. this model has quickly found not be reversed). Where other conflicts, taking into account guided by a central guide rod ger mechanism housing, pistol its place in the armament of parameters were concerned, the latest trends in the field in with one recoil spring. This solu- grip and the folding telescopic The CZ SCORPION EVO 3 A1 a rapidly growing number of it performed and handled as order to offer superior quality tion offers the user an added bo- stock. The result is a pleasantly submachine gun is character- armed and security forces, pri- excellently as the automatic A1. and top properties at a compet- nus of quick and easy disassem- low overall weight as well as ized by excellent ergonomics, marily in elite units the world itive price. bly without the need for tools. good thermal comfort. Anoth- the result of extensive consul- over. And what is more, it has The first semi-automatic Scor- er major bonus are the abun- tations with members of elite proven that its users can fully pion received good reviews, The design of this light automat- Because of this, the receiver dant MIL-STD-1913 rails. military and security forces. rely on it in any conceivable there was even a special sport ic firearm in 9×19 calibre revolves can be manufactured from two Hence, shooters find all the climatic conditions on Earth. shooting discipline created

74 | | 75 just for this model abroad. The in the rear part). On the top of a folding telescopic stock com- cold hammer forged barrel basic variant uses the 9×19 the handguard there is a long plying with requirements of with a ½×28 muzzle thread cal., later a 9×21 was added for Picatinny rail, smoothly linked some foreign armed forces – it (essentially the same length markets where the 9mm to the receiver rail. Since the has an axis and a locking but- commonly used on many cur- Luger (as the ammuni- front sight is ton made of aluminium alloy. rent compact pistols). tion for of- mounted ficial forc- at the very Naturally, these innovations The MICRO therefore has es) is not front, have improved the shooting a short handguard with clas- permit- comfort as well as accuracy. sic rail on the top, while the ted for use Thanks to the extended hand- sides and the bottom have by civilian guard, the CZ SCORPION EVO openings for the M-LOK sys- shooters. 3 S1 CARBINE is very comfort- tem. Attached to the bottom able to use, 5-round groups is also a polymer hand stop, In 2015, the at 50 yards keep to just un- effectively preventing the CZ SCORPI- der 5 cm. We can basically say supporting hand slipping in ON EVO 3 S1 Pistol arrived, that by making the barrel front of the muzzle. taking into account US longer, the great po- legislation. It is basically tential of this great For the civilian market, the CZ an S1 model with a new gun has been fully SCORPION EVO 3 S2 MICRO is rear plate on the back exploited. equipped with a faux suppres- of the receiver without sor, taking all this into account, CZ SCORPION EVO 3 S2 MICRO the option to attach To begin with, the CZ the overall length without a shoulder stock, the SCORPION EVO 3 S1 brace is 415 mm. To compare: user may use an CARBINE was only sold the basic CZ SCORPION EVO arm brace instead. in the USA where it is 3 S1 is 610 mm long, the CAR- with a regular folding tele- P-10 pistols. The P-10s are su- Frankly, for shooting this solution has also sig- also assembled using BINE is 826 mm. scopic SCORPION stock and perb pistols but at such dis- it isn’t the best option nificantly extended the a number of parts Made to tell the truth, without it we tance, some smaller targets but luckily, the Scorpion prop- sight radius. in the USA. However, since Following the trend of other probably wouldn’t have had posed a challenge for less ex- erties are so great that de- 2018, it has become available semi-automatic Scorpions, the so much fun. And what fun perienced shooters. With the spite this inconvenience, the A major innovation is the de- on other markets within the MICRO also sports low profile it was! MICRO, everyone managed pistol model sold very well. sign of openings on the sides distribution network of Česká iron sights, including an ad- to plink pretty continuously On the other hand, the use of and bottom of the handguard zbrojovka a.s. as well. justable dioptre rear sight. Many claim that such dimin- and soon it was about who low-profile iron sights which which conform to the popu- utive semi-automatic “long” was faster. Despite the pint- have subsequently been used lar M-LOK mounting system. SCORPION MICRO In the US, the CZ SCORPION guns in 9×19 cal. are pure non- sized dimensions, shooting on all semi-automatic Scor- Compared to the Picatinny, this In 2018, a new model appeared EVO 3 S2 MICRO is classified sense. If you need something was surprisingly comfortable. pions was definitely a step in system provides a much more on the scene –the CZ SCORPI- as a pistol, meaning that CZ- for defence at a usual distance, The dioptre rear sight was es- the right direction. streamlined profile. ON EVO 3 S2 MICRO, the result USA supplies this model with a pistol will do nicely, as it is pecially popular, loved even of an effort to develop a small an SB Tactical telescoping considerably smaller, lighter by those who otherwise don’t The CARBINE The front of the handguard is gun with a silencer for plain arm brace to support the fore- and cheaper. But if you need favour this type. Due to the In 2016, the CZ SCORPION octagonal and provides am- clothes special arm of the shooting to shoot effectively at longer short sight line, the iron sights EVO 3 S1 CARBINE made an ple room for a silencer, which distances, go for a truly long made us feel as if we were entrance. The crucial change means there is a ½×28” gun in a more powerful cali- looking through a tiny colli- here was the use of a 16.2” cold muzzle bre. mator sight, though for longer hammer forged barrel which thread distances, a proper collimator allowed this gun to break free (an It’s true that in sight would be preferable. from the closely observed SBR identi- everyday life, category in the USA (where cal one compact pistol don’t Going by current information, the limit is 16”/41 cm). is also hand. Should anyone over the offer the greatest variety of the CZ SCORPION EVO 3 S2 used on ocean wish to have a shoulder use, we are talking armed es- MICRO is primarily intended But it certainly wasn’t the case the Pistol support for their SCORPION corts for cash-in-transit and for the US market but we hope of “let’s just extend the barrel version). MICRO, they would need to the like. But then there is hob- that, like the CARBINE, this and leave it be”. In addition to As standard, this model is of- apply to the government for by shooting for which the CZ model will become available the long barrel, the CARBINE fered with an interesting dual the proper permit, shell out a SCORPION EVO 3 S2 MICRO is in other regions as well. The model was also given an ex- chamber muzzle brake or with forces operatives. In this min- substantial amount to pay the perfect. SCORPION MICRO is a bril- tended polymer handguard a faux silencer from SilencerCo. iature version, the modular tax associated with it and wait liant plaything and it would designed so as to allow com- design goes the opposite di- 9-12 months for approval. Hap- We tested it on metal poppers be a shame if shooters outside fortable grip with the other The semi-automatic SCORPI- rection of the carbine – this pily, here in Czech we were in various sizes at 15 m, on the the US could not enjoy it too. hand (there is a distinct notch ON CARBINE is equipped with model features a 4.2” long able to test a model equipped same firing point as the CZ

