CZ takes aim at the MP5 market

If you have never shot an HK MP5, then don’t, because you will want one, I guarantee it. The soft shooting MP5 is so much fun to shoot and is a must have on any gun aficionados’ list. Unfortunately it is unobtainable for most due to the price point, usually north of $4,000 for a real HK and $2500+ for a good clone.

CZ Scorpion EVO 3 Features

• MSRP: $849.00
• Chambering: 9mm Luger
• Magazine Capacity: 20+1
• Magazine Type: Double stack polymer
• Frame: Fiber-reinforced polymer
• Grips: Polymer, adjustable for reach to trigger
• Trigger Mech: SA
• Sights: Low-profile fully adjustable aperture and post, 4 rear aperture sizes
• Barrel: Cold hammer forged, muzzle threaded 18×1 right-hand
• Barrel Length: 7.72 in
• Weight: 5.0 lbs
• Overall Length: 16.0 in
• Height: 9.4 in
• Width: 2.4 in
• Safety: Ambidextrous thumb safety

Enter the CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Pistol. Let me be clear, the CZ is not an MP5 or a clone, but it will give the shooter a similar experience and is equally fun to shoot.

Chambered 9mm with some of the same ergos as the MP5, most notably the bolt lock-back mechanism. The EVO 3 S1 Pistol is ready to go out of the box, but I highly recommend you purchase the Pistol Tube adapter to add a brace or stock if you plan to SBR.

The entire pistol housing is made from a composite material while the barrel; trigger pack and bolt are all Cold Hammer Forged Steel.

I have heard many complaints about the housing being made of "plastic", which is really ridiculous nowadays considering we will strap ourselves into a 747 airplane that is made predominantly of composite materials. Come on, embrace change and advances in technology. I opt for price, availability and weight over having a clunky paperweight.

I strapped on the Thordsen Customs pistol buffer tube kit and have so far put a few hundred rounds down range courtesy of Atlanta Arms. Never have I had any issues with feeding and experienced zero malfunctions. It is truly a solid gun.

The Scorpion is an excellent shooter and one that I have come to love. I am super excited about the availability of larger 30-round mags along with the A1 folding stock so I can SBR this bad boy at some point. Until then, I will keep sending some downrange and will report back with a follow-up article on accuracy.

The only complaints I have about this pistol are two fold. First is the muzzle thread pitch. 18×1 RH… Umm, wait… I cannot attach my suppressor or change the muzzle device… That sucks. I wish CZ had though that one through, as the US standard is ½ x36 for 9mm. But then again, it was made in the Czech Republic. Adapters are available, but I don’t like them as it extends the length of the barrel.

Second are the side rails, I wish they were removable, as they tend to get in the way of charging the handle. Simply putting covers on them works but it would be nice if they were removable.

The included sights are an added bonus and are very beefy. They won’t work with a low-pro red dot unless you put it on a riser.

MSRP is $849, but I have seen the street price below $800 and it is well worth it. For more information, check out CZ at:

CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Pistol

Thordsen Customs Kit

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