VZ.58 Club:

[barnbwt]

Anyone else think it's funny a VZ2008 is suddenly a good deal, when a year ago they were "too expensive compared to an AK" or "too hard to find parts/mags for to be worth the cost"?

Now that they have near cost-parity with AKs, while still being fundamentally superior rifles in just about every way, I suspect we'll see rapid growth in the market for accessories & stuff as people become exposed to them. Maybe even magazines . It'd be cool if we even get some companies making new ones from scratch again, or in new calibers...

Who wouldn't give their left one for a VZ308 that takes a NATO magazine?

TCB

 

[Maverick223]

Who wouldn't give their left one for a VZ308 that takes a NATO magazine?

Eh, while I like the VZ in present form, I don't see what a 7.62x51mm variant could do that a FAL can't. You have to remember that you're going to loose all the weight savings because of the greater pressure, bolt thrust, recoil, cartridge OAL, et cetera...and if you keep the tilt-bolt it's probably going to be even heavier than the not-so-light FAL (or comparable SA/select fire battle rifle, this was just the first to come to mind).

OTOH I'd like to see other cartridges being chambered for it...but I'd stick to those that fit the receiver constraints (size & pressure) because it's too good to go mucking it all up by redesigning the whole thing around something that's bigger/better/faster/et al. That said I wouldn't loose any sleep if someone did create a larger variant as you describe...I just wouldn't stand in line to get one.

 

[barnbwt]

There was once a 308 prototype...so I can always hold out hope


I will admit that a folding VZ in 308 that weighs less than 8lbs would probably not be that fun to shoot

TCB

 

[coalbed]

I guess with enough modification, you could make one in about as many calibers as one would like. I always wondered what would have happened if when NATO went to 7.62x51, they instead realized the ballistic superiority of the .243. Would we have ever seen the .223 come about? I once seen a AR 10 in .243, and thought wow, now that would have been a great battle round. Id love to have a M1A in .243. The VZ 58 is perfect for what round it has, and good for .223 and several of the .300 blackout/6.8 types that are all the rage in the AR15's for those who just can't stand to use the 7.62x39 in an AR. Its a bit too light for the 7.62x51 NATO though, and you know what? Its ok because, its the best platform bar none for the M43-M67 round.

 

[coalbed]

Is there a shortage of VZ 58 parts kits? I haven't seen many lately and the ones I have seen were way over priced (with century complete rifles now $499.) I'm hoping they aren't running out. Id love to see a 100% American made VZ 58 variant, just so I'd know they would be around for a long time to come. * Also does anyone import this bayonet or build one like it in the U.S? It looks to be a better choice of knife for field use. http://www.akbayonets.com/apps/forums/topics/show/9369064

 

[Maverick223]

That is an interesting bayonet, but I rather like the sawdust composite material, so I'm partial to the original (which I don't have b/c I have a D-Technik and I'm too cheap to swap the FSB for one that includes the bayo-lug...at some point we're going to have to remedy that predicament).

 

[coalbed]

It shouldn't be to bad of a job to swap it out, even if its seized on, a good shop c-press would make short work of it. I know its a totally useless thing to even have a bayonet lug, but there is something about having it just because it is 'supposed' to have it. I have an Egyptian MAADI I need to change the FSB out on as well, If I find the correct base and correct bayonet, I think ill do just that.

 

[coalbed]

That bayonet is stamped with the motto of the 121st company "nedej zahynouti nám ni budoucím". Part of St. Wenceslas Chorale, I like it.

 

[barnbwt]

"I know its a totally useless thing to even have a bayonet lug, but there is something about having it just because <they took it away>"
Fixed it . You know, one could say the same thing about full-auto from a practical standpoint, but I know I'd look into it if it ever became legal for a standard-class citizen in the States

TCB

 

[Maverick223]

It shouldn't be to bad of a job to swap it out, even if its seized on, a good shop c-press would make short work of it. I know its a totally useless thing to even have a bayonet lug, but there is something about having it just because it is 'supposed' to have it.

