VZ58 headspace

Status
Not open for further replies.

anchorman

Member
Joined
Aug 11, 2010
Messages
176
I bought a set of CIP standard headspace gages from Manson recently for some rifle building projects that I have been thinking about/working on. just for laughs I figured I'd check them in my d-technik/czechpoint vz58. the go gauge closed. Then to my dismay, I checked headspace with the no-go gauge and it closed right up too... when I get home later tonight, I'm going to take some shims and see how much beyond no-go it is, but this is a little disconcerting. I've had probably 2-300 rounds through this since I bought it in about 2010, one broken sear after about 50-100 rounds (looked not to have been tempered properly - stress fractured) and the sight post was loose. They sent me new parts without question, and I got it up and running again at no cost with minor inconvenience.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had issues with headspace on the d-technik VZ58? I suppose it's possible (though doubtful) that my gauges were improperly made, but I checked these on a bolt action rifle (with chinese sks barrel) that I had originally headspaced using my poor-man's gauge. First was an unfired empty case, then a live round from two manufacturers, all with a piece or two of tape on the base. The reason I don't think the gauges are out of spec/too short, is that I couldn't fully close the bolt on the go gauge, and it wouldn't close at all on the no go gauge.

Also wondering what I should do, if anything, about this? headspacing on these rifles is done, so far as I know, by getting a slightly longer locking piece. I'm going to try to check the headspace using the two other locking piece I have from kits, to see if they are any better. were these locking pieces numbered for different sizes, and if yes, what do those numbers mean?
 
If you're having trouble with a CzechpointUS product, contact them - they will help you. Dan stands behind his product!
I don't know what head space gauge they use at CzechpointUSA, but I have two of their rifles and they have worked perfectly for quite some time.
 
How are you checking? Bolt has extractor stripped and you're pushing the bolt closed with finger pressure, not using the recoil spring?

I'd prefer if a rifle didn't close on a no-go, but the real test for a rifle that's been used is the field gauge. If the bolt closes on a field gauge you shouldn't fire the rifle anymore.

Have you been seeing any signs of excess headspace? Bright ring on brass, heads pulling off cases?

BSW
 
I put the gauge under the extractor as if it were chambering a round. gently let the bolt slide home. spring is in place, but I wasn't using the spring pressure to close things, especially not to let it slam home. I will check later without the spring, see if that makes a difference.

Dan was super cool about things when I had the problem with the sear and the sight, shortly after buying the rifle. I just wanted to check with others first to see if there was anything else I could/should do before I called czechpoint, they seem kind of busy at the moment...
 
I hadn't noticed any signs of problems with the cases, by the way. Just was checking because I had some gauges, and inquiring minds wanted to know.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top