The vz. 52 rifle is a semi-automatic rifle developed shortly after the Second World War in Czechoslovakia. Its full name is 7,62mm samonabíjecí puška vzor 52. Vz. 52 is an abbreviation for vzor 52, meaning "model 52". It fires the unique 7.62×45mm cartridge. 52 rifles were made by Považské strojárne in Považská Bystrica, but due to production difficulties, its manufacture was taken over by Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod.

Design details

thumb|left|Vz. 52 with handguard removed to show the gas system. The nut closer to sling bracket is the adjusting nut locknut. Between the gas piston (lighter colour) and the locknut is the adjusting nut itself. Operating rod removed and placed on the right side.The vz. 52 is a shoulder-fired semi-automatic rifle with a tilting-bolt locking mechanism powered by an annular short-stroke gas piston system. The bolt is locked by two lugs that recess into slots machined into the receiver. However, unlike most vertically-locking breech mechanism, the rifle's bolt has the unusual feature of tipping the bolt frontally to lock the mechanism, whereas other tipping bolt designs tip the bolt to the rear.

The Czech Castle guard uses chrome-finished, deactivated vz. 52 rifles with darkened wood stocks as ceremonial weapons.

Users

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  • − 12,000 delivered in 1975
  • − Used during the Escambray rebellion, Bay of Pigs invasion. Also used by Milicias de Tropas Territoriales. It proved to be unpopular in MTT service due to both the vz. 52 and 52/57 being in MTT use causing confusion with the magazines and ammunition. Some 52/57s were used during the US Invasion of Grenada
  • − During the New Jewel Movement regime
  • − vz. 52/57.
  • − In service with the KorMar, and with the Army as ceremonial weapon.
  • − Delivered in 1965
  • − At least 2 delivered in 1972
  • − very limited use

Non-state

  • Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda
  • Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam − Modified to accept Kalashnikov rifle magazines
  • People's Liberation Army of Namibia

See also

  • AG-42
  • Hakim Rifle
  • Rasheed Carbine
  • FN Model 1949
  • SKS

References

Bibliography

  • Buddy Hinton Collection
  • Modern Firearms