Guatemalan Vz. 24 Mauser K98 In 7x57mm Bolt Action Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,026.00
WOA#: WY240603KN001
Make: Ceskoslovenska Zbrojovka, A.S. (Czechoslovakian Arms Factory Ltd.) located in Brno, Czechoslovakia. Contracted by Guatemala.
Model: Vz. 24
Serial Number: 0610
Year of Manufacture: Post 1924
Caliber: 7mm Mauser (7x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver has a Guatemalan flag crest. The left side of the receiver si marked, “0610 / Ceskoslovenska Zbrojovka, A.S. BRNO” The bolt handle is marked, “329 / R2” The stock is marked, “0610” There are various proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a v-blade post set atop a ramped base with protective wings. The rear sight is a v-notch blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a nose cap with bayonet lug, barrel band with two sling loops, finger grooves, through bolts, left side mounted sling loop, semi-pistol grip, marking disk, underside mounted sling loop. There are chips, pressure dents, and scratches throughout. There are cracks forming at the buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/8” 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: Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is lightly worn. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8/10.
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 90% of its metal finish. There are scratches, nicks, and light thinning in the finish. The barrel bands have patina. There are impact marks on the left side of the forend cap. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to 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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Leather sling.
Our Assessment: The Guatemalan Vz. 24 in 7x57mm is a notable rifle that reflects the influence of European arms technology in Central America during the early to mid-20th century. Produced in Czechoslovakia by Ceskoslovenská Zbrojovka (CZ) and based on the legendary Mauser K98 design, the Vz. 24 was widely regarded for its durability, accuracy, and robust construction. Guatemala, like many other nations, sought to modernize its military forces with reliable and effective weaponry, and the Vz. 24 fit these requirements well. Chambered in 7x57mm Mauser, also known as the 7mm Mauser, the Guatemalan Vz. 24 offered a powerful yet manageable round, ideal for both military engagements and various terrains common in Central America. The 7x57mm cartridge was known for its flat trajectory and effective range, making it a preferred choice for many countries during that era. This caliber provided the Guatemalan military with a versatile weapon capable of performing well in diverse combat scenarios, from jungle warfare to more open landscapes. Historically, the adoption of the Vz. 24 by Guatemala highlights the country’s efforts to align itself with modern military standards during a period of regional instability and global conflict. The rifle played a significant role in equipping Guatemalan forces, contributing to their capability to defend national interests and maintain internal order. The Vz. 24’s performance in various military contexts demonstrated the enduring value of the Mauser design, which had already proven itself in numerous conflicts worldwide.
Today, the Guatemalan Vz. 24 is of interest to collectors and historians due to its historical significance and the quality of its manufacture. The rifle represents a period when Guatemala, like many other nations, sought to bolster its military with reliable and effective European firearms. As a result, the Vz. 24 stands as a testament to the global influence of the Mauser design and its adaptability to the needs of different countries and their armed forces. -R.E.
