Printable View
Need help in identifying Czech mauser. Barrel length 22 5/8". Marking on top of receiver is: CS Zavody NA, Vyrobu Zbrani, Brno. No markings on left side of receiver. S/N 19xx M3. Right side of barrel forward of receiver marked E and then a standing lion then the number34. Rear sight is sliding ramp numbered from3 to 20. Front sight does not have slot for sight hood. It is a large ring action with a straight bolt. Bottom of magazine has the letter Z stamped inside of a circle. No import marks.
Without seeing it, just from your discription I would guess it is a Model 24. Model 24's were not only used by the Czech military but were exported.
Model 24, built in 1934 for the Czech Army(?). However, the Czechs built many for export. All of the 7mm's were export, so if it is a 8mm rifle then most likely built for the Czech Army.
Steve, the Czechs did make 8mm rifles for export. They Yugoslav's bought a lot of them, so did the Lithuanians.
With that marking, it should be a VZ-23. The VZ-24 was produced after the factory name was changed to Ceskslovenska Zbrojovka (June, 1924).
I understand the "letter lion number" is the Czech army acceptance stamp (the lion crest on the receiver ring came later).
This would be confirmed if the rifle has only the conventional bottom sling swivels; the VZ-24 had the "combination" swivels, on the side and on the bottom, for both infantry and cavalry.
Jim
I heard that Uruguay has a small pile of 7mm Czech Mausers on/off the market right now. They are trying to work a "Lets make a Deal" and few takers. Don't want to sell them off, but want equipment and money in return. Many 7mm carbines in the lot.
barrel length is rather odd? 24"=VZ24, 18-19"=VZ33. ( give or take fraction of an inch)
Thanks for the info everyone. It is a VZ24. I rechecked the barrel length and it is 23 1/4. Since I don't have a stock it was a little hard to tell what I had.
Many Czech Mausers are 7.92caliber....What's the deal with them?