Review: CZ-USA vz-58 Tactical Sporter

[TOU]

No offense intended Maverick, I just want to be clear on a few things...CZ-USA was never importing these. TGI was and now Waffen Werks is...FOR Czechpoint. CZ-USA got them from Czechpoint or at least on Czechpoint's authority. My understanding is:

• Czechpoint was/is the authorized and US distributor (sole?)
• CZ-USA was a retailer or at least a secondary distributor; they no longer are
• Czechpoint is now the also set up as a retailer...it seems they are the sole one.
• Waffen Werks is currently the importer...now
• TGI was the importer for Czechpoint.

(See post #65 above.)

TGI told me yesterday as the importer for Czechpoint that part of their deal was that they also got so many rifles to do with as they pleased...hence the rifle that Maverick & I got. These are the exact same rifle as the CZ-USA which were/are the same as the Czechpoint rifles. The only differences are that with Czechpoint you get two mags and a five year warranty (Same as CZ-USA) and TGI has a 1 mag and 1 year warrany...that's it.

But on this last point the moment you alter them significantly. I.E. Change the barrel to a soldered/welded on etc flash suppressor (to comply with BATF rules since the barrel is technically only 15.33".)...as per Dan at Czechpoint's comments...your warranty is voided anyway. Besides I am guessing any problem you have would be in the first year...unless you don't shoot it until after that. Even then, I highly doubt problems on these.

What I am unsure of is if TGI will be getting anymore after these run out. But...I do know I have mine coming and saved nearly $300 on the EXACT same rifle that was manufactured by the EXACT same manufacture. AND...it is not a CAI-Monkey rifle.

 

[Maverick223]

The only differences are that with Czechpoint you get two mags and a five year warranty (Same as CZ-USA) and TGI has a 1 mag and 1 year warrany...that's it.

Yeah, not so worried about that, they can keep the warranty too. I looked the rifle over very well, it is extremely well designed and robust...if I break it (which is pretty dang unlikely), I am confident that I (not they) did something wrong.

But...I do know I have mine coming and saved nearly $300 on the EXACT same rifle that was manufactured by the EXACT same manufacture. AND...it is not a CAI-Monkey rifle.

Amen! IIRC, Greg (at TGI) informed me that these were the last of the bunch, and it was unlikely that there would be more to follow.

 

[TOU]

So have you all heard anymore about about the .223/5.556 VZ-58's? I understood Czechpoint has talked about them being released last year with proprietary magazines but I can't seem to find any follow up on that.

 

[TOU]

Yeah, not so worried about that, they can keep the warranty too. I looked the rifle over very well, it is extremely well designed and robust...if I break it (which is pretty dang unlikely), I am confident that I (not they) did something wrong.

Agreed...good points.

Amen! IIRC, Greg (at TGI) informed me that these were the last of the bunch, and it was unlikely that there would be more to follow.

That confirms my thoughts as well. Greg told me that these specific rifles were the ones that Czechpoint paid them in kind as part of their contract. I forgot to ask if they could import more...now I know. Thx. Now I just wish I could afford to order one more. Oh well...it's only money and Czechpoint will still have them coming for some time. Czechpoint also seems to be a stellar outfit!

 

[TOU]

Realizing that this rifle was designed to be operated wearing some sort of jacket/gear...Just ordered this butt pad (UTG 47) for the folder that I found on another forum off of Amazon. (I shot an AK folder once and found it lacking at best.) It seems to have some decent reviews and was $8.50 for the butt pad...& $7.75 S&H&T. Sheesh glad the pad was pretty cheap.



http://www.fseusa.com/product_info.php?products_id=339

http://www.amazon.com/UTG-Model-Combat-Butt-Pad/dp/B002TUSK06/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1270237811&sr=8-1

 

[Maverick223]

Unlike an underfolder AK, I don't think it really needs a pad, but it won't hurt anything and you're not out much.

 

[nalioth]

That is a clone of the Polish AK grenadier's butt pad.

One was issued to the lucky Polack who got the AK with the gas cutoff and the bag of rifle grenades and all the rest of that fun stuff.

 

[TOU]

That is a clone of the Polish AK grenadier's butt pad.

One was issued to the lucky Polack who got the AK with the gas cutoff and the bag of rifle grenades and all the rest of that fun stuff.

LMAO. Good one.

