CZ vz. 70
Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod · Pistol · Discontinued · 1970
Also known as: CZ 70, vzor 70, VZ-70, Pistole vz. 70
Overview
The CZ vz. 70 is a Czechoslovak compact double-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in .32 ACP. It is a lightly modernized version of the earlier vz. 50, sharing the same blowback-operated, fixed-barrel layout inspired by the Walther PP, with an exposed hammer, single/double-action trigger, frame-mounted manual safety, and an eight-round single-stack magazine. The vz. 70 differs from the vz. 50 chiefly in finish, grip panels, and a revised safety lever. It served as a Czechoslovak police and military service pistol until being replaced by the 9mm vz. 82, after which surplus examples were widely exported.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 710 g (25.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 167 mm (6.57") |
| Barrel Length | 96 mm (3.78") |
| Height | 114 mm (4.49") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 282 m/s (925 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 188 J (139 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Plastic |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Auto, 7.65x17mm Browning, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Thumb Safety
- Features: Fixed Barrel, Exposed Hammer, Single Stack Magazine, Fixed Sights
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Czechoslovak Armed Forces · adopted 1970 · as vz. 70
- Czechoslovak Police (Veřejná bezpečnost) · adopted 1970
Conflicts
- Cold War (1947-1991)
Production
Production years: 1970-1983
Produced by Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod; large numbers later sold as military surplus on the commercial market.
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Designer: Jan and Jaroslav Kratochvíl
Discontinued: 1983
Notes
Many vz. 50 pistols were refurbished to vz. 70 standard. The takedown uses a hinged trigger guard, a Walther PP-derived feature.
Background
Derived from the vz. 50 police pistol of the late 1940s, the vz. 70 carried the Walther PP's influence behind the Iron Curtain, soldiering on as a Czechoslovak sidearm into the 1980s before surplus guns flooded the Western collector market.