So how much interest IS there for the new vZ58s?

[JJB70]

I usually do my purchasing online, but I was quite pleased with SAS.  I mean, my rifle arrived weeks before I even expected it to.  How often does that happen?  Chances are when I make my next purchase, I'll check in with them first.

The rifle itself is fantastic and I am still impressed.  Plus, I still can't get over the weight difference between my stamped AK and the vz58.  I have a folding stock on the way that should arrive this week  I'll give it a try and see if I prefer the full fixed stock or not.

Whatever the case, I certainly recommend that anyone considering an AK take a look at the vz58--the 58 is at least equal to any AK on the market.  It doesn't disappoint.

I'll post more pics when I get the folding stock.

PS ArmoredMan:  I have been out to TMP, but I usually shoot at the southeast range near the fairgrounds.  TMP does have a spectacular view, though!

[Radom]

I should have mine by the end of the month. (It is on layaway.) Has anyone found a source for magazines other than CZ-USA?

[armoredman]

Yes, http://www.centerfiresystems.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=462 But I cannot guarantee anything from them like I could from CZ-USA.

[Radom]

Thanks, armoredman. They were able to sell me a folding stock parts kit and eight ( magazines for $209.57 shipped. That would only cover about five (5) magazines from CZ-USA. I may end up selling the folder, since I really just wanted the small parts. Here's another link for all of the vz-58 products: http://www.centerfiresystems.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=339

[JJB70]

Centerfire is the only regular source I have seen for surplus mags.  That is where I got my folding stock kit as well.  I have seen other sources, but as it turns out they seem to be "hit and miss."

BTW, FEG, I don't think you will be at all disappointed.  I can't wait to hear your impressions.  I am finally getting used to the action locking open after emptying the magazine!


I agreed to more pictures and I will.  I had the camera at the range last weekend but I was busy shooting!

Cheers!

[Radom]

Well, the stuff came from Centerfire yesterday, and I was pretty happy. The lower handguard and pistol grip were made of real wood, not bakelite. The folder was unissued and looked new. All but one of the magazines were "like new." The barrel is the actual military issue (shorter, threaded, and bayonet slot). I'm going to have nearly $1,000.00 in the rifle when I'm done, but I'll have ten magazines, an extra folding stock, and a complete replacement parts kit. Not too bad, I suppose.

[Radom]

BTW, FEG, I don't think you will be at all disappointed. I can't wait to hear your impressions. I am finally getting used to the action locking open   after emptying the magazine!

 

Well, today is the day.  I won't be able to shoot her until the weekend, though.  I ended up paying $837.39 OTD.  (The guvmint do take a bite, don't she?)  I am pretty stoked.  Based on handling the Tactical model, I would have to say it really is worth about 2 WASRs.  Now if it only shoots twice as well...  

[armoredman]

Someday! That may be coming closer, the faster this state figures out the budget crisis!

[JJB70]

OK.  Finally, here are the pictures.  I never remember to take photos at the range--I am usually a bit busy!

Anyhow, I am finding it to be much more accurate than my WASR, FEG.

The folding stock is great.  I was afraid it would affect accuracy but I haven't noticed anything yet.  It makes lugging a Mosin-Nagant, a PSL, a bag of pistols, and ammo much easier since I can carry the VZ in a short soft case.  The stock itself was used milsurp and it isn't perfect, but I like it.  I think that eventually, down-the-road, in the future, someday I'd like to add a holosight.  So, I'll add that to the list of all the things I want.

I will try to take some time out and get some range pictures.

BTW:  I still have not seen another one at the range I use.

[Radom]

Very nice! If you need any tips on 922(r) compliance, I think I have found all of the U.S. manufacturers.

Ohio Rapid Fire is making a 100% finished receiver that will be much cheaper than the OOW and Prexis offerings. Unfortunately, they have a bad rep for their Galil receivers. If they actually check out, you should be able to build one for less $500. I am thinking of getting another folder parts kit and building one up.

[JJB70]

Very nice! If you need any tips on 922(r) compliance, I think I have found all of the U.S. manufacturers.  
 
  Ohio Rapid Fire is making a 100% finished receiver that will be much cheaper than the OOW and Prexis offerings. Unfortunately, they have a bad rep for their   Galil receivers. If they actually check out, you should be able to build one for less $500. I am thinking of getting another folder parts kit and building   one up.

 

 

I like the list.  Nice detective work, FEG.