Unlike an underfolder AK, I don't think it really needs a pad, but it won't hurt anything and you're not out much.

I hear you...and I agree. Admittedly though I wasn't a big of a fan of the AK side folders either. My understanding is that these are much stiffer so long as you tighten the heck out of them. I figured when I bought it, that if I didn't like it, there are plenty of options out there including the ACE's.

This is the one I have on my Daewoo DR-200



They have a better albeit more expensive one now.

 

[armoredman]

My folder is a Zahal, works just fine. Still have the factory folder, too.

D-Technics has also changed it's name, is now Czech Small Arms, and I had heard Czechpoint is the exclusive importer for CSA.
Niet Arms and NEA have some interesting items for the vz-58. If you can see it, this is the Niet Arms tactical bolt release, allowing one finger bolt release without moving from a firing grip. Also pictured, darn near impossible to get 20 round mag...




BTW, I would love to try one of those MagPul angled foregrips sometime, those look lerfect.

 

[Maverick223]

My understanding is that these are much stiffer so long as you tighten the heck out of them. I figured when I bought it, that if I didn't like it, there are plenty of options out there including the ACE's.

I have an ACE button type folder on my Saiga-12, and it isn't remotely close to as tight as the OEM VZ.58 folder on mine. That said the ACE stock significantly helps with recoil on the 12Ga. (but that's not necessary for the wee 7.62x39mm IMO).

Also pictured, darn near impossible to get 20 round mag...

I still hate you for that. BTW, the MagPul AFG is a great piece of kit. I have one on the M17 and love it, much better for firearms that heat up too much (like the M17 and VZ.58)...might have to pick up a second one along with a polymer railed forearm (like yours) for the VZ.58.

 

[Bohemus]

Tried moded 75rounder - fun, not as heavy as i expected, but my Vz would deserve water cooling...

 

[Maverick223]

Bohemus, any idea how hard it would be for you to "gift" a magazine like the 20 rounder shown to us folks in the USA? I'd be willing to throw you a couple of bones if that's feasible.

 

[armoredman]

The stumbling block for mine was US Customs. Might want to check, but I can say that after paperwork was submitted, they were delivered.

 

[Maverick223]

The stumbling block for mine was US Customs.

No doubt, wouldn't want those evil lesser-capacity magazines getting into the wrong hands you know.

If possible, it might be a good idea for a group buy, I imagine that you wouldn't mind a couple more either. Not trying to volunteer you for anything, but you would be the perfect "organizer" due to your connections with CZ-Forum, et al. I would happily pay up front to get a couple of these mythical magazines.

 

[Offfhand]

"Tactial Sporter"? This is a joke isn't it? Or do they really think the mall ninjas are dumb enough to go for a name that insulting?

 

[TOU]

Tried moded 75rounder - fun, not as heavy as i expected, but my Vz would deserve water cooling...

Made me chuckle.

If possible, it might be a good idea for a group buy, I imagine that you wouldn't mind a couple more either. Not trying to volunteer you for anything, but you would be the perfect "organizer" due to your connections with CZ-Forum, et al. I would happily pay up front to get a couple of these mythical magazines.

I'm in for a dozen or...three.

 

[armoredman]

Offfhand, the name was just to differentiate it from the Military Sporter with the wood stock. If I got mad at every product that had the name "tactical" in it, I'd be dead of heart failure.

I will ask a few people I know about those 20 round mags, NO PROMISES...

 

[TOU]

I will ask a few people I know about those 20 round mags, NO PROMISES...

I hope..I hope...

BTW...can you believe this thread has had nearly 14,500 hits???? WOW! With that many views, you'd think there would be more replies and that the VZ-58's would be coming out our ears. Interesting...

 

[Maverick223]

I will ask a few people I know about those 20 round mags, NO PROMISES...

You're my hero. I forgive you for showing photos of your 20 rounder.

BTW...can you believe this thread has had nearly 14,500 hits?

Well, it has been revived a few times (started in '08), but I think it is informative and still shows merit; for this reason I hope that it persists.

 

[Uncle Mike]

There used to be a guy in TN that modified the 30 round mags to 20 round, but he no longer does this modification.

There are no 20 round mags made for this beast, however there are 15 rounders along with 5 and 10 round double stack mags, IIRC....BUT, again you'll have to get them from Czechoslovakia!

