HISTORY OF SLAVIA AIR RIFLES

Legendary air rifles that were part of almost every household. Do you know which ones they are? If you guessed air rifles called Slavia, you weren't wrong. How far back in history do they go and why are they still so famous and in demand today? If you want to know the answers, keep reading. 

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF SLAVIA AIR RIFLES

In the previous article we discussed how to choose an air rifle. Today's topic is about legendary air rifles - Slavia.

Slavia air rifles are based on the air rifles with the trade name Stella. Specifically, these were the 508, 512, 515, 518, 519, 522 and 533 models, which were produced until 1955. After 1955 the production of these air rifles was transferred to the Uhersky Brod armory, where they were improved and innovated and sold in various designs and under different markings under the trade name Slavia. The first model was designated 603 and was produced between 1956 and 1959. Since the Model 603 could not compete with other air rifles due to design obsolescence, it was upgraded and replaced by other models. The 612 was a children's model that built on the Stella 512 and had a smooth bore and low power. It was produced between 1955 and 1969. By far the most successful model was the Slavia 618, of which more than 1.5 million units were sold between 1955 and 1977. Another successful model was the popular Slavia 620, which, however, was gradually pushed out of production and replaced by the still well-known Slavia 630. This traditional folding air rifle began production in the early 1970s and was upgraded in 1977. Slavia 630 and 631 with mod. 77 are practically still in production today. In parallel with the 630 model, the 631 model was also produced and manufactured. The technical parameters of the two models were practically identical, the difference was mainly in the size of the stock.

CURRENT PRODUCTION

Currently, models 630, 631 and 634 in cal. 4.5 mm are still in production, either in series or occasionally. Another interesting fact is that the production of Slavia air rifles was moved to Slovakia in 2003, where they were manufactured for Česká Zbrojovka. Starting this year, they were simultaneously produced under the Slovak trade name Perun with the 730, 731 and 734 designations. The design differences between the Perun and Slavia air rifles are minimal. After 2010, Česká Zbrojovka offered 634 models with plastic stocks in various colors and there was a choice of cal. 4.5 mm or 5.5 mm. However, nowadays, different color designs and cal. 5.5 mm are no longer available on the market.

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUAL MODELS

Models 630 and 631 are produced in cal. 4.5 mm and have the same muzzle velocity, which, depending on the weight of the pellets used, is around 170 m/s. The Slavia 631 has a more robust stock, and the barrel is locked by means of a safety lever located under the barrel. Both models have a barrel length of 530 mm. Slavia 634 cal. 4.5 mm has a shorter barrel (450 mm), but it will impress you with its performance. The velocity of the projectile at the muzzle is around 220 m/s.

tRADITION AND QUALITY

If you are considering buying an air rifle and you are also considering Slavia air rifles, we have no choice but to recommend them to you. Most of us know someone who has an inherited Slavia air rifle from his father or grandfather, which is over 20 years old and still works and can still be bought as new and all spare parts are available on the market. So if you want your child to inherit an air rifle that will be functional in 20 years, don't hesitate and buy the time-tested tradition and quality.