AK vs. VZ58 vs. VZ2008

[A_Matthew]

As the title implies, I would like to know your thoughts on these three rifles. Please explain why you chose the one you did. Also, for those of you who have shot any/all of these, please list any FTF's, FTE's, etc etc etc.
Thanks in advance. Matthew

 

[nalioth]

Why not use the search?

All you want to know has been gone over and over and over here . . .

VZ.58 Club - THR

 

[A_Matthew]

nalioth: I actually already found that thread. The bulk of the info was on the vz58, (obviously) and only a little info on the AK. There was some discussion on AK vs. vz58, but not the amount I was looking for. There are two major things I am looking for by starting this thread. 1. People who have shot all three, and say that shooting X was a lot better than X, and they experienced way less jams with X... 2. People who have only shot one or two of the types mentioned, but they noticed if you did this, this happened and they really like it because of X...
I hope you now understand why I started this thread.
Matthew
P.S. Since when I looked through the aforementioned thread, I was skimming through it pretty quickly looking for the keyword, AK. So if there was more discussion on the topic of AK vs VZ58 that I missed, please tell me what page/post number it was, and I'll definitely check it out. Thanks

 

[A_Matthew]

Anyone????

 

[CnRnut]

My buddy has a CzechPoint VZ58 and the thing is very nice.
Now till the end of the year Century is offering the
VZ2008 for $349

If I had the funds to shop,I'd add one to the collection.
I've had good dealings with Century's service dept,not that I
liked using it,but they did fix the issue with the gun I had.

VZ-58 @$750
Vz2008 $349

The only reason I'm pushing the VZ is I own lots of AK's.

 

[animator]

Built a VZ-58 using an ORF receiver and compliance parts. I don't shoot it much, but have been happy with it from the little use it's seen.


Trigger (ORF design) leaves a lot to be desired, at what feels to be a 15lb pull, but it breaks crisply. Accuracy is well above any 7.62 AK I own. The 5.45 bulgarians can hold tighter groups though...


I don't have any experience with the VZ2000s, other than the few I've held at gunshows...


Edit to add the obligatory VZ-58 is 11 better than the AK-47.


But in all seriousness, I've never had any issues with either type of rifle. I don't like the small pistol grip found on the VZ-58, compared to the somewhat larger AK grips, but I have extra-large hands. I also don't like the short buttstock found on the VZ-58, and am kinda disappointed no one makes a longer one. I'm a huge fan of the NATO-length AK stocks, again because I'm a bit on the extra-large size (6'4" - 6'5" range)

AKs tend to send brass flying 30-40 feet to the right of the shooter, whereas the VZ will pop them almost directly up, kinda like an SKS. Some people find it annoying, but personally it doesn't bother me much.

They're both equally easy to disassemble for cleaning, although the FCG in the VZ is quite a bit different from the AK.

VZs have a BHO, which is nice, whereas most AKs do not.

 

[allfouledup]

I vote vz58. 1: I like the design. 2: I've seen guys at the range shooting at targets under 25 yrds and the targets looked like they had buckshot patterns instead of rifle groups. Never shot any of the three, but I'm saving for a D-technic.

 

[A_Matthew]

2: I've seen guys at the range shooting at targets under 25 yrds and the targets looked like they had buckshot patterns instead of rifle groups.

You mean the AK is inaccurate? Hmm. My friend got 1 1/2in groups with his at 100yds.

AKs tend to send brass flying 30-40 feet to the right of the shooter, whereas the VZ will pop them almost directly up, kinda like an SKS. Some people find it annoying, but personally it doesn't bother me much.

I don't reload, so I'd actually prefer it if it chucked the brass out pretty far.


Well, I think I am going to make an AK from a kit, (see my other thread) and depending how my monetary situation is doing, I might get a VZ58 or VZ2008. Any preference between the two? (In this case, money is a semi-big consideration.) Thanks
Matthew

 

[allfouledup]

I should have added: I'm sure they are not all that inaccurate, I just don't know which are or aren't.

 

[animator]

In all honesty, I've found that the people complaining about AK accuracy are either those who can't shoot very well, or are those who expect to match the performance of a benchrest rifle.


