CZ 247
Česká zbrojovka Strakonice · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1947
Also known as: ČZ 247, CZ 47/1, CZ 47/2
Overview
The CZ 247 is a Czechoslovak blowback-operated submachine gun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and firing from an open bolt. Developed at the Česká zbrojovka factory in Strakonice in the late 1940s as a refined derivative of the pre-war ČZ vz. 38 design, it uses a progressive trigger for fire selection: a short, light pull produces single shots while a full pull delivers fully automatic fire. Its most distinctive feature is a rotating magazine housing that lets the 40-round magazine be locked either below the weapon or horizontally to the left, allowing a lower profile when firing from prone. Rejected by the Czechoslovak army in favor of the Sa. 23/25 family, it was nonetheless produced briefly and exported in modest numbers to buyers in Africa and South America.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2900 g (102.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 785 mm (30.91") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Progressive |
| Magazine Capacity | 40 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 560 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Open Bolt, Progressive Trigger Fire Selection, Rotating Magazine Housing, Wooden Semi Pistol Grip Stock
Production
Production years: 1947-1950
Produced in limited numbers and exported to certain African and South American countries after rejection by the Czechoslovak army.
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Discontinued: 1950
Notes
Factory development designations included CZ 47/1 and CZ 47/2; a 7.62x25mm Tokarev prototype was designated CZ 347. The army rejected it in favor of the Samopal vz. 23/25 series.
Background
The CZ 247's rotating magazine well, which could swing the magazine from beneath the gun to the left side, was intended to give the firer a lower silhouette when shooting from cover or prone — an unusual idea that never caught on.