Czech ZK-383 Transferable Submachine Gun
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- Опубликовано: 4 мар 2016
- / forgottenweapons
The Czech-made ZK-383 submachine gun is a bit of an oddball in the world of submachine guns. It has several design features typically associated with rifle-caliber light machine guns - an integral bipod and a quick-change barrel. In fact, the ZK-383 was designed to be a hybrid gun, usable as either a standard SMG or in a support role off the bipod.
Another interesting mechanical feature of the ZK-383 is the removable weight in its bolt, which allows the shooter to choose between fast and slow rates of fire by removing the weight or leaving it in place. In my shooting, the slow rate was about 470 rpm and the fast rate was about 750 rpm. Personally, I preferred the slow rate - but both were exceedingly easy to control. The gun is fantastically well made, as one might expect from a pre-war Czech weapon.
This particular ZK-383 is an original transferrable C&R gun, brought back to the US by a veteran after WWII. It is a very early production gun, with a German-marked magazine well but no other German markings, and clearly did not see much abuse during the war.
In all honesty, this is the overall best military submachine gun I think I have ever fired.
/ forgottenweapons
I love how this weapon sounds.
papyshak the gun sounds way different in real life all guns do. it's because the camera can't handle high peeks in sound.
But also, it can be due to the wooden stock and the fact, that it is made out of machined parts mainly, so the whole body has a higher frequency of resoncace, and a lower amplitude. Unlike those made out of stamped parts, which due to the lower resonance frequency and higher amplitudes, can be driven by the explosion, so that they produce a ringing sound. Maybe, just an idea...
@@raoulmoes6278 duh
So bassy
yes its sounds like a Czech good gun :))
I love the selector lever markings. "How many bullets do you want to shoot, 1, or 30?"
I love that too. There's zero ambiguity there.
Supreme excellence in communication - instant comprehension without thought.
Markings on my vz. 61 Škorpion go even one step further. The selector can be flipped to 20 for full auto, 1 for semi and 0 for safe. I don't know for sure why. I would assume that the reason might be that CZ firearms have always been intended for export to countries all around the world and Arabic numerals are apparently more universal than "semi" or "auto". Or possibly just a quirk.
@@diazemap Having 0 for "Safe" is so level though
its 1 per trigger pull and 30 per trigger pull :) it still is used by czechs to mark semi and full
The giggle just says everything about shooting with this Gun :D
true
That sound is what sold me
Massive giggle factor!
It is the Snidely Whiplash cackle (demonically)
Both this SMG and Vz. 26 MG were nicknamed "Zorka" (local feminine name) by both Partisans and Četniks (leftovers of royal army) in Serbia during WWII. They were highly sought weapons by both sides (SMGs being captured from Bulgarian forces), even mentioned in songs.
Czechs have probably most underrated firearms industry through history.
cody sonnet shut the fuck up
cody sonnet what? He was just telling a story about the gun, he wasn’t glorifying partisans you fucking moron
say me more please
@@acidoteka4124 Well :D, in the photos of the era this SMG was almost exclusively seen in the hands of unit's commanders. Also, many veteran stories confirmed the high status of these weapons.
The verses go:
"Moj mitraljez, marke Brno,
Mnoge majke zavio u crno."
Because of my machinegun, made in Brno,
Many mothers wear black.
And:
"Štekće Zorka kraj Loznice,
Čuje se do Majevice"
Zorka's barking next to Loznica,
You can hear it all the way to Majevica
Go Czechnology!
@@BobSaint
And today, the Czechs are buying American weapons from the Vietnam War
I like the simplicity of the markings for the selector switch. Do you want one bullet, or all the bullets?
30 round bursts
Hilarious. I actually did LOL.
@@Pidalin What if your standard mag wasn't 30? Do they change it for whatever the mag is? Or has that just not come up?
Also not confused by different words or abbreviations in different languages. Very smart and well considered. Every time I see new details on a Czech gun or see a Czech gun I have not seen before, I am all the more impressed by the attention to detail. The German people are well known for engineering and in my opinion that is well deserved but I submit the Czech people should be as well.
