Vz.58 weight vs...everyone

[czrob2]

One of the benefits I see purported of the Vz.58 is it's light weight despite a milled receiver, especially in comparison to an AK-47 or Galil (Ace).

Maybe I just want buyer's confirmation, but why is that so?  Is the Vz.58 too light for its own good in regards to sturdiness?  Or are the AK-47 and Galil's of the world way overbuilt?  Surely all that extra weight can't be in the long-stroke piston rod?

[vblue42]

I would say a combination of the front and rear trunions and the long strock piston apparatus. Other then that I’m not sure anyone really knows but it doesn’t change the fact that the VZ is lighter. It’s certainly not due to the platform not being sturdy. These are well tested and combat proved weapons.

[Laufer]

My Czechpoint Sporter was NIB from Gunbroker ("Buy Now"- -why play games...and wish...hope you win...?) in spring 2019; it has seen 2,600 rds. with zero issue(s).

How do I know the Total Ammo count?   

Each used cardboard ammo box is taken home in the rifle case, stored in a large labeled baggy, and counted.

Only beaver barf furniture  and a muzzle brake - because it looks cool- were added.

 " If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Seriously.

[RSR]

One of the benefits I see purported of the Vz.58 is it's light weight despite a milled receiver, especially in comparison to an AK-47 or Galil (Ace).

Maybe I just want buyer's confirmation, but why is that so?  Is the Vz.58 too light for its own good in regards to sturdiness?  Or are the AK-47 and Galil's of the world way overbuilt?  Surely all that extra weight can't be in the long-stroke piston rod?

According to this old thread, Vz58s bolt, bolt carrier, and piston weight more than AK: https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=65144.0
But all of that mass isn't pounding on the receiver like w/ the AK47 due to piston being separate...  I don't think that alone explains why Vz58s are robust with milled receivers while AK47s and Galils have been known to crack, however...

Not sure where all the weight differences are, you'll need to check individual components.  I agree w/ vblue42 that front and rear trunnions do matter.  Vz58 beaverbarf is also lighter than solid wood.  You also have the full length top cover on an AK (steel vs aluminum on a VZ58), a longer upper handguard tube (AK steel again vs I *think* the Vz58 might be aluminum excepting pin), etc.

The reason Vz58s are painted and Century did Vz2008s in teflon is b/c all the different metals require different coatings so don't look good w/ various parkerization, anodizing, etc., finishes.  A top coating or universal coating is needed for uniformity.

So I think it's probably more an issue of use of lighter (and often stronger) materials and also not needing to double up materials layers on the Vz58.  There's a lot of riveted/welded double-layer stuff on an AKM.  Remember sheet metal frame was primarily for durability, to allow more give/bend before breakage in that relatively violent and crude system...

[RSR]

One of the benefits I see purported of the Vz.58 is it's light weight despite a milled receiver, especially in comparison to an AK-47 or Galil (Ace).

Maybe I just want buyer's confirmation, but why is that so?  Is the Vz.58 too light for its own good in regards to sturdiness?  Or are the AK-47 and Galil's of the world way overbuilt?  Surely all that extra weight can't be in the long-stroke piston rod?

Also, muzzle devices can be used to counter most, if not all, recoil differences between the Vz58 and an AK47.  Vz58s also benefit in that recoil is linear vs. AKs having a bit of rotation force too due to unbalanced bolt carrier group -- why the slant muzzle device is angled...

[czrob2]

So I think it's probably more an issue of use of lighter (and often stronger) materials and also not needing to double up materials layers on the Vz58.  There's a lot of riveted/welded double-layer stuff on an AKM.  Remember sheet metal frame was primarily for durability, to allow more give/bend before breakage in that relatively violent and crude system...

That all makes sense.  Thanks!