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

BATFE Report Dissects
BATFE Report Dissects

ATF Report Highlights Trends In NFA Sales, Manufacturing Numbers & More

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recently released a 61 page “Firearm Commerce Updates and New Analysis” report. Figures included are up to and including 2023, the latest available.

Preview: Bastinelli R.E.D. Fixed Stone Washed

Designed for operators in the French National Police’s elite RAID tactical unit, the Bastinelli R.E.D. Fixed Stone Washed knife is also eminently useful for everyday carry ...

Mossberg Introduces SPX & Professional Models To 940 Pro Tactical Line

Mossberg has expanded its popular 940 Pro Tactical shotgun line with SPX and Professional models, with each adding a slate of upgraded components and accessories designed to enhance the shotgun's capabilities.

Preview: Streamlight Sidewinder X

This high-output, multi-fuel, military-style light with a tilting head is perfect for hunters and home defenders looking for more than just a handheld light...

The Armed Citizen® July 4, 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.

A Guide To Double-Stack 1911s

The 2011 brings double-stack capacity and modular upgrades to the 1911 platform, but not every wide-body 1911 out there earns that name.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.