I just snagged a VZ 52 in the original caliber of 7.62x39. Gun appears new and is all matching. Is there any reliable information as to how many were made in this caliber, as opposed to the more frequently seen 7.62 x 45??
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I just snagged a VZ 52 in the original caliber of 7.62x39. Gun appears new and is all matching. Is there any reliable information as to how many were made in this caliber, as opposed to the more frequently seen 7.62 x 45??
To be 7.62x39. The rifle should be marked "52/57". These supposedly came from Greneda. I got mine in the blister pack. Quantity around 500. Czech made Walther design. Gary
Nice grab! Love to see some pics.
I'd like to get a VZ 52/57 in 7.62x39 myself, because stocks of the original caliber 7.62x45 are poor quality, corrosive and expensive. The Czechs always marched to a different beat in the Warsaw Pact weapons standardization. When they could have used the Soviet designs, they chose to engineer their own small arms in different calibers.
Century imported a lot of the VZ 52's and many are pretty beat down, and others have the 'truck bed' coating on the stocks. I believe some VZ 52's have been converted to fire the 7.62x39 round by gluing an unsert into the chamber. I'm not sure how well those work.
Yes, the rifle is marked as 52/57 Included were some spare magazines, cleaning kit and sling. Condition is new, not even a little cosmo and looks unused. Only 500 made is incredible. I have no experience with any of the Com Bloc stuff, but shoot a Finn rebuilt Moisin, which is different and enjoyable. Many thanks to all who shared their expertise.
My statement of 500 was a bit presumptive. I meant 500 from Greneda. Not total production. However, I have seen none from other sources. Red faced Gary.
No harm done on the estimate. It is the best conditioned SHE I have seen and if they made 500 0r 5,000,000 it is a pleasure to behold Thanks again.