Project PRAK: Converting the CZ50 Pistol to 9x18mm Makarov

In 1966, CZ undertook Project PRAK (“Slingshot”) to investigate the possibility of converting the CZ50 pocket pistol to 9x18mm Makarov. The PM Makarov was adopted in the 1950s and used throughout the eastern bloc, but not in Czechoslovakia. A normal CZ50 pistol was taken from the production line and fitted with a barrel from a vz65 Skorpion (that’s the model made experimentally in 9x18mm).

A new magazine was fabricated, using the follower from a .380 Walther PP magazine. The only change to the slide was opening the breech face for the 9x18mm case. The only other modification was simply the replacement of the barrel.

Firing trials involved 3500 rounds in the gun. After a few initial extractor problems, it ran well until after about 500 rounds the hammer was visibly peening the back of the slide. The rear of the slide was milled down and rehardened and testing continued. At about 2000 rounds the magazine body cracked, and it was replaced at about 3000 rounds. At 3100 rounds the firing pin broke, and was also replaced. The conclusion from the testing was that a converted CZ50 pistol would have a lifespan of about 2000 rounds. The conversion was never actually put into production, though. At the time, the Czech military pistol was the vz.52 and the CZ50 was used by police. In 1982 the military adopted 9x18mm in the vz.82 pistol, and never needed to convert existing police guns.

Thanks to the Czech Military History Institute (VHU) for graciously giving me access to this one-of-a-kind prototype to film for you! If you have the opportunity, don’t miss seeing their museums in Prague:
https://www.vhu.cz/en/english-summary/