76 | | 77 A new era reliance on foreign purchases for rimfire rifles it is CZ 4XX, rifles With the end of the to provide for basic armament. CZ 5XX etc.). But then, under came an expectation of world At best, it could hope to manu- the terms of the acquisition of peace. Contrary to that came facture firearms designed else- perspective parts of Zbrojovka 9/11 which opened up a new era where and to build them do- Brno, Česká zbrojovka also ac- of global asymmetric conflicts mestically under license. quired a set of their trademarks. and terrorist attacks. The Czech Amongst them was a famous Republic had always been con- However, the situation in CZ name that immediately caught sidered an exceptionally peace- changed in 2006 when a new the attention of the marketing ful region, but even this small general director was appointed, experts: BREN. country could not ignore the bringing with him a new vision. severe worsening of global se- Ing. Lubomír Kovařík, MBA, who It is common knowledge that curity. As an active member of in 2018 became the President this is the name of a light ma- NATO, Czech Republic’s profes- of the international CZ Group chine gun developed by Zbro- sionalized army takes its peace- holding, was aiming high. First jovka Brno in the first half of keeping missions seriously and foremost was to ensure the 1930s for Great Britain and and actively participates when that CZ would be the supplier of that it is considered to be the called upon for efforts abroad. personal automatic firearms for most successful model of its the Czech armed forces. category to date. Though once a firearms manu- facturing powerhouse, the 1990s The new BREN One can imagine what hap- saw lacklustre guidance from Straightaway in 2006, the com- pened next. On the one hand Czech politicians when it came pany began working on a new there was a highly-renowned to domestic arms factories. Such weapon series, originally des- trademark whose ownership inattention threatened to send ignated CZ 805 in compliance only makes sense if used on the country down the same with their system of terminolo- a high-quality product. On the road as France – an ex-arms in- gy, whereby each sector starts other hand, there was a new FROM THE CZ 805 BREN dustry superpower reduced to with a designated hundred (e.g. family of modern automatic TO THE CZ BREN 2

Historical photo of the BREN The saga of CZ assault rifles machine gun from Brno

Following a protracted and demanding tender, the elite French anti-terrorist unit GIGN confirmed what many experts had already known – Česká zbrojovka a.s. has once again put itself amongst the global elite and its latest products are among the best in the world. This is an especially impressive feat when one considers that devel- opment of the BREN platform began just one decade ago.

Although Česká zbrojovka a.s. those abroad. Names like Ško- sonably good LADA guns were was founded in 1936 with the rpion and vz. 58 are alive and quickly modified to comply main focus on the manufac- admired even today. with the western style 5.56×45 ture of cutting-edge aircraft cal., however, in the new po- machine guns, after the end Things got complicated in the litical and economic situation, The meaning of BREN of World War II it refocused on 1980s. The development of the the heavily reduced national the production of basic individ- new LADA weapon system in army just wasn’t interested The developed by Zbrojovka Brno in the 1930s for the British Army was orig- ual weapons. In particular, the modern 5.46×39 cal. was tak- anymore. And since one could inally called the ZGB model 33 (the ZGB stood for Zbrojovka Great Britain, the number 1933 the company’s submachine guns ing so long (despite just being purchase piles of unused AKs year of manufacture). This is the name stated in the licence agreement dated May 1935. Soon and assault rifles represented an improved clone of the Sovi- abroad for next to nothing, though, it was decided to use a more attractive name, BREN. It is an acronym made up of the the absolute top in their cate- et AK system) that by the time there was no demand from initial letters of the city of Brno where the gun was primarily made, and the London borough of gory worldwide and were sup- it was completed, the Czecho- outside the country either. CZ Enfield, the location of the Royal Small Arms Factory which carried out the testing and subse- plied in large numbers both to slovakian Communist regime had to focus primarily on civil- subsequently mass produced the guns. local armed forces as well as had come to an end. The rea- ian production.

78 | | 79 weapons whose number desig- ing on the success of this plat- Therefore by 2013, the CZ of the CZ 805 could not offer any was the right choice. The ten Speaking of the French tender – nation was not exactly catchy... form, as evidenced by the many 805 BREN rifles and carbines more significant improvements. years of experience between their requirements were excep- worldwide firearms manufac- evolved to models generally But at the same time, the com- the design of the two is well tionally demanding, since their And so it was that the CZ 805 turers who have attempted to considered to be of very high pany product managers and evidenced. Not to mention the guns must shoot reliably with from Uherský Brod got a new field 5.56×45 rifles only to have quality, a belief enforced by suc- designers became convinced fact that over the past decade, special subsonic cartridges and name – the CZ 805 BREN. Now, their reputations impacted in cess in export. Yet in the mean- that with their know-how, they technologies and manufactur- with a silencer. it was necessary to ensure the varying degrees. time, further changes were tak- would be able to create a new ing processes have moved on new guns would show that ing place in CZ. model, several steps above the too, which is of course reflected It therefore comes as no sur- they were worthy to bear this As for the Czech armed forces, previous BRENs. They were pro- in the user parameters and du- prise that BREN 2 rifles have be- famous name. they had to relearn how to pro- Between generations posing to create a new model rability of modern firearms. gun garnering more and more cure firearms that meet their Around that time, the company series that shared little with the success abroad. For instance, in A learning curve needs. From defining the cor- saw more and more product current guns. It turned out that Currently, the BREN 2 models March 2018 it was announced In line with modern trends, in rect requirements to testing and managers with experience from the company confidence was are regarded as one of the fin- that a licence agreement had the first phase, CZ launched evaluation of samples to tak- active duty in the armed forc- not exaggerated and the risks est short-stroke piston rifles in been signed involving the CZ the development of a modular ing delivery of the finished fire- es. In addition, there emerged were undoubtedly worth it. the world. In the 5.56×45 mm BREN 2 rifles as well. Under this in two basic arms and equipping troops with a new generation of designers NATO version it might not be agreement, will pro- proposed versions: the first one them – they had to put in place who felt at home with advanced The new model was briefly called so obvious, as the competition duce CZ firearms for their own was to use the 5.56×45 NATO new processes for all of this. sophisticated development the CZ 806, though it was soon really is strong. It is a different armed forces. and 7.62×39 mm calibres (with methods and who used them renamed the CZ BREN 2. Under matter for the 7.62×39 mm var- the 6.8 SPC coming later); the So, when on the 18th March 2010 to design products with the this name it entered serial pro- iant. This cartridge has been Bearing a name synonymous second one 7.62×51 mm NATO a contract with the Ministry of needs and requirements of the duction in 2016, in the first phase around for many years but it with the Czech pride in arms or 300 WSM. Moreover, the guns Defence of the Czech Republic end users in mind. just for the Czech armed forces doesn’t change the fact that manufacture, the current BREN were to be modular as far as was signed to supply the CZ 805 who, after thorough testing, de- the Soviets had done a great job rifles combine the most ad- calibre and barrel length/style, BREN A1 rifles, CZ 805 BREN This new crowd first came up cided to complete their rearma- and that today, it is popular for vanced firearms manufacturing in accordance with the required A2 carbines and CZ 805 G1 un- with the idea for the CZ 807 as- ment with this particular model use against targets with ballistic technology, functional design tactical or logistic needs. derslung grenade launchers in sault rifle, still partially based on in 5.56×45 mm NATO calibre. protection. As the decision of the driven by experience in modern 40×46 mm cal., it was just the the original 805, which Česká GIGN unit previously mentioned combat and the ergonomics ex- The next step was fundamen- first step on a long and hard zbrojovka entered into a num- Everyone who has had the op- at the beginning of this article pertise of the CZ brand into one tally influenced by the Czech journey to a truly perfect rifle. ber of tenders abroad. The re- portunity to try out the CZ BREN clearly shows, there is probably of the most premiere service Army requirements who had quirements asked for a truly 2 and compare it to the original no equal rival for the CZ BREN rifles in existence. decided that for its partial rear- The CZ 805 BREN rifles and car- multi-calibre weapon, using the CZ 805 BREN agrees that it 2 in this calibre at the moment. mament, they would only pur- bines entered serial production 5.56×45 mm NATO and 7.62×39 chase assault rifles and carbines in 2011, making use of highly mm calibres as standard. The in 5.56×45 mm calibre. Thus, this advanced technologies. Even company’s model enjoyed the calibre became the standard for in this respect the return of the most publicity in tenders in In- the first generation of the new Uherský Brod company to sup- dia and . Incidentally, assault rifles from Uherský Brod, plying the armed forces meant in relation to the latter, informa- that is for the CZ 805 BREN A1/ a radical turning point, as the tion about a variant using the A2 models. new CNC milling and turning 7.62×51 mm NATO calibre, was centres were soon being used published for the first time in Looking back from the per- for other projects and contrib- November 2016. spective of today, it was quite uted to the arrival of the latest, the learning curve for both CZ exceptionally successful genera- The 807 turned out to be an and the Czech armed forces. tion of CZ firearms. excellent rifle, able to compete For CZ, they were developing with similar products from re- and preparing for production Where usage experience is con- nowned foreign manufactur- a new category of firearm. cerned, it is no secret that after ers. Thanks to this, the model Though they had extensive ex- the first models were delivered, enjoyed very good commercial perience manufacturing the some grievances arose. These success in 2016 and 2017, but 7.62mm vz. 58 service rifle, that were partly caused by the users once again, another significant production had ceased long themselves, especially due to change was coming. ago and the technologies used incorrect handling and insuffi- for its manufacture were no cient cleaning, some minor ones The CZ BREN 2 longer preferred. With modern were dealt with by the manufac- Since 2006, CZ has gained a lot technologies in place and the turer at its own expense. More- of experience with the develop- 5.56×45 cartridge as the rifle’s over, experience from practical ment, testing and combat use of basis, manufacturing was prov- use and from combat was used assault rifles. In the end, it tran- ing challenging. Much was rid- to further improve the models. spired that the original concept

