Sa vz. 23
Ceska Zbrojovka Uhersky Brod · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1948
Also known as: Sa 23, Sa vz. 48a, vz. 48a, CZ Model 23
Overview
The Sa vz. 23 is a Czechoslovak blowback-operated, open-bolt submachine gun introduced in 1948. Designed by Jaroslav Holecek at Ceska Zbrojovka Uhersky Brod, it was the first production submachine gun to feature a telescoping (wrap-around) bolt that extends forward past the breech end of the barrel, dramatically shortening the weapon while keeping a full-length barrel. The magazine feeds through the pistol grip, an innovative layout that placed the cartridges over the trigger group. Chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum with a fixed wooden stock, the Sa vz. 23 directly inspired the layout of the later Israeli Uzi.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3500 g (123.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 686 mm (27.01") |
| Barrel Length | 284 mm (11.18") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Select Fire |
| Magazine Capacity | 40 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 381 m/s (1250 fps) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic, Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Telescoping Bolt, Magazine In Pistol Grip, Open Bolt Operation, Select Fire
Variants
Service history
Operators
- Czechoslovak Armed Forces · adopted 1948 · as Sa vz. 48a
- Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces
- Syrian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Cuban Revolution (1953-1959)
- Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961)
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Production
Production years: 1948-1951
Declared obsolete in Czechoslovak service in 1968; many 9mm weapons were subsequently exported and sold around the world.
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Designer: Jaroslav Holecek
Discontinued: 1968
Notes
The Sa vz. 23 series comprised four closely related weapons: the Sa 23 (fixed wood stock, 9mm), Sa 24 (fixed stock, 7.62x25mm Tokarev), Sa 25 (folding metal stock, 9mm) and Sa 26 (folding stock, 7.62x25mm Tokarev). The 7.62mm variants were adopted after Czechoslovakia joined the Warsaw Pact to standardize on Soviet pistol ammunition.
Background
The Sa vz. 23's wrap-around telescoping bolt and magazine-in-grip layout were a genuine breakthrough in compact submachine gun design, and a young Israeli officer named Uziel Gal studied the Czech weapon closely before producing the Uzi, which adopted the same two defining features.