Hi folks, since a Vz. 61 is an extremely cheap platform in the Czech Republic (right now it can be found for as low as CZK 3.333 = USD 156 - typically in a mint/unused condition) I picked one up several years ago too. Over time i did not only start reloading 32ACP since I wanted to shoot it more but I also did some updates to the gun. I thought I would share them with y'all.
1. New telescopic stock. The original stock is way too short unless you are a hobbit or a child soldier. Even the Czechoslovaks knew that and the result of their development was called Vz. 82 - unfortunately only a prototype. I went my own way (some may say a bubba way
) but the result is so much easier gun to shoot. All done without any workshop, in the living room (my girlfriend is very patient)
2. Red dot on top. What can I say... the u notch sights were never made to be couple of centimeters from your eye so they did not work for me at all. First I was wondering I may just swap the plates and put a diopter sight there but in the end - why bother if you can go hi tech
I used an ordinary mount for a red dot on top of your large magnification optics and boom.... you can shoot off the left testicle of a fly and not harm the right one.....
3. slide release... just like with Vz. 58 the Vz. 61 does have a slide catch which will keep the slide back on an empty mag but it will not allow you to release it in any other way than pulling the charging handle (knob in this case) back. That can be very uncomfy on Vz. 61. So me and my cousin created a modified bolt release and boom... reloads are so much faster and smoother....
That's about it.... no need to do more so far... maybe add the supressor just for fun as the Czech gun laws changed for better currently and we can acquire them