Israeli Marked Czech Vz. 24 Mauser In 7.62 NATO Bolt Action Rifle, C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,426.01

WOA#: WY240407SK027

Make: Ceskoslovenska Zbrojovka, A.S. (Czechoslovakian Arms Factory Ltd.) located in Brno, Czechoslovakia

Model: Vz. 24

Serial Number: 2178

Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1924 – 1935

Caliber: 7.62×51 NATO

Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver has the Czech rampant lion crest and, “7.62”. The left side of the receiver is marked, “2178 / Ceskoslovenska Zbrojovka, A.S.” There is an import mark on the rear sight block. The barrel is marked, “7.62” with various proofs. The forend cap is marked, “8568”. The bolt is marked, “2178”. The firing pin is marked, “27”. The stock is marked, “7.62” There are various proofs throughout.

Barrel Length: 23.5”

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, finger grooves, nose cap with bayonet lug, barrel band with sling bar, through bolts, left side mounted sling loop, bolt disassembly tool, sling passthrough, and a metal buttplate. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are chips. There are cracks forming at the heel, wrist, and forend. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fair to Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refurbished by Israel

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is worn. There is no notable 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 85% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal. The action has light wear. There is thinning throughout. The barrel bands and bolt have patina. The screw heads show signs of light to moderate use. The markings are somewhat blurry with sections missing. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.

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 Israeli-marked Czech Vz. 24 Mauser in 7.62 NATO is a notable variant of the widely respected Vz. 24 rifle, which was originally produced in Czechoslovakia. The Vz. 24 was a highly successful bolt-action rifle based on the Mauser design, known for its robustness, accuracy, and reliability. These rifles were widely exported, and one significant chapter in their history involves Israel, which acquired large quantities of Vz. 24 rifles after its establishment in 1948. Initially chambered in 7.92×57mm Mauser (8mm Mauser), many of the Vz. 24 rifles that were supplied to Israel were re-chambered to 7.62 NATO (7.62x51mm) in the 1950s and 1960s. This re-chambering coincided with Israel’s adoption of 7.62 NATO as a standard military cartridge, which was becoming widely used by NATO countries and had certain logistical advantages. The conversion allowed Israel to modernize its arsenal and use the same ammunition as other Western allies, particularly as it transitioned from older bolt-action rifles to semi-automatic and automatic firearms. The conversion process involved altering the barrel to accommodate the 7.62 NATO round, a shorter and slightly less powerful cartridge compared to the original 8mm Mauser. Despite this change, the Vz. 24 remained a reliable and accurate rifle, as the Mauser action was well-suited to handle the pressures of the 7.62 NATO cartridge. The converted rifles were often marked with “7.62” on the receiver to denote their new caliber, and they sometimes bore additional Israeli markings, including the Star of David or Hebrew script, indicating their service in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The Israeli Mausers saw use in various conflicts, including Israel’s War of Independence and subsequent conflicts in the region. Even as Israel modernized its small arms inventory with more advanced weapons like the FN FAL and later the Galil, the converted Vz. 24 rifles continued to serve in reserve units and other roles due to their durability and effectiveness. The use of the 7.62 NATO round also aligned with Israel’s evolving military needs, as it became more involved in international defense and security cooperation with Western nations.

Overall, the Israeli-marked Czech Vz. 24 Mauser in 7.62 NATO represents a unique blend of European craftsmanship and Israeli military history. Its conversion to 7.62 NATO reflects the shifting dynamics of post-World War II military logistics, while its continued use in conflicts highlights the enduring reliability and effectiveness of the Mauser design. -R.E.

Israeli Marked Czech Vz. 24 Mauser In 7.62 NATO Bolt Action Rifle, C&R
Israeli Marked Czech Vz. 24 Mauser In 7.62 NATO Bolt Action Rifle, C&R