POTD: A Common Bring Back – The CZ Model 27

Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Folks usually call it the CZ Model 27, but technically speaking, it’s the vz. 27. That’s short for vzor 27, or “Model 27” in Czech. This slim seven-shooter catches your eye with its sleek lines, but make no mistake – the CZ 27 is all business. Born as the vz. 24’s understudy in 1927, it spits .32 ACP rounds with workhorse reliability. And work it did during World War II, arming nearly a half million German occupiers who dubbed it the Pistole 27(t). An RAF ace even snatched one straight from a prison guard when Colditz was liberated! Almost 650,000 total left Ceska Zbrojovka’s Strakonice plant before the CZ 27 retired in the 1950s. Not the best pointer with its steep grip, but a soldier’s best friend for sure. The CZ 27 proved you didn’t need fancy features or massive stopping power to earn a reputation as one of the 20th century’s great military pistols. Simple, rugged and respected in the field – that was the CZ Model 27’s style. No wonder so many returned home as war trophies.