Videos tagged with VHU

This video explores the Steyr Repetierpistole M1912/16, an automatic adaptation of the M1912 pistol developed by the Austro-Hungarian military during WWI. It features a 16-round fixed magazine loaded via stripper clips and a selector switch, with a high rate of fire. The video also mentions the acquisition of 200 of these pistols and 50 twin-gun systems, though none of the latter are known to survive. The presenter thanks the VHU (Czech Military History Institute) for access to these prototypes at the Army Museum Žižkov in Prague.

This video explores a rare prototype of the Czechoslovakian vz.38 pistol, specifically a 9x19mm variant known as the 'Nutcracker'. While the standard vz.38 was a simple blowback .380 ACP, this prototype features a locked breech with a rotating barrel system, DA/SA trigger, and a manual safety, indicating attempts to adapt the design for a more powerful cartridge. The video highlights the historical context, the rarity of the surviving example, and thanks the VHU (Czech Military History Institute) and the Army Museum Žižkov for access. The project was ultimately not pursued, with the exact reasons for its termination being unclear.

This video delves into the URZ (Univerzální Ruční Zbraň), a fascinating 1966 Czech prototype designed by Jiří Čermák. The URZ was conceived as a highly modular weapons system capable of being configured as a service rifle, carbine, light machine gun, vehicular machine gun, or precision rifle. Despite initial disinterest from the Czech military, development proceeded for export purposes. The design features a unique delayed-blowback system with rollers and is belt-fed. While early examples were chambered in 7.62x39mm, development shifted to 7.62x51mm NATO, a surprising choice for a communist-bloc project, likely targeting unaligned nations. Ultimately, only nine URZ prototypes were built before the project was shelved. The video highlights access to a rare prototype courtesy of the Czech Military History Institute (VHU).

This video explores the Praga I, an early Czech machine gun design by Vaclav Holek, developed in 1922. It's noted as a precursor to the renowned ZB-26 light machine gun. The Praga I features a blow-forward, gas-trap action and a wedge-locking system, distinct from the Vickers/Maxim toggle-jointed recoil operation. The filming was made possible by access granted from the VHU - Czech Military History Institute, specifically the Army Museum Žižkov in Prague, which houses this fascinating prototype and other exhibits.

This video offers a virtual tour of the Army Museum Žižkov in Prague, part of the Czech Military History Institute (VHU). The presenter spent several days filming a collection of Czech small arms. The museum boasts three floors of exhibits and is open to the public. The description also provides links to the VHU website for further details on their aviation and armor museums, as well as the presenter's Patreon, Floatplane, and merchandise store.