Vz. 54
vz. 54 is a Czechoslovak bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in 7.62×54mmR.
Development
The sniper rifle was developed in Czechoslovakia between 1949 and 1951. Initially, the ZG 49 sn variant chambered in 7.92×64 mm was tested, but the final decision favored the 7.62×54mmR cartridge.The second prototype was based on the Soviet Mosin-Nagant , from which the action was adopted. Selected bolt parts were optimized and the best barrels were chosen. The stock design incorporated features from pre-war vz. 24 rifle production.
Design
The stock with pistol grip was newly designed; the fore-end is relatively short, exposing the front half of the barrel. It has only one barrel band. The bent bolt handle was purpose-made, unlike the simply cranked ones found on Soviet Mosin sniper rifles. As a result, the stock has a cutout to accommodate the bolt handle.The primary sight is a fixed Czech Meopta 2.5×6 telescopic sight with only 2.5× magnification. The backup iron sights consist of a sliding rear notch adjustable from 50 to 1200 meters, paired with a front post.