The M24 series is a line of Mauser pattern bolt-action battle rifles produced for use by the Yugoslavian military. They are similar to the Czech vz. 24 rifle, featuring open sights, 7.92x57mm chambering, carbine-length barrels, hardwood stocks, and straight bolt handles. All M24 series weapons are designed to accept the M-24/48 pattern bayonet.[1]
History
The first Mauser rifle produced in Yugoslavia was the M24. Its predecessor, the Model 1924 had been produced for the Yugoslav army by CZ and FN. Nearly all M24's were produced either before or during World War II, and all were manufactured at the Zastava plant. The M24 and Model 1924 are nearly identical.[2]
The final additions to the M24 family were the M24/47 and M24/52 rifles. Both were produced after World War II at the Zastava plant, which was at that time under the control of the postwar communist government. "47" and "52" indicate the first year of production for each respective model: 1947 for the M24/47 and 1952 for the M24/52. Minor cosmetic differences exist between the M24/47 and M24/52, but the rifles are nearly identical to one another and to their predecessors, the Model 1924 and M24.[3]
No M24 series rifle saw significant action in any major conflict.
Civillian Use
A number of M24 series rifles have been sold to civillians, and are popular because of their low cost when compared to similar Mauser pattern rifles, such as the K98k and M48. M24 series rifles are noted for their high quality.[4]
References
This article has not been added to any content categories. Please help out by adding categories to it so that it can be listed with similar articles. (December 2009) |