1957 Czech VZ54/91 sniper rifle

[Miller Tyme]

This is the bookend to my Czech VZ54 sniper, it is the updated version, the VZ54/91, here is a brief run down from Vic & Tuco’s sight


http://www.mosinnagant.net/default.asp


The Sniper Rifles of The Red Star


The Vz54 served in the Czech Army from its adoption in 1954 to the 1970’s where the weapon was finally replaced with the Russian semi automatic snipers rifle, the SVD-63. The Vz54 was then removed to serve in secondary units like the SNB which was the initial name of the National Security Corps. This unit would later be renamed the URN. The Vz54 would serve 14 more years alongside the SVD-63 in such service before an updated design was required. In the early 1990’s some refinements and improvements to the rifle were done to improve its performance and update its abilities. A new wooden stock was designed and fit to the rifle which incorporated an adjustable cheekpiece for a proper sight picture and the addition of a removable adjustable bipod to provide stability in the firing position. The rifle was also reequipped with the scope (4x25) and mount of the SVD-63 rifle. This optical package added a range finding reticule and an illuminated reticule for low light conditions. The optical sight could be safely removed as well without losing its zero. This new rifle was designated the Vz54/91 and would continue to serve in the URN and other provincial police and security agencies until its eventual replacement a few years later by the SSG-3000 rifle.

The rifle now retired from military serve have found their way into the surplus market was they are prized rifles in shooting sport clubs and with military and police competitions. Exact numbers of the Vz54/91 rifles are not known but the rifles command a high price on the Czech sport markets and are highly sought after by shooting enthusiasts. Heavy weighted bullets are preferred to be used in this rifle such as the Czech Tz bullet of 11.75gr.


I aquired this sniper from a fellow Mosin Nagant collector from another forum. (Thanks again Alsky )
Its a 1957 Czech VZ54 upgraded to VZ54/91 configuration, it has an adjustable cheek rest, adjustable shoulder rest, a Russian PSO scope w/illuminated recitle and infared capabilities, and an adjustable bi-pod. The bore is pristeen and the bolt is butter smooth as is the trigger pull. The labels on the forend are typical of European shooting competitions. These labels are usually attached on the stock after control of the weapon before the shooting match.

The "čss" letters (český střelecký svaz) is for the Czech Shooting Federation, and on one label the word "Maxicky", a town in the former Czechoslovakia that has a shooting range.
The dates on the labels indicate the 2000s.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Mauser style sight hood and guard screws, interesting, but then the Czechs have a history with the Mauser. Very nice rifle, looks like one hell of a serious hole puncher

[Miller Tyme]

Mauser style sight hood and guard screws, interesting, but then the Czechs have a history with the Mauser. Very nice rifle, looks like one hell of a serious hole puncher

You know it JYD, this started out looking just like my 56, all the updates had to do with ergonomics and scope package so that tells you something about its capabilities as a shooter. A collector I know in Italy has pics of one of the 1st updates where they kept the original stock but added the PSO scope, it looks pretty cool and is most lickely a one of a kind.

[Longcolt44]

Another nice one MT.

[Miller Tyme]

Another nice one MT.

Thanks LC, as long as the wife doesn't say stop I'm going to keep collecting............

[Rongo]

there's one you don't see everyday. I think I've only seen one before... Thanks for sharing!

Another nice one MT.

Thanks LC, as long as the wife doesn't say stop I'm going to keep collecting............

A delicate path you tread upon. I know my wife has raised many an eyebrow over the years but still allows me to proceed with the collecting. Here's to the Women having a continued tolerance of our actions.

[Junk Yard Dog]

The cat just looks at the new rifle, looks at the food bowl, if it's full we have no problems

[Rongo]

I think this too should be on the Showcase.... Anyone else???

[Junk Yard Dog]

I think this too should be on the Showcase.... Anyone else???

[Rongo]

Another Fine Czech Sniper on the Showcase.

Showcase Submission

[Junk Yard Dog]