Alexsis Engle 30 just means you can shoot all the mag with one trigger pull (full auto) 1 means shooting 1 at a time per trigger pull semiauto simple
Czechs are very good at making complex and elegant disassemblies , aren't they? Everything is engineered to fold, or latch this way, and hinge that way, or fit into another part. It's really impressive.
Makes the Sten look like a cheap piece of trash imo
@@slackershrub8923 don't get it twisted, the Sten WAS a cheap piece of trash because it was made at a time when cheap sub-guns were needed asap. What mattered is it worked and the quantity was there. I guess Russia made better sub guns in a panic tho lol
seems like a Rolls Royce Sten Gun
+Raymond Gill Well I'm sorry, "Rolls Royce of SMG's" is taken already by the steyr mp-34
You beat me to it. Still imitation is the greatest form of flattery.
+Raymond Gill OK, Then the Bentley Sten Gun
My thoughts exactly. A "De Lux" Sten.
Or type 100
That's an impressive weapon. 750 rpm with that little recoil, Czechs really know how to make guns.
Leandro Valdez Not anymore...
@@jangelnar5624 Liar... Cz p10 c is great gun and Bren 2 Is much needed improvment of Bren 805.
Bloodhat They are...and so is Scorpion EVO 3 a great submachine gun. My point is that most legendary Czech weapons date back to the era of the first Czechoslovak republic or the communist regime. Vz. 58, vz. 61, CZ 75, ZB vz. 26, Sa vz. 26...and that’s just small arms, we had our own tank designs that significantly helped the Germans during Blitzkrieg. The LT vz. 35 and 38, better known as Pz.Kpfw 35(t) and 38(t) respectively. Also the ST vz. 39 which the Hungarians licensed and used it as the Turan tank series. We had our own artillery pieces, the best in the world. And so much more. But our own heavy arms industry, during the communist regime, was used only for building licensed Soviet tanks and planes, even though we had much better projects. And our light arms industry, although still functioning, is only a small fraction of what it used to be.
@@jangelnar5624 You try to teach me history of my own nation, drahý pane? :D You are completly right. Not to even say, that every third tank that sieged Paris was Czech. Or, that czech Lt. 38 was wastly superior to Panzers 1 and 2 also it was superior to French tanks. (It had radio, french didnt.) Not to speak about thousends of other parts for german tanks. We were 4th biggest experoter of weapons in the world for crying out loud.
Sadly... YOu are right. Fkn communists destroyed all of it. Atleast we still have CZ firearms, which do good to its name, some air production like new Aero L-159NG. Sadly our glorious tank production is decimated. (Altrough arguably we have best refit of T-72) But you are completly right.
Bloodhat Většinou poznám dle jména, případně dle historie zhlédnutých videií, kdo je Čech a kdo nikoliv, ale ve Vašem případě to nebylo možné :D
Teď si říkám, zdali psát v angličtině, když už jsme začali, nebo v češtině. Přeci jen je trochu divné si s Čechem dopisovat v cizím jazyce, ale s ohledem na zbytek publika asi zvolím první variantu, tak jako Vy.
It was not only superior to Panzer Is and IIs, but to the early versions of IIIs and IVs as well. I also hate the fact that we have no tank industry and our own tank designs as well. That’s what pisses me off the most to be frank.
Communists share most of the responsibility for the pitiful state of our arms industry indeed. It still amazes me that after almost 30 years since the revolution, they still managed to get almost 8% in the last elections. I find that shameful and really hard to believe.
New video Czech it out
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay
Czechmate.
+Charles Smith What an astounding piece of Czechnology!
+Charles Smith You better stop. It can cause Czechsplosion.
+Bazil Rybkin some might say this gun has a Czechered past.
13:48 is a summary of how Ian feels about the gun.
When Ian turns to the camera and giggles , you know he likes it ..
This is by far the best format, history of the gun, discussing its features, disassembly and then firing it. I realize you can't shoot every gun you show but that really solidifies all the points you're trying to bring forward. I would never have realized how fine a machine it was until I saw it working. Seeing all those exquisitely made parts dancing together really made me understand its quality.
Seems a lot like the Polish wz.39 "Mors" but executed in a much more practical way. It's the only other submachine gun I know of that has a quick-change barrel, plus it also has a telescopic monopod, implying use as a support weapon.
+parabellum1262 The Suomi KP/31, too, featured a quick-change barrel.
