Vz 52

[Storm]

I spent Saturday afternoon unsuccessfully hunting down resonably priced .38 Special for my father-in-law to shoot next week while he is visiting from out of state. He's a snubby fan and my +p and .357 mag won't be for him. My hunt took me to a new shop and I found myself looking at a VZ 52. I had heard of these but had never seen one before. It was love at first sight.

When I took it to the cash register they confirmed that there was no mag for it and that ammo could be tricky (chambered for 7.62x45). I then got online with my phone and confirmed on GunBroker that mags could be had for a reasonable amount and that ammo could be had. The price was right so I bought the gun. Having Internet access like that in a gun shop is great.

This one is a CAI bedliner black painted rifle. I originally figured that it had been done by the previous owner, but have since found out that CAI did this due to the crummy condition of many if not most stocks. To tell you the truth I sort of like the finish as it is. It appears as if it will be very durable. Since I have had excellent luck stripping other guns of paint and finding great stuff underneath I figure that my luck will probably run out on this one, so the black finish stays. I have plenty of wood finishes and I fear what I might find underneath. A bird in the hand...

A couple of questions. I have read a bit about the 7.62x39 chamber conversion kits. If these kits are installed properly by a gun smith (silver soldered) do they work? I figure that I can get a conversion kit and put it aside in case the supply of 7.62x45 runs out. I'll go to 7.62x39 but I'd rather at least start out with the x45.

Second, does anyone know of an online source for instructions for field stripping them? I've looked at most of the usual places.

The barrel/rifling is good so I'm not afraid to spend some bucks on this gun. I've already ordered two mags for it and will soon order a sight hood. Any other comments or advice on the VZ 52 would be appreciated.

 

[Storm]

I found the answer to part of my questions so I'll post it here for the next guy who comes along. Go here for a copy of the owner's manual and complete instructions: http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=64809

As to the 7.62x45 to 7.62x39 conversion, it turns out the rifle has already been converted. I ordered some 7.62x45 just in case the sleeve slips out which will then be installed by my gun smith. It probably won't be my last VZ 52 anyway and the ammo will only get more valuable.

 

[Riss]

One of the variants was chambered in 7.62x39. A 52/57 if I recall correctly. They are a little rarer than the 52 which was chambered in 7.63x45. Be careful if you decide to strip off the black undercoat. It is an epoxy paint and is rather hard. Took me about 2 weeks to get all of mine off.

 

[PTK]

I found mags, manuals, and spare parts at a website - I'll find it shortly and post here for you.

 

[Storm]

Thanks. I'm going to leave the epoxy be. I sort of like it and hear that more often than not the wood is lousy in very bad shape.

This rifle was originally chambered in the x45 but has the conversion collar installed for x39. I f function is bad I will have my smith remove it and shoot x45. If function is good then I will have it soldered in.

My mags and sight hood should be here yet this week. These rifles were issued with two mags each but it was intended that stripper clips be used, much like the Enfield.