CSA's in .223

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Fyn

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Hey guys, I was just curious if anyone has done an actual review on the CSA's in .223? I've wanted a VZ for a few years, but now that I've got some extra cash I'm really considering it. I love shooting my sks and I feel like it would get neglected with another x39 rifle. I've wanted a 223 for quite some time as well. I'm not ruling out a 7.62 VZ, but I am MUCH more interested in the .223.

Anyways, aside from my excessively long intro, Iwas just wondering what the deal is? Everyone is getting horny for new 223 black rifle non-restricted offerings, but I couldn't find any reviews for this?

How's the function and accuracy compared to the 7.62x39? Is everybody just holding out for the mag adapters?

Mostly interested in the NR version, but opinions on the carbines and compacts also welcome.
 
I just picked up a CSA VZ58 Carbine (11") but in 7.62x39 mainly because it's so cheap to shoot.... especially the corrosive stuff.
My AR and bolt rifles are .223/5.56 so I considered getting the VZ58 in .223 also.
I'm sure the VZ58 in .223 will run ok but I prefer my stuff in the caliber they're designed for (eg. 9mm Glock, .45ACP 1911, etc). In the end I ended up with the 7.62 because of the ammo cost.
 
Thanks for the input. That is kind of where I am at. I already shoot 7.62 so I'm already used to the cheap cost, cleaning, etc., and I already have a crate of it. But at the same time I would like it in 223 because I don't have one, and there is a wider, more available range of ammo for it.

The compacts and the carbines seem to be shooting very well. I think if I was to get another 7.62 rifle I would opt for the shorty. I would really like to hear some thoughts on the accuracy and reliability with the .223 before I get my heart set on anything.
 
I've handled the CSA in .223 and it's very nice. Same beaver barf wood, but the matte black finish on the new ones looks fantastic. Speaking to people who own them, they're getting around 2 MOA with cheap ammo (American Eagle). As for function, it's basically identical to the 7.62x39 CZ 858.
 
I just got a 11.8 in 223 from wolverine for 750.

I said no to 7.62 because you have to be crazy to use corrossive ammo in a $800 rifle. None corrosive ammo 7.62x39 cost more then American eagle tactical ammo.

I still want a 7.5 version in 7.62 because that caliber is knot effected by shorter berrel like 5.56.
 
I just got back from the range with my new VZ58 Carbine. The rifle shoots great and I prefer the 7.62x39 over .223 (It adds a nice punch compared to the .223!)
I bought a case of 500 non-corrosive for $150 so its cheaper to shoot than AE .223 bulk. I have a crate of 1320 corrosive@$192 and no I'm not crazy...just willing to clean it well after each range session to be able to shoot lots at a low cost. YMMV
 
Ar180shooter said:
I've handled the CSA in .223 and it's very nice. Same beaver barf wood, but the matte black finish on the new ones looks fantastic. Speaking to people who own them, they're getting around 2 MOA with cheap ammo (American Eagle). As for function, it's basically identical to the 7.62x39 CZ 858.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response, 2 moa with cheap ammo seems very nice. I handled the same rifle at my local shop and I was very impressed with the quality.
 
trekstor said:
I just got a 11.8 in 223 from wolverine for 750.

I said no to 7.62 because you have to be crazy to use corrossive ammo in a $800 rifle. None corrosive ammo 7.62x39 cost more then American eagle tactical ammo.

I still want a 7.5 version in 7.62 because that caliber is knot effected by shorter berrel like 5.56.
Click to expand...

How do you like it? I saw that price on their website, looks like a pretty smoking deal. How does yours group?
 
johNTO said:
I just got back from the range with my new VZ58 Carbine. The rifle shoots great and I prefer the 7.62x39 over .223 (It adds a nice punch compared to the .223!)I bought a case of 500 non-corrosive for $150 so its cheaper to shoot than AE .223 bulk. I have a crate of 1320 corrosive@$192 and no I'm not crazy...just willing to clean it well after each range session to be able to shoot lots at a low cost. YMMV
Click to expand...

Thanks for your response, the 11.8" carbine in 7.62 is a very close runner up on my list. How does yours group? I saw the short review that Hical.ca did on the 7.5" shorty and was completely impressed with his group at 100. I really do like shooting 7.62x39, and if I can maintain my $200 sks the way I do with corrosive ammo, I'm sure a rifle 4x the price would get lots of lovin lol.

