Skorpion vz. 61
Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1961
Also known as: Sa vz. 61, Samopal vzor 61, Scorpion
Overview
The Škorpion vz. 61 is a Czechoslovak select-fire submachine gun, often classified as a machine pistol owing to its compact dimensions. Designed by Miroslav Rybář and adopted in 1961, it fires the .32 ACP cartridge from a simple blowback, closed-bolt action and uses a wraparound telescoping bolt to keep overall length short. A built-in rate-reducing mechanism in the pistol grip lowers the cyclic rate to a controllable level, and a folding wire stock allows shoulder firing. It was issued to security forces, vehicle crews, and special units, and was widely exported and copied abroad.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1300 g (45.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1590 g (56.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 517 mm (20.35") |
| Folded Length | 270 mm (10.63") |
| Barrel Length | 115 mm (4.53") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 320 m/s (1050 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 242 J (178 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Auto, 7.65x17mm Browning, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Rate Reducer
- Features: Folding Stock, Telescoping Bolt, Wraparound Bolt, Rate Of Fire Reducer, Select Fire
Variants
- Škorpion vz. 64 — Caliber Conversion
- Škorpion vz. 65 — Caliber Conversion
- Škorpion vz. 68 — Caliber Conversion
Service history
Operators
- Czechoslovak Armed Forces · adopted 1961 · as Sa vz. 61
- Yugoslav People's Army · as M84
- Egyptian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Estimated total produced: 210,000 · Production years: 1961-1979
Manufactured by Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod; licensed production as the M84 in Yugoslavia
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Designer: Miroslav Rybář
Notes
The vz. 64, vz. 65 and vz. 68 variants rechambered the weapon for .380 ACP, 9x18mm Makarov and 9x19mm Parabellum respectively, primarily for export. Yugoslavia produced a licensed copy as the M84.
Background
Small enough to be carried in a pistol holster yet capable of fully automatic fire, the Škorpion became a favoured weapon of bodyguards, tank crews, and clandestine operatives, and gained notoriety through its use by European terrorist groups such as the Red Brigades in the 1970s and 1980s.