UK vz. 59
Zbrojovka Vsetin · Machine Gun · In Production · 1959
Also known as: Univerzalni kulomet vzor 59, ZB vz. 59, UK 59
Overview
The UK vz. 59 (Univerzalni kulomet vzor 59) is a Czechoslovak general-purpose machine gun chambered in 7.62x54mmR. Introduced in 1959 as a replacement for the vz. 52, it is gas-operated, fires from an open bolt via a tilting breechblock, and feeds from non-disintegrating open-pocket steel belts of 50 rounds that can be linked into longer belts up to 250 rounds. Quick-change barrels let it serve in a light role with a bipod (UK vz. 59 L) or a sustained-fire role on a tripod, and it can mount a 4x optical sight. A NATO-chambered export version (UK vz. 68) was produced in 7.62x51mm NATO.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 9600 g (338.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1220 mm (48.03") |
| Barrel Length | 694 mm (27.32") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 50 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 830 m/s (2723 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3300 J (2434 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3000 m (3281 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x54mmR · primary — also known as 7.62x54R, 7.62 Russian, 7.62mm Mosin
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Gas Regulator, Bipod, Tripod Compatible, Conical Flash Hider, Carrying Handle, Optical Sight Mount
Variants
- UK vz. 59 L — Lightweight
- UK vz. 68 — Nato Chambering
Service history
Operators
- Czechoslovak Armed Forces · adopted 1959
- Army of the Czech Republic · adopted 1993
- Slovak Armed Forces · adopted 1993
Conflicts
- Cold War (1959-1991)
- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)
Production
Production years: 1959-present
Produced by Zbrojovka Vsetin in Czechoslovakia; remains in production and service with the Czech and Slovak armies
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Designer: Zbrojovka Vsetin
Notes
The vehicle-mounted variant is designated UK vz. 59 T. The standard infantry gun uses a heavy barrel (694 mm) with the tripod, while the UK vz. 59 L uses a lighter 591 mm barrel with a bipod. It remains in service with the Czech and Slovak armed forces and has been widely exported.
Background
Developed at Zbrojovka Vsetin to replace the troubled vz. 52 machine gun, the UK vz. 59 followed the universal/general-purpose machine gun concept pioneered by the German MG 42, providing a single weapon that could switch between a light bipod-mounted role and a sustained-fire tripod role by swapping barrels and mounts.