Hey guys, looking for some opinions. I'm slowly getting into the market for a new .223/5.56 gun, and I've sort of narrowed it down to these to. I am aware of all the other alternatives, but I'm not sure I want to spend the money moving from the price point of these to the next options for a NR .223 gun. I like non-restricted, and I like being able to take these into the bush. In my mind, these are justified as a varmint/yote rifle, but are also for fun obviously. I've had both of these platforms. The Mini I had was a stainless pre-ranch rifle, 181 series. I loved the gun, and it was reasonably accurate for it's purpose with a cold barrel (the original pencil barrel model, which is well known for it's wandering POI). Things I didn't like, like lack of scope mounts (not the ranch rifle), and thin barrel, have been addressed with the new models. I also had a CZ858 which I put quite a bit of parts on. Also loved that gun, but in the more southern parts of Ontario, we have a .275 caliber restriction for hunting, which made it essentially a range toy. The other thing I didn't like is, pretty much useless if you want a magnified optic on it, again, a new model in .223 would remedy this. I really liked both guns, similar weight, similar overall length, similar price, quality, both handle nice, and are very solid and reliable, and generally beefy, regardless of the lightweight/carbine qualities. So my question is to those who own one, or both of these, which would you pick. Most of this will come down to what kind of real world accuracy you guys are getting. So please share your opinion!
CSA VZ58 .223 vs. Mini-14
- Thread starter Fyn
- Start date
I have both, and can't decide which I'd rather own. I put the mini 14 in a Hogue stock to make it kind of like a big brother to my 10/22, and think of the VZ as a little brother to my SKS (in it's Tapco stock).
If I "had" to get rid of one, I'd probably keep the VZ, because it's a breeze to break down for cleaning.
If I "had" to get rid of one, I'd probably keep the VZ, because it's a breeze to break down for cleaning.
You raise a good point, which I forgot to add. I have a Ruger .44 carbine as well, which is the original Ruger long gun, so a Mini would compliment that. Not that it sways my decision to much, but cool nonetheless.
I have both but the vz is 7.62. The mini 14 has an ATI strikeforce stock . The vz has similiar furniture. Both "look" the sameish. I like the vz better. Im not sure why. I Just installed the b+t mag adapter. 10 rds. Whew who. When i started 30 was legal. Wtf
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Get a non-restricted Vz.58, then?
haha, so the VZ seems to be taking a pretty substanial lead at this point. Can anybody tell me what kind of repeatable accuracy they are getting with theirs? How do they perform with a hot barrel?
Have one (VZ .223) seems to be accurate out to 300. Have a "red-dot" on it now which I really don't like so have ordered a scope for it. My son being younger has hit a clay using the open sights at 300 fairly consistently so IMO that is very good.
Shot about 50 rounds thru it today, got a little warm and accuracy didn't seem to be affected.
Wish it had a true 5 shot mag as the 5/30 is a PITA.
Get a non-restricted and enjoy.
Shot about 50 rounds thru it today, got a little warm and accuracy didn't seem to be affected.
Wish it had a true 5 shot mag as the 5/30 is a PITA.
Get a non-restricted and enjoy.
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Moparman1303
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Ontario, Canada
Just cleaned my CSA CZ 58 carbine and wondering how durable are these rifles? Can they take a beating? I accidently droped my bolt assembly few feet off ground "chair height" onto a plastic chair mat. locking lug came off, seems only a little scratch on exterior paint. It function tested fine, i am just worried, prob over nothing but my first red rifle.
Here is a pic one mine.
Here is a pic one mine.
- Location
- Niagara Region, Ontario. For now
Having owned both, I regret selling the mini more....
Optic's considered, the Mini wins hands down.
Optic's considered, the Mini wins hands down.
Have had a mini for many years and really liked it. Always found mine to be fairly accurate and never gave me any problems. I've only had my cz for 5 months and really haven't put it through to much use yet. If I only could have one or the other the mini 14 wins every time. Just my own opinion.
