Vz. 52 rifle: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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{{lowercase title}}

{{Infobox weapon

| name = vz. 52 and vz. 52/57

| image = Vz.52.jpg

| image_size = 300

| caption = Vz. 52 from the [[Swedish Army Museum]].

| origin = [[Czechoslovak Socialist Republic]]

| type = [[Semi-automatic rifle]]

<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged = yes

<!-- Service history -->| service = 1952–1959 (Czechoslovakia)▼

|is_ranged=yes

| used_by = See ''[[#Users|Users]]''▼

<!-- Service history -->

| wars = [[1958 Lebanon Crisis]]<br>[[Vietnam War]]<br>[[Bay of Pigs Invasion]]<ref name="Cuba">{{cite book|title=The Bay of Pigs: Cuba 1961|series = Elite 166|first=Alejandro |last=de Quesada |date=10 Jan 2009|isbn=9781846033230|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EE-1CwAAQBAJ|pages= 60–61}}</ref><br>[[IndonesianIndonesia–Malaysia Confrontationconfrontation]]<ref name="mcnab2002"/><br>[[Rhodesian Bush War]]<br>[[South African Border War]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Their Blood Waters Our Freedom|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXQEjBIb8Uo|date=25 January 2020|website=Youtube.com|access-date=19 May 2020}}</ref><br>[[Nigerian Civil War]]<br>[[Yom Kippur War|1973 Arab–Israeli War]]<br>[[Lebanese Civil War]]<ref name="Arabs2">{{cite book|title=Arab Armies of the Middle East Wars (2)|url=https://archive.org/details/arabarmiesmiddle02katz|url-access=limited|series=Men-at-Arms 128|first= Sam |last=Katz |date=24 Mar 1988|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9780850458008|page=[https://archive.org/details/arabarmiesmiddle02katz/page/n37 39]}}</ref><br>[[Invasion of Grenada]]<ref name="Grenada"/><br>[[Iraq War]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/12203/captured-weapons|title = Captured Weapons}}</ref><br>[[Kivu conflict]]<br>[[Syrian Civil War]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://secondunited.com/2016/08/06/syrians-using-vz-52/|title = The Syrian Rebels Are Using WHAT? – VZ-52|date = 6 August 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510235932/https://secondunited.com/2016/08/06/syrians-using-vz-52/|archive-date=May 10, 2023}}</ref>▼

▲|service=1952–1959 (Czechoslovakia)

<!-- Production history -->| designer = Jan and Jaroslav Kratochvíl▼

▲|used_by=See ''[[#Users|Users]]''

| design_date = 1951–1952▼

▲|wars=[[1958 Lebanon Crisis]]<br>[[Vietnam War]]<br>[[Bay of Pigs Invasion]]<ref name="Cuba">{{cite book|title=The Bay of Pigs: Cuba 1961|series = Elite 166|first=Alejandro |last=de Quesada |date=10 Jan 2009|isbn=9781846033230|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EE-1CwAAQBAJ|pages= 60–61}}</ref><br>[[Indonesian Confrontation]]<ref name="mcnab2002"/><br>[[Rhodesian Bush War]]<br>[[South African Border War]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Their Blood Waters Our Freedom|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXQEjBIb8Uo|date=25 January 2020|website=Youtube.com|access-date=19 May 2020}}</ref><br>[[Nigerian Civil War]]<br>[[Yom Kippur War|1973 Arab–Israeli War]]<br>[[Lebanese Civil War]]<ref name="Arabs2">{{cite book|title=Arab Armies of the Middle East Wars (2)|url=https://archive.org/details/arabarmiesmiddle02katz|url-access=limited|series=Men-at-Arms 128|first= Sam |last=Katz |date=24 Mar 1988|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9780850458008|page=[https://archive.org/details/arabarmiesmiddle02katz/page/n37 39]}}</ref><br>[[Invasion of Grenada]]<ref name="Grenada"/><br>[[Iraq War]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/12203/captured-weapons|title = Captured Weapons}}</ref><br>[[Kivu conflict]]<br>[[Syrian Civil War]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://secondunited.com/2016/08/06/syrians-using-vz-52/|title = The Syrian Rebels Are Using WHAT? – VZ-52|date = 6 August 2016}}</ref>

| manufacturer = Považské strojárne, [[Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod|Česká zbrojovka]]▼

<!-- Production history -->

| production_date = 1952–1959▼

▲|designer=Jan and Jaroslav Kratochvíl

| number = ~ 1 Million▼

▲|design_date=1951–1952

| variants = vz. 52/57▼

▲|manufacturer=Považské strojárne, [[Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod|Česká zbrojovka]]

<!-- General specifications -->| weight = {{convert|4.14|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}} (vz. 52)<br/> {{convert|4.30|kg|abbr=on}} (vz. 52/57)▼

