CZ 50 / VZ 50

The vz. 50 or vzor 50(also commonly known as the CZ 50) is a Czech Republic semi-automatic pistol. Vz. 50 moniker is an abbreviated form of the more official Czech "vzor 50" name (model 50).

By: GlockMan Posted: July 18, 2007 Filed under: Pistols, CZ, .32 ACP, 8, Czech Republic, Magazine, Semi-Automatic

Design

After the Second World War the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic requested a new pistol designed from Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod. The resulting pistol chambered in the .32 ACP was designed by two brothers Jan and Jaroslav Kratchovíl and closely copied from the the popular Walther PP and PPK designs.

Manufacture

CZ 50 or Vz. 50s were primarily sold commercially but most were produced for various police agencies under the strict control of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic. Vz 50s were manufactured and produced initially at Strakonice in the Czech Republic and later at Uherský Brod. The pistol ended manufacture in 1970.

Markings

Serial numbers

Serial numbers start at 650001, continuing from the discontinued vz. 27 serial number range. Pistols manufactured at the Strakonice factory end in the 740000 range. Pistols manufactured at Uhersky Brod have 5 digit serial numbers preceded by a letter (which can change in the middle of a serial number series).

Date stamp

The last two digits of the year of manufacture are stamped on the left rear of the slide next to the proof stamp (a lion superimposed on an "N").

Government property stamp

Many Vz 50s bear the crossed sword government property stamp.