Took the VZ to a carbine course, an after action

[andrewhyatt89]

So, I finally decided to take my first tactical carbine course and the vz-58 was put through its paces.
If you are curious what kind of paces, this was the course:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_35/494743_Fightin__Carbine_2__Saturday_October_6.html&page=1

Several things about my gear and stuff that I learned:
The VZ was definitely in top form, having had a 100 rds (several weeks ago) since cleaning and then going through the drills I encountered zero malfunctions. Ran like a sewing machine(as did the aks, and acr).  I cannot say the same for all the ar's, though I imagine that was in part due to some cheap ammo+hot gun and a couple guys with suppressors had some malfunctions toward the end, but good lord the crap on those bolt carriers.

My Bonesteel Hand guards did not heat up very much, even during heavy firing drills.  They definitely blow the gas out into the air.  I did have a somewhat distinctive pattern of soot on my support hand by the end of the day.  I did notice this omni-directional gas evacuation did seem to leave a film on the optic that I could see when administratively handling the gun, but did not in any way notice during firing.

Now, I preordered the hand guards and even though I have in hand a replacement upper (the first batch were cut out of spec and replaced in 1-2wks IIRC) I have not taken the original on off my rifle.  This is more due to not wanting to have to try to get it off since I over tightened the set screws, but also in part because I want to see when it will start showing signs of failure. Call it an engineering experiment.  In any case, it hasn't shown any problems yet, around 600rds through it, and the optic returned to zero when confirmed in class(I pretty much forced it off and on before class to make sure it would come off if it failed).

The Primary Arms micro dot is still going strong one year general shooting and a carbine class later.

The folding stock, in a "surplus" finish state, reacts negatively to sweat within 2 days.  Clearly pretty ferrous. Gray paint is in its future.

The muzzle brake definitely helps tame the muzzle flip.  Looking at videos of the class I seem to be producing less smoke than the AR bunch.  Just an observation.

Lastly, I found that either a high collared shirt and/or cotton shemagh is in my future to both protect my neck from sunburns during these things and to prevent more 2nd degree burns from brass getting stuck at my neck because of my tshirt/body armor combo. Happened in an early day drill too.

So all in all a great experience. If you have never taken a "tactical" carbine, pistol, etc class I advise you to give it a shot. You will most likely find it both enjoyable and informative. I will definitely do it again when time and money permit.

enjoy pics of my gun and belt rig:



(I know I should have taken the CZ75b and go all Czech but the PX4 needed a workout)

[eth77]

Thanks for the report! I've got a carbine class in my near future as well.

[mississaugagunnut]

Great post and thanks for the info.  I have ordered a bonesteel set of hand guards as well.  I think I will mount a red dot as my 46 yr old eyes are having a hard time with irons.  Nice rifle, I like the belt set up as well.

[TSOL]

Great post I'm thinking of running my VZ in some local IDPA multi gun matches. I also experienced some of what you witnessed with AR's on my very first trip to the range with my new VZ58 & a new M&P 15TS. The VZ ran like a champ not one single issue the M&P however seemed to experience a couple of issues with the bolt not going all the way home mid mag and the P mags needing to be really slammed home to get the to properly seat. I have an older M&P that has run like a champ with 0 issues. I just really liked the look of the TS so I picked one up. On a positive at least S&W has a lifetime warranty.

[andrewhyatt89]

Glad I could finally put some experiences out there working my favored rifle.

I really dig the belt rig idea. Easy on, easy off, shoot with chest rig/body armor or shoot without. Its very versatile.  I eventually plan on getting some form of chest rig to administratively reload my belt pouches, as they are typically faster than any other reload location for me.

I don't really know what the deal is with ar-15s is.  Sometimes they just run and run, and other times they get bogged down with malfunctions and it didn't seem to matter the manufacturer.  Even the venerable Daniel Defense had a double feed right at the beginning of class. 

[7.62]

What I've found with ARs....keep them wet. Doesn't matter how dirty they get, just keep them wet and they'll work fine. I also dig the belt idea. Prone positions are a lot more comfortable without a vest; much cooler too. When I took a carbine course I really noticed it as it was really hot with no breeze. In my case I ran an AR; the malfunctions that I experienced were a result of me tweaking with the trigger group and I had light strike issues. I did learn a lot about the gun, though. For example what worked, and what didn't. The DPMS glacier guards had to go as when we were rapid shooting I could barely hold onto the rifle even with gloves on!