Midwest Industries AK QD ACOG and MRO Mounts: Work on Side-Rail-Equipped Vz.58?

[AR-Tenner]

Hi y'all,

I have finally decided to jump with both feet into the world of a rifle that I have loved since I was 18, and go hard on the Vz.58!  In my introduction post in the new member section you can see my reasoning in detail, but one thing I love about the Vz.58, as it can be acquired today (I will be getting a CSA Liberty in 7.62x39 and also acquiring the extended mag release for when I am at my home and ranch in free states), is that it can use AK side mounts for optics.  While the CSA mount looks great, I plan to use only MROs and ACOGs on my new stable of 58s, and so want a QD mount that is dedicated for those optics, and does not give me a bunch of rail space I do not need, or necessitate one more attachment system for mounting the optics to the rail.

I love the looks of the Midwest Industries offerings for QD Kalashnikov mounts for the ACOG, mini ACOG, and MRO.  They can be found here: https://midwestindustriesinc.com/gen-2-ak-side-mount/

My one worry about these mounts is that they, or at least a subset of them (the MRO mount looks like the most likely to offend in this regard), will be far enough forward when mounted that they interfere with ejection, or just as importantly, loading the rifle with charging strips. 

I cannot see from the pictures shown, and I have not been able to find photos or discussions of these used on side-rail-equipped Vz.58s, so I wanted to see whether anyone has firsthand experience with using any of these mounts to attach either an ACOG (TA50 or TA33) or MRO to a Vz.58.  I very much hope that they will clear the ejection path and stripper clip guide, but if not, I will look elsewhere.

Thanks so much in advance, and I look forward to hearing from you! 

[briang2ad]

These that you are viewing are AK mounts and work only with an AKM with a side mount.  The side mount on the VZ 58 is DIFFERENT and will not accept side AK mounts. 

Also, the ONLY mounts you will find for the special VZ side mount are REAR ORIENTED so that they don't get annihilated by flying cases.  Thus, only smaller optics work - e.g. NOT LPVOs.  (YES an advantage to the AK).

Also, right now, no one is making/supplying mounts to latch onto the VZ 58 side mount.   I'm sure that CZ will make some at some point and Czechpoint will sell them, but the last batch had VERY FLIMSY locking latches that were unsuitable.  Also, very nice ones are shown by RS Regulate, but they almost NEVER make them, and when they do, they are sold out quickly.

So... unfortunately, they are for now unavailable. 

[AR-Tenner]

The side rail that CSA offers states that it will allow the use of AK side mounts, although it does also say that most will put optics too far forward.  I measured based on pictures and the orientation of where the securing screws go on the Vz.58 receiver, and it looks like the Midwest Industries ACOG mounts will almost certainly not interfere with ejection or loading from charging strips.

[RSR]

Not to derail but AK Master is now making a Vz58 version rail: https://akmastermount.com/product/ak-master-mount-optic-mount/

Don't know if it exists IRL or just on their website...

To your question -- I'd stick with the Rear Bias option w/ Midwest Industries...

Vz58 specific side rail mounts that have uppers that span the full length of the side rail are all rear swept AFAIK, which would be a
con to Midwest's full length ACOG that's pretty much straight/90* w/ no bias... 

And I think only a couple of RS Regulate/Horse's AK lower mounts are rear biased -- the overwhelming majority are forward biased -- which is the primary issue w/ using AK mounts on the Vz58...  The other being differences in mount height over receiver.

Good luck.  Let us know what you end up w/ and how it works.

[briang2ad]

The side rail that CSA offers states that it will allow the use of AK side mounts, although it does also say that most will put optics too far forward.  I measured based on pictures and the orientation of where the securing screws go on the Vz.58 receiver, and it looks like the Midwest Industries ACOG mounts will almost certainly not interfere with ejection or loading from charging strips.

OK folks  -I want to PUBLICALLY thank AR Tenner for SCHOOLING ME!  He IS CORRECT.  I just took my Midwest Industries AK rail - full length - and it locks in solid on my VZ 58.  I had NO idea.  I like the MI rails in that they can lock in from the side on an Ak rail.  On the VZ adapter you have to start a little further back, but you can STILL get it on even with the side sling mount adapter I use. 

One thing I've noticed is that you CAN use the irons UNDER the the MI AK rail - at least the picatinny one, and while its not great, it is doable.

So.. now I have to get a REAR BIASED MI rail

I believe either the rear ACOG or Pic rail is fine.  THE ONE drawback to MI is that they will be a bit HIGH, but with my straight SIG MPX stock, I think it is fine, just playing around with a PA SLX MD 20 on the pic rail.  Of course I have to get on ethat is rear biased.  IF Master mount makes one FOR the VZ 58, I'd get that LONG before RS Regulate decides to make them again. 

Thanks again to AR Tenner for schooling me!  Now I don't have to mess with RS Regulate or CSA.  BTW - I had a CSA mount but the lever was soft as a sponge. 

[RSR]

IF Master mount makes one FOR the VZ 58, I'd get that LONG before RS Regulate decides to make them again. 

Don't think it's a question IF but WHEN...  Saw the mount when I was pleased to see someone making a Yugo dustcover w/ finger shelf and checked out rest of offerings.  Clicked around some more today an found it as "coming soon" w/ the below picture (so at least some production has occurred since not a rendering) and description when scrolling down towards the bottom page:

COMING SOON!
 
VZ58 Version
Specifically designed to fit the factory VZ side rail.  Its top Picatinny / ACOG rail is 4 &1/4 inches long, and it weighs 6.0 ounces.

