my new d-technik vz 58

[scowl]

hello fellow cz fans. I finally picked up a cz vz 58 by d-technik.  unfired, with two mags, original cleaning kit and box.  couple questions..  Should I leave it unfired?  i really would like to shoot it but i have plenty of other guns to unwind with so happy to keep this mint if itsn helps the collectible value

Also, i was specifically searching for a d-technik with bayonet lug removed per my research.  I found just that but was surprised there is no date of manf on the rifle?  is this typical?

[SaguutuPagru]

Greetings scowl,
Honestly I no expert in guns, but I will say that you SHOULD fire the weapon. Its a great rifle, you have a better quality one than my CAI VZ2008. From what i know about these imported VZ58s is they are not entirely new, most parts are surplus. I wanna say the d-technik models have the original chrome line barrels from CZ and probably the best built VZ58 in north america. Im sure someone will be able to correct me if im wrong and give you more information. Like I said, shoot it and enjoy it.

[Franz Maurer]

you have a better quality one than my CAI VZ2008.

or not

the d-technik models ... ...probably the best built VZ58 in north america.

or not

am sure someone will be able to correct me if im wrong and give you more information.

yeah that's for sure

Like I said, shoot it and enjoy it.

second that !

marketing and the expectations created by it are a powerful thing...

life laughs at that

perhaps it's a matter of luck

In the interest of sanity I shall say no more...

[Franz Maurer]

Also, i was specifically searching for a d-technik with bayonet lug removed per my research. 

please explain !!

[SaguutuPagru]

lol thanks Franz, made me look stupid even with me saying someone will correct me... it's cool though, I'm a newbie in VZs... 

[scowl]

please explain !!

While searching for a vz 58, I did some homework on identifying parts guns from original imports.  based on multiple sources, a key component to look for was a chrome lined barrel with the lug milled off.  Additionally, to look for d-technik as opposed to the Ohio or Century brands.    Do you have other information to offfer?  Either way, I'm not disappointed with my purchase ($950 w 2 mags) so I won't be offended or disappointed.  It's a solid rifle in mint condition for not much more than used Ak's were selling for.  I got a good price since the dealer was having a hard time selling it because very few people know the value of cz's and were more inclined to by the Ak instead.

[SaguutuPagru]

In November I went to a gun show, already aware or CAI prices on VZ2008s...happen to come across a obviously used VZ58, didn't check if it was a CAI or Czech arms buy the man said I'm asking 1600...I laughed and walked away. just thought I'd share. gun shows are insanely over priced

[armoredman]

Shoot it. Unless it's a registered full auto rifle, collector value as a collectible will be nil for many years. if an import ban goes in place, that may change, but I don't think that will happen any time soon.

[cz671]

Scowl, you should shoot it.  Had my cz usa vz58 sinc 2008 had many many rounds through it and till this day still accurate, and very shiny/ strong lands and grooves.  But hey there's always the cheap U.S version vz2008 to beat on if you choose to...you know the one with the non-u.s cold hammer forged .308 barrel and receiver

[vblue42]

please explain !!

While searching for a vz 58, I did some homework on identifying parts guns from original imports.  based on multiple sources, a key component to look for was a chrome lined barrel with the lug milled off.  Additionally, to look for d-technik as opposed to the Ohio or Century brands.

In my opinion the Century is the way to go simply because of the value for the money you spend. The Century rifles are every bit a VZ58 as the CSA/Czechpoint rifles are. That being said, neither company manufactures a real VZ58 and both are clones. A real VZ58 is manufactured by ?esk? zbrojovka Uhersk? Brod and is a selective fire weapon. Many on this site will tell you that because the CSA/Czechpiont rifles are manufactured in the Czech Republic that this somehow makes them more of a real VZ then any other but that quite frankly is BULL! CSA/Czechpiont rifles are clones just like any other manufactured VZ is. Now, all VZ clones use surplus parts which are pulled from demiled rifles or are parts from an armorers parts kit. The CSA/Czechpiont rifles do have a chromed lined barrel either newly manufactured in Czech or are from surplus. The Century clones use barrels apparently manufactured by Green Mountain, a US company. Both rifles feature a newly milled receiver. The biggest difference is that the CSA rifles have to be 922r compliant requiring a certain number of US made parts because the CSA rifles are imported. Some of these parts are polymer which bothers some people. The Century and other US made clones don't have to be 922r and use all surplus parts. The Century rifles also have a bayonet lug and a removable flash hider and the CSA rifles don't have either. Anyway, the point of this response is that all VZs are clones and IMO there really is no better one then the other but the prices between manufactures are miles apart and I don't think a higher price is justified for one clone over the other just because its cloned in the Czech Republic.

