ZB vz. 37
Zbrojovka Brno · Machine Gun · Out Of Production · 1937
Also known as: ZB-53, Besa, TK vz. 37, MG 37(t)
Overview
The ZB vz. 37 (factory designation ZB-53) is a Czechoslovak gas-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed heavy machine gun developed at Zbrojovka Brno and adopted by the Czechoslovak Army in 1937. Chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser, it fed from 100- or 200-round metal-link belts and incorporated a selectable dual rate-of-fire mechanism, allowing a lower cyclic rate for long-range area fire and a higher rate for close defence. A quick-change barrel managed heat during sustained fire. Robust and reliable, it equipped infantry on a heavy tripod as well as fortifications and armoured vehicles, and was widely exported. After the German occupation of Czechoslovakia it was taken into Wehrmacht service as the MG 37(t), and the British Army adopted a license-built derivative as the Besa, retaining the 7.92mm chambering for use in tanks and armoured cars throughout the Second World War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 18600 g (656.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1105 mm (43.50") |
| Barrel Length | 678 mm (26.69") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 200 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 792 m/s (2598 fps) |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.92x57mm Mauser · primary — also known as 8mm Mauser, 8x57mm IS, 7.92mm Mauser
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Metal Link Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Air Cooled, Quick Change Barrel, Dual Rate Of Fire Selector, Belt Fed, Tripod Mounted
Variants
- ZB vz. 37UV — Vehicle Mounted
- ZB vz. 37O — Fortification
- BESA — Licensed
Service history
Operators
- Czechoslovak Army · adopted 1937 · as TK vz. 37
- British Armed Forces · adopted 1939 · as BESA
- Nazi Germany · adopted 1939 · as MG 37(t)
- Romanian Army
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1936-1960s
Produced at Zbrojovka Brno from the mid-1930s; the British Besa derivative was produced under license by BSA, with over 60,000 units reported built in the United Kingdom.
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Designer: Václav Holek
Notes
The British Besa, manufactured by Birmingham Small Arms (BSA), was an almost direct derivative retaining the German 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge rather than the standard British .303; this unusual choice let crews use captured German ammunition and avoided redesigning the gun. The Mk2 Besa (1940) introduced the selectable high/low rate of fire. Sources differ on weight (about 18.6 kg per militaryfactory; ~19-21 kg elsewhere) and barrel length (678-740 mm).
Background
When Britain license-built the Czech ZB-53 as the Besa, it kept the original 7.92mm Mauser chambering rather than reworking the gun for the British .303 round - a rare instance of a major power adopting an 'enemy' calibre, which conveniently allowed British tank crews to fire captured German ammunition.