I have some Bulgarian AK-74s that can easily shoot 3" at 100 yards, maybe less on a good day if I'm really trying. Conversely, I have some M64s that can't hold 6" at 50 yards due to worn barrels and a tough life during a civil war.


It takes a lot more than simply "being an AK" to make an AK not accurate enough for most recreational shooters, in my opinion.

 

[allfouledup]

Personally, if I bought an Ak and could consistently get 3" groups at 50 yrds, I'd be more than satisfied. You gotta take into account what the thing was designed for.

 

[briansmithwins]

I voted for AK.

1) Rotary locking bolt has better primary extraction than the tilting bolt.
2) Huge open spaces in teh receiver so dirt can get out of the way.
3) Simpler trigger group.
4) Field strips to fewer parts.
5) Near ubiquity of spare parts and mags.

BSW

 

[crazyivan]

I see two good things about the VZ over the AK.
Those are the safety is a lot easier and faster to move and it has a BHO and can use stripper clips. Also you can move the charging handle on to the left side if you like.

But at the moment there is more mags, parts and stuff for the AK right now and I dont think the VZ will ever become more common at least not for a long time.

 

[A_Matthew]

Lots of decisions to make here...
I would normally jump on the AK, but after reading this, you have to wonder if there's more to a VZ58? I'll let ya' know which I decide on. Of course it might take a month or two to save up for it....
Matthew

 

[nalioth]

I would normally jump on the AK, but after reading this, you have to wonder if there's more to a VZ58?

The Vz58 is what the AK should have been, but the Soviets were too proud to adopt the design.

It surpasses the AK in all ways but production numbers.

 

[stubbicatt]

The AK is not necessarily inaccurate. A friend of mine has a 20 year old son who was shooting his Romy G using Hotshot ammo at 400+ yards and was maybe 8" group on steel at that distance. His vision is keen and he had no problem holding that group off of a rest while prone.

Myself and another friend shot one of those fixed stock Century assembled Yugo rifles at approximately 350 yards and were readily destroying a yellow detergent bottle. To me that is a headshot at that distance, from kneeling, unsupported.

Both were 7.62x39 caliber.

The user can move the charging handle of the VZ to the left? That does it! I'm sold on that design.

 

[rogertc1]

VZ-58

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

are you left handed? if so, the VZ-58 is the only one worth considering.

 

[briansmithwins]

are you left handed? if so, the VZ-58 is the only one worth considering.

Interesting.

The left handed guys I shoot with consider the AK to be optimized for left handed shooters: safety, mag release, and bolt handle are all readily available to a leftie's free right hand.

BSW

 

[A_Matthew]

I'm actually right-handed.
Okay, so now for the million dollar question. Since I can get a VZ2008 for $360 at J&G Sales, is spending the extra money for a VZ58 worth it? I mean, every review on the VZ2008 was a five-star. I'm not too worried about fit and finish, as I would probably replace most of the furniture. Plus, it parkerized. How did they finish the VZ58?
Thanks. Matthew

 

[nalioth]

Since I can get a VZ2008 for $360 at J&G Sales, is spending the extra money for a VZ58 worth it?

Do you like gambling? If so, buy a Century-manufactured product.

For a sure thing, buy the Czech import.

You know the old saying: "Buy cheap - get cheap"

 

[walker944]

Do you like gambling? If so, buy a Century-manufactured product.

Century International does not manufacture anything, they are exclusively an importer.

 

[nalioth]

Do you like gambling? If so, buy a Century-manufactured product.

Century International does not manufacture anything, they are exclusively an importer.

Sure, okay.

"Do you like gambling? If so, buy a produced-for-Century-and-sold-with-Century's-name-on-it product."

How's that?

 

[Youngster]

I prefer the feel, handling and shooting characteristics of the VZ-58 but the AK seems to be more robust in operation and wins big in the magazine department as far as durability, availability and sheer scope of choice goes.

I don't have a huge preference either way but would like the '58 a lot more if there were better mags available.

 

[nalioth]

I don't have a huge preference either way but would like the '58 a lot more if there were better mags available.

Please define "better".

Vz58 mags weigh ⅓ what an AK mag weighs, and do not rust.