Skorpion vz.65
Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1965
Also known as: Škorpion vz.65, Sa vz.65, Skorpion Model 65
Overview
The Skorpion vz.65 is a Czechoslovak select-fire machine pistol, a compact submachine gun developed as a 9x18mm Makarov variant within the Škorpion family designed by Miroslav Rybář. Like the original vz.61, it uses a simple blowback action with a wire folding stock and an in-grip rate-reducing mechanism that tames its high cyclic rate for controllable bursts. Small enough to be carried in a holster, it was intended for security personnel, special forces, and vehicle crews needing more firepower than a pistol in a pocket-sized package. Only limited numbers of the 9x18mm variant were built as the vz.61 in .32 ACP remained the dominant production model.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1280 g (45.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1440 g (50.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 517 mm (20.35") |
| Folded Length | 270 mm (10.63") |
| Barrel Length | 113 mm (4.45") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 320 m/s (1050 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 312 J (230 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 900 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x18mm Makarov · primary — also known as 9mm Makarov, 9x18 PM, 9x18mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Folding Stock, Rate Reducer, Select Fire, Compact
Base model
Production
Production years: 1965-1970s
Limited production; the .32 ACP vz.61 was the mass-produced Škorpion variant.
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Designer: Miroslav Rybář
Notes
The vz.65 is the 9x18mm Makarov member of the vz.61/vz.64/vz.65/vz.68 caliber family; it saw only limited production. The later Soviet-cartridge redesign for the Czechoslovak army was adopted as the vz.82.
Background
The Škorpion was conceived to give police, security troops, and non-frontline soldiers a weapon that bridged the gap between a pistol and a full submachine gun, small enough to fire one-handed yet capable of automatic fire.