CX-9 Warzone Loadout in Real Life: CZ Scorpion EVO 3

Call of Duty Modern Warfare, and its Battle-Royale hub Warzone, have finally released a new submachinegun: the CX-9, which looks conspicuously similar to the CZ Scorpion. Even as the game caught attention from both gamers, active military, veterans, and firearms culture for its representation of real-world guns, gear, and concepts, some attachments available within the game can occasionally stretch reality. A key part of the game is the ability for the player to put attachments on their chosen firearms that change performance as well as appearance, and the CX-9 is no different. Already CX-9 Warzone Loadouts are reaching the web, and one thing it accurately represents is the growing list of “attachments” available for the CZ Scorpion.

Base CX-9 vs Base CZ Scorpion

Things the CX-9 gets correct out of the drop bay door are its appearance, caliber, and comically enough, magazine size. Small features vary, including the magazine release having a sharper angle on the video game model, the base stock differs from what comes on a CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1 (the MIL/LEO only model the game represents). Finally, the base rail looks a little shorter than what comes in the box, lacking the bottom scoop near the muzzle.

And while the in-game version is fully automatic, we're going to be working with the semiautomatic base pistol (thanks ATF): the CZ Scorpion Evo3 S1 pistol. If the owner wishes to produce the most clone-correct version they'll have to submit a Form 1 application to turn the pistol into an SBR and legally attach a stock. In the meantime, we will be using an SB Tactical Brace.

Muzzle Attachments

The CZ Scorpion originated across the Atlantic, in Czechoslovakia. As barrel treading at the muzzle standardized, the Scorpion used a 1/2 x 28 thread pitch, opening it up to a host of barrel attachments. From suppressors to compensators to flash hiders, many options are available. And while the in-game suppressors do occasionally stray between the model and its real-world equivalent, here are some real-world representations, if not in appearance, in purpose.

Flash Hider

The CZ Scorpion ships with a flash hider, so there's no reason to strip it down to just the muzzle. While a flash hider does little to reduce felt recoil or control the movement of the muzzle, it helps limit giving one's location away when firing. This effect is doubly as important when inside a building.

Compensators

Compensators are rarely used in a CX-9 Warzone Loadout, and that's largely due to the hegemony of the Monolithic Suppressor. However, the CZ Scorpion can benefit deeply from this small but effective attachment. HB Industries' EVO Ultra Comp threads on the 1/2×28 section of the barrel and works with other 9mm carbine options.

Lightweight Suppressor

Suppressors in Call of Duty Modern Warfare and Warzone have vastly improved since the early days of the franchise. Recognizing that adding a suppressor can increase the velocity of the projectile, even if by a small amount, some in-game options reflect this somewhat accurately. Now for those looking to suppress a 9mm carbine, like the CZ Scorpion, JK Armament provides one of the fastest solutions through their JK 155LT “Solvent Trap” kits. Legal if done correctly, it's an easy way to acquire a lightweight suppressor with the option to add baffles more sound suppression, or take them away for a shorter package.

• 

• 

• 

Forend/Barrels

Micro / CX-23 Barrel

Call of Duty Modern Warfare fit more guns into its list by adding optional modifications that transformed the gun. An AK-47 could become an AK-74 by swapping out the magazines, and the Steyr AUG, which started as a 9mm SMG could be transformed into what the game considered an assault rifle. Adding a shorter barrel to a CX-9 Warzone loadout speeds up some of the performance of the SMG. The CZ Scorpion Micro closely resembles 2 different barrel options, but it should be known that what you see is only a faux suppressor.

Strike Industries

A longer barrel in Warzone typically gives you better performance at range via bullet velocity and damage range. While swapping out the barrel on a CZ Scorpion is not as easy as doing so on an AR-15, there are options, whether through the CZ Custom shop, or additional manufacturers. On the contrary, once the overly difficult OEM barrel nut of the Scorpion is removed, the options for a new rail open up. If not using a laser, the Strike Industries handguard does come with a faux suppressor, but more importantly, the M-LOK rail opens up additional space for lights, and a foregrip or hand stop and the area in front of the top Picatinny section is perfect for that Thumb-Over grip.

