CSA v58 quality/accuracy

Steyn

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Hi there.

Apologies if this has been beaten to death before. My search-fu abilities are not quite well developed.

I am saving for a new general purpose rifle (plinking/deer), and was thinking of something either in .308 or 7.62x39. After the initial negative reports about the NEA/BLC 102, I am considering a v58. For some hours the M10X sounded like an interesting option, but since most likely M+M will jack up prices to the $1700 plateau, that option is out.

So I am wondering: how do the CSA v58s stack up against the CZs, quality and precision-wise? I understand that these are not precision rifles by any stretch of imagination, so I am not exactly expecting sub-moa results, of course.

Please share your experiences (plus: who is currently selling these things? They seem to be out everywhere).

Thanks in advance.

Steyn
 
what negative reports on the bcl 102? the rough finishing in areas where it doesn't matter? that's all i've heard
 
I had a Csa vz-58 in .223. It was flawless. I had it set up to take pistol mags with an adapter. At the time, it was the best nr black rifle with pistol mags available for less than $1000. It never broke and the finish was as good as most ar15 finishes. Accuracy was 2-3moa. I never got around to trying decent ammo though.
 
what negative reports on the bcl 102? the rough finishing in areas where it doesn't matter? that's all i've heard

Multiple FTFs, FTEs, gas block issues etc. I hope they iron out the issues in the long run, and I haven't discarded one yet, but not until at least the 3rd batch.
 
I've had 3 CSA vz58s and 1 cz858. I sell them and then shortly after decide I need another.

The advantage of vz over cz is you can get chrome lined barrel which isn't a big deal but I prefer it because I use corrosive ammo and shoot in all weather so any guard against corrosion is nice till I get home to clean. VZ 58 also have the luxury of the option of a side rail for optics mounting so you don't have to mess with dust cover rails and gas tube rails and stuff like that.

They're decently accurate rifles and with a sidemount you can run a reddot if you prefer that to irons without worrying about it losing zero. Also vz are new receivers and cz are surplus.
 
I had three chrome barrel models. A '13, '14, and a '15. They all shot good... but they all had issues. Probably luck of the draw.

'13 was over gassed. Fixed but still didn't work 100%. Both the '14 and '15 had soft receivers. The bolt raceways were wearing out way too fast for only 500 rounds through each.

Got a 858 and a CZH2003 NR chrome... zero issues.
 
I had three chrome barrel models. A '13, '14, and a '15. They all shot good... but they all had issues. Probably luck of the draw.

'13 was over gassed. Fixed but still didn't work 100%. Both the '14 and '15 had soft receivers. The bolt raceways were wearing out way too fast for only 500 rounds through each.

Got a 858 and a CZH2003 NR chrome... zero issues.

Ouch that is definitely bad luck. I had a 13 and it was also overgassed it had to have a few components swapped by warranty.
Hoping my new to me unfired chromelined can stand the test of time.
 
Word of warning on vz58. You are looking at $300-500 of accessories to get it to the level of M10x.

Absolute minimum - gas tube rail will cost you $100. Folding stock with normal cheek-wield for magnified optics another $200-300. Quad rail for lights/bipods/etc - anything from $100 to $500.

My CSA in 7.62x39 is a very reliable rifle. very light in minimalist configuration. Milled receiver (it has to be, due to the bolt lock up design). And accurate. Cheap Chinese and Barnaul ammo 2 MOA rested.
 
For deer id more lean to the 102, but for plinking of course x39 is superior. Id recommend waiting and seeing where the M10x falls in for final price.... its seems like a much more practical gun. The VZ 58 is cool if you really want that AK eastern rifle look.

Nothing has broken on my Vz58 in x39 YET. But the parts on that gun are made extremely light, soooo Longevity is my #1 concern for this gun.
 
I plan on picking up a vz58 in 223 to plink and slap yotes with.

Very minimal functional design. Easy to clean and tear down. Not much to it for it to break.

Had one in x39.... Was awesome.
 
I have owned three VZ58's - two in 5.56 and one in 7.62. I had one of the earlier CZ858's as well. All of them shot very, very well. Never a malfunction. The 5.56 NR VZ58 shot crazy accurate for what it was. The CZ858 was very, very accurate too. Used it on deer and it worked like a charm. The CZ858 had a soft receiver and the rails showed signs of early wear. That being said, when it came time to sell them and move onto a different game, they all sold within a couple of days for more or less the prices I was asking for them.
 
My impression was that these rifles were designed for a 4-6 MOA accuracy? (Basically minute of soldier at 200m)
 
Warsaw Pact used different standards for accuracy. They shot a bunch of rounds and then divided the worst radius in 2 and it had to meet the standard. It is basically a max deviation from point of aim.

If you start measuring your MOA groups with a 30rd samples you will see similar results.

vz58 is a more accurate rifle than contemporary AKM due to short stroke piston and milled receiver which had to have a higher precision for consistent lock up.
 
I own 2: CZ858band newly acquired CSA VZ58 11"

The 858 is very reliable, never had any stopage aside from empty magazines and I've shot it all year long under any condition. I even ran in for a CQB match with no issues.

3" 10rounds groups @ 100m and 8-9" groups @ 300m

I'll shoot my CSA tomorrow but I expect the same reliability
 
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