Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Ceska Zbrojovka AS More Info

About the Gun

The Model 27 is a blowback-operated pistol with exposed hammer. It has a magazine safety which prevents firing with the magazine removed. The grip on the pistol is almost at a right angle with the barrel, and this is not good for natural pointing. It is a relatively simple and rugged pistol, and compares favorably with other semi-automatics in functioning reliability.

Production

Production ran from 1940 through 1945.

Market value

MSRP at production was low for military-issue arms (typically under $30 equivalent). Current used market value for examples in good to very good condition ranges $450–$850.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.32 Automatic
Alias:	7.65 mm Browning
More Info

Analysis

The CZ Model 27 was developed by František Myška as a simplified straight-blowback pistol derived from the earlier vz. 24 design, with the change to the .32 ACP cartridge allowing the elimination of the more complex locking system used in its predecessor. Pre-war examples were produced for Czechoslovak police, security, and commercial channels and carry typical Czech factory markings along with proof stamps of the period. Following the German occupation of Czechoslovakia, the Strakonice factory was redesignated Böhmische Waffenfabrik AG in Prag and output increased substantially to meet German requirements, with these pistols marked accordingly and accepted under Waffenamt inspection; the majority of surviving examples originate from this phase. Limited production continued after 1945 under nationalized Czech industry, incorporating updated proofs and finishes on pistols assembled from remaining components or new manufacture until the model was phased out in the early 1950s. Throughout these periods the core mechanical layout stayed consistent, so distinctions among the three variants rest chiefly on markings, acceptance stamps, grip materials, and finish characteristics that document the shifting political and industrial control of the factory. The design’s straightforward construction supported sustained high-volume output when required, while the narrower pre-war and post-war runs remain of interest for their specific national provenance and transitional features.