The CZ SCORPION EVO 3 is a lightweight pistol-caliber carbine (PCC) that utilizes a patented blowback design, which combines a robust and dynamic breech with a removable trigger housing. In contrast to other models, the SCORPION EVO 3 A1 features a firing pin block for enhanced safety. Its advanced ergonomics, exceptional accuracy in all fire modes, and proven reliability make it the ideal choice for challenging environments worldwide.
Introduction
CZ EVO 3 is chambered in 9mm and has two variations: the select-fire submachine gun is designated A1, and the semi-automatic variant is designated S1. The EVO 3 designation signifies that this firearm is the third generation of CZ’s small submachine guns, beginning with the SAMOPAL Skorpion vz. 61, which has no mechanical relationship to the EVO 3.
In 2004, the Slovak construction company finished the Laugo project, which was intended to design a modern automatic firearm. Three years later, Czech designers from Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod modified the original standards to meet modern standards. In 2011, the Scorpion EVO 3 A1 was introduced to the market, and soon after, a batch was delivered to the Czech police unit URNA (Útvar Rychlého Nasadéní).
Design
The Scorpion EVO 3 A1 is notable for its sleek design and practical ergonomic features that provide good weight balance. Its simple construction allows for easy and quick disassembly without additional tools. Despite its relatively compact size, it is suitable for close combat in urban settings. It is claimed by the manufacturer to meet the criteria for functioning in extreme climates and terrains outlined in NATO’s AC 225/D14 standards (TPVD 637-81).
This firearm operates using the principle of free recoil with a trigger that can be engaged from the closed position thanks to its inertial needle trigger mechanism and separate striker. Testing has shown it to be an accurate and reliable weapon. The barrel is chrome-plated with right-hand grooves and a twist pitch of 250 mm.
The weapon’s grip features basic controls on both sides that are easy to access without needing to adjust one’s grip. The handle’s inclination can be adjusted using the screw on the crate. Colored dots and dashes indicate the fire selector: a white dot signifies steady mode, red dots represent single fire, red dashes represent three-round short bursts, and red dots with dashes illustrate automatic fire. After firing the last bullet, the bolt remains in the rear position. The right side of the chest has a shell ejection hole that is left uncovered but is closed by the shutter assembly when it is in the forward position.
The polymer stock is foldable, and the user can adjust the length by pressing the lever on the underside, similar to the Colt M4 rifle system. The stock also includes a well-profiled shock absorber as an integral part.
The weapon’s casing is made of molded polymer and consists of two parts. The top includes a standard Picatinny rail and mechanical sights that users can easily remove to mount reflex or optical sighting devices. The sides and bottom of the casing feature rails arranged according to the 3-6-9 principle, and rubber lining is included as standard equipment to improve grip comfort. The front of the casing has a grooved steel cylinder under the barrel that helps cool the weapon during tactical use and aids fire control.
The bolt locking lever is primarily located on the front’s left side of the casing, but it can easily be moved to the right to accommodate left-handed shooters. Standard magazines are made of high-quality composite materials, are transparent, and hold 30 bullets. The magazine release lever is located just behind the grip and is easily accessible.
Several submachine guns are similar to the CZ EVO 3 in design, caliber, and intended use. Some examples include the Heckler & Koch MP5, the FN P90, the IMI Uzi, the Beretta M12, and the Steyr TMP. These firearms are all compact, fully automatic weapons chambered in 9mm or similar caliber and are primarily intended for use by military and law enforcement personnel.
Variants
The Scorpion EVO 3 is used by many military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. It is especially popular in Eastern Europe, with countries such as Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, and the Czech Republic all using it as a standard-issue firearm. The Scorpion EVO 3 is also used by Argentina, Ukraine, and Finland, among many other countries.
The manufacturer also offers a semi-automatic series for civilian customers in the standard Scorpion EVO 3 C1 version, including the Carbine and Carbine Comp models.
Technical specifications
| Country of origin: | Czech Republic |
| Manufacturer: | Ceska Zbrojovka |
| Type: | Blowback, selective fire |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Barrel: | 196 mm (7.7 “) |
| Weight: | 2.77 kg (6.10 lbs) with a full magazine |
| Magazine capacity: | 30 rounds |
| Cyclic rate of fire: | 1150 rounds per minute |
| Muzzle velocity: | 370 m/s |
| Sights: | Picatinny Rails for optics, backup iron sights |
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