Looks like a nice rifle, but it's a total freak, and way more complex than it needs to be.
Can you point out this complexity? I guess I'm missing something.
I'm a fan of the AK series rifles (I pick up a new Saiga AK74 tonight I hope), however the Vz.58 really is an improvement on the concept in my opinion. It's smaller, lighter, better built in most cases, just as accurate, and super simple to strip and clean.
The main thing that keeps me from even considering one is its total incompatibility with AK accessories.
I'm not sure I understand this statement. Do you not buy AR15's because they don't share any accessories with AK's? The Vz.58 isn't an AK nor is it a clone of an AK... That's like not buying a Chevy because it doesn't accept Ford parts. Well... that might make sense to some folks.
Spare parts are readily available, affordable, and of good quality... at least for now.
There's a number of areas, from the AK side rail to the magazines and muzzle brake that could easily have been made compatible. I also think the AK gas tube locking system is far superior; I don't like the idea of a pin in areas that are constantly subjected to movement, impact, and vibration. It may be an okay gun in its own right, but I'll stick with my AK-based rifles.
I really don't care about muzzle attachments. I don't try to dress all of my rifles up as an AK74.
I think a brake would look out of place on this rifle as the original design didn't call for one. But if you do want to dress up the muzzle, you're right, the Vz.58 probably isn't for you.
The gas system is a proven design (short stroke). It's been proven in rifles such as the SKS and FAL. As for the pins, they're captured and detented. Good luck getting one to just fall out or even jarring it loose.
Even if by some odd chance the piston cover fell off, it wouldn't effect the performance of the rifle. It's a non-required part.