I wish it were that simple, but mine has an OEM length bbl with a "permanently attached" muzzle device (which I assume is rosette welded in place to the bbl). That said, I'll probably still have it done at some point, and take the time to get the barrel re-threaded (or cleaned up from the removal of said weld) and either add a proper muzzle device or make it into a SBR (in which case I would probably swap the bbl for one that is quite a bit shorter (and fabricate a front-sight gas block for it). The latter would be preferred but will cost a great deal more, so I haven't decided which route to go as of yet, but I have plenty of time to decide.

 

[coalbed]

Ahh yea, I guess I had a brain fart, I forgot about how diligent they were in putting on the "permanent" barrel extension, now that you mention it. I had forgot they actually drilled and pined it and then welded it up. I guess that does make it a good bit harder. It isn't impossible though, some careful grinding and layout fluid will reveal the pin location, and 14x1mm RH thread dies are available. This biggest thing is, that for the few minutes that the extension will be removed, the rifle will be illegal. I guess the only "legal" option would be to have a gunsmith of the correct class do the work for you. Its a ridiculous situation that the Feds have put gun owners in, I don't think anyone would argue an inch or two of gun barrel makes any difference in the amount of crime that would be committed with a rifle, and drive by bayonettings are unheard of as well. Hopefully one day soon after this socialist experiment falls on its face, we can repeal some of the more ridiculous restrictions for import. *Just floating another option, a bayonet lug could be band saw cut from a surplus FSB, and welded (or even silver soldered) to the FSB on your rifle without shorting the barrel at all. If I were to go that way, I think a belt sander table would be most handy to do the fitting.

 

[barnbwt]

Any possibility the muzzle cap could be turned to the same diameter as the barrel? I forget if the muzzle threads are below or above flush; if the former, this might work, if the latter no such luck.

TCB

 

[Maverick223]

Any possibility the muzzle cap could be turned to the same diameter as the barrel? I forget if the muzzle threads are below or above flush; if the former, this might work, if the latter no such luck.

Even if they were below flush (which I'm pretty sure is the case) I believe the extension would just about fall away from the bbl because of the weakened cross-section. At any rate I think the best option would be to grind away the weld, push out the pin, then clean up the threads...quickly followed by repeating the reverse operation to restore it's length. That said, I'll shorten it to about 0.5in. from the gas block (using a new bbl+gas block, just in case I decide to restore it's length at a later date) and weld up a front-sight gas block (thus giving it a ~10" bbl and making it an SBR) if I have the means to do so when I get ready to perform the operation.

 

[V.Oller]

I just picked up the vz from I got form AimSurplus. All in all it's pretty nice fit an finish! As you guys might recall this was a set that included 5 mags, a pouch, sling, cleaning kit and bayonet.

With the exception of the bayonet, all the rest appear to be brand spanking new. The pouch is like new and leather with the 4 magazines inside also appearing new and unfired. The sling is the same. Cleaning kit appears to be standard military issue.

As stated above the fit and finish are pretty damn nice! The only slight, and I do emphasize, flaw is on the screw that holds the folding stock to the receiver, and that looks like just a minor scratch on the finish and not the metal. The forged receiver has no visible machine marks at all. All the moving parts work smoothly and with no hesitation. In fact the only wear visible is the furniture, which I don't think anything can help as it was pretty ugly when new.

I haven't shot it yet, but cannot see it not functioning. I'll post more when I do.

 

[68wj]

In fact the only wear visible is the furniture, which I don't think anything can help as it was pretty ugly when new.

Beaver barf is a beauty all its own.

 

[Maverick223]

Welcome to the club, V.Oller!

I know I have odd taste, but I have actually grown to like the look of the sawdust composite furniture. It's utilitarian, but it also happens to be extremely strong and durable. Some upper handguards might exhibit some play, but that can be easily remedied.

