As someone that owns that exact style of rifle (which I'm not wanting to trade at present), I'm curious what makes these attributes so important/noteworthy/valuable? Don't get me wrong I like mine, but I've shot others (and handled many more) and honestly can't tell a great deal of difference (though I have more experience with my own than any other example), save for CAI copies which, though I don't hold them in as high of regard, aren't necessarily bad, just different.
P.S.: I hope your search yields the rifle you're seeking.
P.S.II: Sorry for being away for so long...been very busy for the past month or so. Also, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of the new members to the club!
Hi Maverick,
This one's a simple answer!
Personal preference, and that's about it! Initially, I was going to purchase a very early Czechpoint VZ-58 that was available. However, I wanted to replace its 'skeleton' stock (integral buttstock/grip) with a standard set of bakelite furniture. Then, I learned that on the early models, a modified triggerguard was used through the first 12 - 18 months of production which didn't feature the "cup" part that receives the grip. I confirmed this with Dan at Czechpoint. Although the "cup" isn't required for grip installation, it was something that I knew would drive me crazy.
So that ruled out the early models.
Then, I'd read that the most current models feature German-made barrels rather than the Czech surplus barrels. So, that ruled out the newest models. Not to worry, since most locations seem to be sold out of the military-style double-stack models anyway.
That left the 'middle of the pack' as far as production goes.
Along the way, I learned that when Czechpoint built these rifles for the market, they incorporated a few proprietary details of their own. As you might imagine, they applied for a patent on their design.
Early rifles do not have any patent-related markings on them. Shortly thereafter, Czechpoint had applied for but not yet received their patent, so the rifles were marked "PATENT PENDING." When they finally received the patent, it was number 7,373,868. All subsequent rifles featured this number.
You can read the patent, in detail, here:
http://www.google.com/patents/US7373868
Once again, the "PATENT PENDING" marking is something that bothered me, though I can't explain why.
I'd finally narrowed down my search to those rifles produced by Czechpoint mid-way through production. Those marked with "TGI KNOX TN" and "Waffen Werks" were the two possibilities, and I preferred the "TGI KNOX TN" markings a little more than the Waffen Werks, if for no other reason than the smaller import mark on the left side of the receiver.
Whew! Guess that answer wasn't as simple as I thought it would be! Anyway, that's an explanation of my logic. Nearly all of it is cosmetic and trivial, but I tend to get rid of firearms that don't satisfy me to begin with. So, no use buying something I won't keep.
I've managed to acquire exactly the type of rifle described above....just picked it up yesterday! Now I'm looking for a new-in-box or excellent condition VZ-58, just like the one described above, that I can keep along with my "shooter" VZ-58. The offers still stand...top-dollar paid for an example that meets this description or a trade for my new-in-box Colt AR-15 A2 (Model 6520).
....I admit, I'm a lost cause! But, it sure is nice to be part of the VZ-58 club