This episode of the Talking Lead AK Korner is presented by Century Arms. Our topic is the Czechoslovakian vz. 58 (some times wrongly called the “CZ-58” as CZ did manufacture them) also known as the 7,62 mm samopal vzor 58 (“7.62mm submachine gun model 1958”). Joining Lefty this episode are guests: Paul Markel, Student Of The Gun; Curtis Halstrom, VSO Gun Channel; Andrew Breneman, Century Arms.
Although the vz-58 externally looks very similar to the AK-47, it is it’s own rifle and is nothing like the AK-47. Internally the vz-58 has a substantially different design that is based on a short-stroke gas piston. In fact, internally the vz-58 rifle has more in common with the Walther P38, Beretta 92, Brens, and Glocks than it does with an AK-47. No parts between the two rifles are interchangeable, not even the magazine. The vz-58 is smaller than the AK-47, the barrel (in non-US imported versions) is shorter and the width is narrower. The original furniture was made from a wood and Bakelite mixture known affectionately as “beaver-barf”. Another feature the vz-58 has that the AK-47 does not is it’s bolt hold open operation which allows the weapon to be reloaded from the top with striper clips without having to remove the magazine. Listen to the episode to get more interesting facts and opinions from the experts.
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