ZH-29
| ZH-29 | |
|---|---|
 ZH-29 Automatic rifle | |
| Type | Semi-automatic rifle |
| Place of origin | Czechoslovakia |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Users |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Emanuel Holek |
| Designed | 1929 |
| Manufacturer | Ceskoslovenska Zbrojovka |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 4.5 kg (9.9 lb) |
| Length | 1,150 mm (45 in) |
| Barrel length | 545 mm (21.5 in) |
| Cartridge | 8×57mm IS |
| Action | Gas-operated, tilting bolt |
| Muzzle velocity | 808 m/s (2,650 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 350 metres |
| Feed system | 5, 10 or 20-round box magazine |
| Sights | iron sights |
The ZH-29 was a semi-automatic rifle developed in Czechoslovakia during the late 1920s, and used by the Chinese National Revolutionary Army.[1] The ZH-29 is one of the first successful self-loading rifles in service.
Overview
The ZH-29 is a gas-operated service rifle with a tilting-bolt locking system similar to that which would be later used in the Sturmgewehr 44; although while the bolt of the German gun tilts vertically, that of the ZH-29 does so to the left side. Externally the most distinctive feature is that the barrel is offset at a slight angle to the receiver to compensate for this.[2] Also unusually, the rifle uses an aluminium barrel jacket.
An upgraded variant was designated ZH-32.[3]
In China, Chang Tso-lin's army received 150 ZH-29 and 100 ZH-32. Provincial troops of Guangdong also received 33 ZH-32. A derivative prototype was built in 1932 in Shenyang. It is unlikely these guns saw action during the Sino-Japanese War.[3]
A version chambered in .276 Pedersen was submitted to US Army trials but was unsuccessful.[4]
Users
China: 210 imported in 1930-31[5]
Ethiopia: 100 ZH-32s[6]
Japan: (Experimental prototype copy)[7]
Lithuania
Thailand[8]
See also
References
- ^ http://survincity.com/2012/08/czechoslovak-rifle-semi-automatic-type-zh-29/
- ^ https://www.forgottenweapons.com/early-semiauto-rifles/czech-zh29-rifle/
- ^ a b Ness, Leland; Shih, Bin (July 2016). Kangzhan: Guide to Chinese Ground Forces 1937–45. Helion & Company. p. 254. ISBN 9781910294420.
- ^ Springfield Armory page on the ZH-29 (SPAR item 3633) quoting from Walter, John. RIFLES OF THE WORLD. 3rd Edition. Krause Publications. Iola, Wi. 2006
- ^ Shih, Bin (2018). China's Small Arms of the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945).
- ^ 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 former Czechoslovakia and Ethiopia" (PDF).
- ^ Ian McCollum (August 15, 2016). "Japanese ZH-29 Copy by Tokyo Gas & Electric". Retrieved March 18, 2017.
- ^ Smith, Joseph E. (1969). Small Arms of the World (11 ed.). Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: The Stackpole Company. p. 310.
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External links
- Popenker, Maxim. "ZH-29 rifle (Czechoslovakia)". Modern Firearms. World Guns. Retrieved December 25, 2012.
- "Rifle 7.92 mm Automatic ZH 29". REME Museum of Technology. The Corps of Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers. Retrieved December 25, 2012.
- McCollum, Ian. "Czech ZH29 rifle". ForgottenWeapons.com. Retrieved December 25, 2012.
- McCollum, Ian (June 7, 2011). Czech ZH29 early semiauto rifle (YouTube). ForgottenWeapons.com. Retrieved December 25, 2012.
- Patents
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