80 | | 81 CZ BREN 2 FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A SHOOTER

Martin Helebrant the M16/M4. So, if the shooter is fitted with a Meopta ZD Dot 1.5 the Bzenec shooting range was I had the opportunity to get to know the new CZ BREN 2 assault rifle during an event already used to this type of gun, collimator sight and a vertical very different from the Middle organized at a shooting range near Bzenec, in southwestern Moravia. It is a fairly large there won’t be much he or she pistol grip on the front bottom East. The winter was nearing its will need to get acquainted with rail. The carbine was equipped end, the temperature was hov- outdoor range whose conditions are described by many as similar to the dry and sandy first. The most significant dif- with folding mechanical sights ering just above zero and it was environment of the Middle East. ference is probably the position and short slanted forend. raining. At first there was just of the which is drizzle but later it started to rain shaped like the letter T in the We were also supplied with sev- harder with a snowflake here M16/M4, placed on the top of eral magazines of various types and there for good measure. the receiver, while in the BREN and design, all NATO standard Weather most foul one could 2 it is flat and placed on the side compatible, and an ammo box say. The paper targets turned I first saw the CZ BREN 2 rifles cially with regard to a tender Ergonomics inspired by M4 towards the front of the receiver. full of common 5.56×45 NATO into wet rags, but at least we during a presentation of the for India and some other coun- As soon as I held the gun in my from Sellier & Bellot, a company were able to zero the rifles. final pre-production models. tries. Some features that had hands, I could feel it was signif- The barrel of the gun that was based in Vlašim. In the target The event was organized for se- been upgraded were already icantly lighter and its balance presented to us was 11 inches area we put up several paper Familiar controls lected journalists and I can say known, so I hadn’t been expect- was different. In comparison long (280 mm), which is the targets for aimed shooting and First I tried out the carbine. After that I felt very honoured to have ing any significant changes. with the original CZ 805 BREN, basic version, there was also a beside them we set up a group inserting the magazine, I loaded been invited. I understood just how wrong the weight of the CZ BREN 2 is short carbine with an 8-inch of metal silhouettes. First, we a round into the chamber and my expectations had been the concentrated more to the cen- (207 mm) barrel. This model is checked the zeroing, using put the gun to my cheek. I am At the time, it was already an moment CZ representatives tre. The ergonomics and layout suitable for special forces and the paper targets. The original aware of how light the new CZ open secret that Česká zbro- opened the first case. The new of the controls have been based anyone who needs a short and idea was for each participant to assault rifle is and thanks to the jovka was further improving rifle is simply different. fairly consistently on one of the nimble rifle allowing operation shoot first at paper targets with different centring also how nim- their CZ 805 BREN rifle, espe- currently most popular models, in enclosed areas. The gun was circles. However, on that day, ble it is. I aim at a target of a prone