[RSR]

Right, a real CZ 58 is made by CZ (the ?esk? zbrojovka Uhersk? Brod factory).  Dtechnic/Czech small arms are not.  I don't know the full history, and based upon marketing sounds like Dtechnic was a parts supplier to CZ, but didn't make the rifle until recently...

And note that a lot of stuff like the Ambi safety will fit the Century gun but not CSA rifle due to different receivers.  The folks in Czech Republic who make parts for these rifles don't support the CSA receivers as they're less than 5% of the global CZ 58 market.  Heck even the Canadians with their 5 round mag limit get the CZ version of this rifle -- the CZ 858.  Only due to America's ridiculous sporting laws are we subjected to a arguably inferior product...

If you want to change muzzle devices, that's much easier with Century.  Also, the Century rifles aren't actually made by Century!!!  They're assembled by B&R Machine or something to that effect and are the finest example of Century branded rifles I've seen -- some of their Eastern European made and assembled AKs (edit: the Zastava PAPs are what one of my buddies was telling me about) recently on market might also classify based on some reviews I've heard but not held in hand  -- but regardless you're ultimately debating about the receiver. 

As far as the barrel, chrome lined increases longevity/life at the expense of accuracy.  It's nominal, but the loss is still there.  Also, the Century barrels are a tad tighter than the CZ's .308 to .310 depending on who's measuring compared to .311 for the CSA.  AK, especially American made runs in the lower end of that spectrum -- .308 to .310 most of the time while only genuine military runs the .311.  So conceptually at least you'll be able to shoot a wider range of ammo accurately out of the box, and over time as the barrel wears you can switch to larger diameter 7.62x39 loads to maintain accuracy.  Green Mountain is a quality company and I don't foresee any issue there. 
But if you are concerned you can have your Century barrel rebored to .310 or .311 and melonited (a better finish) for still less than 75% the cost of the CSA arm... 

Agree with vblue42.  Ultimately, when you can buy 2+ VZ 2008s for the price of one CSA weapon, you're foolish not to. 

[RogerCZ75Bfan]

If you ever held or better yet, fired a D-technik Vz.58 you would immediately know what he's talking about. There's no comparison to the Century gun that I held in the gun store once. I'm not trying to be elitist, just being honest.
Congrats on the new fine rifle.

[RSR]

I have held a Dtechnic VZ 58.  It's a different finish, but that's the only major difference I saw.  No way I can classify completely different gun... Haven't shot it.

They're both eminently reliable, or at least my VZ 2008 is.  That's all I care about.  Not a wallhanger, a tool. 

The only differing parts are the receiver and the barrel.  Well, and I think CSA uses new spring rather than parts kits (probably a big part in the difference of felt recoil folks are reporting) and tabs the bolt carrier.  The only difference in finish that I saw was that the VZ 2008 is parkerized (which I personally prefer) while the Dtechnic appeared to be a gray enamel paint.  The CSA are now Cerakoted.  Parkerization is by definition more rugged/textured than the Cerakote and will appear "rougher." 

If there's something else I'm missing, please inform me. 

Regardless, in my biased opinion, the CSA/Czechpoint myth is now bigger than the actual machine.  Czechpoint's been taking part in the recent price gouging/speculation (which I personally detest -- all their parts increased by ~50% in the past 2 years and their rifles have nearly doubled; when folks worry about short term profit over long term customer retention it will end up biting them). 
Irrespective of price, the VZ 2008's merits have it standing shoulder to shoulder with the CSA weapon (again IMO and perspective and needs).  When taking into consideration that CSA VZ 58s have just jumped again from $1k to $1250 to $1300 (were $699 or so when I first started looking at and added the VZ 58 my wish list 2-3 years ago -- and there's been no real inflation in that time and the foreign currency exchanges have moved +10% against us, if that), and that you can pick up a VZ 2008 for sub $500, I cannot, with any good conscience, recommend the CSA weapon over the VZ 2008.

Now if we were to go back and have the $699 CSA versus $399 Century, then you'd have me agreeing with a tossup to slight CSA advantage.  But that's no longer the case.

[RSR]

Posted this in another thread the other day that about sums it up:
"

Don't waste the extra money on a D-Technik.

