VZ. 26 submachine gun

Vzor 26 is a submachine gun developed and manufactured by the Czech company Česká zbrojovka, n. p., Strakonice. Its development began in the first three post-war years and in 1948 it was decided to introduce it into the armament of the Czechoslovak army. The Model 26 became the uniform weapon of all branches of the Czechoslovak Army and the Border Guard and was used until it was gradually replaced by the vz. 58 submachine gun.

Its serial production was stopped in 1950, but the weapon was subsequently reconstructed to use the Soviet 7.62 mm Tokarev cartridge. This reconstruction included modifications to the performance, dimensions and other components of the weapon. The reconstruction brought changes to the bolt carrier, the teeth connecting the case cap, the extractor, the sights, the shoulder rest and the fixed stock. The surface protection of the weapon was also changed.

After comparative tests, the Model 24 (with wooden stock) and Model 26 (with folding shoulder rest) were introduced into service in 1951. Production of the new submachine guns in Uherský Brod began in February 1951 and by the end of the year 150,000 units had been produced. Total production reached 345,000 submachine guns of both versions.