I strayed from the one true path of Kalashnikov!

[imarangemaster 315]

Well, Centerfire Systems has a special on Czech VZ58s for $349 and an accessory pack with pouch, 4 mags, bayonet, cleaning kit, etc for $79.. I have been eyeballing the VZ58 for several years, but never took the plunge. Then came the special. A bunch of the old hands on the Gunboards AK forum have them and love them. They are giving rave reviews about this CAI offering, now that some have been delivered. I called my local FFL and arranged for him to receive it, and called Centerfire and ordered one and an accessory kit. (NO, I did not sell my Saiga and have no intention of selling it- HAHAHAHA).

 

It has a milled receiver and is still at least a pound lighter than a stamped AK. The Slovenian Military are still using them in Iraq and Afghanistan. I started looking around, and there are lots of vendors for parts, stocks, rails, and all manner of accessories. I have found mil-surp mags for $13 to $15. Even Midway USA has the mags. You can also recharge a partially depleted magazine with stripper clips from the open bolt position, as it has a built in loader like an SKS. That is an interesting feature. I'll post pics when I get the weapon. It is a very retro assault rifle!

[BrutalGardener 205]

The Century models (VZ2008) have shitty, US-made receivers and barrels (no chrome lining). The Czech factory-made alternative was marketed by CZ-USA and is now marketed by Czechpoint USA. It is much pricier tho. I picked one up for $640 recently and posted about my experience on the "Other Weapons - RIFLES (non-AK based)" section of this forum: http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?showtopic=61598. I sort of ended up with a lemon, but my experience seems to be rather unique. I still haven't shot it, because I am hoping that Czechpoint with service it for me, removing the rust that I couldn't get to and replace the pitted bolt carrier. I do love the weight and ergonomics of these rifles tho. They are a pretty neat design.

Edited January 22, 2011 by SpetsnazGRU

[imarangemaster 315]

The Century models (VZ2008) have shitty, US-made receivers and barrels (no chrome lining). The Czech factory-made alternative was marketed by CZ-USA and is now marketed by Czechpoint USA. It is much pricier tho. I picked one up for $640 recently and posted about my experience on the "Other Weapons - RIFLES (non-AK based)" section of this forum: http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?showtopic=61598. I sort of ended up with a lemon, but my experience seems to be rather unique. I still haven't shot it, because I am hoping that Czechpoint with service it for me, removing the rust that I couldn't get to and replace the pitted bolt carrier. I do love the weight and ergonomics of these rifles tho. They are a pretty neat design.

 

 

I saw your post on the CZ board. You got hit bad! The current CAI are not the VZ2008, but a new item with a new inventory number, and a different weapon.. The guys on Gunboards AK have been getting the new issued ones, and they are better than the 2008s. They have been VERY pleased with the new ones. The Czechpoints are more correct, but I am looking for BLASTER.

[BrutalGardener 205]

The Century models (VZ2008) have shitty, US-made receivers and barrels (no chrome lining). The Czech factory-made alternative was marketed by CZ-USA and is now marketed by Czechpoint USA. It is much pricier tho. I picked one up for $640 recently and posted about my experience on the "Other Weapons - RIFLES (non-AK based)" section of this forum: http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?showtopic=61598. I sort of ended up with a lemon, but my experience seems to be rather unique. I still haven't shot it, because I am hoping that Czechpoint with service it for me, removing the rust that I couldn't get to and replace the pitted bolt carrier. I do love the weight and ergonomics of these rifles tho. They are a pretty neat design.

 

 

I saw your post on the CZ board. You got hit bad! The current CAI are not the VZ2008, but a new item with a new inventory number, and a different weapon.. The guys on Gunboards AK have been getting the new issued ones, and they are better than the 2008s. They have been VERY pleased with the new ones. The Czechpoints are more correct, but I am looking for BLASTER.

 

Well, if you are just looking for a plinker, that's the way to go then.

[stnls1911 55]

Congratulations on your purchase rangemaster!!!! I'm awaiting pics

[imarangemaster 315]

The Century models (VZ2008) have shitty, US-made receivers and barrels (no chrome lining). The Czech factory-made alternative was marketed by CZ-USA and is now marketed by Czechpoint USA. It is much pricier tho. I picked one up for $640 recently and posted about my experience on the "Other Weapons - RIFLES (non-AK based)" section of this forum: http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?showtopic=61598. I sort of ended up with a lemon, but my experience seems to be rather unique. I still haven't shot it, because I am hoping that Czechpoint with service it for me, removing the rust that I couldn't get to and replace the pitted bolt carrier. I do love the weight and ergonomics of these rifles tho. They are a pretty neat design.

