Although automatic weapons (directly machine guns and machine guns) took the lead, since the times of the Second World War, machine guns remained in the ranks. It may seem that in the 40s they did not exist as a class, but the legendary Soviet "PCA" and the German "Schmeiser" (MP-40, which in fact did not come up with Schmeiser, but Volmer) was nothing but pistols- machine guns.
The use of submachine guns (PP) during the Second World War
Despite the confidence of ordinary people, submachine guns were not as effective as it seems in military films about the Second World War. Their tactical and technical potential is not intended for firing at long distances, so they were weapons:
- Officers;
- Tank crews;
- Artillerymen;
- Scouts and other units, except infantry.
Marines armed with machine guns simply would not have reached the enemy, since PP was not intended for long distance combat.
Looking at the modern models of PP, it is hard to believe that they are relatives of the legendary military models of weapons, but it was in the first two post-war decades that machine pistols acquired the usual dimensions for us.
Submachine gun "Scorpion" - the birth of a legend
Although after the appearance of machine guns, submachine guns (with their current dimensions) were out of work in the army, the compact weapons capable of firing pistol bullets were needed by the police and various special groups, who often had to fight in a limited space. For such operations, the automatic weapon should have been compact, and the ammunition, large in power, was not needed. The armourers of many countries began to create more compact models on the basis of military software, the characteristics of which should correspond to the new tasks.
Although Czechoslovakia has always been famous as a country where they produce excellent weapons, submachine guns with compact dimensions appeared there rather late. This is explained by the fact that initially the designers went the wrong way (although they tried to create the most compact model), trying to make a submachine gun based on an ordinary pistol.
Not only did the designers try to create a PP on the base of the gun, they also chose an extremely unusual model for this - the CZ52. This gun was different:
- Custom design, which had a large number of parts;
- General insecurity and "capriciousness";
- Had a very fragile drummer.
Most likely, this gun was chosen as a "donor" for its power and high accuracy of fire.
Despite several years of fruitless attempts, the idea turned out to be a failure, since the prototype very quickly fell into disrepair due to the high rate of fire, and it turned out to be unjustifiably expensive and unreliable. This project was considered unsuccessful, and the disgraced gunsmiths put all their efforts into creating a new model, which was the Scorpion submachine gun.
Submachine gun "Scorpion Vz.61"
Having created a new model of a submachine gun in a short time, the Czech masters once again confirmed that the weapons school in the country was at the highest level. Although this model "Scorpion" for over 50 years, it can be easily taken for a more modern development.
All elements of the design of the submachine gun are so well thought out that firing and carrying this weapon does not give the owner any inconvenience. The design was developed for use in cold climates, so all switches and fuses PP is large enough, which allows you to switch them even in thick winter gloves.
The PP "Scorpion" is made very ergonomically, when worn, no part of the gun clings to clothes or equipment (even when wearing wearing). Although the shutter handles protrude slightly outwards (on both sides of the PP), this does not interfere at all when worn. After several trainings with this weapon, you get used to this feature, and it does not cause inconvenience.
PP "Scorpion" has a convenient switch of fire modes and setting the weapon on the fuse, which is located above the handle of the weapon. You can easily reach him with your thumb, which holds the weapon. This makes it possible to instantly remove the weapon from the fuse or switch to automatic fire mode.
The aiming device in this model is the simplest (front and rear sight), however, there are very rare modifications with an optical sight. Although the use of such sights is not justified on light pistols, machine guns, which are often designed for hidden carrying and firing at close distances.
The variety of different modifications of the machine gun "Scorpion"
For PP "Scorpio" was developed many modifications of butts, ranging from stationary from a tree, ending with various folding options. In addition, there was the possibility of attaching an additional handle, to hold the submachine gun with two hands.
Since the change of the caliber of cartridges throughout the world brought to the world arena new models of small arms or upgraded models of the old, the designers of the software "Scorpion" also had to modernize their development. In contrast to the same Kalashnikov assault rifle, the design of the Czech submachine gun was quite perfect, so weapon upgrades consisted only in changing the caliber. Throughout the years of release, the caliber of the PP Scorpion varied from 7.65 × 17 to 9x19. In one case, this was due to the adoption of a new caliber, in others - the need for these weapons to enter the world market.