▲|production_date=1952–1959

| length = {{convert|1005|mm|in|abbr=on}}<br/> {{convert|1205|mm|abbr=on|1}} with [[bayonet]] deployed▼

▲|number= ~ 1 Million

| part_length = {{convert|520|mm|abbr=on|1}}

▲|variants=vz. 52/57

<!-- GeneralRanged weapon specifications -->| cartridge = [[7.62×45mm]] (vz. 52)<br/> [[7.62×39mm]] (vz. 52/57)

| action = [[Gas-operated reloading|Gas-operated]], tilting [[breechblock]]▼

▲|weight={{convert|4.14|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}} (vz. 52)<br/> {{convert|4.30|kg|abbr=on}} (vz. 52/57)

| rate = 25 rounds/min (practical)▼

▲|length={{convert|1005|mm|in|abbr=on}}<br/> {{convert|1205|mm|abbr=on|1}} with [[bayonet]] deployed

|part_length velocity = {{convert|520760|mmm/s|0|abbr=on}} (vz. 52)<br/> {{convert|735|m/s|abbr=on|1}} (vz. 52/57)

| range = 650 m (vz. 52)<br/> 400 m (vz. 52/57)▼

<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->

| max_range = 2,000 m (vz. 52/57)▼

|cartridge=[[7.62×45mm]] (vz. 52)<br/> [[7.62×39mm]] (vz. 52/57)

| feed = [[Stripper clip|Clip-fed]], staggered-column, 10-round detachable [[box magazine]]▼

▲|action=[[Gas-operated reloading|Gas-operated]], tilting [[breechblock]]

| sights = Open [[iron sight]]s graduated from 100 to 900 m▼

▲|rate=25 rounds/min (practical)

|velocity={{convert|760|m/s|0|abbr=on}} (vz. 52)<br/> {{convert|735|m/s|abbr=on|1}} (vz. 52/57)

▲|range=650 m (vz. 52)<br/> 400 m (vz. 52/57)

▲|max_range=2,000 m (vz. 52/57)

▲|feed=[[Stripper clip|Clip-fed]], staggered-column, 10-round detachable [[box magazine]]

▲|sights=Open [[iron sight]]s graduated from 100 to 900 m

}}

The '''vz. 52''' rifle is a [[semi-automatic rifle|self-loading]] rifle developed shortly after the [[Second World War]] in [[Czechoslovakia]]. Its full name is 7,62mm samonabíjecí puška vzor 52.<ref name="ESAA">{{cite book

| last = Bishop

| first = Chris

Line 43 ⟶ 38:

| year = 2006

| pages =13–14

| isbn = 978-1-84013-910-5}}</ref> Vz. 52 is an abbreviation for ''vzor 52'', meaning "model 52". It fires the unique [[7.62×45mm]] [[cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]]. It is considered both reliable and accurate. The first 5000 vz. 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]].<ref name="Walter">Walter, John: ''Rifles of the World'' (3rd ed.), page 229. Krause Publications, 2006.</ref>

==Design details==

[[Image:Vz._52_barrel,_handguard_removed_1.jpg|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 (firearm)|bolt]] locking mechanism powered by an annular short-stroke [[Gas-operated reloading#Piston systems|gas piston]] system. The bolt is locked by two lugs that recess into slots machined into the [[Receiver (firearms)|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.<ref name="ESAA" /> The piston is actuated by residual gases from the bore, vented into a sleeve surrounding the [[Gun barrel|barrel]] to overcome the [[inertia]] of the bolt carrier, bolt and the resistance of the return spring in order to unlock the chamber, eject the empty cartridge casing and then introduce a new round into the chamber upon return to battery.

The barrel is press-fit and pinned into the receiver. The manual safety switch is placed inside of the trigger guard and is manipulated by the shooter's index finger. The trigger mechanism closely resembles that used in the American [[M1 Garand]] semi-automatic rifle. The cocking handle is integrated into the bolt carrier and is located on the right side of the rifle; this arrangement enables the shooter to reload the rifle without disturbing his aim.

The rifle is equipped with open-type [[iron sight]]s with a hooded front post and V-notch rear sight placed on a sliding tangent, adjustable for elevation between 100–950 m. The rifle can also accept day and night-time optics that interface with an optional, receiver-mounted side rail. The one-piece pistol grip stock is carved from either [[walnut]] or [[beech]] and stained a yellowish-brown color; the stock has a hollowed butt which is used as a storage compartment for a cleaning rod, oil bottle and accessories. The rifle has an integral blade [[bayonet]] which folds into a recess carved into the stock on the right side.

