If you’re looking to purchase a pistol-caliber rifle, you might be struggling to sift through information about them. You might be wondering if one would be a good match for you and your situation. Consider your intended use of this type of rifle like the CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine.
Are you planning to use it for home defense? Do you just want something that you can plink around with and target shoot, while not breaking the bank on ammo cost?
The CZ Scorpion Carbine rifle is the rifle version of the pistol by the same name. It shoots 9mm Luger rounds and combines a rifle stock with a pistol grip.
It’s cheaper than the Sig MPX and features American-made parts to conform to 922(r) specifications. Its barrel is available with either a compensating muzzle brake or a faux suppressor. Plus, you’ll get a 5-year limited warranty on the Scorpion.
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What to Consider Before Buying a CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine
The CZ is often imported, therefore, U.S. Penal Code 922(r) becomes involved. For an easy-to-understand breakdown of 922(r), click here. This states that an imported semi-automatic rifle or shotgun cannot have more than 10 of the parts listed in the code being imported.
The CZ Scorpion is already compliant, but keep this in mind if you add any aftermarket parts (new trigger, etc.) because these aftermarket parts must be counted as well.
Another thing you’ll want to consider is safety. The Scorpion does come with an ambidextrous thumb safety, but if you have small children, you’ll want to lock it up, perhaps even leaving it unloaded.
One bonus of the CZ Scorpion is that it’s chambered for 9mm Luger. This means ammunition is relatively inexpensive (compared to rifle rounds) and readily available, for the most part.
CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine
CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine – Features and Benefits
There are numerous benefits to the CZ Scorpion. Since it’s built for home defense, many of these features keep this in mind.
Cheap Ammunition
Because the Scorpion shoots 9mm Luger, it’s a common ammunition that’s easy to buy online. It’s also relatively inexpensive compared to most rifle rounds, making it an excellent rifle for plinking around.
But, you can also use defensive rounds such as hollow points, bringing your level of home defense protection up a notch. This also protects you from bullet over-penetration.
For quality, affordable rounds, I buy my ammo from LuckyGunner.
CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine – Magazine Capacity
With a 20-round capacity, the Scorpion holds more rounds than most defensive pistols, giving you an edge for home defense.
It features an easy-to-load stacked magazine that also performs almost flawlessly (after a fix on some early models where the feed lip would break). CZ happily replaced magazines in firearms with this problem.
Excellent Ergonomics
Most of the controls on the Scorpion are ambidextrous, meaning it’s suitable for both right- and left-handed people. Any left-hander will certainly appreciate this feature!
The controls are easy-to-use, well-placed, and function perfectly. This ergonomic design makes it easier to shoot for longer amounts of time without fatigue.
But, the ambidextrous safety can sometimes dig into your trigger finger. A $13 Safety Delete can help in this situation and is easy to install.
Maneuverability
This rifle weighs in at a whopping 7 pounds (/sarcasm), so it’s incredibly light, making it more maneuverable.
This becomes important in home defense situations, where you may be trying to move through your home, complete with rooms and furniture.
CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine – Recoil
This weapon produces very little recoil. In fact, it might be the perfect home defense weapon for women or young adults, because of the easy recoil.
It’s not likely to scare relatively new shooters off like a 12-gauge shotgun recoil might.
The muzzle brake (if your Scorpion has it rather than the faux suppressor) also helps to reduce the recoil of this rifle.
Accuracy
The 16-inch barrel combined with a long sight radius makes this a fairly accurate firearm.
But, don’t let the ‘rifle’ moniker fool you; the Scorpion isn’t intended for long-range shots. In fact, at 50 yards, you’ll get a respectable grouping, but at 100 yards, forget it.
But the Scorpion will be accurate at home defense distances whether you’re shooting full metal jackets or hollow points.
Muzzle Brake
A muzzle brake is “a device connected to the muzzle of a firearm or cannon that redirects propellant gases to counter recoil and unwanted rising of the barrel during rapid fire.”
This helps to reduce the recoil even more, making this a nice, easy gun to shoot, even for extended sessions.
For more information about the benefits of CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine Rifle, check out this excellent video overview.
Watch this YouTube video by Mark II Bros as they discuss the CZ Scorpion in detail.
CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine – Accessories
The Scorpion comes with a full-length Picatinny rail for mounting accessories like scopes or other optics.
And there are plenty of companies producing toys for your Scorpion, like like Manticore, Yeti Wurks (aftermarket stocks), Lage (aftermarket stocks), and HB Industries.
However, be cautious when adding certain replacement parts (those on the 922(r) list) because these may make your rifle non-compliant. Make sure the parts you order are U.S. 922(r) compliant before you order them.
Appearance
The Scorpion looks like something out of Robocop.
It’s got a mean appearance that’s likely to scare the you-know-what out of anyone who might think to break into your home.
It looks like a mixture of the old Scorpion SMG and the HK XM8, which unfortunately didn’t do well.
CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine Price
As previously mentioned, the CZ Scorpion is cheaper than the Sig MPX and is an excellent firearm for the price.
Any pistol-caliber carbine is going to be pricey, but when you think of the Scorpion as having all the bells and whistles of both a defensive pistol and a rifle, you might decide the price is worth it for you.
Warranty
The CZ Scorpion comes with a limited five-year warranty against defects due to materials or workmanship (except wood components, which have a one-year warranty).
Alternatives to the CZ Scorpion
| Product Name | Where to Buy | |
|---|---|---|
 | Sig Sauer MPX | |
 | Heckler & Koch MP5 | |
If you’re looking at getting a pistol-caliber carbine, you might want to glance at a couple others for comparison.
Sig Sauer MPX
The Sig MPX is even lighter than the Scorpion and has a similar collapsing stock. But, this one is double the price of the Scorpion.
Heckler & Koch MP5
There are now over 100 variations on the H&K MP5 and the rifle is used in police forces worldwide.
CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine Rifle – Our Final Thoughts
For anyone looking for a home defense weapon, you might check out a pistol-caliber rifle.
These are easy-to-use, maneuverable, and accurate, all pluses when you think about a firearm to protect your home and the precious family inside.
The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 is a 9mm chambered short rifle that’s lightweight and easy to handle. It holds 20 rounds in the magazine, a plus for home defense, and the 9mm ammunition is common and cheap for plinking.
You’ll get a limited 5-year warranty on your Scorpion, plus the accuracy, reliability, and performance you might expect from firearms twice this price.
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