CZ Scorpion Evo 3

Lore & Background

The Scorpion EVO 3 is a blowback-operated carbine evolved from a Slovak prototype submachine gun developed by Laugo. Chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum, it is mostly polymer, making it lightweight and compact, designed for easy maneuverability in confined spaces. It features a left-side non-reciprocating charging handle that can be switched to the right side during disassembly.

The select-fire A1 variant comes equipped with a folding, adjustable, and fully removable stock for transport. Its handguard is lined with multiple Picatinny rails for attachments such as grips, sights, flashlights, and lasers. The semi-automatic S1 variant uses M-LOK attachment points with a single Picatinny rail on top.

The Scorpion EVO 3 has been adopted by numerous military, police, and law enforcement agencies worldwide, including the Prague Castle Guard, the Finnish Police, the Hungarian Defence Forces, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Special Action Force of the Philippines. It has also been used by non-state actors such as the Izz adin Al-Qassam Brigades.

Reader's Guide

The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 represents a modern evolution in submachine gun design, emphasizing lightweight polymer construction and modularity. Its blowback operation and compact form factor make it suitable for close-quarters operations, as reflected in its adoption by a wide range of police and military units across multiple continents. The platform's two main variants—the select-fire A1 and the semi-automatic S1—cater to different user needs, with the A1 featuring a folding stock and full Picatinny handguard, while the S1 uses M-LOK for attachment flexibility. The firearm's lineage traces back to the Škorpion vz. 61, though it is mechanically unrelated. Its deployment in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, with unknown quantities delivered from the Czech Republic, underscores its contemporary relevance. The planned procurement by Hong Kong was canceled by the Czech government due to US Executive Order 13936.

Did You Know?

• The EVO 3 designation marks it as the third generation of CZ's small submachine guns, though it is mechanically unrelated to the Škorpion vz. 61.
• The charging handle is non-reciprocating and can be switched from the left to the right side during disassembly.
• The A1 variant has a folding, adjustable, and fully removable stock.