Praga Model 1919
Zbrojovka Praga · Pistol · Discontinued · 1919
Also known as: Praga 1919, Pistole Praga vz. 1919, Zbrojovka Praga Model 1919
Overview
The Praga Model 1919 is a simple blowback semi-automatic pistol chambered in .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning), notable as the first domestically designed Czechoslovak pistol following the country's independence after World War I. Designed by Vaclav Holek at the Zbrojovka Praga factory in Prague, it uses a shrouded hammer and features a contained recoil spring and a breechblock that drops free for easy disassembly and maintenance.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 635 g (22.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 165 mm (6.50") |
| Barrel Length | 95 mm (3.74") |
| Height | 108 mm (4.25") |
| Width | 29.1 mm (1.15") |
| Sight Radius | 132 mm (5.20") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 200 J (148 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Automatic, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Shrouded Hammer, Drop Free Breechblock, Internal Extractor, Lanyard Loop
Service history
Operators
- Czechoslovak Army · adopted 1919
- Czechoslovak Police
Production
Estimated total produced: 11,200 · Production years: 1919-1923
The Czechoslovak Army purchased 5,000 in 1919 and a further 4,600 in 1921; roughly 11,200 were produced in total before production ended.
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Designer: Vaclav Holek
Discontinued: 1923
Notes
The pistol earned a poor reputation for inconsistent manufacturing quality; in 1924 some 474 examples were returned for refurbishment. Early production featured script slide legends, later switching to block lettering.
Background
Vaclav Holek joined the Zbrojovka Praga factory in 1918 and introduced the Model 1919 the following year. He would go on to become one of Czechoslovakia's most prolific firearms designers, later contributing to the famous ZB vz. 26 light machine gun and, by extension, the British Bren gun.