 

[coalbed]

Congrats on the purchase! You will love the rifle i'm sure.

 

[ifit]

im with you mav, since i purchased my vz years ago i always liked the WIP furniture(unique). just by first apperance people think pressed wood=cheap, little do they know how durable the furniture is, i tried drilling one and boy is this thing tough

 

[ifit]

oops double clicked

 

[coalbed]

Nice Defense 7.62x39 ammo

Found some interesting ammo in stock at SGAmmo. Its expensive, but I have used Winchester's PDX line of ammo in .410 and 12 gauge shot gun and was very impressed with it. { http://www.sgammo.com/product/winch...ester-pdx1-personal-protection-ammo-s76239pdb } Should make for a heck of a round, its designed to be accurate and deadly.

 

[coalbed]

Ammo gone gone.

Never mind they ran out before I could even order it. Oh Well, I'll have to keep checking back, Id like to have at least 4 mags full of it anyway.

 

[Swampman]

I did a search but couldn't find anything.
Does anyone have any experience suppressing their VZ58?

I have one of the AIM VZ2008 package deals inbound and I was thinking about putting my YHM 7.62 Stainless can on it if the threads on the barrel are OK.

I'm hoping the VZ will suppress better than an AK due to the short stroke piston.

Are current production VZ2008's still being supplied with .308 barrels?

Also, I'd appreciate any information on where I could pick up another four or five mags for a reasonable price.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give!

 

[Maverick223]

Found some interesting ammo [...] Its expensive, but I have used Winchester's PDX line of ammo in .410 and 12 gauge shot gun and was very impressed with it. [...] Should make for a heck of a round, its designed to be accurate and deadly.

If you are looking for the best home defense cartridge I am convinced that the Hornady 123gr. V-Max is about as good as you can do (adequate penetration without gross "over-penetration" and massive wound cavitation in soft targets), I think it makes seasonal runs so get some when you can. If you don't handload there is at least one manufacturer that loads this in factory cartridges (a small, but good quality, ammunition manufacturer whose name escapes me at the moment). these are my go-to load for the VZ, as they perform well and have proven to be quite accurate (though they will not penetrate hardened targets as well as some other choices if that's a concern...it's the price you pay for a cartridge that dumps most of it's energy quickly).

If hunting is what you're after, I believe that the Wolf 154gr SP (or preferably a handloaded .310cal 150-154gr SP) is about as good as you can do. It has acceptable accuracy (for hunting at typical ranges) and good expansion whilst maximizing retained weight and penetration. As with any other ammunition, just make sure that it feeds reliably as there have been some folks that report problems due to the round nose bullet design. This would likely make a decent HD round as well, and afford greater hard-target penetration, but I prefer the V-max for this use because it is more accurate and will better take advantage of the energy (it begins expansion nearly instantly causing more trauma).

Also, I'd appreciate any information on where I could pick up another four or five mags for a reasonable price.

I've got nothing for you regarding your other queries, but I picked up a bunch of extra magazines (came in lots of 4 with a leather pouch) from Midway a while back. They were listed as being mil-surplus, but were in excellent condition so I believe they were never issued (save for one of the pouches which did exhibit some wear). I'd be surprised if Midway has them in stock ATM, but keep checking, things go in and out of stock pretty frequently. Another option is Czechpoint, I picked up a couple of reduced capacity parts from them (they sell complete magazines as well and are more often in stock, though they are more costly).

 

[Medusa]

Does anyone have any experience suppressing their VZ58?

Bottom of the page 28. You do have to check the threads, especially the thread alignment (concentricity with the bore, I mean).

And the barrel is thin, so if indexing against the front sight base, it might start to move the impacts off the point of aim.

 

[pippin53]

Are current production VZ2008's still being supplied with .308 barrels?

This is something I am wondering/worried about. I got one of the batch of VZ2008's that seem to have arrived at multiple sites all in the last month. I would assume that by now they've fixed the barrel bore diameter? Has anyone found out this yet?