CZ858 Dfferences? Acceptable?

[profeser]

Try to make a long story short, I recently purchased a CZ858 and enjoyed it so much i decided to purchase another. Well unknown to my knowledge there is differences between CZ858's and unfortunately im not to pleased on how the second one came compared to the first. The first one i bought had and "AK" front sight the second had an "SKS" style . The mag release on the first one is easier to use because its sticking out more, the pictures show the difference. The bottom forend has lots of play in the second CZ858 upon removal the front plate that holds it in place has about 1/4 inch play, see the pics, as well as the front of the second one doesnt have the steel plate the locks it in place. see pics. These are $ 700 firearms , I am wondering what to do or if this is something that you have deal with. When bought it didnt say each one might be different. Suggestions?

 

[alpining]

Well, they are assembled from mostly surplus parts. I'm no expert, but I'm not surprised at the differences you illustrate here.

 

[broncoo]

As far as I know the cz rifles are assembled from surplus parts

I.have seen mosre differences in rifles than that

You lower handguard is also missing the rear handguard cap that could.be why it.is loose

 

[Jacko832]

The front sights are both normal, the difference between the two has to do when and where they were manufactured. The earlier models have the "SKS" housing while the later (current) models have the "AK" housing. Same goes for your lower handguard. Some were made with the cap-cut to accept the ferrule others weren't. I would say that you have two different specimens of the same rifle kind of like SKS's: there are different makes and years of manufacturing that lend to subtle differences between rifles.

As for the different mag releases and the play in front plate I can't say. In my opinion the "larger" mag release seems to be an after market one as all stock CZ-858's and VZ-58's that I have handled have the skinny one.

Hope this helps.

 

[MikeHammer]

OP did you keep them from the same supplier?

 

[Dagmaar]

Interesting . Is one of them older stock ?

 

[profeser]

They are both from the same supplier, bought about a month apart

 

[st1264]

VZ58/CZ858 rifles are assembled with surplus parts. On the NR version the barrels are brand new. Both are model VZ58's, go shoot them and have fun. Slight differences are common.

 

[twyeh]

I would love a rounded hood one which is earlier.
The rounded mag release is also a later addition.
Older models had a straight trigger guard only with no hooded protector, which is much prefered.
Your handgaurd without the metal tab is a later one, it is normal without it.
Later front sling mount is clip style, older was the ring.
I can go on and on but that will probably bore you to death.
Just remember that you are buying a Cold war Czechoslovakian rifle that was made for over 25 years, there will be differences in batches throughout the years from various state arsenals.

 

[Red Herring]

If you are not happy, can you send it back, and exchange it?

 

[Zerex]

VZ58/CZ858 rifles are assembled with surplus parts. On the NR version the barrels are brand new. Both are model VZ58's, go shoot them and have fun. Slight differences are common.

I believe the guns pictured above are CZ858's not VZ58's
Also aren't VZ58's assembled with new parts, not surplus?

 

[bfiles]

Sell it to me for a reduced price considering all of the above you mentioned and I will give it a very good home.

Like mentioned already, just made at different state arsenals. It will still function reliably!!!!!!!

 

[st1264]

I believe the guns pictured above are CZ858's not VZ58's
Also aren't VZ58's assembled with new parts, not surplus?

CZ858 is the CZ company version of the VZ58 rifle. All have surplus parts from what I understand, CSA has newly made receivers. There are differences between each version per company but they are all VZ58 model rifles.

 

[223762]

Sell it to me for a reduced price considering all of the above you mentioned and I will give it a very good home.

Like mentioned already, just made at different state arsenals. It will still function reliably!!!!!!!

i agree haha. its very common. same thing happend to me. im still happy.

 

[twyeh]

I believe the guns pictured above are CZ858's not VZ58's
Also aren't VZ58's assembled with new parts, not surplus?

CZ858 = Vz.58 civilian commercial model name for Ceska zbrojovka Uhersky Brod.
Whether they are marketed and produced by FSN, CZUB, CSA, CZH... they are all still the Sa Vz.58 family. And you guessed it, the civilian rifles all started life as a military surplus.

 

[Dr Evil]

Hooded sight's rock if you can get a rear peep sight.
and these rifles have atleast 10 thou differance between model years never mind different manufactores.
I got even 2 different firing pins never mind gas blocks or for that matter mag releases.
Although great post as it will no doubt help noobies to this platform familierize them self with the unioqueness of this rifle.

 

[edwin-97a]

czechpoint usa have a csa 7.62 pistol, here it is called csa 11.5 carbine. uses surplus 11.5 barrel in FAQ section.

 

[Nisser17]

CZ is the original producer of the VZ, CSA,FSN etc... are start up companies using the original CZ design

CZ 858 is made from Mil spec parts by the real CZ,

If it aint a CZ its not a real VZ, just a quality knock off.

The store I bought mine from went through a 30 min talk about the diffrences between the diffrent companies.
The main reason he like's the CZ is the metel used, top notch made to withstand military abuse and was produced back in the day. Oh he is not a fan of modern firearms quality of steel used, More to profit and not quality.

 

[twyeh]

CZ is the original producer of the VZ, CSA,FSN etc... are start up companies using the original CZ design

CZ 858 is made from Mil spec parts by the real CZ,

If it aint a CZ its not a real VZ, just a quality knock off.

The store I bought mine from went through a 30 min talk about the diffrences between the diffrent companies.
The main reason he like's the CZ is the metel used, top notch made to withstand military abuse and was produced back in the day. Oh he is not a fan of modern firearms quality of steel used, More to profit and not quality.

CZUB was just one of the numerous state arsenals that made the Vz.58.

Česká Zbrojovka = Czech Armory, which means anything made by the state arsenals were called "CZ".

The CZUB made CZ858 sources parts from all the surplus inventory from their state armories, so does CSA, FSN and so on...

CSA = D-Technik = commercial offshoot of CZ Hermex, another state arsenal.