It is fairly easy to do the modification, so I'm told, I haven't looked into it...yet.

Armoredman, if you can work a deal, or whatever, great! I'm in for some 20 rounders!
Yea, I know...I'm getting lazy in my old age! hehehehe

 

[Maverick223]

Mr. Mike, I am glad that you dropped by (by the time you get here, you probably wish you didn't because you know I want something ); I recall that you were going to work on some homegrown 20 round mags. If the deal falls through, or you just decide to continue working on the project, please keep us updated as to the results of this experimentation.

 

[Bohemus]

Maverick223: 15/20/25 round mags can be found here:
http://www.arsenalcz.com/arsenalcz/eshop/4-1-Doplnky-Accsesories/13-2-Zasobniky-Magazines
235 Kč is about $12 (I bought pouch with 4 mags at this price)
First i would try to write them ([email protected]) if they could send them over the pond, are there any regulations over there? There are no regulation about magazines in Czech republic, but I am not sure about USA, especially when imported.
If they refuse to post it, I may try it (PM)..

There are no 20 round mags made for this beast, however there are 15 rounders along with 5 and 10 round double stack mags, IIRC....BUT, again you'll have to get them from Czechoslovakia!

Czechoslovakia, Czechoslovakia, Czechoslovakia...:-D

 

[Uncle Mike]

You know, I asked a guy if he would send me the dimensions of the jig he used to make 20 rnd. mags, and he politely declined!!! I ain't fooling with doing it right now, took me 6 months to finish a project that should have taken 2 days! lol hehehehe

Anyway, this outfit has them also, they seem to be nice folks, as I have e-mailed them back and forth using a translation program, and buddy, there is a lot of things you just cannot say in Czech you can say in english!

/translate.google.com/translate?hl=...sa=G&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s

If you decide to order from them, the guy said to use shipping for Canada, as there is no shipping charges listed on the check-out page for the U.S.

I did up an order but got cold feet and forgot about it, as Dan said, the Czech army uses only the 30 round mags....that was good enough for him! lol hehehe

I'm going to look into that 'arsenalcz.com' Bohemus is showing, and see if the shipping and all the stuff I wanted is around the same price as the other place I looked at. (sa58.cz)

Yea Bohemus, you guys have all the cool stuff! hehehe Cool video also!

 

[Maverick223]

First i would try to write them ([email protected]) if they could send them over the pond, are there any regulations over there? There are no regulation about magazines in Czech republic, but I am not sure about USA, especially when imported.

It looks like that would be the only way. Tried to add them to cart, and the checkout didn't require the country and payment was COD...somehow I don't think they would follow through. As far as magazine regulations, that is a state issue. Some allow anything, and others have restrictions. FWIW I live in a free state (as far as magazines are concerned anyway).

BTW, thanks for the help, Bohemus!

 

[TOU]

Hey All,

I just had to tell you that I finally was able to pick up my D-Technic VZ-58 folder that I bought from TGI. TGI was absolutely first rate to deal with and quick to ship. The rifle came complete with two mags, kit & Czechpoint DVD...and came in a CZ-USA box...all for $630 delivered. (If I hadn't just bought a CX4 Storm & 2nd Daewoo to SBR I would be tempted to pick up another one. Hmmmm....

I have not shot it yet and may not have an opportunity for a while, but I have to tell you that I am so SOOOO impressed with this rifle so far. As nice as my Saigas are for the AK world these just feel better. It feels...well just of greater quality. Love many of the missing features of the AK also.

It's fit & finish is flawless and the action etc seems to be super smooth. I am once again amazed at how light they are to some of my previous AK-47 derivatives. I even had one of the original imported Bulgarian, milled receiver, Steyr barreled birch stocked specimens. LOVED that rifle...but man was it ever heavy! Again, I have not shot this one yet, but so far everything short of that...I much prefer the ergonomics, functions, simplicity, finish, balance and over all quality over any other 7.62x39 offering I have ever owned, shot or handled. The pistol grip is not bad...much better than some of the thumb-holes of the MAC's etc. but have come to prefer the more ergonomic modern grips.

That all said, I think I will eventually go with a set up nearly identical to armoredman's as it seems to lend itself to even better ergonomics and adaptability. (Would also like to avoid the heating of the front hand guard.) Really looking forward to shooting it! Thx for all the input in this thread!

TOU