Vz. 52 rifle: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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[[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.