WEAPONS: CZ EVO 3 S1 - Fierce predator

CZ sets the bar pretty high lately when it comes to robust and reliable weapon designs. Even renowned suppliers of European authorities are starting to sweat. It's not surprising, as who wouldn't break into a sweat in the face of a fierce scorpion? Today on SPARTANAT we present the CZ Scorpion Evo 3 S1, the civilian semi-automatic (pictured above with the CZ P-10C pistol). The video linked in the cover story shows the official CZ Scorpion EVO, which looks the same externally, but of course is a submachine gun.

The Scorpion submachine gun was THE submachine gun of state authorities in almost all Warsaw Pact states during the Cold War. The old Scorpion was especially small, handy, and poisonous. There were deficits in terms of handling and firepower. Overall, however, a classic that has earned respect internationally.

So it is courageous of Czech Weapons to bring the good reputation of the Scorpion in the world of weapons to a new level with a remix.

The first impression of the CZ Scorpion Evo 3 S1 is positive. The design is modern and exudes ballistic potential. The handguard and top of the weapon are equipped with Picatinny rails. Many small features provide the wow factor. Like your animal friend, the Scorpion creates a dangerous and not to be underestimated overall appearance.

Every dangerous animal needs a stately cage. Here, CZ spares no expense, as the carbine comes in a more than well-equipped case with two 20-round magazines in the short weapon version and with plenty of accessories including a MOLLE-compatible cleaning pouch and really high-quality cleaning utensils.

First, let's talk about the external features. The folding stock locks via a side push button like a UMP. The folding mechanism works perfectly, and the folded stock remains locked in place.

The stock back is designed so that reliable casing ejection is ensured even in the folded state. The stock can also be adjusted in length via a push button on the back of the stock cap. This also works perfectly and reliably, but could be a bit less loose.

The original grip of the EVO fits perfectly into the external design of the weapon and is really robust. Those who love and use their EVO extensively will quickly notice a small weak point: the original grip places the hand very high between the thumb and forefinger.

This is initially a real advantage of the design, as it allows the weapon to be excellently controlled even during rapid firing sequences. Unfortunately, the ambidextrous fire selector lever is a nuisance, as in the ready-to-fire position it presses its tip into the shooting finger.

The most ordered aftermarket part is therefore the MAGPUL grip for the EVO. This grip has the geometry of the old SIG P226 service pistol and fits nicely into the design of the Scorpion. Since the hand fork is positioned lower with this grip, there are fewer problems with the fire selector lever. The fire selector lever itself works flawlessly and has a distinct but still smooth detent. HERE you can find more information about the optional MAGPUL parts.

Located directly on the left side in front is a really large but flat bolt catch lever. This can be easily gripped and operated cleanly with or without gloves. When the magazine well is grasped with the second hand, the bolt catch is ergonomically optimally positioned.

Directly below the bolt catch and at the front transition of the trigger guard to the magazine well is the magazine release. This is really well thought out and a real plus compared to the models of competitors. Even with gloves, the solidly designed lever offers a secure grip. It can be easily operated with the shooting finger or simply "brushed over" with the second hand when removing the magazine. The function of the magazine release is optimally integrated into the ergonomics of the magazine change process here, without repositioning, without frills, great feature. It is not worth converting to the MAGPUL alternative.

The magazines themselves leave nothing to be desired. Like with the MP5, they can be conveniently loaded by pressing the cartridges from above. Well executed, there are no sharp edges on the loading edges. All surfaces are round but very solidly designed. The magazines are truly stable. Tests show that impacts, kicks, and cars driving over them still leave an undisturbed magazine.

The follower is white, so when the magazine is empty, a quick glance at the open bolt provides instant confirmation. The magazines can be easily and reliably inserted through a subtly designed magazine funnel, with the magazine audibly and tangibly clicking into place.

Who doesn't know the hand movement when finishing loading the MP5, the famous MP5-Tap. Like many new CZ designs, the Scorpion also incorporates proven details from well-known and appreciated older models. Thus, the non-reciprocating charging handle is operated exactly like the MP5 and can be swung up and held after being pulled back. This proven method, further developed, offers the EVO the option to quickly mount the charging handle on the opposite side.

