Asymmetrical Czech rifle ZH-29

Type of semi-automatic rifle

ZH-29

was a semi-automatic rifle developed in Czechoslovakia in the late 1920s, and used by the Chinese National Revolutionary Army. [1] The ZH-29 was one of the first successful self-loading rifles in service.

Review[edit]

The ZH-29 is a gas-powered service rifle with a bolt-action locking system similar to that later used in the Sturmgewehr 44; While the German gun's breech tilts vertically, the ZH-29's breech tilts to the left. Externally, the most distinctive feature is that the barrel is offset at a slight angle to the receiver to compensate for this. [2] It is also unusual that the rifle uses an aluminum barrel shroud.

The upgraded version was designated ZH-32. [3]

In China, Chiang Tso-lin's army received 150 ZH-29 and 100 ZH-32. Guangdong Provincial Forces also received 33 ZH-32s. A derivative prototype was built in 1932 in Shenyang. It is unlikely that these guns saw action during the Sino-Japanese War. [3]

A version chambered in .276 Pedersen was submitted for testing to the US Army, but was unsuccessful. [4]

Kholek Rifle

The Golek system self-loading rifle operates on the principle of removing the energy of powder gases through a transverse hole in the barrel wall. Locking the barrel is achieved by tilting the bolt to the left, behind a cutout in the wall of the receiver. To adjust the amount of exhaust gases depending on the shooting conditions, a gas regulator is inserted into the gas chamber. The gas exhaust system and sighting devices have an unusual location - they are slightly shifted to the right. ZH-29 rifles were produced in both self-loading and automatic versions, with the ability to fire in bursts.

The impact and trigger mechanisms are assembled in the trigger box. Trigger-type impact mechanism. The trigger mechanism is designed for firing single shots. The rifle has a flag-type safety; the trigger is blocked when the flag is in the forward position.

The rifle is fired with 7.92 mm Mauser rifle cartridges. An attached box magazine for 5 or 10 rounds (in the version with the possibility of automatic fire, magazines for 20 rounds from the ZB-26 machine gun were used). Magazines could also be filled from clips directly on the rifle, with the bolt open. In this case, the clip with cartridges is inserted from above into special grooves of the receiver. The mechanism was equipped with a bolt stop that stopped the bolt in the open position after all the cartridges in the magazine had been used up. The shutter stop was turned off by pressing the trigger; subsequent pressing of it led to a shot.

To improve the cooling conditions of the barrel during shooting, a special part was introduced into the design of the rifle - a ribbed radiator made of aluminum, located on the barrel in front of the forend.

The rifle's sector sight provides targeted shooting at a distance of up to 1400 m. Its feature is the presence of a movable sighting bar. When checking the aiming line and introducing lateral corrections, the mane can be moved in both directions using a micrometer screw.

For hand-to-hand combat, the ZH-29 rifle was equipped with a detachable blade bayonet.

They did not have a significant impact on the course of hostilities, but the design solutions contained in them were used by gunsmiths of other countries when creating models of small arms. In particular, the hammer and trigger mechanisms of the German MP43 have much in common with the ZH-29 mechanisms.

Links[edit]

1. https://survincity.com/2012/08/czechosaught-rifle-semi-automatic-type-zh-29/
2. https://www.forgottenweapons.com/early-semiauto-rifles/czech-zh29-rifle/
3. ^ a b Ness, Leland; Shi, Bin (July 2016). Kangzhang: A Handbook of China's Ground Forces 1937–45. Helion and Company. p. 254. ISBN 9781910294420.
4. Springfield Armory page on ZH-29 (SPAR item 3633) quoting from Walter, John. RIFLES OF THE WORLD. 3rd edition. Krause Publications. Iola, Wi. 2006
5. Shi, Bin (2018). Small arms of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)
   .
6. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic; Jimma University; Addis Ababa University; University of West Bohemia; Embassy of the Czech Republic in Addis Ababa. "The 20th Century Revisited: Relations between the Former Czechoslovakia and Ethiopia" (PDF).
7. ↑
   Ian McCollum (August 15, 2016). "Japanese copy of Tokyo Gas & Electric's ZH-29". Retrieved March 18, 2022.
8. Smith, Joseph E. (1969). Small Arms of the World (11th ed.). Harrisburg, PA: Stackpole Company. paragraph 310.

Self-loading rifle ZH-29

Caliber : 7.92×57 Mauser, also 7×57 Mauser, .30-06 US and others Automatic type : gas-operated, locking the bolt with a tilt to the side Length : 1150 mm Barrel length : 545 mm Weight : 4.5 kg Magazine : 5, 10 or 25 rounds

The ZH-29 self-loading rifle was developed in the late 1920s at the Ceska Zbroevka arms factory in Brno by the famous designer Emmanuel Holek (hence the name ZH-29 = Zbroevka - Holek, 1929). The rifle was developed for the 7.92x57 Mauser cartridge on order from China, which became the main buyer of these rifles. ZH-29 rifles were produced from 1929 to 1939, their production was completed with the occupation of Czechoslovakia by Germany and was never resumed. In the first half of the thirties, ZH-29 rifles chambered for a variety of cartridges were widely tested in different countries, including the USA, but no orders other than Chinese were received. The reasons for this were the complexity of manufacturing and the high cost of the rifle, as well as its sensitivity to contamination and unreliable operation in difficult conditions.

