The Original CZ Forum
CZ LONG ARMS => VZ-58 semi auto rifle => Topic started by: RSR on June 22, 2015, 02:32:16 AM
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VZ58
(http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/qbz_4-660x406.jpg)
Howa Type 64:
(http://www.military-today.com/firearms/howa_type_64.jpg)
Russian VSS Vintorez:
(https://modernfirearms.net/userfiles/_thumbs/Images/sniper/sn20/vss1.jpg)
QBZ95
(http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/qbz_2-660x373.jpg)
The Chinese QBZ-95 bullpup has been in service for two decades and due to its sheer production, over 1.65 million so far, it will be the most prolific bullpup ever built. I did a detailed write-up on the QBZ-95 for Guns & Ammo SIP in 2006. Since then, that article has been used by many writers and researchers as reference. However, there?s still some confusion and misunderstanding on the QBZ-95?s inner workings. I hope this will help clarify the matter.
The QBZ-95 is one of the four post-World War II military rifle designs that use a striker-firing mechanism. The other 3 in chronologic order are: the Czech Vz 58, the Japanese Type 64, the Russian AS and VSS twins. Unlike the rotating hammer firing mechanism found on the majority of the modern rifles, a striker-fired rifle uses either a spring-loaded firing pin or a linear hammer to fire the chambered cartridge.
The spring-loaded firing pin type is common in the majority of bolt-action rifles and modern striker-fire pistols such as the Glock. The linear hammer type is used by most striker-firing selective fire rifles. This particular type of striker-firing system has a spring-loaded hammer piece that reciprocates forward and backward in the receiver.
The Czech Vz 58 was based on an early post-WWII indigenous select-fire full-caliber rifle design but it was redesigned to chamber the Russian M43 7.62x39mm cartridge. The Vz 58 was developed in 1958 and it is still in service with the Czech and Slovakian militaries. Its action uses a Walther style dropping block locking system with a short-stroke gas system. The Vz 58?s linear hammer type striker-firing system was the main inspiration for the trigger and striker design of the QBZ-95. Although, the QBZ-95?s striker design is conspicuously different than that of the Vz 58?s.
The Japanese Type 64 was developed in 1964 and chambers the 7.62x51mm full power round, while it normally uses a reduced power version of the 7.62x51mm. The Type 64 is still in limited service with the JSDF. Design wise, the Type 64 uses a short-stroke gas system with a tilting bolt lock action.
The Russian AS special purpose rifle was developed in the late 1980s. Its suppressed VSS twin went into service about the same time as the QBZ-95. Both the AS and VSS are chambered in the Russian 9x39mm special purpose cartridge. The striker and trigger part of both Russian weapons are very similar to that of the Czech Vz 58, just smaller in size. The Russian weapons use long-stroke gas system and an AR-15 style multi-lug rotating bolt.
For more: http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/04/27/qbz-95-bullpups-action-works/
My take -- the Chinese tried to make a domestic version of the Czech magic (VZ58s) that elite Vietnamese forces used defeated them during the Sino-Vietnamese wars...
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Great Read. Thanks!!! I also loved the term "Czech Magic"!!! I plan to use it in the future because it perfectly defines how this little awkward and ugly gun takes hold of you!!!!