CZ's NEW AK Clones

[ArkansasHunter]

VZ 58 Tactical Sporter, and VZ 58 Military Sporter
The Czech SA Vz. 58 service rifle is now available from CZ-USA in 2 semi-automatic only versions, the VZ 58 Tactical Sporter, and the VZ 58 Military Sporter.
The Sa vz. 58 was developed by Ing. Jiri Cermak in 1956 and 1957, adopted by the Czechoslovakian army in 1958. and was produced by Ceska Zbrojovka in Uhersky Brod, Czechoslovakia until 1983. Approximately one million Sa vz. 58 rifles were produced during it's 20 year production run. As of 2007, it is still the standard issue service rifle in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The new Tactical and Military Sporter models are manufactured by combining original Sa vz. 58 components with a new semi-auto only milled receiver, a new trigger mechanism and new fire control parts.
While the appearance of the VZ 58 looks similar to the AK-47, it was inspired by the German StG 44 and initial development was actually based on the 7.92 x 33. Mechanically, the VZ 58 is completely different from the AK-47, and no parts including magazines are interchangeable.
Differences between the VZ 58 Sporter and the AK-47

• The VZ 58 has a milled receiver, the AK-47 is stamped.
• Even with the milled receiver it is almost one pound lighter than a stamped AK-47.
• The bolt of the VZ 58 stays open after the last round in the magazine has been fired.
• The VZ 58 has a more natural point of aim and is faster handling.
• The safety is more ergonomic making a faster first shot possible with the VZ 58.
• The ejection port is HUGE. There is no chance of an empty case getting stuck in the action of the VZ 58.
• The VZ 58 gas piston can be removed or exchanged without tools.
• The alloy magazine of the VZ 58 is half the weight of the steel AK-47 magazine. (.42 lb. vs. .84 lb.)
• VZ 58 is easier to field strip.
• The VZ 58 is striker fired unlike the hammer fired AK-47. This reduces the number of parts and possible points of failure.

Each Rifle is provided with the following accessories:

• One 30 round magazine
• Cleaning kit
• VZ. 58 Sporter owner's manual and history on CD

Specifications:
Caliber: 7.62x39 mm
Action: Gas operated, tilting breech block
Overall length: 913 mm / 35.94''
Barrel length: 410 mm / 16.14''
Weight: with empty magazine 3.32 kg / 7.32 lbs
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
Sights: 100 to 800 meter adjustable rear, hooded front
Stock: Zytel Stock (Tactical Sporter), Wood-impregnated plastic (Military Sporter)
05051 - VZ 58 Tactical Sporter Hi Cap cal. 7,62x39, zytel stock
Retail price: $990.00



05050 - VZ 58 Military Sporter cal. 7,62x39, hi cap, original stock
Retail price: $970.00



15002 - VZ 58 30 rd magazine
Retail price: $39.00

[SilverRun]

I am not sure the modern CZ company is actually making these. I thought they were surplus from Century Arms. I could be wrong though. I looked at one a few weeks ago. It seemed very well made, but was pretty dang heavy. I would be interested in getting one if the price was not so high.

[swabjocky]

the magazines and other parts are NOT interchangable.

[NRAJOE]

Ohio Ordnance makes these...they make a new receiver and use Czech parts.

[ArkansasHunter]

The story says there lighter than a AK 47.

[SilverRun]

The one I handled was not lighter by a long shot! It even had a folding stock on it. Like I said earlier though - the quality looked impressive.

[ArkansasHunter]

NRAJOE said...Ohio Ordnance makes these...they make a new receiver and use Czech parts.
__________________
Folks I copied the page from CZ's web site I wouldn't think Ohio Ordanance builds these. Take a look CZ-USA Hunting & Sporting Firearms & Accessories

[SilentSoul]

That is a high dollar AK clone in a day of high dollar Ak's

[BattleRifleG3]

There were the Ohio Ordnance builds using military parts kits and US receivers, and then there were the Century imported low capacity versions. Check CZ-USA's web page to see that CZ-USA is now bringing them in instead of Century.

[jerry]

Someone please tell me what wood impregnated plastic is. No, never mind, I dont want to know.

I do think in the short time this post has been up it actually speaks volumes in what people would like to see in an AK.

[SilentSoul]

When a wood stock meets a very pretty piece of plastic at a party, that is what ensues.

[BattleRifleG3]

Many plastics can be "filled" with various materials. Sometimes it's to save cost, sometimes the fillers add strength (ie fiberglass), and sometimes it's for appearance or texture.

A friend of mine does professional artistic woodcarving (vs my purely technical and ergonomic woodwork), and for some of his products he makes a mold from his carvings and then copies it using wood impregnated polyurethane.

[nighthawk80]

Originally Posted by BattleRifleG3

Many plastics can be "filled" with various materials. Sometimes it's to save cost, sometimes the fillers add strength (ie fiberglass), and sometimes it's for appearance or texture.

A friend of mine does professional artistic woodcarving (vs my purely technical and ergonomic woodwork), and for some of his products he makes a mold from his carvings and then copies it using wood impregnated polyurethane.

So what your saying is.... its a type of invetro-fertalizaton

[rbthntr64]

THese are not AK clones at all. Actually they are a completely different system. It works more like an SKS than an AK. THe milled receivers lend them to longer service life.
They are made in the Czech Republic and are must have for any Service rifle collector.

[BattleRifleG3]

Very true that the function of this rifle is closer to an SKS than an AK. If it can be loaded from the top that's another advantage over an AK.

[RagdollOp]

Are they better than an AK?

[BattleRifleG3]

That's a matter of opinion. I think that the AK built correctly is pretty hard to beat. I'd have to fire them side by side and examine the CZ very closely.