Minimal improvements were due to the fact that the design of the submachine gun successfully resolved the issue of reducing the rate of fire. PP "Scorpio" is equipped with a special shutter catcher in the form of a simple hook. You can often hear the opinion that the work of the catcher significantly reduces the accuracy of shooting, but the minimum weight of the bolt and moving parts in the pistol handle does not create deflections of the weapon when shooting (especially the maximum shooting distance for weapons of this type is 150-200 meters).
Submachine gun "Scorpion" model Vz.61
This PP model is closest to modern models of submachine guns. It was in her that the designers managed to embody the ideas of compactness and minimal weight. Shooting from this weapon can be conducted with one or two hands, which shows how compact the model turned out. Although from the point of view of modern submachine guns of the Vz.61 model, the shot power is not enough, but further upgrades, in which the caliber and type of cartridges used were changed, increased the combat effectiveness.
Very often, various terrorists used this submachine gun, which brought him public fame. Although this glory is rather dubious, this suggests that the model is quite trouble-free.
Currently, any citizen of Russia who has a license for a traumatic weapon can join the legendary model of a Czech submachine gun. Several years ago, PP "Scorpion" was brought to the gun shops under a traumatic cartridge. This model does not have the ability to conduct automatic fire and will be of interest only to collectors or fans of this brand. The use of software "Scorpion" for self-defense is not recommended (as well as the hunting version of the PCA).
Submachine gun Scorpion, TTX
The specifications of the scorpion submachine gun are as follows:
- The length of the PP is 517 mm with the butt unfolded and 270 if the butt is folded;
- The length of the trunk is 115 mm;
- Weight without a store is 1.28 kilograms;
- Shops are of two types, 10 and 20 rounds;
- Cartridges are several calibers, depending on the modification of the weapon (from 7.65 to 9.17);
- The rate of fire is 850 shots per minute;
- The effectiveness of the shot is guaranteed at a distance of about 25 meters.
As can be seen from the characteristics, the scorpion submachine gun is not much inferior to modern PP models.
New submachine gun "Scorpion EVO 3"
The end of the 90s is a landmark for the Scorpion software model. It was during these years that the Scorpio trademark was officially registered by the Czech company Česká zbrojevka (CZ). The new submachine gun "Scorpion EVO 3" was born in 2009, although its development began in 2001 by a group of enthusiasts.
Since the idea of replacing the software "Scorpion" with a more modern model has long been in the air, a group of enthusiasts began to develop a new model of software of their design. The prototype was named "LAUGO LTG-1". It is noteworthy that one of the developers was Jan Lucanschi, who was a military specialist and participated in the Balkan conflict. During the fighting, he was able to try not only modern weapons, but also weapons of the Second World War, which was abundantly used by local residents.
Already the first model of the prototype attracted attention, but the designers did not have the finances for further development. In 2004, the designers of "CZ" became interested in this development, but at that time it did not meet the standards necessary for military weapons.
However, the interest of such a well-known company gave new strength to the Slovak gunsmiths, and they accelerated the work on improvements of the prototype. The Slovak concern "ZVS" helped compatriots to finish the prototype, and in 2005 it was presented to the public under the name LAUGO M6 at a specialized exhibition in the city of Brno.
It was originally planned to release several models of submachine guns, both for military and police needs, and for civilians who are unable to conduct automatic fire. In 2007, a contract was signed between the company Česká zbroevka and a group of Slovak designers. The new software was already ready at 60 percent and the power of the company "CZ" helped to complete the five-year development of the submachine gun. Czech designers finalized the store, and USM. Also at an accelerated pace was created version chambered for .40 S & W.
All enthusiastic designers were enrolled in the staff of the Czech Zbroevka and were responsible for the refinement and modernization of the new software.
In the Czech Republic, there is a long tradition to consult when developing weapons with a potential customer, therefore representatives of the army and the police took part in finalizing the new Scorpion. Designers "CZ" carefully listened to all the comments and finalized the model according to the wishes of customers (they are mainly related to ergonomic issues).
The presentation of the new submachine gun was held in 2009, where he received the name "СZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1". Thus, this model PP became the official receiver of the legendary "Scorpion". The designation EVO 3 shows that this is the third generation of software "Scorpion". Index "A1" denotes the first model with automatic firing. For the civilian market, there is a model with an "S" index, shooting single shots.
Submachine gun "Scorpion" has experienced its peak of popularity in the 60-90s. Thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts, he was able to survive the rebirth and is now used in the Czech police and army.
