Deactivated CZ 52 or VZ52 Semi automatic rifle

This is a Czechoslovakian CZ 52 or VZ52 (Model 52) Semi automatic 7.62mm rifle. Like so many of the weapons designed and manufactured by CZ, it is a superb and innovative piece of engineering. Designed and developed towards the end of WWII, it is a combination of several foreign designs, plus a few Czech ideas. The trigger mechanism is similar to that of the US M1 rifle, and gas system to that of the German MKb42, (which eventually evolved into the MP44) . It also uses several early Walther rifle design features. The action and bolt look very similar to that of the German WWII Gewher 43 (G43), and it has a permanently attached folding bayonet. This example dates to 1956 and has matching numbers to receiver and woodwork. The stock markings indicate that it was in service with another nation after military service with the Czechs. Deactivated with a working action.