82 | | 83 shooter at a distance of about 70 the recoil spring. All that moves and down, drop down from Once again, we tested both short Before emptying the magazine The shooters had split into two metres and see the reticule. and hits you just under your running, push down as if under carbines and long guns. While (30 rounds), I scored several hits. teams, with one loading mag- cheekbone. The hits are not bad, fire and shoot while moving. most of those present enjoyed Possibly five, which means that azines and one emptying them I release the safety. The move- you learn to ignore them after I reload in the combat style, highly dynamic shooting, I opt- I had managed to hit the target from various and at times im- ment is smooth and feels so some time, but still, they are dropping the empty maga- ed for a model with a collimator with every fifth or sixth hit. The possible positions, taking turns. natural and familiar that one there. The CZ BREN 2 does not zines in the sand, not careful- sight and a . I lay down in others fell very close. The guns took a right battering. can’t help but be taken aback. have such problems. Even the ly placing them in pouches. the sand and began harassing I cannot really imagine a real-life I turn the gun slightly to the sound of the discharge is slight- They will get collected at the a target set at 300 metres – a sil- I felt well proud so I tried shoot- combat situation where a sol- side and visually check the fire ly less sharp, not so noisy. The end, after the mission is ac- houette of a prone shooter. ing while standing up, without dier with an assault rifle would mode selector – yes, it is set to upgrade of the flash hider has complished. Before loading support. If there had been a live shoot for such a long time and single shot fire. met the expectations, the new up magazines again, I just tap Despite having a cotton mat enemy and not a piece of metal, with such high combat ca- one doesn’t reverberate (like them against my thigh – be- under my body, the amount I would have definitely made dence. Yet, the BREN 2 worked I put the gun back to my cheek a tuning fork) and at the same tween the case and the follow- of dust and sand released by him seek cover. Just before the extremely reliably indeed. and pull the trigger. The trigger time it tightens up every time at er, sand is grating. It is a brutal the gases at the muzzle after magazine emptied, I even man- pull weight is firm, appropriate the muzzle, due to the pressure thing to do to a gun but the each discharge was considera- aged to hit it with two consecu- I am well aware of the fact that for the intended military use. of the combustion gases. manufacturer’s representatives ble. However, after a short prac- tive shots. neither of the testing sessions Similarly to the M16/M4, it only don’t object and besides, they tice I managed to hit the target described above represent a sys- has one pull weight. The trigger After finishing one magazine do the same. The CZ BREN fairly reliably, better than I had The trusting feeling tematic prolonged testing, but travel is smooth, without grat- I swap for another one and re- 2 copes with such atrocious expected to. By coincidence, one of my col- they prove a lot, making me feel ing or jumping, nothing that lease the bolt with a flick of the treatment for quite a long time. leagues came to see me at that very confident. All in all, the CZ would hamper effective com- finger. With my thumb I change Then I took the short carbine moment. Those two hits result- BREN 2 series obviously shows bat shooting. the fire mode selector to short Only after some time sever- fitted with a collimator sight ed in him giving a wolf whistle that it definitely is the second burst fire. Once again, I have the al magazines start to show and wondered if I would at least and I thought that if I wanted to generation of CZ assault rifles I fire off the first round. The feeling of déjà vu – regarding er- some failings, such as a double frighten the target. An accurate keep my reputation, I shouldn’t and that since the times of the carbine has a shorter barrel, so gonomics, the CZ BREN 2 mim- round (the bolt tries to push shot was a bit complicated as the tempt fate too much. So I went first one, Česká zbrojovka has the pressure on the muzzle is ics the controls of the M16/M4. two rounds into the chamber aiming dot practically covered and joined another group certainly picked the right path. greater, making a bit of a “rack- at the same time) and when the whole target. I shot from the where dynamic shooting was in et”. However, I did not register I start with short burst fire aim- there is a stronger jolt, the prone position, without a bipod. full swing. any flash, despite the gloomy ing at the metal figures. In spite rounds at the top occasional- weather. The target rings but of its low weight, the carbine ly jump out of the magazine. I can’t see the exact hit. I fire “holds” the hits reliably in the Such problems mainly occur again and hear another ring. torsos of both the kneeling in standard US military maga- But I still don’t know where I am and the standing targets even zines made of soft aluminium. actually hitting. at a greater distance of more It is a known problem, many than 30 metres. After getting to experienced shooters there- Luckily, there are some wet know the gun better and firing fore prefer to use more robust sand banks behind the target off short bursts, I hold the finger magazines of other brands. that show where the bullets on the trigger for slightly longer. go. So I pick a clump of grass The carbine is still controllable, But this is something that next to the target and fire again. I try to fire a burst and “steer” doesn’t really concern to the A small geyser of sand shoots from the right onto a clump gun itself. In these unfavourable up, exactly where I was aiming. of grass and gradually move conditions, the CZ BREN 2 per- further left. The wet wall of the formed excellently and I began Refined behaviour sand bank serves as a “projec- looking forward to having a go I shoot again and move onto tion screen”, it clearly shows at the advertised accuracy. double shots. The results are where each projectile lands. The good. The new BREN 2 is very results are very satisfactory. At 300 metres refined, holds the sightline, re- My second testing of the BREN peat shots are fast, the muzzle In combat mode 2 took place during a meeting climb is minimal. The gun feels From the third or fourth maga- of journalist on the occasion very similar to the American zine, I begin to really enjoy my- of the 80th anniversary of CZ’s army , though I be- self and have the confidence to existence. This time, the Bzenec lieve the CZ BREN 2 behaves go further. I take another gun shooting range certainly lived slightly better after discharge. with a collimator sight and try up to its reputation – the weath- combat fire. er was boiling hot and the an- After all, the stock of the M4 noying fine sand got literally houses parts of the recoil unit I shoot from all positions, I crawl everywhere. and there is also a buffer with on the ground, run up the bank

84 | | 85 CZ BREN 2 BR

during that time, the devel- H&K G3, are now being joined retained the technical design, opment of the brand new CZ by their modern successors. Af- all the controls, the method of BREN 2 model series was fi- ter years of being overlooked, stripping, assembly and clean- nalized, with serial production the tried and tested 7.62×51 ing. Some minor parts are in- BATTLE RIFLE IN 7.62×51 MM NATO CAL. beginning in 2016. mm NATO calibre is enjoying terchangeable, the telescopic a comeback. That is because folding stock is identical. Other- Between 10th and 12th September 2018, Česká zbrojovka held the third Meeting of Pro- Battle Rifle in the asymmetric warfare of wise, everything else has been fessional Journalists. The event, which welcomed about sixty journalists, bloggers, The September presentation the global war on terrorism, the enlarged and strengthened so vloggers and many other professionals, took place at the Testing Shooting Range in of CZ rifles in Bzenec revealed need for significantly greater that the firearm is reliable with Bzenec. Here, several new firearms made their world debut, including the CZ BREN 2 a version of the BREN 2 in effective range at the small unit the considerably larger and BR assault rifle in 7.62×51 mm NATO calibre. 7.62×51 mm NATO calibre. For level has become very apparent. more powerful cartridges. This now, it bears the name Battle has led to the only significant Rifle, a term given to semi-au- New elements difference in the design: to pro- It must be noted that this pow- sequently became the stand- 7.62×39 mm calibres, though tomatic or automatic military At first glance, the CZ BREN vide reliable extraction of the erful calibre had been planned ard choice for the CZ 805 BREN CZ rifles in 7.62×51 mm NATO rifles equipped with a detach- 2 BR gives an impression of cartridge cases, the CZ BREN 2 for the CZ BREN weapon sys- A1/A2 models. Further calibres were also included in a tender able magazine using full-pow- a slightly larger assault rifle. Such Battle Rifle is equipped with tem as early as January 2006, were being added gradually, for Pakistan. er chamberings such as the impression is basically right, as two ejectors. during the idea phase of the hand in hand with the improve- 7.62×51 mm NATO calibre (or the Senior Product Manager for project. However, CZ first con- ments of the design, which is Despite the fact that the 807 308 Win, the slightly different military weapons from CZ, Ing. Another feature worth not- centrated on the development now truly multi-calibre. Thus, model enjoyed reasonable commercial alternative). David Kreisl, explains. The de- ing is the STANAG magazine. of a model in 5.56×45 mm NATO the CZ 807 model came into commercial success, in the end sign has been based as much The company has not only de- calibre. This calibre was request- existence, primarily intended it played the role of a quality The traditional models of this as possible on the 5.56×45 mm signed it but also manufac- ed by the Czech Army and sub- for the 5.56×45 mm NATO and “in-between” product. In fact, category, the FN FAL, M14 and NATO/7.62×39 model. We have turers it from subcontracted