Im Lieferumfang und bereits vormontiert ist eine offene Visierung aus der Eigenfertigung von CZ. Hinten ist ein drehbar gerastetes Diopter mit unterschiedlichen Durchblickweiten montiert. Vorne ein verstellbares Balkenkorn, jeweils mit schützenden Seitenflanken, passend zum Gesamtdesign.

An der Mündung macht ein futuristisch dezent gehaltener Mündungsfeuerdämpfer auf sich aufmerksam. Dieser ist durch ein Federblech gerastet und auf einem Mündungsgewinde montiert.

Nun zum Innenleben. Am oberen Ende des Magazinschachtes befindet sich der einzige Zerlegepin der EVO.

Wird dieser herausgezogen, kann die Gesamte Abzugsgruppe mit Feuerwahlhebel aus dem Griff herausgezogen werden.

Beim Verschluss handelt es sich um eine konstruktive Verbesserung des simplen aber genialen Verschlussprinzips der von Gotthard (Uziel) Gall entwickelten UZI-Maschinenpistole. Der massive Verschlussblock wirkt als Massenträgheitsbremse bei diesem direkten Gasdrucklader. Ja, Sie lesen richtig, denn mit Rückstoßladern hat dieses Verschlussprinzip nichts zu tun! Vielmehr wird die Patronenhülse bei der Schussentwicklung durch den Gasdruck im Lauf, wie ein Kolben im Zylinder (Patronenlager) nach hinten herausgedrückt. Die Trägheit des schweren Verschlussblockes und der geringe Hebel des Verschlusses gegen die stramm gespannte Hammerfeder sorgen für ausreichende Gegenkraft. Dieses Prinzip ist genial einfach und auch unter widrigen Bedingungen zuverlässig. Einzig bei Geschossvorlagen und Hindernissen im Lauf, führt dieses Prinzip zu einer enormen Überfunktion mit Gasblast in Richtung des Schützen. Mehr zum interessanten Thema der direkten Gasdrucklader ist in Peter Danneckers „Verschlusssysteme von Feuerwaffen“ nachzulesen.

A short-stroke spring rod behind the bolt serves as a locking spring, and the hammer spring of the trigger hammer provides additional support.

The trigger is a pure service weapon trigger. Clear characteristics, decent trigger weight, not really crisp, but still easy to control even with gloves and in the dynamics of shooting. The trigger reset is remarkably short and noticeable, even audible.

We are not talking about a match precision weapon here, but rather a civilian version of a law enforcement weapon. The trigger is exactly as it should be for these attributes.

When shooting, the EVO shows its full potential. With open sights, hitting the eight at 100 m is always achievable. With a scope, shot groups between 30 and 50 mm are reproducible. More than sufficient for a pistol carbine, or in school grades: Very good. The CZ Scorpion Evo 3 S1 is a modern sports carbine that meets all the wishes of demanding gun owners.

Last but not least: here are the technical specs of the device.

However, the CZ Scorpion EVO S1 Carbine is available to civilian shooters as a semi-automatic. In Austria through your trusted firearms dealer and in Germany directly through CSC Arms Division - here in three versions (Carbine, Fake Suppressor, and Pistol), AKAH, or at Frankonia. All technical data about the weapon are available directly on CZ's website.

CSC Arms Division online: armsdivision.eu

CZ online: www.czub.cz

MORE CZ SCORPION EVO 3 on SPARTANAT

– SEMI-AUTOMATIC: THE CZ EVO S1 CARBINE IS HERE

– SEMI-AUTOMATIC: THE CZ SCORPION EVO S1 IN BRIEF

– ON TOUR: VISITING CZ

PARTS:

–  STRIKE PIMPS THE CZ EVO

– THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE THE CZ EVO ATTRACTIVE

– STRIKE PIMPS THE CZ EVO

– MAGPUL FOR YOUR CZ EVO

VIDEOS:

– FIREARMS: MP5 VS CZ SCORPION EVO3

– THE CZ SCORPION EVO3 IN FULL AUTO