I used to view vz58 as a quaint design roughly analogous to AK47, but uglier. I’ve since become a fan: the rifle is shorter than an M1 carbine and no heavier, while shooting a more potent round with mild recoil. It’s yet another excellent “girlfriend gun” for those who are considering a present for petite lovers or spouses.
I’ve always heard good things about them, particularly the superior accuracy compared to the AK-47. However, fact that they use different magazines than the AK keeps me from getting one for the time being.
I haven’t heard of superior accuracy as a vz58 advantage. However, the alloy magazines that are only 40% as heavy as the AK mags and support bolt hold-open on the last shot are nice. They are also much easier to lock in.
I own one; they’re wonderful rifles. Functionally, they’re the same as an AK, but better in nearly every way.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/360250/military-surplus-magazine-kit-cz-vz58-century-vz2008-762x39mm-russian-30-round-aluminum-matte-pouch-of-4
The magazines are as cheap, easy to find via the Internet, and way lighter than AK mags. They also have a last round bolt hold open.
“the rifle is shorter than an M1 carbine and no heavier”
According to Wikipeida:
vz-58
Weight 2.91 kg (6.42 lb)
Length Vz. 58 P: 845 mm (33.3 in)
M1 Carbine
Weight 5.2 lb (2.4 kg) empty
Length 35.6 in (900 mm)
Shorter, yes. Lighter, no.
Considering how thick the barrel is, it’s possible that they’re more accurate than some of the more sloppily constructed AKs.
It continues to blow my mind that they’re that much lighter than a stamped AK while having a barrel that thick and a milled receiver.
I’m not sure if they’re as reliable as AKs. The bolt carrier group has considerably less mass and the open-topped receiver makes it easier for crud to get in. On the other hand, those two attributes are what gives it the favorable recoil characteristics and resistance to stovepipe malfunctions, respectively. Tradeoffs…
At the prices quoted you could buy a decent AR 15 or a Mini 14 or possibly 3 SKS’s.
You could. If you prefer an AR15, buy it. SKS would be drastically inferior in terms of design, while Mini14/30 isn’t to my taste but may be to yours.
Having had some considerable experience with Minis, I find the Mini to be a vastly inferior design.
The Vz. 58 is a different rifle for different folks. It’s an AR-15 alternative, not an AR-15 replacement. There are things about it that are better than an AR-15, and things that are worse.
Personally, I own both, I love both, and rely on both.
Uglier than AK’s?
AK’s are stamped, with very little attention paid to finish or ergonomic. And they have that unsightly safety lever. Vz.58 looks somewhat better..
Considering how thick the barrel is, it’s possible that they’re more accurate than some of the more sloppily constructed AKs.
It’s an assault rifle.. accuracy is only so-so. I’ve read on czech web’s that the desgin requirement was 5 MOA.
Rifle, what rifle? Girl is nice though.
Accuracy of my example is 3ish MOA. Quite adequate for most purposes.
Oh, and the barrel is chrome lined, which makes the gun impervious to Yugoslav ammunition.
Camtec… I am so glad someone else noticed. I think the old commentators have all been replaced with space aliens. Interesting gun but very pretty girl. Great smile.
I am old, but not dead.
I like this gun and the model is very pretty.
My SA vz-58 7.62x39mm is minute of bad guy at 200 yards with iron sights – I’m good with that. My SA vz-58 5.56mm seems to be quite a bit more accurate than that – experimentation continues.
She is quite pretty, good choice to carry a vz-58. 🙂