On Tour: Visiting CZ

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Allow us to introduce: CZ. And this time not weapons, as shooters in IPSC appreciate, where CZ is one of the leading pistol manufacturers. Also not hunting weapons that hunters like to take on the prowl. We were "On Tour", paid a visit to the Czech town of Uherský Brod. The weapons factory Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZ) was established there in 1936. Not far for us: the town - incidentally, a discovery, a beautiful spa resort from the time of the monarchy - and the factory are just under three hours' drive in an unfamiliar northeastern direction from the Austrian capital Vienna.

The location of the Česká zbrojovka (CZ) factory resulted from the strategic requirements of the interwar period: as far away from the German border as possible, then deep in Czechoslovakia, today rather on the border between Czechia and Slovakia. A good piece of Central Europe: the name of the town by the way means "Hungarian Bord" in German. But we were not here because of the shared cultural history.

The factory looks from the outside like a modernized but well-preserved 1930s architecture plus typical Eastern European district heating pipes that are led free. However, one should not be deceived by this. The Eastern Bloc is present here, both internally and in spirit, with the use of state-of-the-art machines and the best high-tech. The aim: the Western and global market. And CZ has no need to hide (even if they are shy with interior shots of the factory, like all weapon manufacturers), on the contrary.

The flagship is the CZ BREN 2 assault rifle - developed efficiently from its predecessor CZ 805 BREN S1. The weapon is excellently crafted, of high quality, and has perfect ergonomics, not least thanks to the new push-folding stock. The surface treatment protects the BREN from abrasion and corrosion. The assault rifle is just under 3 kg in weight and 762 to 810 mm long (folded: 577 mm). HERE you can find all the information about CZ assault rifles. 

The modular assault rifle is available with different barrels (hammer-forged) - 8, 11, and 14 inches. Thanks to the interchangeable magazine well, M4 magazines can also be used. In its second generation, the weapon is completely ambidextrous, with the option of the bolt-release being operated either by a side lever in AR-15 style or by a lever in front of the trigger guard. The switchable charging handle remains stationary during firing, the pistol grip has interchangeable backstraps to fit perfectly in either hand, and an internal compartment for batteries or other small parts.

The name BREN obviously rings a bell for weapons connoisseurs: it is intended to remind of the eponymous British light machine gun from World War II. Its name is based on the initials of the two places Brno (Eng. Brno, Czechoslovakia) and Enfield. Brno, where the original model, the ZB vz. 26, was manufactured. The Bren machine gun was produced under license by the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield and later also in the Small Arms Factory in Lithgow, NSW, Australia, replacing the outdated Lewis MG. But that is another story...

The charm here is that a variety of calibers are possible. Since the Czech Republic is oriented towards the West, 5.56 x 45 NATO is also standard here. The labeling of the magazines is interesting: it shows that CZ is indeed considering the popular 300 AAC Blackout caliber to give the weapon more "punch."

But why venture so far when the good is so near and so affordable: 7.62 x 39 is the traditional Kalashnikov caliber. A readily available, inexpensive cartridge that has not been abandoned by CZ.

The CZ BREN 2 is also available in the Kalashnikov caliber 7.62 x 39mm. Note the beautifully curved magazine, as in an AK47 or AKM. The BREN 2 in NATO caliber is the standard weapon of the Czech army and is also being introduced in Hungary.

The French police special forces, Groupe d'Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN), have chosen the BREN 2 in 7.62 x 39 for their use: they have introduced this weapon and are a pioneer for CZ weapons in law enforcement in Western Europe. The choice of caliber is crucial: terrorists use Kalashnikovs, according to experience. The caliber of the CZ BREN 2 ensures weapon equality. All information about the CZ BREN 2 in the Kalashnikov caliber 7.62 x 39mm and with a 14" barrel is available HERE.

Also at the shooting range: the CZ Skorpion Evo 3 S1. The submachine gun proves to be a highly accurate, self-loading carbine with a 9x19 caliber. Due to its low weight, excellent ergonomics, extreme reliability under all conditions, and exceptionally fast loading, it is the ideal weapon for the high demands of armed units and a very modern competitor to the aging MP5, which is still in use by some police units. The CZ Skorpion Evo 3 S1 in full auto. 

At CZ, they are very proud of their own (weapon) history, hence the name of the Evo is no coincidence: the model is based on the Skorpion submachine gun, which was produced in various versions and very successfully since 1963. All information about the CZ Skorpion Evo 3 S1 is available HERE. 

While we are on the topic of history: the VZ58, as the Czechoslovak standard assault rifle, is also an essential part of the history of CZ.

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