Description
You know that iconic Scorpion look and feel, but maybe you’re not looking to feed it 9mm all day? I get it. I’ve put a few thousand rounds of .22 LR through various platforms, and when CZ announced the Scorpion 3+ in this caliber, I was curious. Could it capture the fun of the original without the cost and recoil? Here’s my take after running this carbine.
The CZ Scorpion 3+ 22LR is a semi-automatic, blowback-operated carbine chambered in .22 Long Rifle. It faithfully replicates the ergonomics and controls of the centerfire Scorpion models but is built from the ground up for the .22 LR cartridge. It features a 16-inch barrel, a folding stock, ambidextrous controls, and ships with two 10-round magazines. At its core, it’s a pure, unadulterated plinking and training rifle designed for high-volume, low-cost fun. It’s the answer for anyone who loves the Scorpion platform but wants to stretch their range budget.
Let’s talk about the feel. Picking it up, the polymer construction keeps it light and handy—perfect for a long day of shooting. The controls are exactly where a Scorpion shooter expects them: the ambi safety, the magazine release, and that distinct side-charging handle. It’s all there. The folding stock is solid, locks up tight, and makes the carbine incredibly compact for transport or storage. One of the best parts? It’s drop-in ready. You take it out of the box, and it just works. No gunsmithing, no fuss. The 10-round magazine capacity is sensible for a .22 plinker and keeps things manageable at the bench.
The real magic happens when you start shooting. The blowback action is smooth, and with .22 LR, recoil is practically non-existent. It’s a fantastic trainer for newer shooters to get accustomed to the manual of arms of a modern tactical carbine without any intimidation factor. For the seasoned shooter, it’s just plain fun. You can drill steel, punch paper, and work on transitions all afternoon for the cost of a few boxes of 9mm. The 16-inch barrel gives you good velocity and makes it a quiet companion with a suppressor. Speaking of which, the 1/2×28 threaded muzzle is ready for your favorite rimfire can.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 LR |
| Action | Semi-Automatic, Blowback |
| Barrel Length | 16 Inches |
| Overall Length (Stock Extended) | Approx. 34.5 Inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds |
| Finish | Black |
| Controls | Ambidextrous |
| Charging Handle | Non-Reciprocating Side Charger |
Pros: Incredibly low cost of operation. Perfect replica of Scorpion ergonomics and controls. Lightweight and easy to handle. Folding stock adds great versatility. Threaded barrel for suppressor use. Ambi everything. Reliable with quality high-velocity ammo.
Cons: As a dedicated .22, it’s not a direct caliber conversion for your 9mm Scorpion—it’s its own firearm. The 10-round magazines are fixed capacity; no high-cap options from CZ at this time. Like most .22 semi-autos, it can be finicky with subsonic or standard velocity ammunition; stick to high-velocity for best results.
So who is this for? Look, if you’re a CZ fan who wants a cost-effective way to enjoy the platform, this is it. It’s ideal for new shooters, for families wanting a fun range rifle, or for any shooter who wants to practice fundamentals without breaking the bank. It’s also a brilliant suppressor host. Given its price point of $854.99, it sits as a premium .22 trainer, but you’re paying for the CZ name, fit, and that specific Scorpion experience you can’t get elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are magazines for the 9mm Scorpion 3+ compatible with this .22 LR model?
A: No, they are not. The CZ Scorpion 3+ 22LR uses dedicated, proprietary magazines designed for the .22 LR cartridge. The included 10-round magazines are specific to this model.
Q: Can I attach optics and accessories to this carbine?
A: Absolutely. The top of the receiver features a full-length Picatinny rail for mounting red dots, scopes, or other optics. The barrel shroud has M-LOK compatible slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions for lights, foregrips, or hand stops, compatible with popular brands like Magpul and Streamlight.
Q: What type of ammunition does it run best with?
A: In my experience, and consistent with most blowback .22 semi-autos, it cycles most reliably with high-velocity (1200+ fps) round-nose ammunition. It’s always a good idea to test a few brands to see what your particular rifle likes best for optimal function.
If the idea of a high-quality, low-recoil replica of one of the most popular PDW-style firearms on the market appeals to you, the CZ Scorpion 3+ 22LR deserves a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See the full details on our site.
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