 

Please keep us (me in particular) informed on what you hear about the Ohio Rapid Fire Receiver.  I wouldn't mind having another vz.58 and I am intrigued by the thought of building one.

 

But, who is supplying the polymer handguards?  Your list indicates those are imported--are they Czech or might they be Canadian?

 

The reason I ask is that if I were to build one, I'd want to build one with polymer handguards, pistol grip, and a folding stock.  Then, I would mount the pressboard stock back on the 58 I have now.  But I digress.

Anything more you learn on the receivers would be appreciated, FEG.  I am very seriously mulling this over.

Thanks, FEG.

[Radom]

Actually, polymer handguards are available from Czech and Canadian suppliers. (I assume the Canadian companies are selling Canadian made versions, but one of the websites makes it sound like their product is from the Slovak Republic.)

These firms sell polymer furniture in Canada. Wolverine Supplies wrote me back with a list of everything they can ship to the U.S., but I accidentally deleted it. Basically, stocks are O.K., magazines and actual gun parts, not so much. Some of the handguards sold in Canada include picatinny rails.

INFRATEK TACTICAL
http://www.vz58.net/

WOLVERINE SUPPLIES
http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/default.asp/


The company that assembles the rifles for CZ-USA is selling parts and accessories through Tennessee Guns International. They have the black Czech-made handguards seen on the Tactical version. The set runs about $35, but you do get the complete upper handguard assembly (cover, pin, etc.).

TENNESSEE GUNS
http://www.tnguns.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=42&sort=20a&page=4



To my mind, you have singled out the most attractive 922(r) package that will also let you use unmodified military mags. A U.S. made black pistol grip with the Czech black plastic guards and folder, but built on a U.S. receiver, has the necessary parts count. If you switched around like you mentioned, it would still come in well under $600 on a ORF build.

For anyone else interested, I should clarify. Our CZ-USA rifles use receivers made in Moravia and a U.S. made fire control group that is superior to the OOW parts (usual source for builders). They are the best receivers, at least on paper. Unfortunately, you cannot buy a separate Technik receiver. I think the CZ-USA rifles are well worth the money, especially since you can't build one just like it. However, it is easier to have the features you want on a vz-58 and comply with the BATF regs if you build one on a U.S. made receiver.

The OOW receiver is much more money, but probably the best of the U.S. ones. The Prexis receiver is pretty reasonable, but it is difficult to build, according to some. There is a fellow on gunco.net that is doing a build tutorial with pictures for the ORF receiver. I'll try to find it and link back to it here.

[JJB70]

Thanks for the info, FEG!  You are a treasure trove of information.  I was not aware that receivers were being made here at all!

I have been looking at the Canadian suppliers for a while--it kept me occupied while I was waiting for my rifle to arrive!

There is some really cool stuff up there for these rifles.  I like the look of the Czech-made handguards best--and I did not know Tennessee Guns was selling them-- but, I am thinking an optical sight of some kind would be good for this rifle.  Also, different handguards might cool better.   Decisions, decisions.

Anyhow, I'll probably go ahead and order a tactical set from Tennessee Guns just so I have them--to go with the parts kit I already have.  Then I'll have to decide on which black poly pistol grip to get.  Then I'll see what more I can learn about the receivers out there.  If I decide I want different handguards in the future, then I'll deal with it then.  But the way things are settling, I am well on my way towards a second vz.58!  (Yeah, that's 2 smilies there.)

As you mentioned, the receiver on the CZ is quite nice.  I imagine it will be tough to match for quality--but something will turn up.  If you find the tutorial on the ORF I'd be very interested.

Many Thanks!!!



 

[Radom]

The Czech black polymer handguards do look the best of the aftermarket offerings. I suspect that they get hotter than some of the others, though. If changing the lower handguard wasn't such an undertaking, I would try the wood set from my folder parts kit to compare. (My kit came with wooden guards and pistol grip, but the grain match isn't perfect.)

I'm like you. Having one just makes me want to have another as a "beater," so I can "baby" the other.

I'll post that link here:

http://www.autochart.com/vz58.htm

This is actually from ORF, not the builder. I guess I misunderstood the original poster at Gunco.net.

[JJB70]

Thanks again, FEG.

I'll definitely watch that as soon as I can.

Yes.... having the second 58 to to shoot while babying the CZ 58 is pretty much exactly what I am thinking.  I figure I have the kit so I might as well.

I ordered the poly handguard stocks over the weekend, so hopefully I'll get them this week (?).  A piece here and a piece there and eventually have another entire rifle.

Cheers!