I was privileged to visit Uherský Brod in the Czech Republic to tour the Česká Zbrojovka factory. While I have published many reviews on CZ firearms and have an understanding of their quality, visiting the factory was truly an eye opener.
We started at the beginning where the wood comes in to be dried and cut to shape for rifle stocks.
Stocks are then loaded into an automated lathe for shaping.
Once cut into shape there is still much hand fitting left to be done.
Once checked and double checked the stocks are lacquered and left to cure.
The plant floor is quite impressive, a combination of some older equipment and state of the art CNC machinery.
Wax forms are used to create the molds for cast parts.
CZ has their own foundry pouring cast parts.
Barrels are cold hammer forged and rifled from steel bar stock.
Assembly and function checks are done by hand.
Throughout the process, many sets of hands check and QC the firearms.
All firearms are then proof fired, function tested, accuracy tested, disassembled to be checked and cleaned before boxing. It is no secret I am a fan of the CZ products, basing that opinion from doing many reviews of their firearms. Getting this inside look has given me an even greater appreciation of their firearms and the efforts that go into producing quality and reliable firearms.
Abbreviated timeline.
1936 Česká Zbrojovka in Uherský Brod Czechoslovakia is established, initially producing aircraft machine guns, military sidearms, and rifles. In WWII the factory was invaded and occupied by the Nazis forcing the craftsman to produce and repair firearms for the Germans. When WW II ended the Nazis were driven from Czechoslovakia and the factory returned to producing military and civilian firearms for the free population.
1950 the company separated and was named Přesné strojírenství Uherský Brod.
1970 the company merged with Agrozet Brno, expanding its capacity into the production parts for aircraft engines and farm tractor implements. In the later years of the 1980s, modernization and restructuring began, putting emphasis on producing firearms.
1975 the CZ 75 was introduced.
1986 the CZ 85 was introduced.
1988 the company was split off from Agrozet Brno and became a separate entity reverting back to the original name.
1990s production for the Czechoslovakian army came to an end and focus was shifted to production sporting and hunting arms for civilians as well as the military and police. Between 1991 and 1992 production for aircraft engine parts and farm tractor implements ceased altogether.
1992 Ceska Brojovka privatized and began exported firearms to over ninety countries.
1993 the Czechoslovak federation is dissolved creating the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
1995 CZ 75B and CZ 85B “B” models were introduced replacing the earlier models.
1997 Česká Zbrojovka obtained quality system certification pursuant to ISO 9001 and granted the requisite authorization by the Office for Civil Aviation to manufacture and repair aircraft engine parts. The automotive industry manufacturing operation aspect of Česká Zbrojovka received quality system certification per CSN EN ISO 16949 standards. CZ-USA is established.
2004 Zbrojovka Brno is acquired.
2005 Dan Wesson firearms is acquired.
2006 new management takes over and development of next generation CZ firearms begins. The 75 SP-01 Shadow pistol makes it’s debut dominating the sporting pistol market.
2007 the one million mark of CZ 75 models is reached.
2011 CZ enters the Armed Forces firearms market, beginning the rearmament of the Czech Republic Army
2015 CZ reaches over 1,800 employees and commands their market share on the free global market.
2016 an assembly plant in Peru opens expanding into the Peruvian military.
2016 Bren II rifle enters production.
2017 reaches over 1900 employees expanding into over 100 countries. The CZ P-10 C model enters production.
2018 the CZ Group Holding is established and new management assumes control, employees near 2000.
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Interesting article! I enjoyed a look at processes I’ve never had the opportunity to watch before. Their finished products are impressive, so it’s nice to have some background on the factory itself. Thanks for bringing this out to us.
Well said and I agree with you completely. I was also impressed with their qc efforts. Some of our companies have lagged off with that. It’s kind of like they decided it’s cheaper to fix it later than get it right the first time. Cz makes a fine product.