True on mounting optics higher for a more 'heads up' use of an optic - which is a valuable thing in many circumstances. The AR for whatever reason ended up with a higher set of sights even though it was invented when soldiers only used irons outside of sniper or DM roles. So... the options are more and also more standardized, making the AR a much more flexible platform.
The AK mounting options are actually a bit better than the VZ 58 because the sights are slightly higher in relation to the stock, so that you can get a straight stock AND use irons or go higher based on need. The other factor is that the AK has much more AM support than the 58.
The VZ 58 is least flexible, except that the rear end is much more adaptable. The low sights present a problem for stocks in that if I use a higher stock and high optic, I'm OK until I need to shed the optic for whatever reason. Also, if i want a straight stock, which is better for recoil, I can end up with a harder time using irons. Some ditch irons altogether and move on. I won't. I don't mind using an optic on the side rail as primary, because I can dismount it and use the irons pretty quickly. For now the SIG Minimalist seems to work OK. Not perfect. The MI Alpha stock might be optimum, but it is too heavy for my use. Someone needs to come up with LIGHT folding option that adjusts cheek height easily. But then you are back to AM support.
Possibly the biggest problem for the VZ 58 is the inability to mount a long rail over the top cover like an AK. This really limits our choices.
I don’t think you can get the “perfect” rifle for all circumstances and criteria. As far as a 7.62x39 combat rifle, the CZ Bren 2 comes close — except that you can’t get parts or service from CZ!! Also, they had some issues with cycling, that could have been solved easily if CZ was doing its job, which they have not. So the Bren 2 is decidedly imperfect as a SD rifle.
Anyway, I used to fret about the Vz58’s iron sights giving me a crick in my neck when I tried to co-witness with a 1x RDS and a straight AR15 butt stock. There are no taller iron sights readily available for the Vz58. No way to easily fix that problem without just going to the usual low slung Vz58 butt stock, which accentuates muzzle flip — an even worse problem than the occasional crick in the neck looking through the irons, at least IMO.
In the end, I said screw the iron sights and put on a PA 3x prism scope with an ACSS reticle and have never been happier. The optic is short enough that it doesn’t get hit by ejected shells and it mounts easily with a RS Reg unit. The ACSS reticle is phenomenal for hitting from close in to distance. Even if the battery were to die, it still has the big etched reticle which is easily visible. If I want a 1x option, I can easily add an RDS to the rail atop the 3x. If for some reason I want to go back to the irons, the RS Regulate mount is quickly removable.
https://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-slx-3x32mm-gen-iii-prism-scope-with-acss-cqb-300blk-762x39mm-reticlePA also makes a more compact newer generation 3x ACSS prism, but it doesn’t have the top rail.
Sometimes the “compromise” is better than the original solution. I think in this day and age of reliable and durable 1x + electronic optics, BUISs are not all that critical, especially with easily removable optic mounts.
BTW, I have seen some scope mounts for the Vz58 from the Czech Republic for “full size scopes,” complete with a plastic shield to protect against dings from ejected cases, but they look pretty heavy and awkward.
You can’t have everything…
