If you're a lefty, the ergos are perfect, except there's not tactical bolt release option (but charging handle is support hand side).
If you're a righty, you can have essentially set your VZ58 to run with all the same speed mods as any new production rifle, depending on your needs.
The main ergonomic thing that most Americans notice is the short stock length... It gets serviceable with the AK grenade launcher pad that adds another inch -- cheap UTG on amazon or the better one that Apex sells.
I have two actually.
This one is a softer rubber: http://www.amazon.com/UTG-Model-Combat-Butt-Pad/dp/B002TUSK06
This one is a harder rubber but comes w/ a strap: https://www.apexgunparts.com/product_info.php/products_id/2519
Slightly different grip nubs on the back too, so possibly one is for wood stocks and one is for for folders?
I put the strap on the softer rubber one since I decided that the softer provides better recoil absorption but YMMV. First had the softer and decided I wanted to try one with the velcro strap for a cleaner look than the paracord I'd been using...
Update:
Looked at the Apex one, it came in a guntec USA package: http://guntecusa.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=60_85&product_id=254
The Amazon came in a UTG package, so look like different products.
FSE's page tells you more about it being modeled after a soviet grenade launching buttpad (and theirs might be a third addition, or the same one guntec is repackaging):
http://www.fseusa.com/product_info.php?products_id=339
I got one of the buttpads like Zahal is selling on ebay (here is an example: http://www.zahal.org/products/butt-stock-pad-for-original-vz-58-folding-stock?path_parent=153451 )
Basically, it's cheap somewhat soft plastic like bargain brand tupperware lids. Maybe adds 1/8-1/4" to the length of pull. Other than the small nubs for grip, I really don't see the point. It allows the stock to fold and looks more substantial in pics, but save your $.
My advice is to go w/ the Apex one above for the folding stock. Higher quality, better made, and cushions recoil but w/o all the bounce of the softer one. I'd recommend only running the softer UTG one on your fixed stocks as the Apex one with a more scalloped stock attachment hole and being denser rubber is less likely to fit.
Or you can spend $100-125 to configure your stock pretty much anyway you want it with Stormwerkz adapters. With the metal folder, just wrap it in paracord and junk the Century AK Slant for a VZ specific muzzle device and you'll rock and roll with it.
The other complaint is the stock grip being too small, and there are several larger in the $40 range that fix that problem easily.
The M1 Carbine of the Warsaw pact world is a fair statement. It's a light rifle, fast and natural pointing, and good sight picture (I'd recommend a red dot on this for sure, and if you're able to hand pic your rifle, I'd recommend one with the eared front sight -- the loops seem to be the most common in these latest century releases and unfortunately the post ends about 2/3rds up the loop and my eyes naturally go to the middle of the front sight hood loop, rather than the sight post which is further up).
If you want to lego out your rifle and precision shoot, an AR is probably better. But if you want a w/in 250 meter carbine that still allows for substantial customization, has a few MOA accuracy with your 3-4 MOA reddot or irons and a harder hitting and cheap learner round, then the VZ58 is probably for you. Compared to AKs, the aftermarket upgrade production selection is probably more robost IMO, albeit more expensive. AK owners in the US still overwhelmingly have the "why would I spend money upgrading an AK" mentality (or they're busy fixing poorly made cheap AKs so their rifles too have that legendary reliability); whereas, the VZ58 is so close to perfection, the mods seem to progress more naturally.
(The one AK mod outside of rails that's VZ equivalent is the Galil mag release which allows for the triggerfinger, right handed, to drop the mag. They do have bolt hold opens but they aren't last shot so really only serve to prove it's clear at the range...)
For the why of the 7.62x39 and it's awesomeness w/in 200m, take a look at/a google of the 300BLK arguments over 5.56. Everything except the subsonic rounds being common applies, and the ammo cost is much lower than 300BLK -- if you can find it, 300BLK has been running 80 cents or so per round so the folks I know shooting it are reloading (they're still running 30-40 cents per round on components alone), and I don't have the time for that right now. And then take a look at the requirements of a modern battle rifle -- stuff like ambi controls, last shot bolt hold open, tactical bolt release, light weight, piston, preferably short stroke as cleanest and more accurate than long stroke (that the VZ58's action is entirely linear on a plane parallel to the barrel is a plus too), the ability to mount optics and other tacticool mods, etc. The VZ58 either has them or aftermarket can support them to the extent they're prudent for a minimal investment. If you like any other intermediate caliber battle rifle, you'll like the VZ58.
Due to the action and ejection port, the VZ58 doesn't have a full flat top rail and we can't get a full length foreend quad rail... Those are the only 2 things the AR guys can say that the VZ doesn't have/can't support that the AR does. We also get less FTEs than the AR guys due to our large ejection port, and I don't think the full length quad rails are critical...
AR guys also ding the VZ58 on its sights (legitimate, but VZ iron sights are more than minute of man accurate), and the rock in mags (I actually prefer the positive lock in to a rock versus the straight insert, seen several ARs crap mags immediately after insertion due to a less than positive lock).
AKs just can't compare on ergonomics. Their primary sell is one of proven superior reliability to all other weapons systems -- but I think the VZ58 is just as reliable. The VZ58 *might* need its springs -- striker, recoil, and piston -- changed more often but I haven't fired enough rounds to verify this with certainty. Otherwise, they're even here from my experience.
