Czech VZ 52/57 VZ52 7.62×39 Folding Bayonet Mag Fed Semi Auto Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,825.00

LSB#: LSB251030RP001

Make: Czechoslovakia

Model: VZ 52/57. A VZ 52 that has been Arsenal Converted to fire 7.63x39mm.

Serial Number: HP 65518

Year of Manufacture: 1959. VZ 52 and VZ 52/57 rifles were produced from 1952 to 1959.

Caliber: 7.62x39mm. The VZ 52 was originally chambered in 7.62x45mm.

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Detachable 10 Round Magazine

Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked “VZ 52 / 57”. The left side of the receiver is marked “she”, with a “crossed swords” stamping, “59”, “circled T”, and with the serial number. The left side of the butt is marked with the serial number. 

Barrel Length: Approximately 20 ¾ Inches.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set under a protective hood. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly that is marked from “1-9”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a pistol grip, finger grooves, metal nosecap with bayonet base, the forend is synthetic, cut out for the attached folding bayonet, through bolt, sling well with sling bar, and a detachable buttplate. A storage compartment is under the buttplate. There are a few light scratches and compression marks.  The LOP measures 13″ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized. 

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion. There is light fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9 out of 10

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling and storage wear. There are scratches and thinning throughout. Most of the wear is on the receiver. The receiver has micro scratches and some spots of light thinning along the edges. There is light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

The bayonet locks into place correctly.

Box, Paperwork& Accessories: This rifle comes with a 10 round 7.62x39mm magazine and a sling both in Very Good condition.

Assessment: Adopted at the height of Cold War rearmament, the Czech VZ 52/57 represents one of the most distinctive transitional rifles of the Warsaw Pact era. Originally introduced as the VZ 52 in 7.62×45mm, the platform reflected Czechoslovakia’s insistence on designing its own firearms rather than merely copying Soviet patterns. Its tilting-bolt action, unique gas system, and integral folding bayonet all showcased the country’s engineering independence. By 1957, however, political pressure and logistical realities pushed Prague into conformity with Soviet ammunition standards, and surviving rifles were arsenal-converted to 7.62×39mm—the designation changing to VZ 52/57. Production of these conversions ran only briefly before the adoption of the VZ 58, making all intact 52/57 rifles comparatively scarce today.

This example, dated 1959, presents as a well-preserved Czechoslovak service rifle with strong parkerized finish, crisp markings, a remarkably clean 7.62×39 bore, and a tight-locking bayonet that captures the model’s iconic profile. Light handling wear on the receiver and stock is wholly consistent with a late-service arsenal rifle and does nothing to diminish its appeal. For collectors of Cold War small arms, Czech semi-autos, or transitional Soviet-bloc designs, the VZ 52/57 stands as a fascinating intersection of national engineering and geopolitical pressure—a rare, short-lived variant that adds meaningful depth to any military rifle collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! -N.P