Sa vz.61 Scorpion

   The Samopal vz.61 Scorpion submachine gun was developed in Czechoslovakia in the late 1950s by Miroslav Rybar. Initially it was intended for the reconnaissance units, special forces, staff officers and non-frontline units as a personal defense weapon. First prototypes were completed in 1959 and it was adopted to service with Czechoslovakian military in 1961. This submachine gun was widely exported. It was produced under license in Yugoslavia. A total of 210 000 of these SMGs were manufactured. Currently it is in service with a number of countries.

   It is a blowback operated, selective fire weapon. It has an original fire rate reduction mechanism. The original vz.61 Scorpion is chambered for the 7.65 x 17 mm Browning (.32 ACP) ammunition. From today's point of view this caliber is considered to be insufficient, however at that time it was a standard cartridge for many service pistols. Also it is worth mentioning that the vz.61 was smaller and lighter than most contemporary designs. This compact SMG can be easily fired single-handedly, however it's effective range of fire is only about 50 meters. The Scorpion proved to be a reliable weapon.

   A safety / fire mode selector switch is located above the pistol grip. It permits single shots and automatic fire. Cocking handle is made in the form of dual sliders. These are located on both sides of the receiver. However it is uncomfortable to charge this submachine gun with gloves.

   The original vz.61 Scorpion was fed from 10- or 20-round magazines, however magazine capacity varies depending on version and caliber.

   The Sa vz.61 Scorpion has adjustable open-type iron sights. This submachine gun comes with a folding shoulder stock, made from steel wire. The Scorpion SMG is compatible with silencer and laser pointer. It is worth mentioning that the 7.65 x 17 mm cartridge could be easily silenced.

Variants

   vz.68 Scorpion, a version produced for infantry use. It is chambered for 9 x 19 mm ammunition and has a fixed wooden stock;

   vz.82 Scorpion, chambered for a more powerful Soviet 9 x 18 mm ammunition. This version has an extended barrel;

   vz.83 Scorpion, chambered for 9 x 17 mm (.380 ACP) ammunition;

   Sa 361, chambered for 9 x 19 mm ammunition. It is the last version, produced in the early 1990s;

   vz.91 a semi-automatic only civilian version, chambered in 9 x 19 mm.