An original VZ-24?

[Gil Martin]

I was in a gun shop looking around and stumbled across a Yugoslav 24/47 that just looked to be a bit different than the other 24/47s in the rack. The rifle appeared to be unissued with matching numbers, a color matched stock and a perfect bore. The front sight base was not cut for a sight hood. The left receiver wall was was not marked with "PREDUECE 44" like the other rifles, but some of the faint BRNO markings were still visible. The receiver was stamped with the Yugoslav crest, but again bits of the BRNO markings were visible. I believe it is a reworked VZ-24.

I talked to the shop owner and he agreed this rifle looked like a hybrid. We chatted and the rifle came home with me. I plan to shot it at the range today. All the best...
Gil

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

Obviously that rifle came into a very good home. I have often looked at my venerable military arms and wondered where they have been and what they endured. Old military arms have a history locked inside that we can only imagine. One day, it will all be clear to us, but no hearse has a luggage rack, so we will just "be in the know" for our personal satisfaction. I reckon that will satisfy most gun collectors to know what they once possessed. We will never own any gun anymore that the prior owners did, once upon a time.

Cherish your arms while you can.

Adam

[Gil Martin]

I took the rifle to the range and ran some reloads through it. At 50 yards, it was printing about 2 inches high and the windage was right on. I showed the rifle to a few shooting buddies and they all wanted to buy it. Well, it is not for sale. All the best...
Gil

[Joe Boleo]

Good catch. Take care...
Joe

[Larryjk]

There are some strange rifles out there! I have a VZ-24 that looks all original, but it is a 7x57mm. Olson's book says that isn't an original caliber. Sure looks original to me.

[Gil Martin]

You raise an interesting point, there were a lot of strange things going on in European arsenals between the wars and during WWII. FN of Belgium made their Model 1924 in 7x57mm, 7.65mm and 8mm caliber for export to a number of countries. It is likely that BRNO did the same thing. Whatever you do, hang on to that rifle, it is classic. All the best...
Gil

[Joe Boleo]

I have noticed at some gun shows, there are counterfeit arms. For example, 1903-A3 rifles that were drilled and tapped and presented as 1903-A4 sniper rifles. The inscription was on the wrong side of the receiver. The only thing that resembled a 1903-A4 was the price. Take care...
Joe

[Larryjk]

I noticed my original post said my rifle is a "VX-24". I must have hit the wrong key. It should have said VZ-24.

[Gil Martin]

I fixed your post to read VZ-24. We knew what you meant. All the best...
Gil