CZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1
Ceska zbrojovka a.s. · Submachine Gun · In Production · 2009
Also known as: Scorpion EVO 3, EVO 3 A1, Skorpion EVO
Overview
The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1 is a modern 9x19mm Parabellum submachine gun developed by Ceska zbrojovka (CZUB) in the Czech Republic. First unveiled in 2009 and entering service in 2011, it traces its lineage to the Slovak Laugo submachine gun project that began in 2004, which Czech designers at CZUB significantly reworked and refined. The A1 designation identifies the select-fire military and law enforcement variant, offering semi-automatic, three-round burst, and full-automatic fire modes at a cyclic rate of 1,150 rounds per minute. Operating on a simple blowback principle with a closed-bolt firing system, the Scorpion EVO 3 features a polymer lower receiver with an aluminum upper, a cold hammer-forged 196mm barrel, and a folding adjustable stock that collapses the overall length from 670mm to just 410mm. Weighing approximately 2.5 kg empty, it is notably lighter than many competitors in its class. The weapon features fully ambidextrous controls including the safety selector, magazine release, and charging handle, along with full-length Picatinny rails for optics and accessories. Initially adopted by the Czech elite police unit URNA, the Scorpion EVO 3 A1 has since been adopted by military and law enforcement agencies in over 30 countries, establishing itself as one of the most successful modern submachine gun designs.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2500 g (88.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2770 g (97.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 670 mm (26.38") |
| Folded Length | 410 mm (16.14") |
| Barrel Length | 196 mm (7.72") |
| Height | 210 mm (8.27") |
| Width | 60 mm (2.36") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Select Fire |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 370 m/s (1214 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 510 J (376 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 250 m (273 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 1150 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 3, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Firing Pin Block
- Features: Closed Bolt Firing, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Select Fire, Folding Stock, Adjustable Stock, Ambidextrous Controls, Picatinny Rail, Iron Sights, Threaded Barrel, Modular Design, Polymer Lower Receiver, Three Round Burst
Variants
- CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 — Semi Auto Civilian
- CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine — Carbine
- CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S2 Micro — Compact
- CZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1 Micro — Micro
Service history
Operators
- Czech Police URNA · adopted 2011 · as Scorpion EVO 3 A1
- Czech Armed Forces · as Scorpion EVO 3 A1
- Hungarian Defence Forces
- Serbian Armed Forces
- Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Ukrainian Armed Forces
- Georgian Armed Forces
- Finnish Defence Forces
- Egyptian Armed Forces
- Royal Malaysian Police
- Indonesian National Police
- Royal Thai Armed Forces
- Argentine Federal Police
- Bolivian Armed Forces
- Panamanian Public Forces
- Vietnam People's Public Security
- Tunisian Armed Forces
- Rwanda Defence Force
- Afghan National Army Commando Corps
Conflicts
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 2009-present
Adopted by military and law enforcement agencies in over 30 countries. The civilian S1 variant has been enormously popular.
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Notes
The Scorpion EVO 3 name pays homage to the legendary CZ vz. 61 Skorpion machine pistol of the 1960s, though the two weapons share no mechanical components or design lineage. Development originated from the Slovak company Laugo's submachine gun project around 2004, which was later transferred to CZUB where Czech engineers substantially redesigned it. The weapon fires from a closed bolt using a hammer-fired mechanism with a separate inertial firing pin, contributing to improved first-shot accuracy compared to open-bolt designs. The barrel features right-hand rifling with a 250mm twist pitch and is threaded (UNEF 1/2x28 or M18x1) for suppressor attachment. The polymer translucent magazines allow visual ammunition count verification and are available in 10-, 20-, and 30-round capacities, with third-party options including Magpul 35-round magazines and 50-round drums. The civilian semi-automatic variant, designated S1, has become enormously popular in the United States and European sporting markets, with sub-variants including the S1 Pistol, S1 Carbine (with 412mm barrel), and the ultra-compact S2 Micro (with 104mm barrel). The four-position rear diopter sight offers apertures calibrated for different engagement distances.
Background
Despite its name, the Scorpion EVO 3 shares no mechanical components or design lineage with the legendary CZ vz. 61 Skorpion machine pistol of the 1960s. The design actually originated from a Slovak company called Laugo before being transferred to CZUB, where Czech engineers substantially redesigned it into the weapon adopted worldwide today.