86 | | 87 fine, any misses were solely fle is the fundamental design so, armed forces from several attributed to the user. unification with the CZ BREN countries have already been 2 assault rifles. Hence the con- testing the BR model for some The shooting itself (for safety trols and maintenance are the time, reportedly with good re- and practical purposes only same, which should signifi- sults. Other armies are waiting single round fire was allowed) cantly simplify training. In ad- to see what will follow. With the was comfortable, even for those dition, it has retained the op- completion of a quality assault who tried shooting in the stand- tion of short burst fire, which rifle in 7.62×51 mm NATO cali- ing position. The recoil was easi- may be suitable e.g. when en- bre, CZ has created a wide win- ly manageable, without a doubt gaging in suppressive fire. dow of opportunity to further helped by the fact that, apart expand their portfolio – a DMR from the inline style of the stock By being introduced to the pro- version included. It is said that and its thick buttplate, it was an fessional community in Sep- the Uherský Brod company automatic weapon. tember, the CZ BREN 2 BR en- may have taken some steps in joyed its public premiere. Even that direction already... The journey to DMR Even though the stated calibre and the results may lead to CZ BREN 2 BR – approximate data this conclusion, the CZ BREN 2 BR is not categorized as a Des- calibre 7.62×51 mm NATO ignated Marksman Rifle. It is a overall length with flash hider and the stock unfolded and extended 1000 mm basic individual weapon with overall length with flash hider and the stock folded 739 mm the effective range considera- barrel length 407 mm bly greater than that of assault weight without magazine, with iron sights max. 3.82 kg rifles in 5.56×45 mm NATO or weight of empty magazine 180 g 7.62×39 mm calibres. The ad- vantage of the CZ battle ri- magazine capacity 25 rounds

parts; the capacity of 25 rounds and an independent forend. At the shooting range constitutes one of the larg- This feature allows far greater We were able to try out the CZ est on the market. After some variability, whether with regard BREN 2 BR on a 300 m range. rather unsatisfactory experi- to barrel lengths or accessory We were shooting with 308 ence with transparent plastic, rails. In Bzenec, the company Win S&B Match ammunition, which wasn’t oil-friendly, CZ presented the CZ BREN 2 BR the rifle was fitted with a com- now uses a more durable black rifle with one long MIL-STD-1913 bination of an EOTech collima- polymer. To allow the user to rail on the upper receiver where tor sight and a triple magni- keep check on the number it is integrated with the receiv- fier, as well as a bipod. In the of cartridges, there are open- er itself and the forend, and target area, there were popper ings in the back wall through another one on the lower re- targets in a size roughly re- which the light colour of the ceiver, attached on the bottom, sembling a human torso, with magazine spring is visible even spanning from the end of the several even smaller ones for in low light. The general prac- forend to the trigger mech- a more challenging aim. tice today is to favour steady anism housing. There are no tactical reloading, however, rails on the sides. The compa- Experienced shooters had no if the user wants to see how ny deliberated whether to opt trouble to hit every time from many cartridges there are left, for one of the more and more a supported prone position. all they need to do is to tilt the popular M-LOK system, but in Those with sharp eyesight had firearm slightly to the side. the end decided on a set of a bit of an advantage, as some standardized threads which, in grappled with the relatively Another innovation, although line with current trends, allow low magnification. It was nec- not directly connected to the armed forces to have the rails essary to keep in mind the calibre but to the growing ten- and accessories made to their correct triggering technique, dency of CZ to modernize their exact requirements. Any rea- since 300 m is quite a distance weapons hand in hand with sonably equipped manufactur- and any small errors are no- the wishes and requirements er should be able to do that. ticed. Nonetheless, the accura- of customers, is a split receiver cy potential of the rifle seemed

88 | | 89 CZ BREN 2Ms rifles share this tomatic BREN 2 rifles feature be desired. Inevitably, this goes feature with the CZ BREN 2 a sleek three-prong self-tight- for the semi-automatic CZ 805 BR assault rifle, mentioned on ening flash hider. BREN S1 model as well. p. 86. By this move, CZ has re- sponded to the decline of MIL- And last but not least, there On the other hand, the CZ STD-1913 mounting rails. The are the brilliant polymer mag- BREN 2 rifles couldn’t be more semi-automatic BREN 2 mod- azines designed by CZ. They different in this respect. In ad- CZ BREN 2Ms els offer users one long rail on are the simplest distinguishing dition to all the bonuses that the top of the gun (fitted with element that tells us what cali- have been mentioned, they are folding iron sights including bre the particular model is. The pretty good-looking. Both CZ a fully adjustable dioptre rear CZ BREN 2Ms is entering the BREN 2Ms models therefore sight as standard) and further market in two versions, the .223 confirm the well-known rule: configuration is left up to their Rem. and the 7.62×39. In the just as good-looking planes own needs and preferences. latter, the 30-round magazine fly well and good-looking cars GOOD-LOOKING GUNS SHOOT WELL The possibilities are endless is noticeably curvier. drive well, good looking guns and trends come and go all shoot well too. When you have The CZ BREN 2 assault rifles have been a great success for Česká zbrojovka a.s. They the time. Let us also point out that the had a go, you will undoubtedly will be especially appreciated not only by members of the official armed forces but current CZ magazines are agree with us. also fans of semi-automatic firearms for civilian use. The new generation of CZBREN s Two calibres made of highly durable black is now also available as a strictly semi-automatic version. The semi-automatic CZ BREN polymer and in line with mod- Let us only add that both ex- 2Ms rifles have retained all the ern trends, they feature trans- isting CZ BREN 2Ms models However, the sad fact is that at away with their guns just yet. On if one was to try and retrofit benefits so admired in the parent windows on the rear have a 280 mm long barrel, the moment, the future of this the contrary! In 2019 the compa- their gun using parts from as- BREN 2 assault rifle models: wall – if the shooter wants to the length with the shoulder sector hangs in balance. The ny is launching two semi-auto- sault rifles. simple design, extreme reliabil- see how many cartridges are stock unfolded is 807 mm and reason for that is the EU legisla- matic CZ BREN 2Ms rifles. ity, high accuracy, low weight, left, all he needs to do is to tilt the overall weight without tion restricting gun laws. As an The letters Ms in the name great balance, perfect ergo- the rifle slightly to the side. a magazine is a mere 2.9 kg. ill-conceived attempt to resolve Modular System stand for Modular Semi-auto- nomics and controls on both And when customers looking an increased threat of terrorist The design is, of course, based matic and refer to one obvious sides or easily interchangeable Attractive design for a long modern semi-auto- attacks, it unnecessarily com- on the tried and true automatic significant change: these two ones. Even the folding shoul- Let’s be honest – although the matic firearm to add to their plicates the lives of law-abiding BREN 2 models. No less surpris- rifles have a detachable forend der stock is the same, at first final result of the first genera- collection take into account citizens. Naturally, CZ is aware of ing are the well-thought-out which opens up a world of pos- sight it might seem somewhat tion of CZ BRENs is very good the reasonable retail price, the this situation, though they most innovations that prevent short sibilities for their owners with plain but in fact, it does a great indeed, where design is con- decision is clear. definitely are not ready to do burst fire once and for all, even regard to customization. The job. What is more, the semi-au- cerned, there is quite a bit to

