Czech VZ 52 Semi Automatic Carbine

Although it chambered a non-standard cartridge, this semi-automatic carbine was a popular export arm shipped to several Soviet Bloc countries including Cuba.

The gas system of the VZ-52 rifle is similar to German WWII designs like the Walther K-43, but incorporates a trigger group based on the US M1 Garand rifle. This model was the first Czech fitted with a non-detachable bayonet, likely the influence of Soviet arms designers that collaborated on this rifle and the Model52/57, which is chambered for the Soviet 7.62x39mm cartridge.