In addition to the rail space, the user can choose between 2 different styles of QD Sling mount angles. These must be purchased separately.

HB Industries: Longer Options

HB Industries quickly saw value in the fledgling CZ Scorpion in its early years. As a result they have produced one of the simplest, most utilitarian rail options, especially if one is trying to nest a suppressor inside. Available in different lengths, the inner dimensions of the rail fist over suppressors with an outer diameter less than 1.57 inches.

Magazines

The easiest attachment to incorporate is the magazine. The base CX-9 starts with a 20 round magazine, but a 30-round magazine and a 50-round drum can be unlocked. In the same way, the CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 ships with 20 round magazines, but larger ones are available thanks to Magpul, ETS, and Promag.

20-Round Magazine

The weight difference between a 20-round and 35-round magazine is so minimal, the best advantage that the smaller magazine presents is concealability and ease of carrying in an EDC bag. Something that can be taken from the game and translated into the real world is to reserve 20-round magazines for special ammunition.

30-Round Magazine

Representing the perfect golden mean on the CZ Scorpion, a 30-round magazine has limited use in-game. The Magpul represents the closest in-game version, with an additional 5 rounds because weapon balancing isn't the same in the real world. CZ USA has two versions of 30-round magazines for the Scorpion: a semi-translucent smoke version, and a windowed model. ETS makes a 30 and 40-round option.

50-Round Drum

Optimal for a Cx-9 Warzone Loadout, the 50-round drum carries the capacity needed to take on multiple players in the competitive field of the game. In the real world, Magpul makes a 50-round drum that may not look like the in-game model but brings the performance and capacity to match. While loading rounds into the drum takes some time, inserting the drum into the Scorpion's generous magazine well is almost effortless. Double-check when loading a drum when the bolt is forward.

Grips

While the aesthetic differences in-game are minimal, swapping out the grip goes a long way on the CZ Scorpion. While the stock grip suits some European tastes, it can be frustrating for some American marksmen. The attachment in-game increases stats like stability, aim-down-sights time and so fort, but in the real world we're looking at ergonimics and comfort.

As seen above, the angle of the stock pistol grip is much sharper than what is typically seen on American carbines. While it can be easy to overlook such a component the cost of replacing the rear grip goes a long way. Below, the Magpul MOE-EVO grip can be installed in minutes, and drastically improves the shooter's experience.

Lights and Lasers

Since lasers are, by nature, esoteric tools for specific uses, games can struggle to apply in-game statistics to them. Modern Warfare is no different in this regard. Whenever night-vision modes of multiplayer come around they are automatically added to firearms without conflicting optics equipped (magnified, thermal, integral night vision).

But the models do resemble some real-world equivalents, namely the BE Meyers MAWL.

Optics and Sights

Since Warzone features such a long list of optics similar to real-world options, this article would quickly turn into a feature focused on sights, eclipsing any CX-9 Warzone Loadout feature.

Refles Sights: Aim-Op

• 

• 

Although Warzone and Modern Warfare include a similar reflex optic to the Vortex Sparc Solar, the in-game version pales in comparison to the real thing. With a battery life measured in years, and robust construction, it's certainly a better loadout for the real world than the video game represents.

Holographic Sight

Holographic sights perform so similarly to reflex sights in games and in the real world that they are often mistaken for a more complete red dot sight. However once you dig into the guts and look at differing performance factors, the hair-splitting makes a difference. With a shorter battery life, more complex reticle, and dedicated night vision mode, holographic sights bring more to the game than pretty looks and larger windows.

Hybrid Sights

Hybrid sights have never really had their hay day in Warzone, but they've seen plenty of combat over the last two decades. By now, the combinations of a magnified prism, starting with the venerable Trijicon ACOG to SIG SAUER's BRAVO3, or the newcomers this year by Vortex Optics, have survived so long that they're becoming more of a niche choice in an ever-diversifying world of flip-to-side magnifiers and LPVO's. The MRDS game is strong as well, with plenty of options to choose from.

