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VZ-58 Would you use it as a combat Arm?

4588 Views 20 Replies 17 Participants Last post by  RepeatDefender
Would you? These rifles are so new, and so different. Would they make a viable SHTF rifle? I mean, if you had the choice between the VZ and an AK, which would you choose? VZ mags wont fit in a standard AK mag pouch will they? Where would you get the pouches for a chest rig to hold them? Is the Short stroke piston design as reliable as the long stroke AK system?
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He11 yeah! I am making a barrel for mine that is 17" and has a .308 bore instead of the .311 so that I can reload some Sierra 155gr palma match BTHP bullets and see what it will do. I will most likely add a home made buffer with the added pressure using the 155's
I think it is a great weapon.
It would have to be a real Czech made military version and not a plastics trigger version. :lol:
Slimjim said:
Would you? These rifles are so new, and so different. Would they make a viable SHTF rifle? I mean, if you had the choice between the VZ and an AK, which would you choose? VZ mags wont fit in a standard AK mag pouch will they? Where would you get the pouches for a chest rig to hold them? Is the Short stroke piston design as reliable as the long stroke AK system?
New? The Czech military has been using them continuously from 1958 to present day in their military.

They obviously like them, or they'd have switched, don'tcha think?
Been out since 1958....not exactly "new".

They're being used every day in Afghanistan and Iraq.

My 58 mags work fine in my Specter Gear Mk. 1 chest rig.

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They are definitely my shtf rifle as they are for 9 of my closest friends.
nalioth said:
Slimjim said:
Would you? These rifles are so new, and so different. Would they make a viable SHTF rifle? I mean, if you had the choice between the VZ and an AK, which would you choose? VZ mags wont fit in a standard AK mag pouch will they? Where would you get the pouches for a chest rig to hold them? Is the Short stroke piston design as reliable as the long stroke AK system?
New? The Czech military has been using them continuously from 1958 to present day in their military.

They obviously like them, or they'd have switched, don'tcha think?
The bad news are the Czechs will switch to a 5,56 rifle until 2010 , so will Slovaks , most people think the new gun will be G-36 , my hopes for AK-108 are pointless i guess
The VZ58 has been used in numerous wars since the 1960's-Biafra, Viet-Nam against U.S. forces, middle east (PLO had quite a few)-it's a proven design, handled/fired my first VZ58 back in the early 1980's was very impressed then and still am.
I've typed this before but I'm saying it again!!!


Take the following for what you think it is worth. It is the wettest May around here in 55 years. We had the 58 out at the range the weekend before last and the ground was very muddy with lots of good deep mucky puddles. We took the action cover off of the 58 and packed the action with mud then BURIED the rifle in mud and water so that only the last two or three inches of the muzzle were sticking out. We dicked around with the NHM91 for a bit and checked our targets while we left the VZ sitting in the ground. Then we went back, pulled the VZ out and shook it a little bit (a very little bit), rammed the action cover back on and inserted a muddy magazine. Then we cocked it and proceded to dump a mag without the slightest problem. Mud was flying everywhere. When we got home, I totally disassembled the rifle and found that mud was even in the buttstock. It had entered through the stock retaining screw. Where I live, there is some sand and clay in the soil too. That pretty much made a believer out of me. :wink:



If that ain't reliabilty I don't know what is!! As others have stated, It's been proving itself for 50 years now. :grin:
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Without a doubt! :wink:

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An ideal carbine would be more like a VZ, and less like an AR.
Marxist said:
Hows the accuracy with the stock folded?
You can accurately hit the wall of a building while inside.


The stock is only meant to be folded for transport.

Military rifles were not designed for use with their stocks folded.
nalioth said:
Marxist said:
Hows the accuracy with the stock folded?
You can accurately hit the wall of a building while inside.


The stock is only meant to be folded for transport.

Military rifles were not designed for use with their stocks folded.
I bet Chuck Norris coudl kill an insurgent at 1000 yards with the stock folded! :wink:

I gotta say the Czechs came up with the simplest, most compact folding stock I have ever seen. Double bonus points for an easy swap to a solid stock.
One of my team mates, our resident former Spetsnaz Czech, ran across some other Czechs here in Baghdad who are looking after some of their dignitaries. They mentioned that they prefer their Cz-58 rifles, since the 5.56 was not good enough, especially in urban areas.

They also only shoot black tip AP ammo, since it will go through most body armor found here, and also armored SUVs. They mentioned that they have tested it on vehicles, and it does penetrate. They are not too concerned about what the round AP round will do to humans, since it is a 7.62x39. They want to be able to shoot into vehicles and urban structures.

I am required to carry an M4, but I would not hesitate to trade it in for the CZ.

I think the CZ 58 is elegantly simple. Its light weight and compactness makes it a perfect SHTF weapon. It feels much better in my hands than the AK does.
My VZ-58 is my SHTF rifle. I like the lightweight, compact size of it. I am also thrilled with its accuracy. The only things I'm lacking to make it complete for SHTF, is a red-dot and lots of ammo.

I love my SA 85m, but my choice for practical defense is the VZ.
About the VZ58 mags fitting in AK mag puches... They do fit in my old romak pouch
Dittos on the above praise for the 58 and yes I would use it in a shtf scenario. I really like the idea of being able to load it w/ strippers in a pinch. SKS strippers seem to work ok down to the last few rds. There is a definate need for more accessories which I assume will be coming down the civilian pike at some point. I know its a little nit picky but I sure wish I could get one with a bayonet lug.
the only reason why I'd hesistate to use it in a SHTF is because I might dent the finish or stock :goof:
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