CZ USA’s VZ 58 Rifles
ByCZ-USA has begun importing the VZ 58 semi-auotmatic rifle into the USA. The rifle is chambered in the widely available 7.62×39 cartridge commonly associated with the SKS and AK-47 rifles. The VZ 58 looks like an AK-47 variant, but there are some significant differences.
“Everyone thinks it is an AK-variant,” said Agnus Hobdale of CZ-USA. “It is not an AK-variant.”
There are some significant differences between the AK-47 and the VZ 58. First, and perhaps most importantly, CZ-USA states that no AK parts are interchangable with the VZ rifles. Additional differences include:
- The VZ 58 has a milled receiver, not a stamped receiver typical to the AK-47.
- The VZ 58 bolt locks open after the last cartridge is fired.
- The VZ 58 is striker fired, not hammer fired.
- The VZ 58 has a larger ejection port.
CZ-USA also claims the VZ is easier to field strip, has a more natural point of aim, and a more ergonomic safety. While these are truly subjective, they do suggest several changes that may not be readily apparent until you handle one.
The VZ 58 comes in two styles. the Military Sporter is a semi-auto version of the current issue rifle to the troops of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. I features wood impregnated plastic stocks. The Tactical Sporter features a Zytel, thumbhole-type of stock.
Both VZ 58’s are available now and ship with a thirty round magazine and cleaning kit. The Military Sporter retails for $970, while the Tactical Sporter retails for $990. Additional 30 round CZ magazines are $39 each. CZ-USA says that the rifles are selling quickly.
5 Comments
August 12th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Picked up a folder and a Bakelite real nice fit and finish. Very nice
January 9th, 2009 at 1:53 am
I’d love to see these on the gun rack of a California gunshop! Boy would I!
January 30th, 2009 at 9:10 am
These certainly look like an AK variant… For marketing appeal perhaps? But if it can’t use AK parts then what good is it? If something breaks, good luck trying to get it fixed… I’ll keep my Saiga which uses 95% AK parts, thank you.
February 9th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Gothchick:
1.) Marketing appeal? What the hell, they were designed back in 1958 and until now they weren’t exported.
2.) Nothing will break, unless you put through it 1000 rounds a day for a year. Also, CZUSA sells spare parts, too.
3.) If you don’t believe they don’t break, then listen - I’ve had one back on basic training in 2008. It was from 60’s production, without a single repair, and worked without a single jam, no matter if I shot it in total mess like mud, sand, water or whatever. It went through hands of soldiers for some 50 years, being smashed, pulled through mess and shot almost every week, working without a single jam and shooting just fine - cca 2 MOA. It’s an amazing rifle.
February 26th, 2009 at 3:24 am
I own a vz and I must say I strongly prefer it to an AK. It’s lighter and the trigger doesn’t have that terrible slap that the AK’s seem to have. The bolt locking back on empty mags is handy too.