Perks

Sleight of Hand

Perks cannot rightly be considered physical attachments, but there are some upgrades for the CZ Scorpion that give the owner small advantages that resemble the benefit of in-game statistics.

One of the best perks for a CX-9 Warzone Loadout is Sleight of Hand. While replacing a part will never surpass practiced skill, swapping out the stock magazine release can add a slight advantage to the wielder.

Strike Industries' CZ Scorpion Magazine Release extends far enough back that even people with shorter fingers can drop the magazine with one hand, speeding up an emergency or slide-lock reload. In a game like Call of Duty, or in a Pistol Caliber Carbine competition, fractions of a second count, which is where perks like Sleight of Hand and small improvements like swapping out the magazine release make their impact. To build a Scorpion like a CX-9 Warzone Loadout, HB Industries, Magpul, and Strike Industries provide suitable options.

Ammunition

A disconnect between video games and the real world comes to light with ammunition choices. Call of Duty Modern Warfare includes weapon perks such as Frangible, Disabling, and Full Metal Jacket. While these have real-world correlations in name, performance is an entirely different matter.

Nosler's match-grade handgun ammo balances the consistency from round-to-round velocity, with a hollow point projectile, resulting in a

Triggers

On the ground level, Video Games have not yet replicated the vital difference between firearms triggers, and until they do, swapping out triggers in-game will only reflect in numerical statistics. However, in the real world, tuning, adjusting, and swapping out the trigger in a firearm can drastically change its performance in the field. Although there is no trigger option for a CX-9 Warzone Loadout, the CZ Scorpion has multiple options for improving what it comes with. HB Industries' trigger kit is an absolute favorite, and they include options for changing out the trigger shoe (what you see). Considering its low cost and high benefit, tuning or swapping out the Scorpion Trigger should be a must.

Binary Triggers are a newer thing on the market, and include a third firing mode in addition to the safe, and fire modes on standard triggers. The third option fires a single round when the trigger is pulled, and another when the trigger is released, requiring the conscious action of both pulling and releasing the trigger. Franklin Armory's BFSIII for the CZ Scorpion is the way to go for this option at this time.

Concluding a CX-9 Warzone Load Out in Real Life

The advantage of building your own CZ Scorpion into a mock CX-9 Warzone Loadout is that you are not bound to 5 attachments. Highlighting one of the virtues of the CZ Scorpion, the ability to swap out parts and improve the performance of the firearm gives it a leg up over other firearms of its class.

Although we have yet to see if the CX-9 will reach “meta” status at any time in the future of Warzone, the CZ Scorpion has become a crowd favorite in the hands of responsible gun owners and more. Largely due to its base reliability well outclassing it's base cost, the CZ Scorpion continues to show potential as more than just a fun gun for plinking at the range. Stay tuned for more CZ Scorpion builds and maybe some of us will see you in the Warzone.

---

CZ Scorpion “Warzone” Build

Caliber: 9mm
Overall Length: 31 inches
Barrel Length: 7.72 inches
Weight (Loaded): 9.4 lbs
Parts List:
– CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1: $995
– JK Armament 155 MST with 9mm Drill Jig Kit and Forked End Cap: $685
– Plus $200 eForm 1 Tax.
– Strike Industries 6 Inch Handguard: $171
– HB Industries ProStock Charging Handle: $35
– Strike Industries Angles Quick Detach for CZ Scorpion: $20
– Strike Industries Mag Release: $20
– Strike Industries Extended Selector Switch (Pair): $22
– HB Industries Left Hand Thumb Safety Selector: $26
– HB Industries: Theta Forward Set Trigger Shoe: $34
– HB Industries Reduced Weight Trigger Spring Kit: $9
– Magpul MOE-EVO Grip: $25
– Atibal STRIIKER Red Dot Sight: $124
– Magpul PMAG D-50 EV9: $120
– SB Tactical SBTEVO: $250
TOTAL: $2,737

URLS
CZ Scorpion: cz-usa.com
JK Armament: jkarmament.com
HB Industries: hbindustries.net
Strike Industries: strikeindustries.com
Magpul: www.magpul.com