90 | | 91 The result of this extremely chal- fort of wear, with a high level of 4M Systems took all that into lenging two-year development protection and at the same time account when developing their is an original line of CZ 4M SPIRIT allowing maximum mobility and new product line, the CZ 4M ballistic protection t-shirts which weapon use. The CZ 4M STRIK- MERINO 165®. This performance constitute the absolute best in ER 2.0 carrier has been designed clothing has been designed for the category. There are three with the help of most advanced those who favour natural ma- types available (Flexi, Open, Com- technologies and materials. In its terials or for special force units fort), each of them offering slight- development, 4M Systems ap- on operations with an increased ly different parameters for differ- plied their latest patents for fas- risk of ignition (the target group ing occasions and the t-shirts can tening and sizing systems. is therefore members of anti-riot be purchased in three colours or armed response units as well – black, white and FDE. Their ad- The carrier is equipped with an as military personnel who take vantage lies in the compatibility inner ventilation system, CP2® part in operations with the risk of the ballistic insert across all the fastening system and a new size of IED deployment). The merino three types of shirt. This allows the adjustment system at the back. wool natural fibre with antibac- user a choice of various t-shirts for The Honeywell Centurion basic terial properties can withstand various tasks while needing just fabric is an extremely durable temperatures of up to 570°C the one ballistic insert. There is, of and lightweight composite of and its weave has been im- course, an option to have a ballis- fibre and flexible polyethylene proved tic insert with an anti-stab layer layers. Together with the metal with conforming to the HOSDB KR1/ components being replaced by SP1 level of protection. Each t-shirt carbon composites, the weight CZ 4M TACTICAL EQUIPMENT is also supplied with a MOIRA of the carrier has decreased to Ultralight undershirt to ensure below 900 g. The top level of safety, effectiveness and comfort the correct performance of the MOIRA Diagon material. The CZ 4M STRIKER 2.0 carriers One of the companies in the CZ Group international holding is 4M Systems a.s., whose were supplied to the Czech po- experts develop and manufacture a comprehensive portfolio of cutting-edge tactical CZ 4M STRIKER 2.0 plate carrier lice anti-terrorist unit in the equipment for members of armed and security forces. In 2018, 4M Systems a.s. man- middle of 2018 and are used aged to fulfil a prestigious con- during everyday training tract for URNA, the rapid reac- and operations. 4M Systems was founded in al quality, they are becoming be as inconspicuous as possible tion unit of the Czech Police, for 2015 with the aim to provide more and more popular with that would also have the highest the development and supply of CZ 4M MERINO 165® the best possible services and many happy customers and fans. possible level of protection at NIJ plate carriers. This light version performance clothing products to professionals from STD Level IIA or IIIA, with user of a “ballistic vest” is used for ki- One element that can sig- the defence and security forces The 4M Systems portfolio is truly parameters surpassing all other netic and airborne operations, nificantly influence the perfor- in the country. The company comprehensive and offers many rival products on the market. the URNA also uses it for plain- mance of a human body is the employs former members from products, from clothing to back- clothes operations against par- element of comfort. Along with special and armed response packs and ballistic protection. The ideal ballistic material was ticularly dangerous perpetrators. mental distress, it can decide units of the Czech Army and Po- Moreover, it is constantly updat- designed by experts from the and often does, what results will lice, specialists with many years ed and improved according to German company TEIJIN. The The company had been tasked one achieve at a shooting range, of experience in the field of spe- current demand. The following system for the insertion of a bal- with developing a new generation during training or in combat. technology cial purpose fabric materials and description of their latest prod- listic insert is protected by two plate carrier that would reflect similar to quality inspectors with interna- ucts is just a small sample of unique patents. The company the latest requirements for com- High-quality equipment is that used tional experience. A key compo- their wide range of offerings. also collaborated with the best therefore extremely important, for synthetic fibre. Thanks to nent of the company’s strategy experts when choosing material including clothing layers. Re- this, CZ 4M MERINO 165® prod- is intensive collaboration with CZ 4M SPIRIT ballistic t-shirts for the t-shirt itself. The solution search has shown that individ- ucts are not only more durable end users and continuous effort One of the most remarkable of came from the Czech compa- uals with the right combina- than other merino products, but to meet their requirements aris- CZ 4M’s products is the line of ny MOIRA. The first layer of the tion of clothing achieved 30% the transfer of moisture away ing from the ever-changing dai- ballistic t-shirts. They are a per- material quickly draws moisture better results in shooting than from the body to the outer layer ly experience of the specialized fect example of how common away from the body while the those who had to cope with where it can evaporate better work they do. solutions can be combined second layer can retain a high cold, sweat and such seemingly has also been considerably im- with a unique know-how, thus amount of moisture for a long insignificant details as unpleas- proved. It has thus been possi- The resulting products bear the improving the end product for time. Testing has proven that ant scratchy clothes. Particu- ble to improve the well-known name CZ 4M and are offered as the user. the material performs well for larly in adverse conditions, it weakness of woollen materials an integral part of Česká zbrojov- more than 12 hours of physical is worth it to choose clothing that ordinarily retain moisture. ka’s wide portfolio for the armed The aim was to develop and pro- activity as well as during hot carefully and combine the indi- forces. Thanks to their exception- duce a ballistic t-shirt designed to summer months. vidual items accordingly.

92 | | 93 THE CZ MILESTONES Česká zbrojovka a.s., Uherský Brod estab- lished Following the privatization of Česká zbrojovka, A firearms factory established in Uherský Brod the state enterprise, a new joint-stock company is created. Its main factory is based in Uherský The factory was founded with the aim of transferring Brod and the main focus of the business is on the 1992 the strategically significant production facilities as development and manufacture of high quality far away as possible from Czechoslovakia’s western handguns. In addition, it also produces high preci- borders that were under threat. It was a branch 1936 sion components for the automotive and aviation plant of Česká zbrojovka, a joint stock company from industries. It is a wholly Czech company owned by Prague, whose main plant was based in Strakonice. Czech shareholders. At the time, the brand new factory in Uherský Brod was the most modern and most efficient plant of its kind around, and not only in Czechoslovakia.

CZ-USA established Vz. 48 submachine gun enters production By establishing a foothold in the USA, CZ fundamentally strengthened its position on the 1997 The vz. 48 submachine gun (renamed 23-25 subma- most prestigious arms market in the world. CZ-USA deals with sales and servicing, initial- chine guns in 1950) in 9 mm Parebellum calibre was ly it was based in California but in 1998 it moved to Kansas City, Kansas. considered the most advanced weapon in its cate- gory. Its magazine was located in the pistol grip, with 1949 the bolt partially encircling the barrel. By 1953, the Uherský Brod factory had produced 545,000 sub- machine guns in total; 345,000 of those in 7.62 mm 2004: Purchase of the firearms division Tokarev calibre (the 24/26 submachine gun). of Zbrojovka Brno By acquiring the Firearms Division of Zbrojovka Vz. 58 submachine gun enters production Brno a.s., CZ achieved its aim of keeping the fa- The vz. 58 submachine gun in 7.62×39 mm cal., today classed as an assault rifle, consti- mous tradition of firearms manufacture in Brno going. The newly-formed company, whose name 2004 tuted an alternative to the Soviet Kalashnikov. The original design of the Czechoslova- 1959 kian engineers was truly exceptional. The weapon was made in Uherský Brod for the was initially BRNO RIFLES, started operating at Czech armed forces as well as for export up until 1984. In total, nearly a million models the turn of 2006/2007 and focused on the devel- were produced in that time. opment and production of break-action firearms. In 2008, it became a daughter company of CZ and in 2010, its name was changed to ZBROJOVKA Vz. 61 Škorpion submachine gun BRNO, s.r.o. enters production The legendary vz. 61 Škorpion compact submachine gun was an extremely innovative and immensely brand acquisition successful attempt of the company to fill in the gap 1962 between classic submachine guns and service pis- Through CZ-USA, CZ became the owner of the brand Dan Wesson Firearms, a re- tols. By 2000, just over 207,000 models were made nowned American brand of weapons. The original company was founded in 1968 by 2005 in the basic calibre, the 7.65 mm Browning. There a grandson of the legendary Daniel B. Wesson and focused on the manufacture of was also a shorter, 9 mm browning, version, made in revolvers. Under the new Czech-American leadership, it soon became one of the most smaller quantities during the 1990’s. highly regarded manufacturers of modern versions of the famous 1911.

