The Skorpion vz. 61 is a Czechoslovak machine pistol developed in 1959 by Miroslav Rybar. It was produced from 1963-1979 and was initially developed for use with security forces. The weapon was also accepted into service with the Czechoslovak Army as a personal sidearm for lower-ranking army staff. It has made several appearances in pop culture media including The Matrix, Body of Lies, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The VZ61 is a select-fire, straight blowback-operated weapon that fires from the closed bolt position. The compact dimensions were achieved by using a telescopic bolt assembly that wraps around a considerable portion of the barrel.