 

 

I saw your post on the CZ board. You got hit bad! The current CAI are not the VZ2008, but a new item with a new inventory number, and a different weapon.. The guys on Gunboards AK have been getting the new issued ones, and they are better than the 2008s. They have been VERY pleased with the new ones. The Czechpoints are more correct, but I am looking for BLASTER.

 

Well, if you are just looking for a plinker, that's the way to go then.

 

Thanks for the input! Yep, all I want is a 7.62x39 plinker that is "off the wall". If I was seriouss about it being a Zombie killer, I would go with Czeck point. My AR-180 is my 5.56 Zombie weapon, and my restored Saiga is my 7.62x39 zombie weapon.

[t3mac21 1]

Those are sweet rifles. Is it finished in black or grey?

[imarangemaster 315]

I am still waiting for it. Centerfire is really busy, and it is taking 3-4 days to get the weapons shipped out.

[bigsal 757]

I am still waiting for it. Centerfire is really busy, and it is taking 3-4 days to get the weapons shipped out.

Make sure you pick up the correct brake for it here:

 

http://www.cncwarrior.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=150&image=2

 

the slant brake that century ships it out with belongs on an AKM.

 

good luck with the new rifle.

[imarangemaster 315]

Thanks, Sal, I will. It arrives at my FFL Monday, along with folding stock, 5 mags, pouch, bayonet, etc. I ordered a fixed stock, 3 more mags, US followers and floor plates, sling, and another pouch from Czechpoint. I can't survive with less than 8 magazines!

[stnls1911 55]

I can't survive with less than 8 magazines!

 

That's a good rule

[VaiFanatic90 360]

I thought about getting one of the $900 ones, but I haven't seen any for an extraordinarily good deal, so I guess I'm holding off for a nice used one.

[bigsal 757]

Thanks, Sal, I will. It arrives at my FFL Monday, along with folding stock, 5 mags, pouch, bayonet, etc. I ordered a fixed stock, 3 more mags, US followers and floor plates, sling, and another pouch from Czechpoint. I can't survive with less than 8 magazines!

Your welcome bro, just remember to post pictures when you get it and remove the incorrect slant brake!!!

[imarangemaster 315]

Thanks, Sal, I will. It arrives at my FFL Monday, along with folding stock, 5 mags, pouch, bayonet, etc. I ordered a fixed stock, 3 more mags, US followers and floor plates, sling, and another pouch from Czechpoint. I can't survive with less than 8 magazines!

Your welcome bro, just remember to post pictures when you get it and remove the incorrect slant brake!!!

 

 

I think I am going with CNC Warrior's M84 birdcage for the VZ58 Got one ordered. I like birdcage flash hiders.

[bigsal 757]

Thanks, Sal, I will. It arrives at my FFL Monday, along with folding stock, 5 mags, pouch, bayonet, etc. I ordered a fixed stock, 3 more mags, US followers and floor plates, sling, and another pouch from Czechpoint. I can't survive with less than 8 magazines!

Your welcome bro, just remember to post pictures when you get it and remove the incorrect slant brake!!!

 

 

I think I am going with CNC Warrior's M84 birdcage for the VZ58 Got one ordered. I like birdcage flash hiders.

go with the original CZ-Pattern, they look tight on the 58! Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

[VaiFanatic90 360]

Thanks, Sal, I will. It arrives at my FFL Monday, along with folding stock, 5 mags, pouch, bayonet, etc. I ordered a fixed stock, 3 more mags, US followers and floor plates, sling, and another pouch from Czechpoint. I can't survive with less than 8 magazines!

Your welcome bro, just remember to post pictures when you get it and remove the incorrect slant brake!!!

 

 

I think I am going with CNC Warrior's M84 birdcage for the VZ58 Got one ordered. I like birdcage flash hiders.

go with the original CZ-Pattern, they look tight on the 58! Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

 

Trust Sal. I'd get in his white van for some free candy any day!!

[imarangemaster 315]

Hahaha! VERY persuasive!

[VaiFanatic90 360]

Hahaha! VERY persuasive!

