ZB vz. 30
Light machine gun From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Light machine gun From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The ZB-30 and ZB-30J were Czechoslovakian light machine guns that saw extensive use during World War II.
ZB-30 | |
---|---|
![]() Yugoslav-made ZB vz. 30 | |
Type | Light machine gun |
Place of origin | Czechoslovakia Romania (license) Yugoslavia (license) |
Service history | |
In service | 1930–2009[1] |
Used by | See Users |
Wars | Chaco War[2] Second Italo-Ethiopian War[3] Spanish Civil War[4] World War II First Indochina War Algerian War Biafran war War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)[1] |
Production history | |
Designed | 1930 |
Manufacturer | Zbrojovka Brno, Cugir Arms Factory, Military Technical Institute Kragujevac[5] |
Specifications | |
Mass | 9.10 kg (20.06 lb) |
Length | 1,180 mm (46.5 in) |
Cartridge | 7.92×57mm Mauser |
Action | Gas-operated, tilting breechblock |
Rate of fire | 550-650 rounds/min |
Muzzle velocity | 750 m/s (2,461 ft/s) |
Effective firing range | 1,000 m (1,100 yd) |
Feed system | 20-round detachable box magazine |
Sights | Front blade, rear leaf sight |
The Zb 30 and Zb 30J were the later versions of the famous Czechoslovak machine gun, the ZB-26. However, the ZB-30 had some design differences, making it similar to the later ZGB-33, which was an early prototype of the Bren gun.[6] Like the ZB-26, the Wehrmacht adopted the ZB-30 after the occupation of Czechoslovakia, renaming it the MG30(t); it was used in the same role as the MG34, as a light machine gun. In the opening phases of World War II, the ZB-30 in 7.92 mm Mauser caliber was used in large numbers by elements of the German Waffen-SS, who did not initially have full access to standard Wehrmacht supply channels.[1]
Comparison of original ZB vz.26 and modifications:
Machine gun | ZB vz.26 | ZB vz.30 | ZB vz.30J (note) |
---|---|---|---|
Caliber (mm) | 7.92 | 7.92 | 7.92 |
Length (mm) | 1165 | 1180 | 1204 |
Weight (kg) | 8.84 | 9.10 | 9.58 |
Magazine (rounds) | 20 | 20 | 20 |
Rate (round/min) | 500 | 550-650 | 500-600 |
Velocity (m/s) | 750 | 750 | 750 |
Note - The ZB 30J was a late design iteration of the ZB 30 for sale to Yugoslavia (originally spelled with a J) that featured an adjustable gas system so that commonly available light and heavy 7.92mm ball ammunition would cycle the mechanism.[7]
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.