CZ 75 pistol enters production This revolutionary model was the brainchild of the legendary designer, František Koucký. Under new management Having received an assignment from what is today Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZ), he began working on the new pistol in 1969. His new creation had perfect ergonomics, 1975 In 2006, Ing. Lubomír Kovařík, MBA, became the company’s new Chief Executive Of- 2006 and with its unique double action trigger mechanism, it helped to define a new cate- ficer. Almost immediately, he started extensive modernization and launched the de- gory of pistols, the Wonder Nines. These are large capacity SA/DA pistols in 9mm Luger velopment of a new generation of CZ firearms. Ing. Ladislav Britaňák, MBA, took over calibre and the CZ 75 has been one of the most popular of them for many years. as the Sales Director.

94 | | 95 Development of new generation CZ service Assembly plant opened in Peru weapons launched In 2016, CZ expanded into another foreign market Since its founding, CZ has maintained a close fo- when it opened a separate part for the assembly and cus on weapons for the Armed Forces. However, in repairs of CZ weapons in the Peruvian military fac- 1992 it was forced to cut down on the development tory FAME, in Lima. As part of the project, the Czech and production of automatic firearms as a result of 2006 company supplied its modern equipment as well as 2016 the political and economic situation. Then in 2006, tools, and provided training for the technical staff. there came a turning point for the company with The Peruvian company thus got the opportunity the new management making a decision to once to assemble Czech weapons and provide servicing again put the main focus of the business on the and sales, firstly on the local market and then all over manufacture of service weapons. It was a pivotal Latin America. It was the first time CZ transferred its moment in the modern history of the brand. technologies into this up-and-coming region.

CZ 75 SP-01 SHADOW pistol enters production CZ BREN 2 assault rifle enters production The start of the production of the competition-focused variant of the popular CZ 75 SP- In the development of the second generation of 01, the Shadow, was a significant milestone in the development of CZ. Parts of this ex- CZ assault rifles, the company cooperated with ceptional all-steel pistol, also popular with the Armed Forces and for personal defence, 2006 members of elite Special Forces and used state-of have been subsequently used in other CZ pistols. Until the arrival of the CZ SHADOW the-art technologies. Their design was based on 2 in 2016, the original Shadow dominated the Production Division in IPSC. The Shadow the soldiers’ experience of the CZ 805 BREN mod- triumphed in many events, but one of the most successful achievements has to be two 2016 el in combat. The CZ BREN 2 is a highly advanced World Champion titles, won by Adam Tyc. individual multi-calibre weapon in 5.56×45 NATO and 7.62×39 calibres, with an option to be con- figured to meet the requirements of any mission Number of CZ 75 models reaches a million anywhere in the world. The first customer was the Army of the Czech Republic. After the establishment of Česká zbrojovka a.s. in 1992, pistols from the CZ 75/85 mod- el series became the company’s flagship products. It was reflected in a significant increase of the production volume as well as in the expansion of the portfolio by new 2007 variants, such as sport specials, compacts and subcompacts. Thus in the autumn of Further growth and expansion 2007, Uherský Brod saw a celebratory assembly of the millionth CZ 75, with all the vari- ants taken into account. Where just the standard size CZ 75/85 pistol is concerned, the As a result of the success of the new generation of CZ weapons, Česká zbrojovka a.s. manufacture surpassed a million in 2014. now employs over 1,900 people. Moreover, the company has expanded into more than 100 countries around the world. In addition, a licensing agreement was signed for the 2017 manufacture of CZ service weapons in Hungary in March 2018. The major milestone of 2017 was the CZ P-10 C model entering production. It is the first member of a brand Entry to the Armed Forces weapons market, start new family of striker-fired pistols, in comparison with rival models, the CZ P-10 C boasts of the rearmament of the Czech Republic Army many innovative features and offers superb user properties. This year marks the beginning of serial production of a new generation of CZ assault rifles, submachine guns and grenade launchers. The first success in this field 2011 CZ Group Holding established comes with the complete rearmament of the Czech Republic Army. The company supplies the Army with As of 2018, CZ has become a member of the international CZ Group Holding. In CZ 805 BREN A1/A2 assault rifles, CZ 80 BREN G1 gre- addition to the mother company in Uherský Brod, the holding company will grad- 2018 nade launchers, CZ SCORPION EVO 3 A1 submachine ually incorporate other companies that engage in manufacturing and develop- guns and CZ 75 SP-01 PHANTOM pistols. mental programs of similar nature. The President of the CZ Group Holding is Ing. Lubomír Kovařík, MBA.

Success of CZ service weapons on global markets During 2015, CZ employed around 1,800 people and produced 235,526 weapons. Its Changes within management consolidated profit was CZK 4,190,000,000 (70% of that was profit from sales abroad). 2015 At the start of the year, CZ saw some changes in its organizational structure. The Until then, the record profit had been CZK 450,000,000. Such a phenomenal result was aim of these is to make the best of the company’s potential, increase the produc- 2018 due to the success of the CZ P-07 pistols, CZ 75 pistol evergreens, CZ 455 rimfire rifles tion volume and speed up work on projects of strategic importance. The new CEO and CZ service weapons, and above all, the CZ SCORPION EVO 3 submachine gun. is Ing. Ladislav Britaňák, MBA.

96 | | 97 design is based on the popular great-grandson of the co-found- after adopting new manufac- CZ 550 model, chambered for er of the Smith & Wesson empire. turing processes and the latest a wide range of powerful hunt- It was a small business based in technology. At the same time, ing cartridges. Moreover, their Monson, Massachusetts, bear- a crucial strategic decision was extensive portfolio of accessories ing the name Dan Wesson Arms taken to expand the exclusively forms an integral part of this Inc until 1983. To begin with, the DW brand with clones product line. company was planning to deal of the timeless M1911, or the with the wholesale of firearms M1911A1 pistol. In recent years, CZ-USA grad- (incidentally, in April 1968, Dan ually started assembling and Wesson even made a personal With the new millennium, the then also producing modern CZ visit to what is today Česká zbro- Dan Wesson Firearms company firearms in the United States. In jovka a.s.). However, in the end the got back into shape with good the first phase, it focused on the company succeeded with the prospects of further growth. Not semi-automatic variants of the production of original revolvers, long after that, it caught the eye CZ 805 BREN assault rifles and whereby it used patents of Karl of CZ-USA who were looking for the CZ SCORPION EVO 3 sub- R. Lewis, an unfairly ignored gun new alternatives to strength- machine guns. Currently, the designer. The revolvers gained en their position on the North Kansas City company is produc- great fame for their performance, American market. The Dan Wes- ing the CZ P-10 pistols. accuracy and reliability. son Firearms brand became a part of the CZ family in 2005 Dan Wesson Firearms In the early 1980s, the Dan when it was purchased by CZ- The activities of CZ-USA are also Wesson company relocated to USA. Initially, it appealed to CZ- closely connected with the Dan Palmer, followed by relocation USA largely due to the popular Wesson Firearms brand. The to new premises near Norwich, revolvers, though it soon tran- company was originally found- New York, in the late 1990s. spired that the pistols based on

