ZKP-541: A Competition Pistol So Complex it was Never Produced

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Designed by Augustin Nečas in 1954, the ZKP-541 is a .22 rimfire target pistol, also called the Universal Super Rapid. It is designed to use .22 short, and long rifle, with different bolt assemblies and magazines for each caliber. When the design was complete it was sent to CZ’s Uhersky Brod factory, where the plan was to produce 3,000 in 1959 and 5,500 in 1960. However, the UB factory staff took one look at its complexity, decided it was unmarketable, and sidelined it. Production never did begin, and only 22 prototypes were made. It was a fantastic gun, but a perfect lesson in the necessity to balance cost and quality if one want’s to have a gun actually meet with commercial viability.

Thanks to the Czech Military History Institute (VHU) for graciously giving me access to this very rare 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/

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