Vz.61 Skorpion
Summary
| Country | 🇨🇿 Czech Republic |
| Category | Submachine gun |
| Manufacturer | CZ Uhersky Brod |
Technical specifications
| Vz.61 Skorpion | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 850 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 7.65 x 17mm (.32 ACP) or 9 x 18 mm or 9 x 17 mm (.38 ACP) |
| Magazine | 10 - 20 rounds |
| Length | 517 mm (20.4 in) |
| Weight | 1.28 kg (2.8 lb) |
| Range | 25 m (82 ft) |
Description
The Škorpion vz. 61, officially designated Samopal vzor 61, is a Czechoslovak machine pistol developed in 1959 by Miroslav Rybář. It was produced by Česká zbrojovka in Uherský Brod from 1963 to 1979. The standard version is chambered in .32 ACP. Initially developed for security forces, it was adopted by the Czechoslovak Army as a personal sidearm for specific personnel, including lower-ranking staff, vehicle drivers, armored vehicle crews, and special forces.
The vz. 61 operates as a select-fire, straight blowback weapon firing from a closed bolt, using the .32 ACP cartridge. A telescopic bolt design maintains compact dimensions, and an inertial rate reducer mechanism lowers the cyclic rate to approximately 850 rounds/min. The weapon is hammer-fired and features a fire mode selector for safe, semi-automatic, and fully automatic fire. The sights consist of adjustable front post and a flip rear sight with notches for 75 and 150 meters. A folding metal wire shoulder stock is fitted. The firearm uses double-column curved box magazines with capacities of 10 or 20 rounds and is typically carried in a leather holster with spare magazines. Accessories include a cleaning kit, front sight tool, oil bottle, and lanyard. A sound suppressor can be attached.
Several variants were developed:
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the vz. 64 chambered in .380 ACP
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the vz. 65 in 9×18mm Makarov
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the vz. 68 in 9×19mm Parabellum
In the 1990s, Česká zbrojovka offered updated models like the vz. 61 E with a plastic grip, the vz. 82 in 9×18mm Makarov with a longer barrel, and the vz. 83 for .380 ACP. A civilian, semi-automatic variant known as the CZ-91S was also produced in these calibers. Yugoslavia produced a licensed variant designated M84, which featured a synthetic pistol grip, and a civilian M84A version, also available in .380 ACP. Production of the vz. 61 resumed in 2009 by the company Czech Small Arms. A .22 LR conversion kit is also commercially available.
The Škorpion vz. 61 was adopted by the Czechoslovak Army and security forces and was subsequently exported to various countries and utilized by armed groups, seeing service globally as a sidearm.
The vz. 61 has been used by the armed forces of countries including Afghanistan, Angola, Czech Republic, Egypt, Georgia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Mozambique, North Korea, Pakistan, Serbia, Slovakia, Uganda, and Ukraine. Former state users include Czechoslovakia, East Germany, North Vietnam, the Soviet Union, and Yugoslavia. Non-state users have included the Brigate Rosse, Irish National Liberation Army, and FMLN.