Why do VZ58's get so hot ?

[kyron4]

I have shot AK's with all different kinds of handguards, even East german bakelite; but that VZ58 gets smoke'n hot after about 40 rds. I shot 3 groups of 10, slow aimed fire, check target, and repeat. By the second mag I could barely hold it and a faint smoke (oil burn off) was visable. How on earth do Czech troops fire these full auto in a fire fight ? Anyone else notice this ?

 

[68wj]

The gas port is at the hand guard and excess gas is vented there too.

 

[TurtlePhish]

The stock milsurp VZ58 handguards also aren't very good at insulating. Lots of AKs have steel heatshields inside the lower handguard, which is why they don't heat up as quickly.

 

[barnbwt]

I've often wondered if an aftermarket upper handguard could be made to specifically vent excess gas upward a bit more assertively. The factory grips really blow it out the side, and, as said, don't really insulate from the radiating gas tube.

Do those fancy ribbed/railed plastic (or is it aluminum?) FAB furniture pieces on the 5.56 VZ's that Czechpoint sells help out with this issue? It's probably the third biggest (and only legitimate ) issue with the gun behind 1) Cost vs. stamped-AK, and 2) "Doesn't take AK mags"

TCB

 

[navajo]

hot

I have the Bonesteel u/l hand guard but haven't found time to fire the thing. Others with the same set say it helps a bunch.
Going to try automotive exhaust manifold wrap in the bake lite set. One member of the 58 forum claims it works fine.

 

[rocinante]

stubby fore grip for the cure.