Assembly of the CZ SCORPION EVO 3 S1 semi-automatic carbines in CZ-USA ed under this name in 1968 as the ingenious M1911 held a far a business venture of Daniel There, it launched the produc- greater sales potential. Dan Wes- Baird Wesson (1916-1978), the tion of DW revolvers in 2000, son 1911s are quite possibly the THE CZ FAMILY The subsidiaries of Česká zbrojovka a.s.

Customers from all over the world traditionally associate the CZ brand with the fire- arms factory in Uherský Brod whose history in this field of business dates back to 1936. Although this is largely true, as the vast majority of CZ firearms are manufactured in south-eastern Moravia, the CZ family has grown considerably over the years and keeps growing still. In 2017, it became a part of the international holding, Česká zbrojovka Group. Let us meet some of the holding’s other prominent members, namely those who are also engaged in the firearms industry.

CZ-USA One of their extremely success- that has successfully followed In the United States, Česká ful projects has been launching in the long Czech tradition dat- zbrojovka has been represent- a line of high-quality affordable ing back to 1967 concerning the ed by the company CZ-USA , sold under the CZ manufacture of powerful, accu- since 1997. In 1998, CZ-USA brand today. This family includes rate and reliable bolt-action rifles made its headquarters in Kan- break-action models, pump-ac- for the hunting of African big sas City, Kansas. The compa- tion models and semi-auto- game. The first SAFARI CLAS- ny is headed by its President, matic models manufactured by SICS models were introduced in Alice Poluchová, and its ac- outside companies under the 2005 and quickly gained a great tivities include much more direct supervision of CZ-USA reputation within the target than just distributing CZ guns which is also the sole distributor. group of customers. This series in the prestigious market of In addition, CZ-USA was the includes premium quality guns North America. prime mover in the creation from serial production as well as of the SAFARI CLASSICS series individually-tuned rifles whose

98 | | 99 into a large group of sepa- firearms brand, known for their rate businesses dealing with popular ZKM rimfire rifles, ZKW associated or complementa- light rifles and the ZKK medi- ry production, later it also in- um and magnumrifles. cluded metallurgical, coal and ore-processing bases and ex- Subsequently, the Brno compa- panded abroad. Before World ny’s firearms production was re- War 2, Zbrojovka Brno was ba- duced to break-action models sically a self-sufficient behe- only, with the share of firearms moth, employing over 20,000 production falling precipitously people and using more than until it was less than 3% of the to- 10,000 machining tools. tal factory outputs. Thus, the activ- ities of the former firearms giant Under German occupation, the focused chiefly on the production company’s many works had to of typewriters, computer technol- refocus on the manufacture ogy, diesel engines, tools etc. of German firearms and after Dan Wesson Firearms specialize in first-rate World War 2, Zbrojovka Brno Nevertheless, following the clones of the M1911A1 pistols was nationalized. The lost out- events of 1989, it transpired that put for the armed forces was the design and production spirit compensated for by putting of Brno Zbrojovka firearms was most accurate “out of the box” legendary Bren machine gun more focus on non-military still safe and sound, having sur- 1911s with many user-friendly whose design subsequently production, primarily focus- vived those turbulent times. In innovations and a whole range served as the base for the devel- ing on the serial production fact, the firearms division was of first-rate finely tuned parts of opment of heavy and large-cali- of new guns for hunting and the only viable part of the privat- BRNO COMPETITION – a popular over the best quality possible. bre machine guns. sport shooting. Although the ized Zbrojovka Brno a.s. At the and under shotgun from Zbrojovka Brno, production of service firearms beginning of the 21st century, a subsidiary of Česká zbrojovka a.s. Under the guardianship of CZ- Zbrojovka Brno became a key picked up again, it definite- the determination to keep and USA, the range of Dan Wes- strategic partner for local ly came to a stop in the late son pistols is constantly be- armed forces as well as one 1950s. A decision made by the ing changed and upgraded, of the biggest global names authorities meant significant develop the Brno firearms brand although some models have on the market of service guns. reduction in the manufacture came under great strain when become firm fixtures, particu- In a bid to balance the pro- of civilian firearms at Brno and the joint-stock mother company larly the exceptionally popular duction programme, it soon in the 1960s most of this pro- faced bankruptcy. Thanks to the Pointman line. began to include non-military duction line was transferred to intervention of CZ, the healthy products, such as cars, ball the firearms factory in Uherský core of the Brno firearms di- ZBROJOVKA BRNO bearings, bicycles, weighing Brod, today’s Česká zbrojovka vision was saved and became The former legendary arms gi- scales, aircraft engines, ma- a.s. Because of this move, CZ the foundation of a new com- ant was formed in 1918 from chine tools and typewriters. has been able to carry on in the pany, BRNO RIFLES. The new- the artillery workshops in Brno The company gradually grew legacy of the famous BRNO ly-emerged company underwent following the fall of the Austri- reorganization, relocated to the an-Hungarian Empire. Initially, it premises of the company’s for- was a military repairs plant but mer school right next to the main within a decade, it had trans- factory, optimized its machinery formed into a state-of-the-art and launched the production firearms factory whose products of completely new models that belonged amongst the abso- follow the current global trends lute best in the world. The com- for hunting and sport shooting pany’s main domain was the firearms. Its current portfolio in- serial production of bolt-action cludes the cutting-edge BRNO rifles using the Mauser system, COMBO rifle/shotgun and most with the vz. 24 model being the recently also the BRNO EXPRESS most popular, and the manu- over/under rifle. facture of innovative automatic firearms, the first one being the Since 2010, this successor of the The unique know-how of Zbrojovka Brno is based legendary Brno firearms indus- ZB vz. 26 light machine gun. Be- on the combination of modern technologies sides other models, this model and traditional gunsmithing practices try bears the name ZBROJOVKA was further developed into the BRNO, s.r.o.

100 | | 101 ČESKÁ ZBROJOVKA A.S., Stay in touch! UHERSKÝ BROD

Graphics and editing: SACHR design s.r.o.

Authors et al.: Radek Hauerland Martin Helebrant Hana Machů František Mikyna David Pazdera Karel Šimána Matúš Štulrajter Lukáš Visingr

Photos by: Česká zbrojovka a.s. Q Studio s. r. o. Zdeněk Charvát David Pazdera Tomonari Sakurai Sean Utley Lukáš Visingr

Česká zbrojovka a.s. reserves the right to make changes regarding products where it deems necessary to improve their models or where it must meet requirements of a manufacturing or commercial nature.

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