SKS vs CZ/VZ 858 reliability

So what???

  • Keep the SKS, screw the CZ 858

    Votes: 43 29.5%

  • Sell the SKS and get the CZ 858

    Votes: 45 30.8%

  • F@ck your couch!!!

    Votes: 58 39.7%
  • Total voters
    146
I wish I could say my SKS was as reliable as some of you guys' units.But I cannot.I have had many slamfires, and just yesterday at the range, a three round burst (slamfire),and then failure to fire repeatedly just a click no bang.This is a 52 Tula.I have had a dozen thin metal disks off of primers jam in the the firing pin channel, causing slam fires.This was not the case yesterday when I stripped and cleaned it.No idea of the causem other than an odd slightly raised ring ridge around the firing pin hole in the bolt face..........I have only put 1200 or so rounds thru it so far.Frankly, I have only put 400 or so rounds thru an 858, but I really liked it, not a hiccup, ran smooth.But at $750, it is a great rifle. But as a value for the dollar spent, it is tough to beat the SKS.Oh if only my $170 SKS ran like an 858!
 
squirrelnuttz said:
I wish I could say my SKS was as reliable as some of you guys' units.But I cannot.I have had many slamfires, and just yesterday at the range, a three round burst (slamfire),and then failure to fire repeatedly just a click no bang.This is a 52 Tula.I have had a dozen thin metal disks off of primers jam in the the firing pin channel, causing slam fires.This was not the case yesterday when I stripped and cleaned it.No idea of the causem other than an odd slightly raised ring ridge around the firing pin hole in the bolt face..........I have only put 1200 or so rounds thru it so far.Frankly, I have only put 400 or so rounds thru an 858, but I really liked it, not a hiccup, ran smooth.But at $750, it is a great rifle. But as a value for the dollar spent, it is tough to beat the SKS.Oh if only my $170 SKS ran like an 858!
Click to expand...


That ain't right... Check this

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2010/08/17/sks-slam-fire-demo-and-a-fix/
 
As the owner of both SKS's and a VZ58 in 5.56, I'd say they are both equally reliable. I like the SKS from a sheer "can't break it" standpoint, and it is just plain fun to shoot.

The VZ is much the same. Haven't had the VZ very long, but so far, it's been a lot of fun. And no gremlins yet! :cool:

gremlin.jpg
 
Satain, dont bring Rick James into this. On the other hand, both rifles are super freaky :) I choose 858 for its lightweight, better ergos, better sights, better detachable mag design, abillity to fold without cheap pos plastic stock and the fact that it runs like an AK. SKS is a cheap gun, although bulletproof it cant be made to handle as nice as an 858 period. This is important when you do more than just drive to the range and spray a bunch of cheap ammo at distant shapes.
 
I own both and haven't had any problems with either one. I've got about a thousand rounds through each rifle. My 858 has the 19" barrel so it's non-res, just like the SKS.

If you can afford it, the 858 is a more "tacticool" rifle than the SKS, but accuracy is roughly the same anyway. The ammo used is more of a factor than the rifles themselves (assuming the same shooter shoots both).

If you're on a tight budget, an SKS with a crate of surplus ammo runs about $400 give or take. You may be able to find a dealer that's offering an SKS and crate of ammo as a package deal for about that $400 I've mentioned.

I HAVE done a couple of mods to my 858 (bigger pistol grip and a flash hider/compensator on the muzzle) but the SKS is bone stock except I took the bayo off.

You can't go wrong with either one, but only YOU know how much you can spend.
 
Thanks again for the info and opinions guys. Well, I have to admit I like the the tacticool effect and better ergo with a pistol grip so I went with the Tapco stock. I had a choate conventional stock, but wasnt for me. Other than that, I put a Bc tactical scout mount and a TRS 25 and a tech sight for a backup sight. Tapco 5/25 mag that I strip feed and a foregrip. Cost be about 600$ with a half a crate of ammo and I love it. Might buy a CZ858 one day...For now though, this is pretty much perfect for my needs which are having fun at the range. :D
 
cadgo said:
I'd still rather have the CZ ;)

Thats like saying I could have 10 civics or 1 Gallardo.....
Click to expand...

:agree:lol very true.

I got both and haven't had a problem with either yet. But no point selling the SKS seeing how you wont get much for it,. Just buy a CZ858 as well, both use same ammo and both fun guns ...

Cant lose ;)
 
Thanks for the link.Strangely enough, the first time I had slam fire issues was with a Murray's sprung firing pin installed.That is when a thin disk came off several primers and lodged in the pin channel. ruined both springsin less than 1200 rds, went back to stock.The primers on fired cases look like they have a major splash type effect going on(Czech surplus).I am thinking it is a result of a slight opening around the firing pin in the bolt face, allowing metal to flow in the firing pin hole a little bit.Strangely, I have run 100 or so brass cased, standard large rifle primered cast bullet loads in it with nary an issue.Still a damn good deal for under $200.Those spanky new Chinese units have me tempted.

And yes, I'm another guy who has a tupperware tapco'd SKS and likes it.Also like the AK muzzle brake and Williams peep sight.The price of the SKS allows for lots of shooting and some mods for less than an 858.Big selling feature.
 
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