Czech Vz. 24 VZ24 Carbine 23.5” Barrel 8mm Mauser Bolt Action Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,825.00
LSB# LSB251109RW003
Make: Ceskoslovenska Zbrojovka, A.S. (Czechoslovakian Arms Factory Ltd.) located in Brno, Czechoslovakia
Model: Vz. 24
Serial Number: P52973
Year of Manufacture: 1937 / C&R
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “P52973 / CESKOSLOVENSKA ZBROJOVKA, BRNO Vz.24”. The top of the receiver is marked “1937”. The serialized parts are matched to the receiver. There are various small proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade set atop a ramped base with stamped protective wings. The rear sight is a v-notch blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly marked out to 20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a forend cap/bayonet lug & cleaning rod, barrel band w/ two sling loops, finger grooves, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, two sling loops, straight comb, and steel buttplate. There are pressure dents and scratches throughout. There are some small chips, but there are no cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is little to no erosion and some moderate pitting marks in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9.5/10.
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 94% of its metal finish. There is light thinning, scratches, and wear marks throughout. There are light rust freckles throughout. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions mostly correctly as the ejector gets caught on the rear of the bolt lug and wont fully eject a cartridge. 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: Leather sling, muzzle tampion.
Our Assessment: This Czech Vz. 24 carbine is a classic product of interwar Czechoslovak arms manufacture, produced in 1937 at the Brno arsenal during the height of that nation’s reputation for precision military rifles. The Vz. 24 is widely regarded as one of the finest Mauser-pattern rifles of the 20th century, combining robust construction, careful machining, and a refined action that was exported around the world. The 23.5 inch barrel places this example in the handy carbine configuration, offering a balance of portability and ballistic performance that made the Vz. 24 highly adaptable for infantry and secondary troop roles. The clear Brno markings and 1937 date firmly situate this rifle in the tense prewar period leading into the Second World War. Chambered in 8mm Mauser, the rifle is paired with one of the most powerful and widely adopted military cartridges of its era. The 7.92x57mm round earned its reputation through strong terminal performance, excellent penetration, and reliability across varied climates and battlefields. The protected barleycorn front sight and rear sight graduated to 20 reflect European military doctrine emphasizing durable sights and effective fire at extended ranges. Combined with the Mauser controlled round feed action and five round internal magazine, the system exemplifies the culmination of decades of Mauser development before wartime mass production shifted priorities toward speed and economy.
Conditionally, this example presents as a well-preserved military rifle retaining approximately 94 percent of its original blued finish, with only light thinning, scratches, and scattered rust freckles consistent with age and service handling. The bore is a notable strength, remaining bright with sharp rifling and minimal erosion, rating an impressive 9.5 out of 10 despite some pitting marks. The stock shows honest pressure dents and handling marks without structural cracks, maintaining a solid Very Good overall appearance. With its matching serialized components, intact configuration, and included leather sling, this 1937 Brno-made Vz. 24 stands as a strong and representative example of one of the finest Mauser service rifles ever produced. -R.E.
