ForgottenWeapons
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Prototype vz.38 "Nutcracker" in 9x19mm (Ad-free)
🕑 Added 2025-09-19 12:00:03 +0000 UTCThe Czechoslovakian military adopted the vz.38 pistol as a simple blowback action chambered for .380 ACP (well, the Czech military version of .380 ACP). Other countries were interested in other calibers though, and the factory looked at making the gun in 9x19mm Parabellum as well. They first tried a simple blowback version, but that was not satisfactory. So next they developed a locked breech model using a rotating barrel locking system. It also had several other features beyond the Czech pattern; a DA/SA trigger and a manual safety. Two examples of rotating barrel guns were made (300001 and 300002) for testing. That was the end of the project, although I am not sure specifically what the problem with the design was (or if there just wasn't sufficient customer interest to justify further work). This is the only surviving example, as the other was destroyed during testing.
Many thanks to the VHU - the Czech Military History Institute - for giving me access to this unique prototype to film for you. The Army Museum Žižkov is a part of the Institute, and they have a 3-story museum full of cool exhibits open to the public in Prague. If you have a chance to visit, it's definitely worth the time! You can find all of their details (including their aviation and armor museums) here:
https://www.vhu.cz/en/english-summary/
Comments
Guido Schriewer
so THE weakpoint is that front hinge pin I assume? interesting approach. looks easy cleaning. but that front pin...
ViejoLobo
That is one high bore axis. I suspect that perceived recoil and muzzle flip had a lot to do with the lack of interest. Has to be related to how the DA was designed and incorporated. One neat thing about this design is that, unlike the decades-newer PX4, the rotating barrel is apparently sealed against dirt and dust. Another is the 1911-like safety. How does the DA pull compare with, say, a P38?
