Thanks RSR - I can't disagree with anything you've written - from a pragmatic defense / use standpoint, the shorter barrel tends to turn allot of the 7.62x39 round's potential into a big blast and fireball.
The reality is that I don't view this as a serious defensive weapon (though it certainly could do the job at need if it proves reliable) and I certainly don't view it as something I'd use to penetrate barriers - honestly I wouldn't be using a 556 round either out of any length barrel - that's where 308 kind of shines.
The CZ would be simply a range gun and novelty platform that fires a low-cost round I tend to prefer (at least over 223) when coming out of shorter barrels. Honestly, I've got more serious tools than hands and friends to use them - MP5/93/G3/HK23 F/A platforms, M16 (F/A) and AR15's galore, AK's, SCAR-H, etc. If I felt seriously concerned for my health, I wouldn't be grabbing a VZ 58 S/A with a very short barrel, marginal ergo (front grip), no suppressor and limited optics options.
As I said in my original post, this is just for fun. All that said, you made some very strong points for anyone considering a short-barrel rifle, especially in a tactical or defense setting. Many thanks, Matt.
Yes, I treat firearms first and foremost as tools, especially insofar as justifying to the Mrs...
I definitely agree with you that the 7.62x39 has a lot of short barrel potential. This is a fascinating read if you haven't:
http://demigodllc.com/articles/7.62x39-improving-the-military-standard/?p=1However, if you aren't wanting to reload (sort of defeats much of the cheap fun of 7.62x39 IMO), then realize you're shooting cartridges primarily designed for 16" barrels. With reloading, you can most certainly try various powders and definitely look to some of the 300 blk recipes for inspiration... A significant benefit is the tapered 7.62x39 case which helps tremendously with extraction while case remains under high pressures vs say a 5.56. The tapered case being one reason, but also the price (pre-7N6 ban) and that the FMJs don't rely on velocity for fragmentation -- a 5.45 build VZ58 would have been pretty appealing in a "micro" configuration (pulling on Galil terminology but feel it's the best descriptor for the 7" version -- also worth noting I have seen some pretty special Galils in 5.45 too...).
Regardless -- with short 7.62x39 ak barrels, you get tremendous blast and flash and also a fair bit of unburnt powder... My advice is to first find a friend w/ an 8" or even 10" krink and shoot it bare muzzle to get an idea of what you're in for with even more blast and flash out of a 7" barrel.
You are correct w/ the mag insertion angles, you're limited in grips. You *might* (well, should) be able to get away with a stubby vfg, but that's about it.
Also, at a minimum I'd be looking at a linear comp for the gun. I believe it's Allen Gun Works out of Canada that offers one for the VZ58 -- I'm not aware of any pig or similar flash hiders for the VZ58/SKS threading. Goal is to provide a little boost as well as direct flash and blast downrange...
If you really wanted, Manticore might be willing to do a specially threaded muzzle device for you, but when looking at them for my M92, I ultimately went with the CNCW 4 piece device instead...
So long as you understand the tradeoffs -- absolutely get what you want. And it sounds like you have all your bases covered, so especially if you're looking just for fun/cool factor, then I see no reason not to go ahead and get one. Heck, Strike Back (Cinemax show) made them look pretty sweet.
And to be clear, I get the appeal in an entirely unfacetious way; however, my pragmatic/utility/wanting to run an NEA rail/etc requirements has me planning my next VZ58 acquisition to be a 12" pistol.
