I am looking to purchase a vz58 Sporter, with the folding stock and 7.5" barrel. I have seen it available in .223 as well as 7.62x39, and I am wondering what the pros/cons of each are. I already have guns in both calibers, and the cost of ammo is comparable. I like the idea of the 7.62 more because I think it would be more fun as the thing is basically just a big pistol, however the mags are sort of limiting and the idea of shooting corrosive ammo through a $900 gun doesn't sit well with me. I have heard of magwell adapters that allow the use of AR mags with the .223 vz58, including the LAR-15 mags which I already have several of. Has anybody used one and if so are they any good? That might be the deciding factor for me. Any other advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
CSA vz58 .223 vs 7.62x39
- Thread starter Octane25
- Start date
Leviathan024
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- GP Alberta
well,they are both great but the .223 seems to be having alot of issues that are posted on here. it was originally designed to use x39 so thats what i would use. corrosive cleanup is not hard at all
You'll get more useful info in the Red Rifles forum.
Ammo cost is not comparable, 7.62 ftw. BUT corrosive is a bit of a PITA, but not necessarily a problem.
There are adapters to let you run 10-rd 7.62X39 XCR mags in the VZ58. But none of the adapters seem to work well (including the 223 ones).
Many issues with the 223 version of the VZ58 in general, but you never know, yours might work just fine.
Ballistically speaking
)) it makes much more sense to run 7.62 out of a rifle that short. Heavier slower projectile, so you lose less energy due to the shorter barrel.
I had one of the shorties in 7.62 for a short while. It was definitely the most fun pure range toy that I ever tried! Weimajack has one right now on the EE for $795.
Ammo cost is not comparable, 7.62 ftw. BUT corrosive is a bit of a PITA, but not necessarily a problem.
There are adapters to let you run 10-rd 7.62X39 XCR mags in the VZ58. But none of the adapters seem to work well (including the 223 ones).
Many issues with the 223 version of the VZ58 in general, but you never know, yours might work just fine.
Ballistically speaking
)) it makes much more sense to run 7.62 out of a rifle that short. Heavier slower projectile, so you lose less energy due to the shorter barrel.I had one of the shorties in 7.62 for a short while. It was definitely the most fun pure range toy that I ever tried! Weimajack has one right now on the EE for $795.
I have one on the EE also (spf), its the 7.62 version. Most problems I have heard of are with the .223. This one ran fine although I did find that the firing pin was covered in oil. I find they run best completely dry. The block should rattle with an audible clear clicking.
andrew3081
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Vancouver, BC
Non corrosive 7.62 ammo is cheap. Most places sell 500 rounds for around $150 to $170.
the_klenzer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Vancouver, BC
The x39 7.5" is possibly the most fun gun I own. I have no problems shooting corrosive out of it. A few guys have had some luck with the AR magwell adapters in them, aiming to try that with mine next.