+peabase Yes, and Suomi 33 "Persian" exported to Iran had bipod too
JanoTuotanto You're absolutely right. Any pics that you know of?
peabase Only picture I remember is in Hyytinen's, "Arma Fennica 2" .
It hat a top feeding box magazine - looked like a baby Bren.
Conceptually, the closest thing to this that comes to my mind is villar-perosa since it also was intended as a squad support weapon.
Of all the guns I have watched on Forgotten Weapons this is the one.
Respect for Czech-nology
for Nazis
@@acss4310 Pardon me? We weren't Nazis :D
@@cr3izien392 Rather, you were occupied by them.
Czech your Zone!
Chek-Tech
That sounds so nice. It sounds super smooth. Smoother then anything modern.
My thought as well, love the souhd!
Oddly, it reminds me of a better and smoother Thompsom SMG..
What an absolutely wonderful firearm, love the machining quality. Just imagining doing everything by hand with no computers is so impressive.
I like guns like the MP40 and PPSH41 due to their iconic nature... they were used everywhere, everyone knows about them, they're in all the WW2 movies, you probably saw one before you even knew what it was... that being said, the quality of these less popular machined guns is just miles above what you will find in a stamped steel gun. Just by looking at some of the close ups I can see the beautiful precision work done on the barrel and body, the stamps are all clear and neat, everything on it is top notch. If you pick it up you'll also notice the considerable weight it has to it; it's like picking up a Mauser C96 vs a Tokarev T33. I myself own a Suomi KP31 SJR in original condition; it's internal design is based on the Bergmann MP18 but it's exterior appearance is quite similar to the Russian PPD-40 and PPSH-41. Having previously held a PPSH-41 and firing it at a range, I have to say the Suomi is miles ahead of it in terms of quality; appearance wise, the Russian gun looks like it was welded together by a high school kid and given some really crude stamps before thrown into a box and shipped out.. the Suomi is just beautiful everywhere. It's considerably heavier as well, and the wood is sturdy, like what you would find on a bolt action rifle or even a musket from the 1600's. When firing it you don't feel the recoil as much as you do with the PPSH, which has a similar rate of fire. Overall, excellent gun, and I would recommend it, along with other early example like this Czech ZK-383 to anyone fortunate enough to get their hands on them. They might not be as recognizable as an MP40 but they sure as hell perform better than one, and they just look and feel fantastic ;)
Funny you should mention that about the finish of WW2 Russian guns and all WW2 Russian weaponry as such. The thing is that they didn't care so much about quality but all about quantity. A good example would be the T-34 tanks. Looking closer at fe. the turret you will see a very crude finish (if at all...). A standard Sherman tank (or UK tank) would have had extensive ground welds etc. The Russians had to churn out as much weapons as the factories could manage never mind the looks in order to kick some serious Nazi butt. It just had to be functional and kill enemies. And that they did.
ZerokillerOppel1 I like the appearance of worn down weapons. I like blued guns as well, but if they're old I prefer the bluing to be original and showing a little wear.
ye its like the difference between a Hand worked MG-34 and a stamped out MG-42. The quality and precision on the MG-34 are amazing. Both function equally well. The MG-34 is almost better with its slower rate of fire. The speed of the MG42 made it what it was but what more of a disadvantage when in battle. Ive shot one of these ZKs and with the extra weight in the action and slower fire its very controllable.
3 Years later in 2019 we return to this video thanks to BFV.
Thanks Ian!
when I first saw the gun I thought huh Mp18 clone. Then I saw the bipod and heard Ian talk about its other features and now I'm genuinely amazed at Czech firearms technology.
Same sentiment here. Every time I see a gun from this manufacturer, it always exceeds my expectations.
cody sonnet ... Was it the Czechs occupying Germany? Was it the Czechs wiping out entire villages in Germany? Is it the Czechs always infringing on their neighbors' land? After the war enough was enough. The Germans got their assess kicked out. And they still have the nerve to cry about it. Spare us your twisted propaganda. Worry about your current situation instead.
cody sonnet ... Man, what is wrong with you? Such BS. Did my grandpa shoot down yours over France during the war or something? Let go of the trigger, respect the lines and try to stay connected with reality. Maybe go have a Pilsner. ( the original Czech pilsner, not the German copied stuff ;-) I'm out.
