Sa vz. 25
Česká zbrojovka · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1948
Also known as: Sa 25, Sa vz. 48b, Samopal vzor 48 boční
Overview
The Sa vz. 25 (also known as Sa 25 or Sa vz. 48b) is a Czechoslovak submachine gun designed by Jaroslav Holeček and adopted by the Czechoslovak People's Army in 1948. It is the folding-stock variant of the wood-stocked Sa vz. 23, both chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. The vz. 25 is historically significant as the first widely-issued submachine gun to combine two innovations that would later define the genre: a wrap-around telescoping bolt that surrounds and extends past the barrel, and a magazine well located inside the pistol grip. These features dramatically shortened the receiver and overall length while preserving barrel length - a design philosophy that directly inspired Uziel Gal's later Uzi submachine gun (1954).
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3270 g (115.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 685 mm (26.97") |
| Folded Length | 445 mm (17.52") |
| Barrel Length | 284 mm (11.18") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 24 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 381 m/s (1250 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 538 J (397 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
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, Open Bolt Safety Disconnector, Progressive Trigger
- Features: Telescoping Bolt, Wrap Around Bolt, Open Bolt Operation, Folding Metal Stock, In Grip Magazine Well, Progressive Trigger
Variants
- Sa vz. 23 (wood stock, 9mm) — Stock
- Sa vz. 24 (wood stock, 7.62 Tokarev) — Caliber
- Sa vz. 26 (folding stock, 7.62 Tokarev) — Caliber
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Czechoslovak People's Army · adopted 1948 · as Sa vz. 48b
- Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces
- Syrian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Cold War (1947-1991)
- Cuban Revolution (1953-1959)
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Production
Production years: 1948-1968
Replaced in Czechoslovak service by the Sa vz. 61 Škorpion machine pistol and the vz. 58 assault rifle
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Designer: Jaroslav Holeček
Discontinued: 1968
Notes
Often referenced as the technological ancestor of the Uzi due to its telescoping bolt and grip-mounted magazine. The two-stage progressive trigger fires semi-auto when partially pressed and full-auto when fully depressed, eliminating the need for a separate selector switch. Magazines were available in 24- and 40-round capacities.
Background
When Uziel Gal sat down in 1951 to design what would become the Uzi, the Sa vz. 25 was already in Czechoslovak service - and Gal openly drew on its two key innovations: the wrap-around bolt that telescopes over the barrel, and the magazine well placed inside the pistol grip. The Czechoslovak gun got there first by six years, but it was the Israeli copy that became a household name.