ZH-29

The ZH-29 was a semi-automatic rifle developed in Czechoslovakia during the late 1920s, and used by the Chinese National Revolutionary Army.[1] The ZH-29 is one of the first successful self-loading rifles in service.

ZH-29
ZH-29 Automatic rifle
TypeSemi-automatic rifle
Place of originCzechoslovakia
Service history
Used bySee Users
Production history
DesignerEmanuel Holek
Designed1929
ManufacturerCeskoslovenska Zbrojovka
Specifications
Mass4.5 kg (9.9 lb)
Length1,150 mm (45 in)
Barrel length545 mm (21.5 in)
Cartridge8×57mm IS
ActionGas-operated, tilting bolt
Muzzle velocity808 m/s (2,650 ft/s)
Effective firing range350 metres
Feed system5, 10 or 20-round box magazine
Sightsiron sights

Overview

The ZH-29 is a gas-operated service rifle with a tilting-bolt locking system similar to that which would be later used in the Sturmgewehr 44; although while the bolt of the German gun tilts vertically, that of the ZH-29 does so to the left side. Externally the most distinctive feature is that the barrel is offset at a slight angle to the receiver to compensate for this.[2] Also unusually, the rifle uses an aluminium barrel jacket.

An upgraded variant was designated ZH-32.[3]

In China, Chang Tso-lin's army received 150 ZH-29 and 100 ZH-32. Provincial troops of Guangdong also received 33 ZH-32. A derivative prototype was built in 1932 in Shenyang. It is unlikely these guns saw action during the Sino-Japanese War.[3]

A version chambered in .276 Pedersen was submitted to US Army trials but was unsuccessful.[4]

Users
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See also

References
  1. http://survincity.com/2012/08/czechoslovak-rifle-semi-automatic-type-zh-29/
  2. https://www.forgottenweapons.com/early-semiauto-rifles/czech-zh29-rifle/
  3. Ness, Leland; Shih, Bin (July 2016). Kangzhan: Guide to Chinese Ground Forces 1937–45. Helion & Company. p. 254. ISBN 9781910294420.
  4. Springfield Armory page on the ZH-29 (SPAR item 3633) quoting from Walter, John. RIFLES OF THE WORLD. 3rd Edition. Krause Publications. Iola, Wi. 2006
  5. Shih, Bin (2018). China's Small Arms of the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945).
  6. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic; Jimma University; Addis Ababa University; University of West Bohemia; Embassy of the Czech Republic in Addis Ababa. "The 20th Century Revisited: Relations between former Czechoslovakia and Ethiopia" (PDF).
  7. Ian McCollum (August 15, 2016). "Japanese ZH-29 Copy by Tokyo Gas & Electric". Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  8. Smith, Joseph E. (1969). Small Arms of the World (11 ed.). Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: The Stackpole Company. p. 310.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
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