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 cambering, carbine-length barrels, hardwood stocks, and straight bolt handles. All M24 series weapons are designed to accept the M-24/48 pattern bayonet.[1]
| M24 series | |
|---|---|
| Type | Bolt-action rifle |
| Place of origin | Yugoslavia |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Kragujevac Arsenal |
| Specifications | |
| Cartridge | 7.92x57mm Mauser |
| Action | Bolt-action |
| Muzzle velocity | 760 m/s (2,493 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 500 m (547 yd) (with iron sights) 800+ m (875 yd) (with optics) |
| Feed system | 5-round stripper clip, internal magazine |
| Sights | iron sights. Telescopic sight. |
History
The first Mauser rifle produced in Yugoslavia was the M24. Its predecessor, the Model 1924 had been produced for the Yugoslav army by Česká Zbrojovka and FN Herstal. Nearly all M24's were produced either before or during World War II, at the Kragujevac Arsenal 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 by reworking existing prewar Model 1924 rifles after World War II at the Zastava Arms (formally Kragujevac Arsenal) plant, which was at that time under the control of the postwar communist government. "47" and "52" indicate the beginning of the rebuild program for each respective model: 1947 for the M24/47 and 1952 for the M24/52. One common misconception is that the M24/47 rifles were produced only in 1947; actually, the rebuild program lasted into the early 1950s alongside new production of M48 rifles. 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]
M24 series rifles were used by the Royal Yugoslav Army and the Yugoslav Partisans during World War II.
Variants
Pre-War and Wartime.
Short Rifle Model 1924 - Belgian Made. Intermediate length action.
Short Rifle Model 1924 - Yugoslavian Made. Intermediate length action.
vz. 24 Rifle - Czechoslovakian Made by Brno imported early on to supplement FN Model 1924's. Standard length action incompatible with Belgian and Yugoslavian Mausers differences in front sight and additional side sling points.
Cavalry Carbine Model 1924 Type I - Additional set of sling swivels on left side with bent bolt handles otherwise similar to rifle. Intermediate length action.
Cavalry Carbine Model 1924 Type II - Additional sling swives with Straight bolt handle. Intermediate length action
Post War .
M24/47 Rifle - M24 Rifles and Carbines of Belgian and Yugoslavian manufacture brought up to a common standard beginning in 1947 and continuing into early 1950s. Most received new M48 barrels with 98k type front sight hoods not found on Model 1924's. Carbine features deleated rear swivel removed and plugged with dowel front carbine sling points ground off and polished. Intermediate length action.
M24/52 Rifle Reworked Czech vz. 24 rifles in overhaul program similar to M24/47 beginning in 1952. Standard length action.
Civilian Use
A number of M24 series rifles have been sold to civilians, and are popular because of their low cost when compared to similar Mauser pattern rifles, such as the Karabiner 98k and M48 Mauser. M24 series rifles are noted for their high quality.[4]