The iconic and tiny Škorpion vz. 61 submachine gun is probably as well known in the United States from its use in films, TV, and video games as anything else. CZ’s new EVO is the evolution of the Scorpion line of submachine guns (SMG) that began officially in 1961, hence the name Scorpion EVO.
The original Škorpion vz. 61 was an ultra-compact SMG designed for special operations, vehicle crews, junior level officers, and security forces. Though well engineered, it was originally fielded in 7.65x17mm (.32 ACP) — an anemic caliber in general and, in my appreciation, almost worthless in a sub-gun. It was later made in 9x18mm Makarov as the Vz 65, 9x19mm NATO as the Vz 68, and 9x17mm (.380 ACP) as the Vz 83, with a few other…