This Gen 2 version has a steel insert at the end of its dovetail channel to provide additional strength.  The handle is also upgraded to stronger 7075 aluminum.  Now you get the best of both worlds: aluminum construction for weight reduction, but steel for strength where it's needed.

Accepts our optional accessory side rail.

Some have complained about the strength of RS Regulate's rail lockup under harsh conditions due to just being clamp, so AK Master seems to solve that...  Haven't dug into it but would be curious to see someone test the RS Regulate vs AK Master on that front specific to the Vz58.

The one piece design also eliminates a potential point of failure and the weight of fasteners.

[briang2ad]

For now I will go with the MI mount.  It is a tad higher, but if you mount the optic with no risers, it works.  Lock up is very good, and the best part is that it goes on without having to start so far in the rear.  I am using a left folding stock AND a sling mount and have little room - but the MI mount still clips on - and is plenty robust.  Also, it fits now fine.  If I switched up the stock, I'd probably use the Master Mount.   I think RS Regulate is no longer in the VZ 58 market. 

[RSR]

I think RS Regulate is no longer in the VZ 58 market.

I hope that isn't the case.  I believe his DARS plate was a joint effort so might be discontinued.  But the rest of his items are on rolling production AFAIK...  Issue is that it's a small business and they can't meet demand for just the AK stuff...  And given Czechpoint's artificial throttling of the Vz58 market (restricting supply to inflate prices?  monopoly price gouging?), the biggest issue on the Vz58 front is that not only do you have production costs,  you also have carrying costs -- he can produce AK inventory and carry costs for production for a couple months max before selling OR produce Vz58 stuff and carry costs for up to a year...  One's much more costly, especially in our current inflationary and increasingly restrictive credit/capital environment.

[MeatAxe]

I think RS Regulate is no longer in the VZ 58 market.

I hope that isn't the case.  I believe his DARS plate was a joint effort so might be discontinued.  But the rest of his items are on rolling production AFAIK...  Issue is that it's a small business and they can't meet demand for just the AK stuff...  And given Czechpoint's artificial throttling of the Vz58 market (restricting supply to inflate prices?  monopoly price gouging?), the biggest issue on the Vz58 front is that not only do you have production costs,  you also have carrying costs -- he can produce AK inventory and carry costs for production for a couple months max before selling OR produce Vz58 stuff and carry costs for up to a year...  One's much more costly, especially in our current inflationary and increasingly restrictive credit/capital environment.

As I recall, RS Regulate is a side gig for the owner (“Horse”-something, who posts here on occasion). He may have some other primary gig / job that’s covered up with the usual post-coof “supply chain” bs.

Anyway, I have heard that the RS Reg Yugo AK mount will fit on the CSA Vz58 scope rail, FWIW, so you might check on that. The Yugo mount seems to stay in supply, more often than not.

[RSR]

As I recall, RS Regulate is a side gig for the owner (“Horse”-something, who posts here on occasion). He may have some other primary gig / job that’s covered up with the usual post-coof “supply chain” bs.

Anyway, I have heard that the RS Reg Yugo AK mount will fit on the CSA Vz58 scope rail, FWIW, so you might check on that. The Yugo mount seems to stay in supply, more often than not.

Yes, it's a side business/passion project.  You can easily find his name and LinkedIn if you're curious. 

The issue w/ the Yugo mount is it has different dimensions than Vz58 AFAIK...

[briang2ad]

My frustrations with RD Reg are in signing up for notifications and searching for 2.5 years, with nothing.  I think I may have missed a release once, but again it is just not available.  And  I get it that supply and demand and lack of VZ 58 market has hurt the aftermarket.  Heck, CSA can't seem to supply side mounts.  I did have one, but it was defective as noted.  I also had no idea that AK mounts fit and again, AR Tenner healed my ignorance. 

[briang2ad]

Report on the rear biased MI rail...

It doesn't really fit well.  I thought it was because my VZ 58 CSA rail, BUT the Gen 1 full rail from MI fits VERY well, and I tried the rear biased rail on an AK and it has similar issues.  So.. I surmise that its a defective product and it will go back.  OR, the Gen 2 Rails fit differently - but i doubt it.  Very disappointed because the Gen 1 works SO well, and it fits on from the SIDE as all MI rails do, so you can have any funky thing hanging on the back as a stock and still use it.  I may order another. 

[RSR]

Report on the rear biased MI rail...

It doesn't really fit well.  I thought it was because my VZ 58 CSA rail, BUT the Gen 1 full rail from MI fits VERY well, and I tried the rear biased rail on an AK and it has similar issues.  So.. I surmise that its a defective product and it will go back.  OR, the Gen 2 Rails fit differently - but i doubt it.  Very disappointed because the Gen 1 works SO well, and it fits on from the SIDE as all MI rails do, so you can have any funky thing hanging on the back as a stock and still use it.  I may order another.

Thanks for the update, and keep us posted.

[AR-Tenner]

So happy that y'all found out it works, and that there will be another option coming soon!  I pulled the (polymer) trigger and picked up a CSA, and while I have not gotten to the ranch to put it through its paces yet, I am blown away at the fit, finish, built quality, and what a cool design the Vz.58 is!

[briang2ad]

I am now waiting on the Mastermount VZ 58 model.  Why?  I figure that with that ONE mount, I can get a micro prism to sit as low as possible, or put an MD25 on it - it has picatinny and ACOG all in one. 

Yes, I have switched my SIG MPX stock to fold on the right side and it does not interfere with the right side gadgets.  (Not enough to matter).

BTW - the MPX stocks normally ONLY fold to the left, but I sent mine back to the factory and they actually removed the screw for me.  It had been messed up trying to get it off.  NOTE:  they won't do this anymore.  Long story.  They PERMANENTLY put the screws in.  Why?  Dumb.