Scorpion EVO S3: CZ's Modern Pistol-Caliber Carbine

by
posted on December 18, 2021
** 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. **
CZ Scorpion

The first Skorpion vs. 6 pistol rolled out of the Česká zbrojovka factory, located in the Czech Republic, 60 years ago. The blowback-operated, select-fire pistol had a folding wire stock, 4.5" barrel and came with either 10- or 20-round, double-column magazines. The look was lightweight and no-nonsense. Initial chambering was .32 ACP, the sidearm cartridge preferred by the nation’s security forces at the time. The earliest models released in 1961 went to the Czech Army and the nation’s law enforcement.

Other variants appeared throughout the years, but production of the submachine gun ended in 1979. Videogames and the internet were in their infancy then, but as they grew, so too did the Skorpion’s fame. Regular gaming and online appearances of the pistol fueled chatroom discussions about virtual vs. real-world performance, and demand increased for civilian variants.

Once out from Communist rule, Česká zbrojovka—better known as simply CZ to enthusiasts—responded with semi-automatic models. Today Kansas City, Mo., based CZ-USA offers the CZ Scorpion EVO S3 in several colors and even the option of low-capacity magazines for more restrictive regions of the country.

Each are chambered in 9 mm NATO and come with cold-hammer forged, 7.75" barrels wearing a flash suppressor. Open sights ride on an 11" Picatinny rail atop the polymer receiver ship. Double-stack magazine capacity is either 20 or 10 rounds and colors available include black, battleship grey, FDE or green.

Controls on the blowback-operated, semi-automatic pistol are ambidextrous and rails on the sides and bottom of the fore-end make mounting accessories a breeze. The frame is fiber-reinforced polymer and the grip can be adjusted for a more comfortable trigger reach. The manual safety is thumb activated. Weight comes in at 5 lbs. and overall length is 16".  

It no longer wears a stock when shipped from the factory, although pistol braces and other upgrades for the EVO S3 platform are available today. There’s even a full carbine conversion kit offered from CZ-USA. MSRP for a CZ Scorpion EVO S3 is either $995 or $1,025, depending on model.

American Rifleman featured the CZ Scorpion EVO 3 SI pistol as its gun of the week in 2015. Here’s a close look at the version.

Latest

Trend Summer Ending
Trend Summer Ending

Numerous Companies Offering Firearm, Ammo Rebates This Fall

Now that summer 2025 is drawing to a close, we'd like to welcome in the rebate season, and this year's specials are hard to ignore!

Preview: North American Arms Sentinel

The Sentinel from North American Arms combines the aesthetic and .22 WMR chambering of the Pug with the Sidewinder’s frame-mounted swing-out cylinder (to the right side, mind you) and far simpler reloading process.

New For 2025: Chiappa Big Badger

Chiappa's Little Badger has long been a popular, affordable, break-action survival rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Now, the design has been upsized into the Big Badger, available in several centerfire chamberings.

Preview: Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit

The U.S.G.I. canteen and cup are classic pieces of kit due to their efficient design and durable construction, and they are practically updated in the Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit.

Gun Of The Week: Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR

On this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the latest version of one of the most popular bolt-action rifle platforms out there. This is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 29, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.