Classic is now @ $519.
But, you're still only paying ~$400 for the standard "rifle and one mag" once you account for the value of the accessory pack. Still a good deal, but unlike PSA, they aren't giving them away.
IMO, add a $50 tab to the VZ2008 and you have 85%+ of the $1200 CSA rifle for ~30 to 40% of the cost. And then just run the weapon to get rid of some of the teflon grit on contact surfaces, and it's sufficiently "tuned." There are some other items like new springs and CNC warrior pistons that wouldn't be a bad idea either, but that's all that's really required for reliability and superior accuracy to other systems in this caliber. (Mentioning only for information/a somewhat even-keeled perspective, not to start a debate.)
WASR or other entry level AKs come in at $500-$600 these days -- and while they typically run, there's a reason Rifle Dynamics and others have $300-$600 AK tuning packages to bring these entry level builds up speed... Nothing wrong with the AK route, but weight alone for me, they fill more of a "rifle" role than the VZ58 and variants "carbine" role. Believe there are some threads here and elsewhere on AK vs VZ comparisons. In my opinion, the VZ wins out all things considered for my needs. YMMV. (Again, mentioning only for information/a somewhat even-keeled perspective, not to start a debate.)
Mentioned before, but IMO the best 7.62x39 deals right now are the VZ2008s and the AES10B RPK, both Century stamped -- AES10B just converted from sporter configuration by Century, built in Romania. Very different roles/niches (heavy barrel RPK weighs nearly twice as much as the VZ), but I picked up the AES10B a couple months back from JG sales for $579 w/ a drum mag -- everyone else has the same weapon for $700+...
I also want the CZ 7.62x39 bolt action carbine, but it's expensive, yet awesome... My only other 7.62x39 interest is in taking one of those Rifle Dynamics AK builder courses, hopefully next year.
The PSA deal I've been anticipating an immediate $100 jump in valuation if you held onto them for a couple months (which has happened now that they're out of stock and everyone else is $100 more), and I think $500-600 on these rifles +$200-$300 over purchase in a year or two is certainly a fair expectation for future valuation -- regardless of some of the inflation, etc, factors that have been mentioned here.