I still think a non-restricted VZ in .223 with an adapter and some 10 rd mags would be mint. Anyone else have comments/experience ?
 
Fyn,
I only shot my rifle at 25yrds for its first time out. With my aging eyes and irons, I was very happy with the groupings. I should have snapped a pic and posted it.
I only managed to shoot off 100rnds of non-corrosive MFS before the heat and sun sent us packing. Best $30 of ammo I ever shot.
My buddy with his LMT AR/Leupold Prismatic was getting better groups with his rifle at 25yrds(obvious reasons due to better optics). He shot my VZ58 and was impressed with it.
He also enjoyed the 7.62/39 round and I could see the wheels in his head turning. LOL
I'll be packing this rifle everytime I go to the range.....
 
My only concern with the rifle was how hot the bottom handguard was getting (and I was wearing gloves)
Mind you the sun was beeming on me and the outside temp was 35C.
I really like the look/feel of the stock grips and was wondering if anyone has modified the lower (eg. additional heat shield/liner). I'm not interested in the NEA or BC tactical rails.
Sorry for the hi-jack....
 
Hey johNTO, thanks for the reply and the pm :). This is becoming a tough decision lol. It was quite hot yesterday, I was working on my buddies car all day, and I can definately see how your carbine would have been hot! I'll pm you a link with something that might help.
 
I'm starting to think I might like a VZ in 7.62 instead. I would like a non-restricted, but I have a few general questions on VZ58s in general.

How do the non-chrome bbl's hold up to corrosive ammo? Cleaning after each session obviously.

Is there any real difference between the CZ, FSN, and CSA rifles (quality, fit, reliability, accuracy, etc.)? For the same price as the CZ, I like the finish on the FSN much better (comparing 15.5" carbines).

Do the CSA carbines (11.8") accept standard handguards, or are they smaller?
 
As sascop mentioned....

I found so much info in the FAQ's section.... and it keeps coming!
From what little I know, the CSA version has the following added features/enhancements:
- nice blued finish
- thicker walled receiver
- chrome lined barrel
- scope rail
- muzzle brake/flash suppressor(what ever it's called)
- tabbed

May have missed something but I'm very happy with mine!
I believe NEA and BC Tactical makes a upper/lower alloy handguard set that drops right in.
 
saskcop said:
I think just about all your questions can be answered in the FAQ's.
Click to expand...

I read the faq's again, I'm not trying to be dense, but I didn't find an actual answer to any of those. I read through the cleaning faq as well, but couldn't find anything about the non-chrome bbl's. In the faq it mentions you have to clean your chrome bore as well, which I am familiar with. I'm assuming the non-chrome holds up fairly well with routine maintenance, but I didn't think it would hurt to ask.

As far as the differences go I couldn't find much besides the CSA's are more expensive, but have the upgrades as johNTO mentioned, the FSN's have a plum finish, and slight differences in the accessories you get. So is it safe to assume they all basically shoot the same?

For the same price is the CZ better in anyways than a FSN (or vice versa)? Is it simply a question of which one I think is prettier?
 
johNTO said:
As sascop mentioned....

I found so much info in the FAQ's section.... and it keeps coming!
From what little I know, the CSA version has the following added features/enhancements:
- nice blued finish
- thicker walled receiver
- chrome lined barrel
- scope rail
- muzzle brake/flash suppressor(what ever it's called)
- tabbed

May have missed something but I'm very happy with mine!
I believe NEA and BC Tactical makes a upper/lower alloy handguard set that drops right in.
Click to expand...

Thanks again, I'm just trying to decide on whether to spend the extra money on a CSA or a FSN or CZ and use the money I saved on an optic, etc. I wish a non-restricted version came with a chrome bore (still), or with the rail and brake as well.

I really do like the look of the CSA carbine. It does look like the standard length handguard will fit, but can anyone confirm?

Thanks again.
 
Hey Fyn...go for the CSA and be done;) Sure it's a bit more money but you will be happy with the fit/finish and extras.
Save your money and forget about getting an optic. It shoots just fine with the irons IMO. Keep it light and simple....KISS!
 
I have the early (plastic skeleton stock) CSA NR in .223. I am waiting for the mag adapter but in the meantime I shot about 150 rounds of handloads. The gun functioned 100%, the accuracy with iron sights (next time out it will be scoped) was about the same as an iron sighted AR but nothing definitive yet. The feel of the gun is very nice, I like mine and I am looking forward to much more shooting.
 
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