Czech Puška Vz. 33 Mauser Lion Crest Bolt Action Rifle In 8mm, 1938 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,025.00
WOA#: WY240430MS001
Make: Ceskoslovenská Zbrojovka, Brno
Model: Vz. 33
Serial Number: 4897B
Year of Manufacture: 1938
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with, “4897B / Ca, ZBROJOVKA AKC.SPOL V BRNE / Vz.33” The bolt handle is marked, “5095” with a waffenamt on the underside. The front of the bolt has another waffenamt. The safety flag and firing pin housing is marked, “5095” with three more waffenamt’s. The firing pin is marked, “7368” with a waffenamt.
Barrel Length: 19.25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded v-blade post set atop a ramped base. The rear sight is a v-notch blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, nose cap with bayonet lug and cleaning rod, hole for a cleaning rod, barrel band, barrel band with two sling loops, through bolts, left side mounted sling loop, underside mounted sling loop, and a metal buttplate. There are heavy pressure dents and scratches throughout. There is a crack from the bottom metal through the wrist. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in at about Fair overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn. There is moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 5/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is thinning throughout. There are impact marks, scratches, and scuffs throughout. There is light surface rust throughout. The screw heads show signs of moderate use. The markings are clear, with some of the smaller ones being a bit fuzzy. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good 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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Czech Puška Vz. 33 Mauser is a bolt-action carbine developed in the early 1930s by Czechoslovakia. Designed for military use, this rifle was an adaptation of the famous Mauser design, which was widely respected for its reliability, accuracy, and robust construction. This particular one is the uncommon mountain police variety. The Vz. 33 was intended to serve as a shorter, lighter, and more maneuverable option compared to standard rifles, making it particularly suited for mountain troops and other units requiring a compact firearm. The Vz. 33 is chambered in the 7.92×57mm Mauser cartridge, commonly referred to as the 8mm Mauser. This powerful cartridge was standard for many European militaries and was known for its excellent range and stopping power. The rifle features a shortened barrel, typically around 19.5 inches, and an overall length of about 39 inches, making it significantly shorter than standard infantry rifles of the time. This compact size made the Vz. 33 easier to handle in tight spaces and more convenient for troops on the move, particularly in rugged terrain. The Vz. 33 saw service primarily with Czechoslovakian forces and was also exported to various countries, including Romania and Greece. Its compact size and reliable performance made it a favored choice for various military applications. Additionally, the rifle’s Mauser-style action made it a popular base for sporterization after its military service, as many were converted into hunting rifles due to their accuracy and the availability of 8mm ammunition.
Overall, the Czech Puška Vz. 33 Mauser is a notable bolt-action carbine that embodies the qualities of the classic Mauser design—reliability, accuracy, and ruggedness. Its compact size, chambering in 7.92×57mm Mauser, and quality construction made it a practical choice for military use, particularly for units requiring a shorter, more maneuverable rifle. The Vz. 33 remains a valued collectible and a testament to the craftsmanship of Czech arms manufacturing. -R.E.