Now, this is just my opinion based on the new D-Technik I just picked up from TGI (Tennessee Guns). I already have a CAI (Century) VZ-2008.

The only major benefits I see to the D-Technik is that it has a surplus chrome lined bbl, some gun smiths will not work on a Century, and it has a nicer "paint job" than the Century.

Also (someone correct me if I'm wrong) the D-Technik is sold as new....the Century is "used". Both use surplus parts though so I'm not sure how they break that down.

In any case, the reasons I think the Century is a better buy....one is cost. $429 vs. $594 (or $899 from Czechpoint-usa.com).

2) The Century has an American made bbl (green mountain) which is very accurate (though it is not chrome lined).
3) The CAI has an American made receiver....so you can use full surplus mags without worrying about 922r compliance for mags.
4) The CAI uses a steel trigger group. The D-Techniks use plastic (but you can convert to US made steel parts for 922r compliance, but it's another $62).
5) The CAI has a parkerized finish that I *think* is phosphate coated. While the D-Techniks look nicer at first....I'm guessing the CAI finish will be more durable.
6) The CAI receiver was designed as a double stack....not a single stack sporter like the D-Technik that is machined to accept double stack mags. My D-Technik is pretty tight with the mags....I'm hoping it will break in. The CAI is perfect.
7) CAI uses a 16" legal, already threaded bbl with a slant brake. You can buy a good compensator for $26 from www.cncwarrior.com if recoil reduction is needed.

That's my short report on why I like the CAI better. I'll see if I can come up with any more stuff...I feel like I'm leaving something out.

Source: http://www.xcrforum.com/forum/7-general-discussion/7380-if-you-considering-vz-58-a.html

Not specifically mentioned above are that Czechpoints have pinned barrel extension that does not allow for the easy changing of flash hiders, compensators, etc.  Addtionally, the Czechpoints do not come with gas blocks that have the bayonet attachment. 

Also, perhaps most importantly, the Century monkeys aren't assembling these rifles.  They're manufactured by B & R Machine in Ludlow, MA...  Century is just the one distributing/re-selling them from that assembly subcontract."

[Sheepdog]

Funny. Haven't seen a Czechpoint/CSA vs Century bitch fest in a while.

I personally prefer the CSA guns. But the Century guns are GENERALLY a good gun for the money. I've personally seen and heard of far, far more problems with the Century guns.

And I know Franz hates Czechpoint with a passion for the issue he had. Which I/we have to take his word for. (I have no reason to not believe you).

And just an FYI. But vblue42 you are wrong on the 922r aspect. The Century guns are in fact and have to be 922r compliant (as do others). They simply use more/different compliant, US made parts. I'm not gonna spend the time. So I'll quote Obiwan from a post from2012.

http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=40349.msg225637#msg225637

922r applies to all weapons prohibited from importation by section 925d(basically, any semi automatic rifle or shotgun that has any of these "non sporting" features:
ability to accept high capacity(over 10)military magazines
ability to accept a bayonet
separate pistol grip
folding stock
flash or sound suppressor
threaded barrel to accept a flash or sound suppressor
accessory rails
This list is not all inclusive and the ATF can change it at their whim as the law only states "not particularly suitable for sporting purposes")

922r does not count the number of U.S. parts, but rather the number of imported parts, from a list of major parts that they deem to be countable.  You are not permitted to use more than 10 of these imported parts
the vz58 has 15 parts that the ATF counts for 922r and they are as follows:
1 receiver
2 barrel
3 barrel extension/muzzle device
4 bolt
5 bolt carrier
6 trigger
7 sear
8 disconnector
9 gas piston
10 magazine body
11 magazine follower
12 magazine floorplate
13 pistol grip
14 buttstock
15 handguards

The following is a list of what U.S. manufactured(non imported) parts are used on the U.S. market avaialbe vz58 variants.

For compliance D-Technik Rifles use
1 trigger
2 disconnector
3 sear
4 floorplate
5 follower

Century vz2008 rifles use
1 receiver
2 barrel
3 muzzle device
4 disconnector
5 sear
6 gas piston


Ohio Ordnance works rifles use
1 Receiver
2 Sear
3 disconnector
4 Gas piston
5 Muzzle extension
6 Floorplate

Ohio Rapid Fire factory rifles use
1 Receiver
2 Trigger
3 Sear
4 Disconnector
5 Gas piston
6 Muzzle extension