Line 68 ⟶ 63:

*{{flag|Biafra}}: 820 delivered in 1967<ref name="auto">{{cite book|last=Jowett|first=Philip|title=Modern African Wars (5): The Nigerian-Biafran War 1967-70|year=2016|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] Press|location=Oxford|isbn=978-1472816092|page=22}}</ref>

*{{flagicon image|Flagge FDLR.svg}} [[Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda]]<ref name = 'FDLR'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Highlights-EN.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701142546/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Highlights-EN.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 1, 2015|chapter-url= http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Chapter-07-EN.pdf|chapter=Waning Cohesion: The Rise and Fall of the FDLR–FOCA|title=Small Arms Survey 2015: weapons and the world|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2015|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|page=201}}</ref>

*{{flag|Cuba}}<ref name="Walter"/><ref>{{cite web | title=CZECHOSLOVAK CONSIDERATION OF CUBAN ARMS REQUESTS | date=January 1961 | url=http://digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org/document/115186 | access-date=15 May 2016 |type=Communist Party of Czechoslovakia |publisher= Wilson Center Digital Archive |language=cs |quote=Among his [Fidel Castro] other requests, it is necessary to mention the previous request to be supplied with 50 million 7.92[x57mm] bullets and 400,000 magazines for vz.52 self-loading rifles.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | author = MINFAR ( Ministry of Armed Forces) | year = 1981 | title = Manual basico del Miliciano de Tropas Territoriales | language = es | location = Habana | publisher = Editorial Orbe | quote = The tenth chapter, listing infantry weapons, refers to the Mauser [[vz. 24]], Vz.52, [[AK-47]] and [[AKM]] rifles in the inventory of the [[Territorial Troops Militia]] }}</ref> Used during the [[Escambray rebellion]], [[Bay of Pigs Invasion|Bay of Pigs invasion]]. Also used by [[Territorial Troops Militia|Milicias de Tropas Territoriales]]. It proved to be unpopular in MTT service due to both the Vz52vz. 52 and 52/57 being in MTT use causing confusion with the magazines and ammunition. Some 52/57s were used during the [[United States invasion of Grenada|US Invasion of Grenada]].

*{{flag|Czechoslovakia}}

*{{flag|Egypt}}<ref name="Walter"/>

*{{flag|Ethiopia}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jardim |first=Frank |last2=Jardim |first2=Frank |date=2022-08-01 |title=Royal Tiger Imports Ethiopian Arms |url=https://gunsmagazine.com/guns/royal-tiger-imports-ethiopian-arms/ |access-date=2023-01-05 |website=GUNS Magazine}}</ref>

*{{flag|Indonesia}}: service with the [[Indonesian Marine Corps|KorMar]].,<ref name="mcnab2002">{{cite book |last=McNab |first=Chris|title=20th Century Military Uniforms |date=2002 |edition=2nd |publisher=Grange Books |location=Kent |isbn=1-84013-476-3|page=136}}</ref> and with the [[Indonesian Army|Army]] as ceremonial weapon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pusbekangad |first=Pusdikbekang |date=8 January 2024 |title=UPACARA BENDERA PERDANA HARI SENIN 08 JANUARI 2024 |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C10yBa6P53u/?img_index=1 |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref>

*{{flag|Israel}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=VZ 52 RIFLE|url=https://smallarmsreview.com/vz-52-rifle/|date=7 September 2022|via=Youtube.com|access-date=20 July 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127203537/https://smallarmsreview.com/vz-52-rifle/|archive-date=January 27, 2023|work=Small Arms Review}}</ref>

*{{flag|Israel}}{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}

*{{flag|Grenada}} (During the [[New Jewel Movement]] regime)<ref name="Grenada">{{cite book|title=Grenada 1983|url=https://archive.org/details/grenada1983russ|url-access=limited|series=Men-at-Arms 159|first=Lee E.|last= Russell|date=28 Mar 1985|isbn=9780850455830|publisher=Osprey Publishing|page=[https://archive.org/details/grenada1983russ/page/n45 45]}}</ref>

*{{flag|Guinea-Bissau}}: ''vz. 52/57''.<ref name="jones2009">{{cite book |editor1-first=Richard D. |editor1-last=Jones |editor2-first=Leland S. |editor2-last=Ness |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |date=January 27, 2009 |edition=35th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=Coulsdon |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref>

*{{Flag|Namibia|People's Liberation Army of Namibia}} Used by [[People's Liberation Army of Namibia]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Their Blood Waters ourOur Freedom|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXQEjBIb8Uo&t=12m50s|date=25 January 2020|websitevia=Youtube.com|access-date=19 May 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404040738/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXQEjBIb8Uo|archive-date=April 4, 2023|work=Namimbian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref>

*{{flag|Nicaragua}}<ref name="Walter"/> Some later given as aid to the Salvadoran [[Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front|FMLN]].

*{{flag|Nigeria}}<ref name="jones2009"/>