1956 Czech VZ 54 sniper rifle

[Miller Tyme]

The Czech VZ54 was an attempt by the Czechs in the early 50's to allow "unification" of there equipment with the Soviet equipment of that period. The Czech's had always used Mausers for there sniper rifles and that some of that carried over in the VZ54, like the use of capture screws on the action screws, hooded front sight, sling attachment, and hand guard design. The requirements the Czech's laid down for the recievers the Soviets where going to furnish was so strict that most the soviets furnished where rejected and only after the Czech's loosened up there tolerances on the thread diameter for the reciever threads for the barrels did they get enough recievers to begin production. Production commenced in 1955 with a run of 100 test rifles , but only 75 test rifles had been produced by December of 1955. Production of 4000 VZ54's was scheduled for 1956 but due to ongoing issues with soviet supplied recievers only 108 rifles where completed and accepted by the Czeh Army , and these where produced between Sept./Dec 1956. In 1957, with supply issues final worked out the Czech's produced a total of 5410 VZ54 sniper rifles, with an additional 3 produced in 1958 before production ceased. The VZ 54 is both shorter and lighter than it's PU sniper counterpart, and sports a heavier barrel and a unique 2.5x scope. The stock is a pistol grip design with a uniquely designed bolt.The bolt handle has a slot on its head to tighten/loosen the scope mount from its base and is designed to maintan it's Zero if removed and reinstalled. The Czech requirements for these rifles to be accepted was that they put 10 rounds into a 50x50cm square @ 800m something that was easly acheived by these rifles thanks to the heavier barrels. These rifles served in the Czeh National Army until the 1970's when they where replaced with Soviet SVD Dragunov's. Afterwards they where used by domestic police forces and starting in 1990 where upgraded with new stocks, optics, and bipods to become the VZ54/91 sniper rifle.

The example here was obtained by me from Denise Kroh @ Empire arms in March 2012 There are very few matched examples of these since most where imported with mixed parts and scopes. A number where even imported w/o the scopes and the scopes, and replacement scopes are almost impossible to find.


A PDF download with additional info is available @ http://ebookbrowse.com/cz-75-years-of-s ... d438814851
Pages 83-85 give a good account of these fascinating rifles

[Junk Yard Dog]

Cool , I have never seen one of these up close before, great pics, what is the purpose of the slot in the bolt knob?

[Miller Tyme]

Cool , I have never seen one of these up close before, great pics, what is the purpose of the slot in the bolt knob?

Thanks JYD,
The slot in the bolt knob is to tighten or loosen the scope mount to the base, the last pic gives a good shot of the mount screws. You smiply remove the bolt and you have an instant mount wrench.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Now that is a good idea, one tool you would be unlikely to lose, and if you did then who cares about the screws because you are screwed anyway.

[Jumperwire]

now there's one you don't see everyday . very nice. thsnks for sharing MT

[Celt]

Thank you! That's a work of art!

[Junk Yard Dog]

Have you shot this rifle? Is it delivering that standard of performance?

[entropy]

Very interesting rifle! The bolt slot/nut driver is ingenious. Reminds me of what would result if the Mosins and Mausers in Rongo's safe could mate......

[Sgt. Rob]

Those are "wicked Cool" to para phrase my teenagers. I remember when SGN had them advertised. Sadly I did not get one but wish I had. By chance, have you done any range testing with it? I'd be too curious not to shoot one myself.

Semper Fi, Rob

[Miller Tyme]

Those are "wicked Cool" to para phrase my teenagers. I remember when SGN had them advertised. Sadly I did not get one but wish I had. By chance, have you done any range testing with it? I'd be too curious not to shoot one myself.

Semper Fi, Rob

I have not had this or my VZ54/91 to the range yet ( I know its been a year) last year was a very busy year for me, but this year is looking a lot better and there is a Mosin Match scheduled this summer around these parts so I want to take the pair and try them out.

I will post updates after I get done.

[Rongo]

An Amazing rifle... I recall these on Empire's website & wondered what I could sell to acquire one for myself.

[Rongo]

Since this is a Mosin Nagant Variant... Who here votes for this to be included on the Mosin Showcase??? A show of hands please....

[Longcolt44]

Hand.

[Themosinkid95]

Hand

[Junk Yard Dog]

Since this is a Mosin Nagant Variant... Who here votes for this to be included on the Mosin Showcase??? A show of hands please....

[Sgt. Rob]

Concur, this one is rare enough for the showacase!

Semper Fi, Rob

[Rongo]

Thanks for the votes guys!

Now on the Showcase.

Showcase Submission

[Junk Yard Dog]

[Miller Tyme]

Well a little additional info on my VZ 54, it was one of the last ( or possible the last ) VZ 54 built in 1956,

this 1957 production VZ54 has come for sale an the S/N is only 4 from mine.




Sometimes it pays to cruise the web.

[desert drifter]

hand