Persian vz. 98/29

Zbrojovka Brno · Rifle · Discontinued · 1930

Also known as: vz. 98/29, Brno Persian 98/29, Model 1314, Persian Model 98/29

Overview

The Persian vz. 98/29 is a Czechoslovak bolt-action rifle built by Zbrojovka Brno on the Mauser 98 system for the Imperial Iranian Army. Chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser, this full-length service rifle fed from a five-round internal box magazine loaded by stripper clip and used a tangent rear sight graduated to 2000 metres. Roughly 180,000 were delivered during the early-to-mid 1930s as part of Reza Shah Pahlavi's military modernisation, distinguished by the engraved Persian lion-and-sun crest and Farsi markings on the receiver.

Specifications

Weight (empty)4050 g (142.9 oz)
Overall Length1245 mm (49.02")
Barrel Length740 mm (29.13")
Action TypeBolt Action
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity5 rounds
Magazine TypeInternal
Muzzle Velocity810 m/s (2657 fps)
Effective Range500 m (547 yd)
Maximum Range2000 m (2187 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist240 mm (9.45")
Number of Grooves4
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Estimated total produced: 180,000 · Production years: 1930-1938

Manufactured by Zbrojovka Brno under contract for Persia (Iran); estimate covers the long-rifle deliveries.

Origin

Country of origin: Czech Republic

Designer: Zbrojovka Brno

Discontinued: 1938

Notes

Also referred to by the Persian solar-calendar designation Model 1314. A shorter carbine variant (the Model 30 / M1310) was produced alongside it. Prized by collectors for high-polish bluing and crisp machining.

Background

The rifles were ordered during Reza Shah's drive to build a modern Iranian army, and their receivers carry a scimitar-wielding lion beneath a sunburst and the Pahlavi crown, making surviving examples instantly recognisable to collectors of contract Mausers.