I Have This Old Gun: Czech Skorpion Pistol

American Rifleman Staff

posted on August 3, 2018

Videos News ARTV Handguns Semi-Auto Handguns Historical Handguns I Have This Old Gun

Support NRA American Rifleman DONATE

** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The Skorpion Machine Pistol was invented by Miroslav Rybář as his graduate thesis for the Czech Military Training Institute, and it has changed very little from its original design. The gun was adopted by Czech security forces in 1961 and saw service until 1979. Also known as the Vz 61, it is chambered in .32 ACP and feeds from detachable box magazines, is equipped with a folding buttstock and could be fired semi-automatic or fully-automatic. The Vz 61 Skorpion is not legal in the United States due to the National Firearms Act and import bans, however, they are gaining popularity in the U.S. with a version on the market that is a fully-legal semi-automatic-only pistol. For more on the Czech Skorpion Pistol, watch this "I Have This Old Gun" segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.

Latest

The Fire Control Sequence: 3 Steps to Perfect Round Placement

If you want to hit your target, you need three things: a gun, a target and a method by which to hit that target with that gun. Shooting well is the result of a specific process.

News, Tips & Techniques

Why Does the .44 Special Keep Hanging On?

What is it about the .44 Special cartridge that makes it, well, special?

News, Ammunition

CAA USA Under New Ownership, Consolidation of Manufacturing

CAA USA has been acquired by Plastimold Products, owners of META Tactical, unifying all three brands and their manufacturing capabilities.

News

A "Shot Heard 'Round the World" Rings Out in Karnes County

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, communities across the nation are reflecting on the people and principles that have preserved our freedoms for generations. On Saturday, June 27, the Karnes County Friends of NRA did exactly that.

News

Behind Winchester's New Supreme Long Range Ammunition

For 2026, Winchester Ammunition took a big step forward in its ammo offerings with Supreme Long Range. Unlike previous offerings from the company, this purpose-built long-range hunting and shooting line required the company to invest in an entirely new projectile design: the BC Max bullet.

News, ARTV

New For 2026: Magnum Research Suppressor-Ready Desert Eagle .50

With the growing popularity of suppressors, Magnum Research is bringing its iconic .50-caliber Desert Eagle pistol up to date with a suppressor-ready, threaded-barrel version.

News, Guns