Getting ready to pick up a side-folding semiauto

[nalioth]

What am I getting for 800-900 dollars? How accurate would it typically be? I like the VZ, but at that point I could just buy an AR15, or two unmolested Saigas.

Once again, I need:

-Absolute reliability
-Good accuracy
-Light weight
-Decent ergonomics

The Vz58 hits the top of all those categories.

To respond to each point:

The Czechs (now the Czechs and Slovaks) have been using it for their military rifle since 1958, and are using it today on peacekeeping missions around the world.

It is more accurate than you will be able to shoot it.

It is one pound lighter than a stamped receiver AK, even though the Vz58 has a milled receiver.

It's controls are ergonomically placed, unlike the AK. It even has (as mentioned) an integral bolt hold open.

There are lots of very detailed pictures in this Vz58 thread over at M14 Firing Line Forums

 

[Arbor]

Shear, what kind of accuracy is the rifle capable of off the bench? Just curious about the capabilities of the gun itself.

 

[the foot]

My son bought a Golani, I acquired one a month later. They are both very accurate, never jam or misfire.

The folding stock is tight and comfortable.

On both weapons the front sights were rusted - my son installed a UTG rail and red-dot scope, I cleaned the sights up and sighted in. We shoot all sorts of .223 ammo, never a problem.

At $695 each, I consider the Golani a great buy.

 

[Shear_stress]

Shear, what kind of accuracy is the rifle capable of off the bench? Just curious about the capabilities of the gun itself.

As Nalioth said, it is more accurate than I can shoot it. Mine was more than capable of 1.5" five shot groups from the bench at fifty yards. The gun might very well do better, but that's just about as well as I am able to do from a bench with iron sights at that distance. I can shrink those groups down a bit with my AR, but it has a longer sight radius and match trigger.

 

[Arbor]

I like what I'm hearing, just a little hard to justify at $850. If I'm going to spend that kind of money, I want it to last. How durable do the Vz. rifles seem, are they as tough as SKSs and AKs?

 

[nalioth]

How durable do the Vz. rifles seem, are they as tough as SKSs and AKs?

They are as tough as any military rifle you care to name.

 

[Arbor]

So i've done some researching of my own, and i've come to the conclusion that the VZ-58 is a very appealing design, but i'm still pretty much on the fence about whether it's worth the extra $300 over the saiga. Thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Arbor]

bumping for opinions on VZ

 

[tactikel]

Would you consider an underfolding stock? The Kel-tec SU-16C is a .223 semi-auto that accepts USGI mags, has rails, an integral bipod, and will easily shoot 1-3 MOA. It shoots folded, and weights 4.7 lbs. (and yes, it is durable, I have 4000 rounds thru mine).

http:/kel-tec-cnc.com/su16c.htm

 

[Arbor]

The sort-of-pistol grip thing looks uncomfortable. How does it handle folded? I've never seen one of these things.

Does it shoot accurately off the bipod?

 

[tactikel]

The grip is really not bad, you can swap it out for a AR style pistol grip if you can't get used to it (Kel-tec sells the conversion kit). The bipod is nice, but is plastic and not really as solid as metal ones.
My "Charlie" model shoots right at 2 MOA with a 3MOA red dot on it.
SUs have a gas piston like the AK, and a bolt like an AR- they shoot clean, after 500 rounds the receiver has little if any soot/dirt in it, and reliable.
It is 3 times more accurate than my buddies Romanian AK, almost as reliable, and is made in the USA. You can get the kit for the AR grip and mount a AR stock (folding or reg.). Kel-tec now has the E (echo) version with a folding stock.

 

[Reid73]

let me highly recommend the CZ VZ-58

Absolutely right.

the VZ-58 is a very appealing design, but i'm still pretty much on the fence about whether it's worth the extra $300 over the saiga.

Well, it's your $ and ultimately only you can say; but I definitely think it is.

Certainly the VZ-58 would meet your four recent criteria (reliable, accurate, light weight, good ergonomics) better than a Saiga can. However, your original post listed price as your first priority, so ...

 

[Arbor]

It's not so much price i'm concerned with as value. I am taking a road trip to Bellingham, and i intend to shop around on the way, but if i don't find anything appealing i'll probably order the Vz-58 from CZ-USA, it's 850 shipped seems decent.