Vz. 50

The vz. 50 (also known as the CZ 50) is a Czech semi-automatic pistol. Vz. 50 term is an abbreviated form of the Czech "vzor 50" (model 50).

History

Design

After the Second World War the Ministry of the Interior requested a new pistol design from Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod. The resulting pistol in .32 ACP was designed by two brothers Jan and Jaroslav Kratchovíl and closely copied from the Walther PP and PPK.

Manufacture

Vz. 50s were sold commercially but most were produced for police agencies under the control of the Ministry of the Interior. Vz 50s were produced initially at Strakonice and later at Uherský Brod. Ended manufacture in 1970.

Markings

erial numbers

Serial numbers start at 650001, continuing from the discontinued vz. 27 serial number range. Pistols manufactured at the Strakonice factory end in the 740000 range. Pistols manufactured at Uhersky Brod have 5 digit serial numbers preceded by a letter (which can change in the middle of a serial number series).

Date stamp

The last two digits of the year of manufacture are stamped on the left rear of the slide next to the proof stamp (a lion superimposed on an "N").

Government property stamp

Many Vz 50s bear the crossed sword government property stamp.

Variant (vz. 70)

The vz. 70 (sometimes called the CZ 70) is a variant of the vz. 50 with some minor cosmetic changes made in 1970.

* New grip shape with a larger recess (Called the "tang") for the web between thumb and finger.
* New grip pattern using a grid of dimples instead of grooves.
* Top of the slide is engraved with a fine wave pattern to reduce glare.
* Serial number is stamped on the slide under the ejection port instead of below and behind it.
* Slide serations are wider and there are more of them.
* Take down lever has a cross hatched instead of grooved surface.
* Larger hammer with a hole in it.
* Smaller magazine release.
* Magazines have new base with a more angular and less curved shape.