VZ2008 Bore Diameter

[Pica hudsonia]

New user here and I've been contemplating buying either a VZ2008 or saving up money to eventually get one of the D-Technik VZ rifles. While looking around various websites I've sometimes seen people say that the bore diameter of XZ2008 is actually .308 rather than the normal .310. I was wondering if that was true and if so, how that would affect barrel life? Any information would be very helpful. Thanks.

[CitizenPete]

New user here and I've been contemplating buying either a VZ2008 or saving up money to eventually get one of the D-Technik VZ rifles. While looking around various websites I've sometimes seen people say that the bore diameter of XZ2008 is actually .308 rather than the normal .310. I was wondering if that was true and if so, how that would affect barrel life? Any information would be very helpful. Thanks.

Howdy,  I'll give you my opinions based on my studies and empirical evidence of more than a few Samopal Vzor58 variants I have had the chance to operate.


First off you are asking two different questions and relating them based on the ID of a barrel.


So, vz2008 vs. CSA SA. Vz.58:  For reasons of casual plinking and just having the gun for fun, then the VZ2008 with a tabbed carrier is the best bang for your buck.  For collecting purposes, SHTF firearm, or for best available quality and top notch superior customer support the CSA (or low round D-Teknic) would be my pick.


To the best of my knowledge the barrels on the CSAs are chrome lined and theoretically make them longer lasting and perhaps more impervious to "corrosive" primed ammunition like Yugoslavian M67, which is considered to be one of the best all around FMJ rounds for defensive purposes.


There are several nuances between barrels beside one being steel vs. chrome lined, esp with older guns that may have original Czech barrel.  length, chambering (CIP v. Sammi), manufacturing, Bla Bla


To the best of my knowledge the Green Mountain barrels are similar or equal to those barrels that come on the vz2008. These carbon steel barrels have been said and tested by users to slug out to .308 I.D.   User JohnEd is probably a good source on this topic and if he doesn't jump in perhaps an IM would yield positive response.


Hope that helps somewhat.


CP

[RSR]

Considering that there is one VZ2008 at $600 and all the balance are over $700 on gunbroker and slickguns shows all online retailers at high $600s as well, my recommendation would be to get a the Dtecknic sporter (scroll down a few threads) from Southern Ohio Gun for $599 and invest in converting it to doublestack and 922r.

I don't know the diameter of the walther barrels.  The surplus and NOS Czech CHF 15.5" barrels have been measured at .310 to .312 in the past here, IIRC.  The Century guns are .308 bore.  If concerned about accuracy, the Century barrels are probably the best bang for buck.  Apex sells them a la carte as well.  Uncertain on the Lothar Walther barrels, but they have an excellent reputation on other firearms (haven't seen an in depth review of their new VZ58 barrels to date, though it may exist on the interwebs).  Practically, there should be no concern with .308 vs .310 bore in the direction of .308.  Shooting .310 ammo through a .308 barrel has infinitely small chances of causing any issues and has been covered in depth in previous threads on this forum.  Shooting .308 ammo through a .310 barrel will be detrimental to accuracy and should be avoided if possible.  Oddly, most Russian import ammo does come in closer to .308 than .310 when measured at throat from reports of other members here. 

Welcome and good luck on your decision.  I truly think you'll be happy whatever way you go, but considering I paid about $300 for my VZ2008s just over 2 years ago, the nearly $700 asking price for them now strikes me as inflated to say the least (and that's about what they Dtechnik's went for ~8 years ago, not accounting for inflation).  However, definitely get some mags purchased and stocked ASAP.  Ammo wouldn't hurt either if you don't have any 7.62x39 on hand.

[Franz Maurer]

top notch superior customer support the CSA (or low round D-Teknic) would be my pick.