858 Tactical vs. FSN-01F

mmattockx

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Before I get dumped on, I searched with no results on this question.

I am finding myself drawn to a 7.62x39 plinker for the cheap ammo and tacticool fun factor (weenie 5 round mags notwithstanding). Not interested in an SKS, a buddy has one and it just leaves me cold.

Since the K model FSN sold out in about 20 minutes, I have been looking at the FSN-01F being sold by Marstar for $699.95. While surfing around, I have found the CZ 858 Tactical from Wolverine for $695.00. Both come with similar accessory packs. From the pics, they look to be virtual twins.

Is there any reason to buy one over the other? Is there some hidden technical difference that I am missing?

Mark
 
Before I get dumped on, I searched with no results on this question.

I am finding myself drawn to a 7.62x39 plinker for the cheap ammo and tacticool fun factor (weenie 5 round mags notwithstanding). Not interested in an SKS, a buddy has one and it just leaves me cold.

Since the K model FSN sold out in about 20 minutes, I have been looking at the FSN-01F being sold by Marstar for $699.95. While surfing around, I have found the CZ 858 Tactical from Wolverine for $695.00. Both come with similar accessory packs. From the pics, they look to be virtual twins.

Is there any reason to buy one over the other? Is there some hidden technical difference that I am missing?

Mark

None of us have handled an FSN model to see what the technical differences are. I know some things like some of the pins and such are different. Nothing too major from just initial research. I saw a poll that was run in a czech forum about the quality of the different VZ rifles and the 858 was rated first and then the FSN rifles. In my opinion the 858-4v (restricted) is tried and tested and from a great factory that is known. I would buy one of those. The FSNK takes the cake but like you said they are gone. Plus, check the EE I have seen the 4V for as low as $500. Don't pay full price if you don't have to.
 
Before I get dumped on, I searched with no results on this question.

I am finding myself drawn to a 7.62x39 plinker for the cheap ammo and tacticool fun factor (weenie 5 round mags notwithstanding). Not interested in an SKS, a buddy has one and it just leaves me cold.

Since the K model FSN sold out in about 20 minutes, I have been looking at the FSN-01F being sold by Marstar for $699.95. While surfing around, I have found the CZ 858 Tactical from Wolverine for $695.00. Both come with similar accessory packs. From the pics, they look to be virtual twins.

Is there any reason to buy one over the other? Is there some hidden technical difference that I am missing?

Mark

The FSN is blued not painted and the FSN has a cromelined barrel good for corrosive ammo, which is why I went with the FSN also it's about as close your going to get to a real VZ-58
 
Before I get dumped on, I searched with no results on this question.

I am finding myself drawn to a 7.62x39 plinker for the cheap ammo and tacticool fun factor (weenie 5 round mags notwithstanding). Not interested in an SKS, a buddy has one and it just leaves me cold.

Since the K model FSN sold out in about 20 minutes, I have been looking at the FSN-01F being sold by Marstar for $699.95. While surfing around, I have found the CZ 858 Tactical from Wolverine for $695.00. Both come with similar accessory packs. From the pics, they look to be virtual twins.

Is there any reason to buy one over the other? Is there some hidden technical difference that I am missing?

Mark

Beat me to it.
 
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The ones on marstar are new production made by czech small arms not CZ. They have a blued finish and a new milled thicker reciever. Theres probably more differences but thats what I know. I'd go with the FSN

No.

Marstar's guns are by FSN. Wolverines new guns are by CSA. The FSN guns are blued, the CSA guns painted.
 
Which model 858 are you comparing it to? Restricted or non-restricted?

The restricted 15.5" barrel model.


Plus, check the EE I have seen the 4V for as low as $500. Don't pay full price if you don't have to.

I will keep an eye out. I am not in a panic to buy, so I can spare the time. Looking at it objectively, even a 15.5" barrel is very short and the K model's 11" barrel may have made for really obnoxious muzzle blast. Flames are always cool, though.:D

If I find I can't live without the K model, I will just have to buy one the next time a shipment comes in.


The FSN is blued not painted and the FSN has a cromelined barrel good for corrosive ammo, which is why I went with the FSN also it's about as close your going to get to a real VZ-58

The restricted 858 has a chrome lined barrel as well, according to Wolverine's site info.

Mark
 
The military Sa.58s come in the grey enamel finish, not blued.
The closest you can get to an authentic Vz58 would be the CZH2003 series, they come with all the original rollmarks/markings.

The FSN is blued not painted and the FSN has a cromelined barrel good for corrosive ammo, which is why I went with the FSN also it's about as close your going to get to a real VZ-58
 
CZ858-4 vs. FSN-01F

-both are restricted.
-same prices.
-both have chrome bore.

-CZ858-4 been around for awhile (im happy with mine), could purchase a used one on EE. FSN-01 no history here .
-different finish, painted CZ858-4 and blued FSN-01F
-FSN-01F comes without a bayo.

decision : the bayo is only worth $30 so its the finishing and history would be the deciding points .
 
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From what I understood FSN should have thicker receiver walls with side scope mounting rail pre-installed by the manufacturer.

Or it's only CSA?
 
CZ858-4 vs. FSN-01F

-both are restricted.
-same are the price.
-both have chrome bore.

-CZ858-4 been around for awhile (im happy with mine), could purchase a used one on EE. FSN-01 no history here .
-different finish, painted CZ858-4 and blued FSN-01F
-FSN-01F comes without a bayo.

decision : the bayo is only worth $30 so its the finishing and history would be the deciding point .

So there really isn't much difference. I was wondering if I was missing something or not, good to know I wasn't. The bayonet means nothing to me for my uses, one way or the other.

Since I'm in no hurry and need to save my pennies, I will watch the EE and see if I can scoop a good deal along the way. If nothing comes up around Christmas, I can just buy a new one if I have to have it. At this point, I think it is probably more important to be spending money stockpiling surplus ammo before the cheap stuff runs out than worrying about which brand of VZ clone I buy.

Thanks for the help, gentlemen.

Mark
 
i bot a near new CZ858-4 for $600 , the seller only shot 20 rounds and sold be the balance of the crate for $150 .
 
The 'Gremlin' issue notwithstanding, pretty much all CZ 858 owners are happy with their purchase. Some have lots and lots of rounds down range with no issues. I'm near the end of case #2 with mine ( the non-restricted version ) and so far so good. I'm particulary impressed with the accuracy of mine which, with iron sights only, seems as good (or better than) as most Norc M14 clones.
 
I recently sold a cz858 (non-restricted) with folding stock, new never fired, 2400 rounds, all for 900. pretty good deal!

I wish I had never sold it :( now i'm looking to buy another one. :( idiot.
 
I will be buying another before I ever sell one. Have the cz858 and will be looking at a restricted version next. Can't say how many rounds down range with nary a function problem and accuracy better than I can shoot with a 3moa red dot.
 
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