 

Seriously though, if he offers you candy, TAKE IT!

[bigsal 757]

:lolol:

[imarangemaster 315]

Wow! I picked my VZ58 up at my dealer today. At $350, it is an amazing value! Light, small, and handy, all with a milled receiver and folding stock. With its alloy magazine, it is over a pound lighter than my plum Saiga with a Mil-surp steel magazine. It just feels MUCH handier than an AK! The safety is way easier to use than an AK lever, too.

 

The fit and finish on mine is way better than the average Century builds (WASR, etc). Nice dark gray parkerized steel. The 14mm R FUGLY AK slant brake screws on and off easily, so I see a CNC Warrior VZ58 brake in its future. It came with one magazine and I ordered a $70 accessory kit with pouch, 4 more mags, bayonet and sheath, sling, cleaning kit. All 5 mags are very good to excellent condition. The leather pouch is used, but good condition and very supple. The bayonet, well, it's a bayonet... I have more magazines ordered from Czechpoint at $13 each.

 

Now if I can get a chance to blast some rounds, we will see how it shoots. When my daughter gets back with my camera, I'll take some VZ58 porn for you.

 

I can see why these have an absolute cult following.

[imarangemaster 315]

For those that get them, Czechpoint is a great sorce for mags and parts. For those tacticool inclined, Neit Arms has any rail, stock, handguard combo you can think of...also at great prices. Anything you can get to dress up an AK, you can get for a VZ58.

[imarangemaster 315]

My impressions of the Century VZ58: The earlier Century VZ2008s has some bad press, so I thought I would review the current issue VZ58 models from Century (different inventory number from prior Century builds). As I said in my other post, a $350 VZ58 from Centerfire Systems seemed too good to be true. I ordered one, and picked it up today.

 

I just now field stripped it and broke it down. The relative light weight of the weapon, despite a solid milled steel receiver, is amazing! The VZ58 is incredibly easy to strip down, even faster than my AK, especially when you take off gas tubes, too. Most parts in the Century build look new or slightly used with no wear. Recoil and striker springs appear to be new. No rust or signs of any corrosion past or present. Some residue, apparently from test firing, was present. There was no cosmolene or grease of any kind ion the internals. The trigger of the Century builds are steel rather than polymer of the Czechpoint models. Front sight tower and barrel block (and rear sights) are perfectly square and straight. The fit and finish of the parkerized metal parts is excellent, as is the fit of the rather unusual wood impregnated hand guard and pistol grip. The VZ58 sights are almost identical to an AK, which is fine because I actually like them.

 

I really like the striker system they use. It is very simple design, and appears it would run dry (no oil) as well as with oil. Lots of room for tolerance of dirt and crud. Barrel is US made (by Green Mountain, I understand) with 4 lands and grooves. It is not chrome lined, but considering the majority of commonly available 7.62x39 ammo is non-corrosive (except Yugo Surplus). If you do use corrosive, the weapons platform is so easy to clean, it should not be a problem.

 

The folding stock is incredibly secure and rigid when open, and folds well out of the way to the right side. It is seems so small and light with the stock folded that it reminds me of an MP38/40 as far as handiness. It really seems much less bulky than and AK, especially a folding stock version. When extended, the VZ58 snaps up quickly and is a natural pointing weapon. while the length of pull seems on the short side, I really like it as it lends itself well to an "elbows tucked in" CQB position. The rear sling loop adjacent the folding stock is perfectly located for single point sling usage (a'la Spetznaz style). The ability to charge partially empty magazines while still in the weapon with SKS stripper clips is an interesting feature, too.

 

Overall, I am VERY impressed, both with the VZ58 weapon platform, and with the quality of these Century VZ58 builds! Say what you want, this is one of the best $350 investments I have ever made. It has already displaced my restored "Plum furnitured Saiga" as a personal favorite, and is nudging to a close second behind my all time beloved Armalite AR-180!

[bigsal 757]

glad to hear it! Pics (when you get the proper break from CNC Warrior) Please.

[imarangemaster 315]

glad to hear it! Pics (when you get the proper break from CNC Warrior) Please.

 

 

I already ordered it this afternoon! Sal, you got to try a VZ58! They are amazing!!!!!!!

[bigsal 757]

glad to hear it! Pics (when you get the proper break from CNC Warrior) Please.

 

 

I already ordered it this afternoon! Sal, you got to try a VZ58! They are amazing!!!!!!!

