Buying a VZ.58, do I go 5.56 or 7.62x39

[lawn gnome]

If you have the side mount wall for russki optics then don't bother with western optics.
Go for the russki optics designed for 5.45 since the trajecories of the 223 round is close enough to use their modern combat optics.

Look up either Belomo PO 3.5x21P, or the NPZ 1P29 'tulip' (russki SUSAT) or the 1P78 'kashtan' again by NPZ.
Ebay is your friend. These are just the low power 2.8-4 power modern combat optics, nevermind the modern red dots like the PK, the Obzor and Rakurs.
For more details there is a good sight called "Russian Optics" that have reviews of them all.

Sometimes either AITactical or Westrifle will have some of these.
I like irons.

 

[sunmoong]

The aluminum handguard was bought from one of the sponsors here CORWIN ARMS. If you want it, shoot them email, I believe you can get a good deal on it.

As the heat issue, it's easy to me, VZ58 is not the only toy I bring with to the range, so just don't shoot over 100 rounds

 

[Danfizz]

i would say go with 7.62x39,IMO i dont understand the hype over the 556/223,and yes i have owned a 556/223 rifle and i was not impress with that round.

 

[Kosmonument]

There are many reported problems with the 5.56 version. I would stay away from it. The 7.62 is the original that made the gun famous and should be the one you buy.

If you're going for a good 7.62 NR rifle though, I recommend buying an SKS and just adding a stock like this one to make it lighter and more modern looking. You'll save a lot of money and still end up with the same end result as far as firepower and legal status.