I've owned both and still have my CSA today. I didn't sell the CZ because I didn't like it. I sold it because I needed money for University. An education that lost me a lot of fun toys, money, and no job in the field that I actually studied. The CZ's finish was definitely a lot more durable than the CSA's finish but also a lot uglier of a finish. The CSA's finish is very nice looking and somewhat durable enough. It will wear out eventually where my CZ had several bangs on rocks, logs and slung on my back while trail riding snagging branches and bashing the side of the bike and not even a chip or scratch in the finish.
The CSA rifles have dealt with both Gremlin issues of the CZ.
Many people on CGN seem to believe that CSA is an American company. They're not. They're in fact also from Czech Republic and say "Made In Czech Republic" right on the gun with the Czech Code Of Arms Lion. Because of Czechpoint USA, people seem to think this is the same company as CSA when that is not the case. CSA supplies Czechpoint USA with parts kits.
Its also worthy to mention that the CSA's come pre-drilled and tapped for a side scope mount where the CZUB did not.
The magazines for the CZ Vz 58 and CSA Vz 58 in 7.62x39 will interchange. Obviously the 5.56 magazines won't work in either. Most of the aftermarket stuff for the Vz 58 is designed around the CSA Vz 58. The stock hand guard on a CSA is already tight to begin with while my CZ had an issue with the retaining pin falling out and I had to shim the hand guard with bubble gum wrapping paper to make it tighter.
CSA's are available in a chrome lined barrel.
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Yes true but just sucks when it's down and your waiting a few months to get it back
It doesn't take a few months with CSA's warranty service. More like 3 weeks living on the furthest west point in BC and shipping the gun across the country to Toronto.
OP, CSA's warranty service is top notch. Don't worry about a thing which year or model you pick as long as its still in warranty. I bet you won't be able to find a 2013 new on the shelves anymore anyways. Even if you happen to find a 2012 for some reason new on the shelf, you still get 5 years of warranty. The warranty period starts on the date of purchase so make sure you keep the receipt.