ZB-53

ZB-53, Vz.37
TypeMedium machine gun
Place of originCzechoslovakia
Service history
In service1937–1960s (Czechoslovakia)
Used bySee Users
Wars
Production history
DesignerVáclav Holek
Designed1935
ManufacturerZbrojovka Brno
Produced1936–early 1950s
Specifications
Mass21 kg (46 lb) empty
Length1.105 m (43.5 in)
Barrel length0.736 m (29.0 in)

Cartridge7.92×57mm Mauser
Calibre7.9 mm
ActionGas-operated
Rate of fire500–800 round/min
Feed system225-round metal link belt

The ZB-53 was a Czechoslovak machine gun. A versatile weapon, it was used both as a squad support weapon, as a mounted machine gun for tanks and other armoured vehicles, and on fixed positions inside Czechoslovak border fortifications. Adopted before World War II by the armies of Czechoslovakia (as Těžký kulomet vz. 37, heavy machine gun model 37) and Romania, it was also license-built in the United Kingdom as the Besa machine gun. Following the German invasion of Czechoslovakia, large quantities of the weapon were captured by the Wehrmacht and used during the war under the designation of MG 37(t).

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