@cody sonnet what the fuck are you on , you clown
very cool. another example of fantastic czech craftsmanship.
+tr0n Yes, super machining.
I giggled at the increase rate of fire too. That beauty is a delight.
Looks like an incredibly pleasant gun to shoot.
There seem to be a lot of very nice, well made pre-war SMG's, nice contrast to all the stamped ones during and afterwards.
Thanks for the video.
+Dedfaction Actually the slow motion shows it off beautifully, almost no movement.
Bit off topic, but would converting these to use an intermediate cartridge have been viable?
+Dedfaction No, because they are simple blowback actions.
+Politically Correct Vikings sadly none of them had a chance to use them
+Politically Correct Vikings Yea, Czechoslovakia with 3,5 M Germans would declare war on Germany..... How stupid are you? Czechs and Germans lived there together for 1000 years and sudenly they would declare war? Not to mention that many Czechs had German relatives and ancestors.
+Politically Correct Vikings well we had a plan of defense against germany, the fortification wasn't ready and we wouldn't hold them for long but the plan was to count on the help of allies (mainly France) but nobody wanted to go to war so in stupid hope of preventing the war, they just give hitler what he wanted without a fight and us having any say in it (Munich dictate) it's just a bit of broken czech pride in me :) in the end it seemed it was better that we didn't go to war against Germany, Czechoslovakia was 10th economically most powerful country in the world before and to a certain extent after the war, if it wasn't for the fucking commies we wouln't be considered "eastern europe" today :/ communism raped our economy not to mention the minds of the people
Aktiengesellschaft means incorporated company :)
greetings from germany
Gutten Tag, love how the Germans make such long words.
In Czech it's Akciová společnost (A.S.)
Grüße zurück
@Hunter6213 GmbH translates to plc
Excellent review, thank you! I would like to add some info:
Zbrojovka Brno (The Brno Armory) was from it's transformation in 1918 state owned Czechoslovakian armory. Prior to that, it was Austro Hungarian artillery workshop. The sub machine gun was developed by Josef and František Koucký, Czech engineers, and first patented in 1933. There were some variants, one of them had the magazine pointing downwards and foldable towards the barrel, which was mainly for the cavalry.
The machine gun was sold to Bulgarian and Slovak Army and later to SS, where Bulgarians received 4.000pcs and Slovaks received 190pcs. After some behind the scene negotiation between Slovak Defense Minister Čatloš and ZB director, 800pcs of the Bulgarian supply was diverted to Slovakia. This weapon was also sourced to Venezuela, so if you want to get some, look there as well... :-) Of course after the Munich betrayal and after German occupation of Czechoslovakia in March 1939, the Brno and all it's factories were given to Germans, who used it for their Blitzkrieg plans. One of the technologies, that helped Germans to defeat Poland and France was Czechoslovakian tank LT vz.38 manufactured by CKD and Skoda, that Germans later manufactured as Panzerkampfwagen 38.
Ian, you're my favorite nerd
The machining on the bolt is beautiful
+TheDoctorGnome excuse me wile I got take care of something in the bathroom
11:00 thank you for Czech-ing the rate of fire it's very interesting :P
+Joshua Lansell-Kenny
Goddamnit, Josh.
Hello from Czech! One of the best submachine guns pre ww II, and ww II. era. Thank You for video!
When I saw how the bipod folds, I went "oh, nice"...with quick-change bareel, I went "WOW!!" ;)
There was a Thompson variant, the M1923 if I'm not mistaken, was like this. A 14" barrel with a larger buttstock and a bipod. That is what those "C" type 100 round drums were for.
I really like the little cool nitty bitty details, like the oil bottle turning into a handle for the cleaning rod! I find stuff like that to really give guns a personality!
Ian - if I had the money, THIS is one of the very few full auto pre-WW2 weapons I would love to own. I have not seen any other of your older weapons produced to the level that the ZK-383 is manufactured. The Czechs did a beautiful machining job, and this particular weapon is almost like its brand new out-of-the-box! ***Very impressive, and I betcha it goes for more than the high estimate of $35,000.***
I can honestly say this is probably one of my favorite guns you have shown
That is the slickest, coolest submachine gun I have ever seen! Thanks for showing it.
