AK vs. VZ58 vs. VZ2008

[Youngster]

Please define "better".

Vz58 mags weigh ⅓ what an AK mag weighs, and do not rust.

As in MUCH more durable, longer lasting.

AK steel mags may be heavy {weighing between 1 and .72 lbs empty vs .42 lbs for the '58 aluminums} but there are polymer mags available for the AK that are as light as the VZ aluminums, are actually tougher than the AK steels, and they don't have that annoying aluminum tinniness and clatter.

 

[Scott7891]

I did not vote on this because I love them both but I can give advice. I own a Vz-58 and several AK's. I like them all equally. Each has their strengths and weaknesses.

I like the AK because of reliability, simplicity, parts and mags are cheap and easy to find practically everywhere, is more well-known and many more variations of the design exist. The AK-74 at the moment has cheaper ammo and will be more accurate than 7.62 at the expense of raw power.

I like the Vz-58 because it is way more ergonomic, can use stripper clips, bolt hold open feature, bolt is not restricted by a top cover that goes over the entire breach so jams are less likely to happen when it comes to extraction (then again it is being compared to an AK, i just like the feature), and it is much lighter. Vz parts kits are cheaper at the moment than AK ones. Another plus is while OTOH the Vz is not well known it makes it more unique and also under the radar of gun-ban happy politicians since they all know about the AK but they have not even thought of or heard of the Vz.

Both are battle tested designs. Wherever the AK was sent you can guarantee the Czechs donated their Vz-58's right alongside "for the cause." I can guarantee that in Afghanistan now both sides are using the Vz and AK against one another.

I would avoid the Century VZ2008 at all costs.

I would get both and be happy like me.

 

[rocinante]

vz2008. I have two. Liked the one I got in first I ordered another the same day. So I got 2 for the price of 1 vz58. Some who own both, vz2008 and vz58, actually claim the vz2008 is more accurate without the chrome lining and with the longer american legal length barrel.

I also have a saiga ak I converted. Was good to know who the builder was and the parts are new.

Here is what makes either the czechs better than your run of the mill AK. You know who built it and what they used.

 

[A_Matthew]

Vz parts kits are cheaper at the moment than AK ones.

Anyone know where I could get a flat or an 80% receiver? Building one sure would be fun. Matthew

 

[armoredman]

There is no such thing as a vz-58 flat - they are milled receivers, sorry. Czechpoint sells receivers occasionally, but the vz-58 is rated a difficult build.
I have owned WASRs and Hungarian AKs, and 1 vz-58. I am MUCH happier with the vz-58. Mine is more accurate, (I have the vanity to think I know how to shoot a rifle, to the poster who suggested otherwise), lighter, and it came perfect out of the box. Last AK I had that didn't need work was a Hungarian I purchased in California back in 1987...The WASR we got rid of was a Century with tilted gas block and needing a Red Star trigger group.
The vz-58 DOES have longer stocks and accessories, go to http://www.czechpoint-usa.com/ for some very cool accessories, such as the Neit Arms extended bolt release and ambi mag release. I can drop the mag, release the bolt and manipulate the safety all with the right hand in a firing grip. Also, mags are not QUITE as cheap as AK, but $13 a pop from Czechpoint is pretty good. Mags are also more durable than they look. BTW, Neit Arms also makes a bolt carrier with the handle on the other side, up at an angle or flat, or even ambidextrous. Great guys up there.
I have no direct knowledge of the Century built/imported vz-2008, but what little experience I have had with Century the company would make me hesitate a LONG time before ordering something from them. The warrantee starts the day the rifle is BUILT, not when it is sold. Czechpoint stands behind their products 110%, and Dan is one heck of a great guy. I will say I have heard some people state they got very nice vz-2008s.
My vote,
vz-58

 

[A_Matthew]

Do any of you know if VZ58 accessories are compatible with a VZ2008? I'm now leaning for the VZ2008. Part of what helped me with the decision were the glowing reviews on J&G Sales. (15 out of 15 reviews were 5 star!) Thanks, Matthew

P.S. Nice looking rifle! ^^^^
Do you mind if I ask what kind of stock you have on it?

 

[nalioth]

Do any of you know if VZ58 accessories are compatible with a VZ2008? I'm now leaning for the VZ2008. Part of what helped me with the decision were the glowing reviews on J&G Sales. (15 out of 15 reviews were 5 star!)

Yes, they will (for accessory purposes, they're the same rifle).

I would like to point out that reviews on a sales site may not be accurately represented (you know, they might not approve any negative reviews, as those hinder sales). They might not even be "real" people (it's a common practice to fill reviews with shill content).

 

[A_Matthew]

Originally posted by Nalioth
I would like to point out that reviews on a sales site may not be accurately represented (you know, they might not approve any negative reviews, as those hinder sales). They might not even be "real" people (it's a common practice to fill reviews with shill content).

On some reviews of other guns on their website, some people didn't have very nice things to say, and their posts weren't deleted, but I will take your point into consideration.
Now that I know that VZ58 accessories will work on a VZ2008, I can go check out that VZ58 thread here on THR for some ideas on 'tacticalizing' my future gun. Thanks again, Matthew