The vz. 38 is a semi-automatic pistol manufactured from 1939 to 1945 and chambered in .380 ACP (in Europe called 9×17mm Browning Short). The barrel is attached to the frame by a hinge, allowing for very easy disassembly. Certain aspects of the pistol are covered by Czechoslovakian patent 65558 which may also be found as Finnish patent FI18533(A) from 1939.