The VZ. 61 Škorpion is a compact, selective-fire submachine gun developed in Czechoslovakia during the late 1950s. Designed primarily for military officers, special forces, and security personnel, the Škorpion was a unique blend of a submachine gun and a personal defense weapon. It was chambered in .32 ACP (7.65×17mm Browning SR) and was later adapted to other calibers like 9×18mm Makarov, 9×19mm Parabellum, and .380 ACP in derivative models.

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the various components that make up the Škorpion, explaining how they fit together and detailing any cost-saving or performance-enhancing modifications.

Receiver and Frame Assembly

The receiver of the VZ. 61 Škorpion is a stamped steel component that houses most of the internal mechanisms. It provides the framework for mounting the bolt, fire control group, and stock assembly.

Key Parts:

• Upper receiver: Stamped steel construction with ejection port on the right side.

• Lower receiver: Houses the trigger group and magazine well.

• Side-mounted selector switch: Controls fire modes (safe, semi-auto, full-auto).

• VZ61 Skorpion Receiver Parts w/Trigger Guard: Integral in securing the fire control group.

• VZ-61 Skorpion torch cut receiver parts: Useful for parts kits and builds.

• VZ61 Skorpion Receiver Cover Czech: Protects the internal components from debris and damage.

The Škorpion’s use of stamped steel instead of milled parts was a cost-saving measure that made manufacturing more efficient while maintaining durability.

Bolt and Recoil Assembly

The Škorpion features a blowback-operated bolt system, meaning the force of the fired cartridge alone cycles the bolt. A unique aspect of the Škorpion is its rate-reducing mechanism, which prevents the gun from firing too rapidly.

Key Parts:

• VZ-61 Skorpion Bolt: A relatively simple mass-driven blowback bolt that houses the firing pin.

• VZ61 Skorpion Bolt Assembly Parts: Includes components like the firing pin, recoil spring, and extractor.

• Firing pin: A fixed pin integral to the bolt assembly.

• Extractor: Located on the right side of the bolt to pull the spent casing from the chamber.

• Recoil spring assembly: A telescoping spring design that absorbs energy from the bolt’s rearward movement.

• VZ61 Skorpion Bolt Stop Assembly: Prevents excessive wear and ensures proper function.

• Rate reducer: A mechanical buffer located in the pistol grip that slows the bolt’s return forward, effectively reducing the cyclic rate to about 850 rounds per minute.

The addition of a rate reducer was a major improvement over many older open-bolt submachine guns that fired at excessive rates, leading to poor control and accuracy.

Trigger and Fire Control Group

The trigger group on the Škorpion is relatively simple, but it incorporates features not commonly seen on other submachine guns of its era.

Key Parts:

• VZ61 Skorpion Trigger Pack: Includes the hammer, sear, disconnector, and other fire control components.

• Trigger mechanism: A pivoting trigger that engages the sear to release the bolt.

• Hammer: Unlike most open-bolt SMGs, the Škorpion has a hammer-fired system, contributing to improved accuracy.

• Sear and disconnector: Controls the bolt’s release for semi-auto and full-auto firing modes.

• Selector switch: Rotates to control fire modes (safe, semi, full-auto).

• Auto-sear: Prevents hammer release until the bolt is fully in battery (important for safety).

The hammer-fired system was a notable upgrade over traditional open-bolt designs, as it improved first-shot accuracy and allowed for better trigger control.

Furniture and External Components

Despite being primarily metal, the Škorpion incorporates some polymer and wood components.

Key Parts:

• VZ61 Skorpion Wood Grip: Traditional option providing durability and classic aesthetics.

• Pistol grip: Made of bakelite or polymer, depending on the model.

• VZ 61 Folding Stock: A wire-frame stock that folds over the receiver.

• Handguard: Not present in most models due to the compact nature of the weapon.

• Iron sights: Fixed front post and an adjustable rear notch sight.

The folding stock was a cost-effective and lightweight solution, allowing users to carry the weapon easily while maintaining decent stability for aimed fire.

Magazine and Feeding System

The Škorpion uses a double-stack, single-feed magazine, feeding from the bottom of the receiver.

Key Parts:

• VZ61 Skorpion 10 round mag: Compact option for easier concealability and better handling.

• VZ61 Skorpion 20 round mag: Standard magazine for increased firepower.

• Magazine catch: A simple spring-loaded retention system.

• Feed lips: Reinforced to prevent deformation and feeding issues.

The choice of .32 ACP was unusual for a military firearm but was chosen due to the small size, light recoil, and common availability in Europe.

Barrel and Muzzle Device

The Škorpion features a short, fixed barrel that is threaded to accept accessories like suppressors.

Key Parts:

• Barrel: 4.53 inches (115mm) in length, cold hammer-forged.

• Muzzle thread: Allows the attachment of a suppressor or compensator.

• Chamber: Chrome-lined for durability and corrosion resistance.

Unlike many of its Cold War-era contemporaries, the Škorpion had a threaded barrel for suppressor use, making it a favorite among special forces and clandestine units.

Take Down and Maintenance

The Škorpion is designed for quick disassembly for cleaning and maintenance.

Key Parts:

• VZ61 Skorpion Take Down Pin and Spring: Allows easy separation of the upper and lower receiver for maintenance.

This pin-and-spring assembly ensures quick field stripping, a key feature for military and security forces needing fast weapon maintenance.

Evolution and Cost-Saving Measures

Over its lifetime, several cost-saving and performance-enhancing measures were implemented:

• Stamped steel components replaced many milled parts, reducing weight and cost.

• Polymer furniture replaced early wooden grips.

• The rate reducer was added to improve handling, a notable feature lacking in earlier WWII-era SMGs.

• 9mm variants were introduced to increase stopping power in later production runs.

Compared to rivals like the PPSh-41, MP40, or M3 Grease Gun, the Škorpion was a more compact, specialized firearm rather than a general-issue submachine gun.

The VZ. 61 Škorpion’s Influence on Pop Culture

While the Skorpion was widely used in real-world military and security applications, let us not forget that it gained widespread recognition in pop culture, particularly in the United States, through video games. Arguably the most notable appearance was in the classic N64 video game GoldenEye 007, of which where it was represented as the Klobb.

The Klobb became infamous in the gaming community for its low damage, poor accuracy, and high rate of fire, making it one of the least effective weapons in the game. However, its inclusion introduced the Škorpion to an entire generation of players, solidifying its status as an iconic firearm. Despite its reputation in the game, the real-world Škorpion was far more effective, especially in close-quarters combat where its compact size and controlled rate of fire made it a formidable weapon.

This representation in GoldenEye, alongside appearances in other media, contributed to a renewed interest in the Škorpion among firearm enthusiasts in the U.S., leading to increased demand for civilian-legal variants and parts kits.

Final Takeaway

The VZ. 61 Skorpion remains one of the most unique Cold War-era firearms, blending submachine gun firepower with the compactness of a personal defense weapon. Its unique features, including the rate reducer, threaded barrel, and lightweight folding stock, make it a standout firearm in Cold War history.

Whether used by military officers, special forces, or law enforcement, the Škorpion continues to be a fascinating example of Czechoslovakian ingenuity in firearm design.