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Pat
03-17-2012, 05:45 PM
Similar to the recently discussed German-modified Yugoslav Model 1924 rifle, here's mine. This was sold as a more or less 'standard' Model 1924 rifle, which it very clearly is not. This started life as a standard rifle during the period of the 'Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes,' which lasted only a very short time (See receiver legend 'CXC'). There aren't that many Yugoslav rifles around with the 'CXC' on the receiver, and they are a prime collecting target. FWIW, I have two non-capture examples, a bolt-only mismatch FN-Herstal rifle, and a domestically produced (Kragujevac), all-matching example. The rifle in the pics below was captured/acquired sometime from April 1941 on, and extensively modified.

A stock from a Type II Cavalry Carbine was used, and the side sling swivel was removed and plugged, as we're used to seeing on modified VZ-24 rifles. The original serial number was left unmolested on the left side of the butt-stock. The rest of the rifle was then serialized to match in parts the Yugoslavs never numbered, as was typical with other Beutewaffen. This includes the barrel bands, under the rear sight, the butt plate, the underside of the stock heel, and the bolt release, gas shield, safety, firing pin, extractor and cocking piece. The Germans also added a small eagle/swastika stamp over a 'JT 20,' indicating depot work at Ingolstadt. All of the originally serialized metal parts match, and were left that way. Similarly, the Germans made no effort to obliterate the many original Yugoslav stock cartouches. Unlike 'normal' Yugoslav rifles, this one was fitted with a German style magazine follower, the type that stops the bolt on an empty magazine. I have a Type II Cavalry Carbine that is duffel cut and also has this feature. They're my only two Yugoslavs that have that.

The stock was 'duffel cut' under the rear barrel band and left with it's original finish intact. I do not have any information regarding provenance or location of acquisition by the veteran. It is not import marked (no surprise there).

Thanks very much to Hambone, who walked me through some of the nuances of German capture weapons right after I bought this one and posted it up on Gunboards. He really helped to sharpen my focus on weapons like this one. Thanks again, Hambone!

I hope you guys enjoy this one, thanks for looking! Apologies in advance for some of the pics...My trigger finger is for triggers, not camera shutters!

Best,
Pat

RyanE
03-18-2012, 04:30 PM
That is a nice one. You beat me to it by a couple of minutes. :thumbsup:

Like the vz24, there seems to be a multitude of configurations with modifications ranging from total upgrade to virtually nil, even on guns that are depot marked.

Pat
03-18-2012, 06:18 PM
Thanks, RyanE.

I agree, these are strange and sometimes unique birds, and all very appealing. The Type II Cavalry Carbine I referred to in my post above is one I'm pretty sure was captured/re-issued, too. The only change made was the installation of a German style magazine follower. None of my other Yugoslav 1924 rifles have this, but the Cav Carbine and the one in this thread do. They're both 'duffel cut,' so draw your own conclusions!

Pat