The ZB-53: Czechoslovakia’s Forgotten Machine Gun That Fought Around the World

In the shadow of more famous World War II-era machine guns like the German MG 34 and MG 42, the Czechoslovakian ZB-53 (vz. 37) often gets overlooked. Yet this rugged, tripod-mounted machine gun saw combat across multiple continents, arming forces from Britain to Israel and even appearing in Hollywood films. Developed in the late 1930s as a replacement for aging Schwarzlose machine guns, the ZB-53 was a blend of old-school firepower and modern engineering—a weapon that, despite its quirks, proved its worth in battle.

A Machine Gun Caught Between Two Eras

Designed by Václav Holek and Miroslav Rolčík (the same minds behind the iconic ZB vz. 26, which evolved into the British Bren gun), the ZB-53 was an air-cooled, belt-fed medium machine gun chambered in 7.92×57mm Mauser. Unlike the trend toward lighter, more mobile machine guns, the ZB-53 was built for sustained fire, with a heavy finned barrel capable of withstanding five minutes of continuous shooting before needing replacement.

One of its most distinctive features was its side-folding wooden grips, a throwback to earlier tripod-mounted guns like the Schwarzlose. Instead of a traditional charging handle, the gunner pulled back on these grips to cock the weapon—an unusual but functional design. The ZB-53 also featured a variable rate of fire (500 or 800 rounds per minute) and could be configured for infantry use, bunker defense, or armored vehicles.

From Czechoslovakia to the Battlefields of WWII and Beyond

Before Czechoslovakia fell to Nazi Germany in 1938, the ZB-53 had already attracted foreign buyers, including Romania, Yugoslavia, and even China, where it saw early combat against Japanese forces. When the Germans occupied Czech arms factories, they pressed the ZB-53 into service as the MG 37(t), issuing it primarily to Waffen-SS units and using it in fixed defensive positions.

Meanwhile, the British, who had already adopted the ZB vz. 26 as the Bren gun, licensed the ZB-53 for production as the Besa machine gun. Unlike the Bren, which was modified for the British .303 cartridge, the Besa kept its original 7.92mm Mauser chambering—a rare instance of the British Army adopting a foreign caliber. The Besa became the standard machine gun for British tanks during WWII, serving through the Korean War and even the 1956 Suez Crisis.

After the war, the ZB-53 continued to appear in conflicts worldwide, from the 1948 Arab-Israeli War (where both Israeli and Arab forces used it) to the Bay of Pigs invasion (reportedly in Cuban hands). Its durability and firepower ensured it remained in service long after more advanced designs emerged.

The ZB-53 in Pop Culture—And Why It Still Matters

Though not as famous as the MG 42 or Browning M1919, the ZB-53 has made occasional appearances in films, including John Wick: Chapter 3 and Hart’s War. Its distinctive profile—especially those folding wooden grips—makes it stand out among WWII-era weapons.

While the ZB-53 was ultimately a transitional design—too heavy to compete with true general-purpose machine guns yet too advanced to be a pure tripod gun—it played a crucial role in arming nations before and during WWII. Today, it remains a fascinating piece of firearms history, a testament to Czechoslovakia’s once-thriving arms industry.

Ammo Spotlight: Classic and Modern Cartridges for Collectors & Shooters

While the ZB-53 relied on 7.92×57mm Mauser, today’s shooters have a vast selection of cartridges for both historical and practical use. Whether you’re a collector, hunter, or competitive shooter, here are some standout options:

• .300 H&H Ammo for Sale – A classic big-game hunting round with a rich history.
• 6.5 Creedmoor – The modern long-range favorite, known for precision and low recoil.
• .300 Winchester Magnum – A powerhouse for elk, moose, and long-distance shooting.
• .308 Winchester – A versatile, all-around cartridge for hunting and tactical use.
• Federal Premium – High-quality ammunition for hunters and competitive shooters.
• 28 Gauge & 20 Gauge – Ideal for upland bird hunting and sport shooting, offering lighter recoil than 12-gauge.

Whether you’re stocking up for the range, hunting season, or historical reenactments, these calibers and brands provide both commercial and educational value. Understanding their strengths helps shooters make informed choices—whether they’re recreating WWII battles or chasing today’s performance benchmarks.

Want to learn more about historic firearms and modern ballistics? Check out our full catalog at Discount Guns and Ammo—your trusted source for firearms knowledge and gear.

Originally published on The Armory Life. Reprinted with permission.