vz. 52
Česká zbrojovka · Machine Gun · Discontinued · 1952
Also known as: Sa vz. 52 LMG, vz. 52 light machine gun, Czech ZB vz. 52
Overview
The vz. 52 is a Czechoslovak gas-operated light machine gun adopted in 1952 and chambered for the indigenous 7.62x45mm cartridge. Designed as a squad automatic weapon, it could feed from either a 25-round detachable box magazine or a 50-round non-disintegrating belt, and featured a quick-change barrel and integral bipod. Following Warsaw Pact pressure to standardize on the Soviet 7.62x39mm M43 round, it was rechambered as the vz. 52/57.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 7950 g (280.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1045 mm (41.14") |
| Barrel Length | 583 mm (22.95") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Select Fire |
| Magazine Capacity | 25 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 760 m/s (2493 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2455 J (1811 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 1150 rpm |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x45mm vz. 52 · primary — also known as 7.62x45mm Czech, 7.62 vz. 52
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: 25-Round Detachable Box Magazine, 50-Round Non-Disintegrating Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick-Change Barrel, Bipod, Dual Feed (Box Magazine Or Belt)
Production
Estimated total produced: 8,000 · Production years: 1952-1964
Approximately 8,000 of the vz. 52/57 variant were produced at Zbrojovka Brno between 1962 and 1964; total combined production was limited.
Origin
Country of origin: Czechoslovakia
Discontinued: 1964
Notes
Distinctive dual-feed capability allowed the gunner to switch between box magazine and belt feed. Soviet standardization pressure cut the original 7.62x45mm version short, forcing the 7.62x39mm vz. 52/57 redesign.
Background
The vz. 52 embodied post-war Czechoslovakia's ambition for an independent small-arms ecosystem, pairing a versatile dual-feed light machine gun with the home-grown 7.62x45mm intermediate cartridge. That independence was short-lived: Warsaw Pact logistics demanded the Soviet 7.62x39mm round, and the gun was reborn as the vz. 52/57.