That is a work of art. A very fine weapon with that great machining on those parts. Some times you have too look back in history and see how simple you can make these fine guns. Thanks Ian for that I love your job man...
This is one of the coolest guns I've ever seen. You amaze me again Ian. Never have I wanted a "Forgotten Weapon" more than this!
Those are great shooting little guns
@Atticus Azariah lol
@Kenneth Ephraim lol
Just wanted to say hi from Czech Republic :-)
i love to own such a jewel, but no chance in my country. It screams buy me.
+boedhaspeaks That scream is heard world wide.
I'd love to own one too, but sadly I can't. They're not illegal here or anything, they're just prohibitively expensive
Your style of narration is so captivating. Only the greats of documentary manage that perfect blend of cool neutrality and infectious enthusiasm so well.
You can be saying something like "And this simple spring-loaded catch here..." and I will be thinking "Yes, please tell me more about that latch! I love spring-loaded latches!"
Kudos!
To have some idea about historical background - Czechoslovakia was preparing for war by building bunkers around the border with Germany and Poland. These submachine guns were intended to be used in these bunkers, which also explains, why they recall machine guns.
No, the Czechoslovak army did not have an established 9mm Luger cartridge, but a slightly more powerful 380 ACP.
But a submachine gun was also developed for him - a submachine gun vz. 38, with drum magazine.
Of course, this one also came too late for production and actual introduction into armaments ...
That laugh at 13:47 is universal to people who just like to shoot, especially when cool and different.
The designer was a true master - to make something that reliable and simple yet with all the little touches that make it superior. Like a truly great sculptor who makes something look simple but it's perfect. That weight to change fire rate, for example....genius and I'll bet far from simple to implement correctly....everything just that little bit better....Thanks for the firing demo!!
Its videos like this that really show your love and dedication to firearms. Thank u and keep up the good work
DICE nailed the sound design for this thing.
Without fail youtube recommends me gun videos of stuff I just played with on Battlefield 5.
Relatable
Looks fantastic and sounds absolutely satisfying when you're shooting it (especially with the heavier bolt). 10/10
I have really become a fan of this channel. This is my favorite video so far. Ian obviously enjoyed this gun. I liked the giggle at about minute 14! Keep 'em coming Ian!
Submachineguns were also intended to be used in fortification objects on border to cover areas uncovered by heavy machineguns (Entrances, blind spots etc..). In 30" several designs were created and tested.
It looks really good and in a way that it wasnt made cheap. Great video. :)
The fit/finish, wood and machining on that is absolutely phenomenal!
I wouldnt have guessed its a military gun, more like what a company would sell commercially if their was a 'fancy grade' for machine guns lol.
And its great to finally see some shooting in one of these videos!
Thanks Ian.
Your Channel has significantly enhanced my knowledge of Firearms in History. Sometimes knowing the lesser know things is just as important as knowing the famous ones.
That's not a gun, it's art.
While watching the firing demo I was thinking 'this screams out for a slowmo capture' and well, there it is. Another fantastic video and demo of a classic firearm from a bygone age. Thanks!
Man that's cool! I love when you get the chance to put a few rounds through the weapon you're presenting.
it seems very well made
"I think I'm just gonna slip this gun out the back door, nobody will notice"
that is one pretty smooth SMG, and to think it was made pre-WW2. I can't believe how it doesn't rise at all with the faster rate of fire, It's amazing.
Wow! I love this episode and this awesome SMG. I put it right up there with the Madsen M1950/51 and the British Sten. Thanks Ian.
I'm envious of whoever gets that beauty!
It even sound nice while shooting.
Wow! Fantastic gun! I had never heard of this one before your video, nor had I known about the fantastic quality of pre-war czech firearms. I'm very impressed. Love the idea of the removable bolt weight too, that's a really nice touch.
Remarkable engineering indeed! Awesome gun and video. Nice work Ian!
In my recommended after bf5 released the same gun...
Its so beautiful, not surprised it sold for almost 50k
Wonderful video as always, Ian. I learned a lot. And what a beautiful gun it is. Pristine condition and wonderfully designed. Czechoslovakia never disappoints.
Super in-depth Videos guys..Keep up the good Work!
Greetings from Brno!