Ive tried them and they are nice, but I dont like the following features:

1. The safety

2. the form factor

3. the BHO feature

4. the non comparability with the Kalashnikov magazines or the lack of accessories.

 

What I like about them is the following:

1. light weight

2. stock change system

3. muzzle device

[imarangemaster 315]

glad to hear it! Pics (when you get the proper break from CNC Warrior) Please.

 

 

I already ordered it this afternoon! Sal, you got to try a VZ58! They are amazing!!!!!!!

Ive tried them and they are nice, but I dont like the following features:

1. The safety

2. the form factor

3. the BHO feature

4. the non comparability with the Kalashnikov magazines or the lack of accessories.

 

What I like about them is the following:

1. light weight

2. stock change system

3. muzzle device

 

 

The safety is actually much easier than an AK. It only took several minutes to be more proficient with it than an AK (use the trigger finger to disengage and thumb to engage).

 

Bolt hold open is a plus in my book.

 

VZs don't use AK mags, but my Armalite AR180 doesn't use AR15 mags (without mods) either.

 

As for "lack of accessories" that is a common mis-conception. There is every kind of hand guard, rail, for grip, stock, stock adapter, extended bolt catches, ambi mag releases, muzzle devices, suppressors, replacement parts, etc you can imagine. For the most part if it exists for an AK, it exists in a modified VZ58 version. Neit Arms, Czechpoint, and several others have LOTS of stuff to warm the cockles of your tacticool hearts! Prices run the same as AK accessories. Check it out, you will be amazed. I was. Milsurp mags run $13 each and even Midway USA has them. There is a wide range of compliance parts available, also. I have been researching VZ58s for almost 2 years.

Edited February 1, 2011 by imarangemaster

[imarangemaster 315]

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=4876

 

Thread from another board with lots of great videos of VZ58 full auto action. Some Czech military, and Contractors (Afghanistan, I think). Eotechs, and all manner of tacticool stuff, too.

[stnls1911 55]

It has already displaced my restored "Plum furnitured Saiga" as a personal favorite, and is nudging to a close second behind my all time beloved Armalite AR-180!

 

Are you sure you're not going to sell your Saiga rangemaster?

[bigsal 757]

glad to hear it! Pics (when you get the proper break from CNC Warrior) Please.

 

 

I already ordered it this afternoon! Sal, you got to try a VZ58! They are amazing!!!!!!!

Ive tried them and they are nice, but I dont like the following features:

1. The safety

2. the form factor

3. the BHO feature

4. the non comparability with the Kalashnikov magazines or the lack of accessories.

 

What I like about them is the following:

1. light weight

2. stock change system

3. muzzle device

 

 

The safety is actually much easier than an AK. It only took several minutes to be more proficient with it than an AK (use the trigger finger to disengage and thumb to engage).

 

Bolt hold open is a plus in my book.

 

VZs don't use AK mags, but my Armalite AR180 doesn't use AR15 mags (without mods) either.

 

As for "lack of accessories" that is a common mis-conception. There is every kind of hand guard, rail, for grip, stock, stock adapter, extended bolt catches, ambi mag releases, muzzle devices, suppressors, replacement parts, etc you can imagine. For the most part if it exists for an AK, it exists in a modified VZ58 version. Neit Arms, Czechpoint, and several others have LOTS of stuff to warm the cockles of your tacticool hearts! Prices run the same as AK accessories. Check it out, you will be amazed. I was. Milsurp mags run $13 each and even Midway USA has them. There is a wide range of compliance parts available, also. I have been researching VZ58s for almost 2 years.

The safety irritates my man sized hands.The lack of a proper way to co-witness with the irons is a huge factor in my proclamation that the accessory situation is inferior. I do like the mag release and muzzle device, those are tits in my opinion.... At any rate I am glad you enjoy it, and if I ever have extra $$$ this next year I may pick one up again.

[imarangemaster 315]

It has already displaced my restored "Plum furnitured Saiga" as a personal favorite, and is nudging to a close second behind my all time beloved Armalite AR-180!

 

Are you sure you're not going to sell your Saiga rangemaster?

 

 

Why would I do that??? I said I like the VZ58 better than a kalashnikov, not that I would sell it! I'll have two 5.56mm rifles, two 7.62x39mm rifles and two USGI .30 Carbines. Always have a second in case the first breaks!