Rifle Selection. Need advise. Vz 58 in 5.56 vs SIG-556

[Tigerclaw_x]

Hello, folks. What time it is for me? New rifle time. Which means now, that I got most of the rifles that I WANTED, I get rifles at my leisure. Right now - two candidates tor a place in my vault.
1. SIG-556 in 5.56x45.
2. Vz58 in 5.56x45

Sig 556 uses AR 15 mags. Vz58 uses propriatory mags for $34 each or mag adapter for $85 which lets it use M16 mags. That by itself speaks AGAINST vz58. However I do want to know as far as accuracy and RELIABILITY issues, which is a better rifle. They both cost about the same. I just want to know which one out of THOSE two should I get. Getting both is NOT an issue. I am a married man and my wife is willing to put up with me spending certain amount per year but going overboard with two $1200 guns per year in addition to the usual amount I spend per year

 

[futurerider103]

I have owned a SIG 556 and couldn't find one thing I didn't like about it

 

[breakingcontact]

Sig 556 may be getting replaced by Sig 556xi or something close to that.

That's caused the price on the Sig 556's to go up but I think it's just temporary.

Which specific Sig 556 model are you considering?

I like the Sig 556, it is heavy. It's not an AR15.

I don't know about the VZ58s but they are not AKs.

Interesting that you are considering two slightly odd guns. Not being critical of the decision but it's interesting. (I'm not into ARs or AKs)

 

[Tigerclaw_x]

I am considering the most basic model. As long as the barrel is heavy and chrome lined. I am not into bells and whistles. I do not care about 24 rails. I shoot mostly iron sights. So the most basic, cheapest model. Just want another rifle in 5.56x45 NATO. I would go for FNC but it is NOT available. I would LOVE to get CETME Modello L is also unavailable. While I am waiting for Kel-Tec RDB and for MPAP by masterpiece arms, I would like to get another rifle. I am on budget, as I said, so getting BOTH, Vz58 - 5.56 NATO and SIG556 is out of question.

Vz58 is NOT like an AK, it is more like STG44 inside. I got AKs in 556 (veprs actually), I got AR-15, though I am not a fan of it. I got Galil (like it), I got an HK93 (my favorite rifle, love the ergonomics and sight on it).

 

[barnbwt]

I would recommend highly the Beretta AR70 as a SIG alternative for a lot less money (built from a Numrich kit, just like an AK build but easier).

I can't definitively say because the AR70 isn't exactly the same as a modern SIG, but recoil in the AR70 from 223 is very AK-like in how the large moving mass of bolt/carrier/op-rod thunks your shoulder simultaneously. The VZ's separate piston breaks the motion into two smaller impulses as the piston returns before the carrier cycles; more of a ka-Chunk! The VZ in 7.62x39 and AR70 in 223 have comparable recoil to me, for what that's worth.

The SIG is basically an AK in terms of its operation, but more like an AR in how you interface with it. The VZ is sorta-kinda an SKS in terms of its operation and interface, but looks so much like an AK that people expect it to be just like one. Maybe with straighter 223 mags that will be less the case , and people won't demand it take AK74 mags for no reason.

I really like my VZ58 (in 7.62x39). It's action is lighter and smaller than an AK (I'd wager it could be smaller than a SIG, but don't hold me to that), and the entire top of the gun slides back when the bolt cycles, so inspection, cleaning, ejection, clearing, and service are all that much easier. The simple fact the VZ doesn't have an upper/lower layout will make it much daintier in the hand, but almost to the point of being a bantam fit. It will heat up faster than the SIG since the gas vents directly into the handguard.

I would probably lump the two as similar quality; the VZ is really a very well done deal, especially the ones D-Technik has been making (like mine ). I'm sure SIG is top notch as well, probably nicer finish & curves mostly owing to more modern manufacture methods.

I think the decision ultimately comes down to whether you want to go retro or modern . Hard to go wrong with either.

TCB

 

[Walkalong]

Sig 556 uses AR 15 mags. Vz58 uses propriatory mags

This would be a factor if you wanted mag interchangability. If not, the VZ58s are great guns by all accounts. I have not shot one. I have shot a Sig 556 (Classic), and I liked it so much I bought one as soon as the first good deal that came along. I love it, and, ans you posted, it takes the same mags as my AR. Recoil in the 556 is even less than in an average weight AR. I love the folding stock. Mine has been 100% reliable so far.

 

[henschman]

I am considering the most basic model. As long as the barrel is heavy and chrome lined.

Both the SIG and the VZ have a lightweight profile barrel... though they are both chrome lined. Most chrome lined barrels are going to be light profile, because chrome is intended mostly for battle rifle applications.

Of the two, I would go with the SIG. Mags are much more widely available, and optics are a lot easier to mount.