The ZH-29 rifle uses an automatic system with the removal of powder gases into a cylinder located under the barrel. The barrel is locked by tilting the bolt to the side, behind a cutout in the wall of the receiver. ZH-29 rifles were produced in both self-loading and automatic versions, with the ability to fire in bursts. Food was supplied from detachable box magazines of various capacities. Magazines could also be loaded from clips directly on the rifle, with the bolt open. The mechanism was provided with a bolt stop that stopped the bolt in the open position when the cartridges in the magazine ran out. The shutter stop was turned off by pressing the trigger; subsequent pressing of it led to a shot. A distinctive feature of the ZH-29 was the presence of an aluminum finned radiator located on the barrel in front of the handguard. The ZH-29 rifle had an adjustable open sight, and the barrel had a boss for attaching a bayonet.

Czech ZH 37 Semi-Auto Rifle

BRNO (CZECH) MODEL Z 37 SEMI-AUTO RIFLE. SN 11011. Cal. 8MM. This rifle is similar to the ZH29 except they have a slightly different handle and rear sight is reversed. The rifle is fitted with a 21 1/2″ bbl with an aluminum cooling jacket and has a 10 rnd detachable box mag. These rifles are considered very rare and were exported to countries such as Thailand, Ethiopia, and China during their day. This rifle is also equipped with an orig bayonet. PROVENANCE: Stern Collection. CONDITION: Receiver retains approx 80% of orig finish with primary wear being on left side of receiver with some slight pitting to left of ejection port. Bbl shows better than 90% with just a few minor scratches in front of hand guard and some wear up on the muzzle. Aluminum cooling jacket is in near mint condition. The front hand guards are excellent with just nominal bruising. The buttstock has a different number than the gun showing the no. 8418, but in disassembly rear lower receiver does match front upper receiver. Buttstock shows a minimal of bruising and the aluminum buttplate is in excellent condition. Bayonet is in excellent plus condition with just a little bit of corrosion on rear of handle. A very rare find indeed. Mechanics are crisp, bore is bright and shiny. 4-34055 BK75 (7,500-11,000)

Modification

BRNO MODEL ZK420 EXPERIMENTAL SEMI AUTOMATIC RIFLE SN 1 WITH SCOPE. SN 0001. Cal. 8 mm.

This Czechoslovakian model ZK420-S was an experimental semi automatic rifle made by the Czech that appears to have incorporated some features of the American M1 as well as similarities to the German K-43. It features a rotating bolt which is with a gas operated recoil system, an adjustable rear sight progressing from 100 to 1,000 meters, and is also equipped with a German style scope. Features a somewhat quick detachable scope mount with rings that are very similar to the US model P-4 with a couple of simple thumb tightening screws. Rifle appears to have a very thin coat of gray Parkerizing on it and is in excellent overall condition. The bolt assembly appears to be a mismatch because it has the number “29” on it but being an experimental it could very well be an inspector mark or a proof mark. PROVENANCE: Stern Collection. CONDITION: Receiver retains 98% of a very thin grayish green phosphate finish with the bbl being similar except with some patina. The gas cylinder and handguard retaining assembly as well as the magazine and trigger group show significantly phosphate finish. The upper handguard assembly shows almost new with just a couple of small nicks that you can only see under a very good light. The buttstock is also in excellent condition, showing only a couple of scratches and one small ding behind the wrist. The phosphated checkered buttplate shows nearly new with the blued screws almost new. The telescope shows about 98% of the original blued finish with clear but slightly dirty optics and a very pliable rubber eye piece. The scope elevation cap shows no finish loss but does have a couple of small dings in it. It is accompanied by a small pouch with a cleaning brush in it and a cloth sling that show nearly new. All in all a very fine, what I believe to be, experimental carbine that would be a great addition to a military carbine collection. 4-34057 BK135 (3,000-5,000)

CZECH BRNO MODEL ZK420-S SEMI-AUTO MILITARY RIFLE. SN 0057. Cal. 8mm Mauser.

Fine military rifle with 23″ bbl, hooded front sight with integral bayonet lug, gas operated with M14/M1 Garand style rotating bolt head. It has 1000 meter military style rear sight with protective ears atop the rear of the receiver. Trigger guard is stamped sheet metal and it has a 10-rd detachable box magazine. Mounted in a 1-pc walnut stock with handguard reminiscent of the German WWII semi-auto rifles. All metal surfaces have a greenish phosphate finish. PROVENANCE: Stern Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. As new, appears to be unfired retaining virtually all of its orig factory finish to both metal & wood with minor nicks & dings on wood. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-34104 (2,500-4,000)

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Recommendations

1. https://survincity.com/2012/08/czechosaught-rifle-semi-automatic-type-zh-29/
2. https://www.forgottenweapons.com/early-semiauto-rifles/czech-zh29-rifle/
3. ^ a b
   Ness, Leland;
   Shi, Bin (July 2016). Kangzhang: A Guide to China's Ground Forces 1937–45
   . Helion and Company. paragraph 254. ISBN 9781910294420.
4. Springfield Armory page on ZH-29 (SPAR part 3633) quoted by Walter, John. RIFLES OF THE WORLD. 3rd edition. Krause Publications. Iola, Wi. 2006
5. Shi, Bin (2018). Small arms of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)
   .
6. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic; Jimma University; Addis Ababa University; University of West Bohemia; Embassy of the Czech Republic in Addis Ababa. "The 20th Century Revisited: Relations between the Former Czechoslovakia and Ethiopia" (PDF).
7. Ian McCollum (August 15, 2016). "Japanese copy of the ZH-29 from Tokyo Gas & Electric." Retrieved March 18, 2022.
8. Smith, Joseph E. (1969). Small Arms of the World
   (11th ed.). Harrisburg, PA: Stackpole Company. clause 310.CS1 maint: ref = harv (communication)