vz. 24

The vz. 24 is a bolt-action rifle designed and produced in Czechoslovakia from 1924 to 1942. It was the standard rifle of the Czechoslovak Army and was also widely exported. The "vz." is an abbreviation of "vzor," meaning "model" in Czech. It is a derivative of the Mauser Gewehr 98 rifle, featuring a shorter overall length than the original German design. The vz. 24 fires the 7.92×57mm Mauser cartridge (also known as 8mm Mauser). Notable characteristics include a tangent-leaf rear sight, a forward-swept bolt handle, and a generally high standard of manufacturing. The rifle saw service in numerous conflicts throughout the 20th century and was often used by both regular armies and paramilitary forces. Export models often bear crests and markings specific to the recipient nation.