I really liked you video, its pretty rare gun even here in Czechia.
I would like o make some notes:
It was nade by Zbrojovka Brno and not in CZ - Česká Zbrojovka was originaly located in town of Strakonice (sothwest - uncomfortably near Germany) and was in 1937 moved east to Uherský Brod near Slovakia.
Designation ZK means Zbrojovka - Koucký - mr. Koucký was gun designer best known for CZ75 he made by the time he was already retired.
Look at the machining and finish. That bolt looks flawless. Absolutely beautiful engineering.
Holy moley, that looks unbelievably smooth the first time he starts shooting it full auto. Impeccable craftsmanship.
13:47 ... i want this now if it has such effects
you had me at "Brno all machining"
Rude
wow sold for 43 grand. sure is a beauty. awesome piece of history, once again.
Wow, what a SMG! thanks so much for sharing, love all your vids, just this one even more!
That laugh, man :D
Someone now owns a piece of Bioshock history :)
You are thinking about the Lancaster. pretty much a British MP28 unless the original bioshock before infinite had this in it
Do you not mean MP18
I had forgotten about this one!
Thanks for the rememories
That is just cool. Great review. Keep up the good work.
My God, that gun is positively immaculate. Looks factory New! also, this weapon was featured in the original "The Mummy" movies, I always wondered what that bottomless-mag smg was!
Crazy how 1 day after the BF5 update with this sub machine gun it's magically in my recommended lol.
Lol same
Huh, same)
I giggled right along with you. Great vid. Thanks Ian.
I really like there is quite many Czech firearms on Your channel!I think it´s because they are reliable,well made and They look great :) Greetings from Czech Rep.! ;)
that seems like a really slick gun, any reason why it didn't catch on?
+Marcus Linden Cost.
+Forgotten Weapons Presumably removing the bi-pod, having a fixed barrel, and removing/affixing the weight would significantly reduce the cost of manufacture, and would still make for what seems like a fantastic sMG. Surprised those changes weren't made further down the line in the war as material costs went up.
+Alon Jacoby I think the fact that it was milled, instead of stamped would still have made it much more expensive than a MP38/40, even if it was simplified
+hblu That makes sense, totally missed that part. Makes it much slower to manufacture, too, I assume?
+Marcus Linden The most important reason were the manufacturing time and cost. Germans were looking for cheap, simple and fast manufactured guns, prefferably made by german factories.
Czech stuff was originaly mostly used in numbers already made. Overall, CZ weapons were mostly fancy supplement.
Here from BFV, this might be added. Def gonna give it a try
Greetings from Czech and thanks for showing me some awesome guns
I love this style of submachine gun, the use of a traditional style stock with barrel shroud is just gorgeous.
It was so popular then too, the Lanchester, MP18, Type 100, PPSh-41 and even later on the Australian F1 submachine gun with top mounted magazine.
Glad to see this in bf5
Aktiengesellschaft translates to joint-stock company.
Sounds exactly how it's spelled, too.
Beats me.
+Grizz Axxemann like an angry german 2 bottles deep in jagermeister?
13:48 ....the joyful expression of true happiness! Great video. Love the helmet too.... nice touch
What a smooth shooting machine. Very impressive build quality and operational smoothness. I'd love to try one of these out on a range.
Would you be able to talk about your work with battlefield five ? I heard you where involved with the weapons in the game and im really interested in how you did things, p.s im a big fan of battlefield and forgotten weapons so it's interesting to hear your part
haha after watching this video i was thinking "man dice must use this guy's information for their games" and there you go
Coming to bf5 soon
Watching this made me imagine a hybrid between the ZK383 and the Coenders belt-fed SMG. _I need to make one_
Amazing little SMG.
And of course another awesome video!
This is the new smg for BFV and for some reason it says the gun is german . Its for the medic class
Technically it’s correct. Germany occupied Czechoslovakia and those ZK383s produced were supplied to Waffen SS.
Sanitater!
Man.. That is a LOVELY piece of hardware. I'm pretty jealous, Ian always has the cool guns
What a beautiful gun, marvelous workmanship.
Ian if you ever come across an MP41 do a vid on it
+robofish759 ruclips.net/video/goF255Qc3Ew/видео.html
awesome thanks