Only noticeable in full auto apparently, because its lighter weight. I can tell you its quite a bit gentler than an SKS, and less rise too. Trigger is far better than either AK or SK, and so is the ergonomics as Crane said.

Crane, our receivers are not ex-military. They cant be imported or sold if they were: "converted autos" were banned some time ago, remember all the TRW M-14's from the 90's? So these are ex-military parts that were never used (brand new in every way except stored for decades), on a nearly same but brand new receiver made by the same company, same quality and specs. Either way a very good value.

Unlike the AK and M-16/M-4, this does not use either a hammer, nor a rotating bolt. It uses a firing pin striker/sear combination, similar to some newer handguns like the Springfield XD, or the Glock (but much better feel than the Glock). Locking is by tilting block a lot like seen on the STG-44, FN FAL/L1A1 and SKS.

I stand corrected.

I think the VZ58 trigger is much better than a stock AK's, however most of the AK's I shot had aftermarket triggers installed and were just as good in that department as the '58. I'd strongly getting another one in 5.56 if cheap 7.62x39 surplus dries up and its able to take STANAG mags.

If I could I'd rather have an AK but only one that's been built by Rifle Dynamics, Red Jacket or maybe Krebs, otherwise the '58 is the nicer rifle. Same deal with ARs, if they were nonrestricted I'd rock a high end one over the VZ58, cheap and middle of the road ARs? Nope.

Thanks for the replies. Ergonomically, how is it better than an AK? The safety lever? Charging handle looks like it is in roughly the same position.


A VZ-58 actually turned up here locally for $495. Wire stock pinned, no pistol grip (I need to buy a CA legal device and install it first), and no magazines.

Thinking about it... but would rather get one from a store that already has the necessary CA legal parts.

Actual rifle pictured here:

The safety, bolt hold open feature, and the cocking lever is a bit more accessible with the off hand. Plus you can have a lever welded to the opposite side of the carrier if you really want to.

Aside from the control layout the thing just feels a lot handier and mechanically more precise in the hands.

All that, and I think it points better and faster. Comes to the shoulder better. Better safety, better cocking handle. I dunno, its just better!

Lots of accessories now for it are made in Canada, as we are the prime market for these now. Want the buttstock of an M-4 carbine for this one? Well there are at least three different adapters for it.

I actually just got one of these last week. Funny coincidence.

They're getting very popular up here, along with the SKS, hopefully the cheap bulk surplus 7.62x39 isn't banned from import because of that. I like the round but I'm not into paying .223 or .308 prices for it.

The round is meh... .223 is better IMO. But, a .30 where you can buy 1100 rounds for 200$, that's a deal.

The ballistics aren't so great on paper, but the round has MUCH better penetration than the 5.XXs and importantly for me, enough power for animal defense.