Author Topic: What is the approx. life of a Czechpoint/Lothar bore (barrel) ?  (Read 2629 times)

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Offline Laufer

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This superb rifle has seen 2,700 rds. since the Sporter was nib, in early 2019.

---  All ammo has bimetal jackets: Tula, Wolf. Luckygunner demonstrated the accelerated wear in the bores when using bimetal Russian, although it was done with .223 in AR-15s.

Modern ammo is all that I've stored, Nothing is corrosive. I've used at least 8,000 rds. of Russian 7.62x39 in various guns, so let's skip that factor, ok?  ;)   

My barrels are not allowed to overheat much at all.

With 13,000 rds. of stored ammo split now between the Maadi and VZ-58, I'm simply curious whether reasonable accuracy is possible in these 'VZ' Lothar barrels after approx...6,000, maybe 8,000 rds.?

Offline vblue42

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Re: What is the approx. life of a Czechpoint/Lothar bore (barrel) ?
« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2022, 08:48:07 PM »
You won’t know until you shoot that many but I’m willing to bet you will never shoot it’s accuracy out beyond anything noticeable to matter.

Offline RSR

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Re: What is the approx. life of a Czechpoint/Lothar bore (barrel) ?
« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2022, 04:44:03 AM »
A lot of other things will fail before the barrel.   7.62x39 is underbore. 

Should get at least 7,500 rounds with near new performance given no damaging cleaning...  With 15k to 30k usually what CHF and chrome-lined AK barrels are rated for where you'll start to see accuracy issues due to throat erosion, etc -- that span's due more to how rapidly you fire it, not the bore construction itself...  I would expect the Vz58 to be similar.

Can probably keep it going bang and minute of man at common self-defense distances to 50k and maybe even 75k to 100k rounds.  IIRC, Russians claim barrel life for their military use 7.62x39 AKs (not the same doctrine and standards as US for M4, etc.) to 80k rounds.

Make sure you have plenty of spare springs, locking blocks, strikers/hammer, bolts, firing pins, extractors, fcg parts and pins, maybe pistons, etc. spare parts, if you're wanting to maximize lifespan of any weapon. 

Honestly, with the Russian ammo import ban and Ukraine mess, I'd think that ammo quantity of yours will be exhausted before your Vz58's barrel nears any meaningful level of failure assuming just recreational and non-abusive shooting cadences -- and not shooting for accuracy in competition.  And that's if you put it all through your Vz58.

Offline Laufer

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Re: What is the approx. life of a Czechpoint/Lothar bore (barrel) ?
« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2022, 02:44:56 PM »
Thanks very much for your time and advice.

Offline czgunner

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Re: What is the approx. life of a Czechpoint/Lothar bore (barrel) ?
« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2022, 08:22:31 PM »
You will exceed the cost of the rifle many times over with what you would spend on ammo.

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Offline Laufer

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Re: What is the approx. life of a Czechpoint/Lothar bore (barrel) ?
« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2022, 11:51:53 PM »
czgunner:

I had totally forgotten to consider your very practical, big picture 'angle'.

Offline TJNewton

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Re: What is the approx. life of a Czechpoint/Lothar bore (barrel) ?
« Reply #6 on: April 30, 2022, 06:49:37 PM »
I have more than 5,000 rounds through my VZ2008, 99.9% of it bimetal.  I've done, at the most, a half dozen mag dumps.  It has a good quality barrel (reportedly from Green Mountain) but is not chrome lined and probably inferior to your Lothar barrel.  When I bought the gun, I had consistent 1-2" groups at 50 yards, and 4-6" at 100.  I'm certain it would be better with a scope as my eyes aren't the best.  I've cleaned the barrel with nothing but ATF and a boresnake.  I do scrub out the chamber with the surplus cleaning kit brush.  The bore is still shiny and lands are sharp.  5K rounds later, there has been no deterioration of accuracy.  Your VZ58 with the Lothar chrome-lined barrel will probably outperform mine. 

I do agree that lots of spare parts are necessary.  Compared to the AKM or SKS, the VZ58's design and durability is more... delicate, maybe closer to an AR15.  I've had the narrow lug of two bolts break off.  I've read of that happening, although rarely, to civilian models in Canada and even a Czechpoint.  I've seen reports of strikers and locking blocks cracking.  I would keep at least one set of springs, a complete bolt and locking piece, and a striker.  A good set of headspace gauges is crucial.

I hope the above gives a helpful point of reference.  Comparing and extrapolating, the accuracy of your rifle should extend well beyond 8,000 rounds.

Offline Laufer

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Re: What is the approx. life of a Czechpoint/Lothar bore (barrel) ?
« Reply #7 on: May 22, 2022, 09:05:18 PM »
TJNewton: Thanks.

I bought a No-Go gauge to randomly test my much-used Maadi AKM.

Ironically, my stamped MAK-90 (all-matching) failed the No-Go gauge. This was verified with some gun shop AKM guys.
The rifle had seen about 3,000 rds. or so at that time, then it failed the Field gauge. It makes no difference whether Saami or the other type is used. The gun was sold to a guy who wanted some of the useable components.

The VZ was also checked.

Offline briang2ad

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Re: What is the approx. life of a Czechpoint/Lothar bore (barrel) ?
« Reply #8 on: May 24, 2022, 08:52:54 PM »
TJNewton: Thanks.

I bought a No-Go gauge to randomly test my much-used Maadi AKM.

Ironically, my stamped MAK-90 (all-matching) failed the No-Go gauge. This was verified with some gun shop AKM guys.
The rifle had seen about 3,000 rds. or so at that time, then it failed the Field gauge. It makes no difference whether Saami or the other type is used. The gun was sold to a guy who wanted some of the useable components.

The VZ was also checked.

The Mak 90 result is a total surprise.