By: Friedrich Seiltgen

The Scorpion EVO 3 is the third evolution of the original CZ 61 machine pistol.

Although they share the same name and were/are produced by Česká zbrojovka a.s. Uherský Brod in the Czech Republic, they are mechanically different, as the EVO 3 was originally released in 2009 as a modified version of the Slovakian Laugo LG-205A.

The Škorpion vz. 61 has been around since 1961. This machine pistol was originally chambered for .32 ACP and went through some caliber changes during its 1961-1979 lifespan. The Model 61 was designed for security forces, and due to its compact size, was later issued to tankers and other personnel as a PDW. In addition, it was used by the IRA during the “Troubles,” and the Red Brigade during the 1978 kidnapping and murder of Italian politician Aldo Moro and five of his bodyguards in Rome.

Due to its unique look, the Model 61 has been used in several movies, such as Ronin, The Dark Knight, Matrix Revolutions, and many more. The new Scorpion EVO 3 is no slouch either, appearing in John Wick III and The Fast and Furiousfranchise.

The EVO 3 was tweaked a little in 2010, and its current forms are the A1 automatic version and the S1 semi-automatic pistol, available in America. The S1 version is a polymer-framed pistol available in black, OD Green, and Battleship Gray. There’s rail space everywhere: 11 inches on the top, 3.75 on both sides of the handguard, and 5.5 inches on the bottom. It also includes a forward hand stop to prevent any accidents.

The EVO 3 has several features, making it an easy-to-use, fun-to-shoot pistol. The EVO 3 also features ambidextrous controls, a swappable charging handle, and trigger reach adjustment. The S1 is 16” long, and brace options are available. If that’s too big, the S2 Micro Pistol model might be your bag! The S2 is equipped with a 4.12” barrel and measures 13.62” in length. And finally, if you want something longer, CZ offers their carbine version with a 16.2” barrel and a faux suppressor!

SPECIFICATIONS

Action Type: Blowback Operated Semi-Automatic.

Caliber: 9mm

Magazine capacity: 10, 20, or 30 round magazines, 50 round drum

Sights: Adjustable with 11” picatinny rail.

Barrel Length: 7.72”

Overall Length: 16.0”

Height: 9.4”

Weight: 5.0 lbs.

MSRP: $1,025

URL: www.cz-usa.com

CZ has a great lineup of Scorpion Pistols, so if you’re in the market for a well-rounded, reliable, compact truck gun, or something to put in your go bag, consider the CZ EVO 3 lineup.

That’s all for now folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article ideas. And as always – “Let’s be careful out there.”

Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism, Firearms, First Aid, Active Shooter Response, and Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations in Florida. His writing has appeared in RECOIL, The Counter Terrorist Magazine, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International. Contact him at [email protected].