CZ 858 or Mini 14

Wow, I can't believe there is 15 pages on this thread and so few mentions of the biggest CZ advantage IMO- AR15 mags via magwell adapter!

10 round mags are way better than 5 rounds for plinking. Mini 14's are fine rifles but there is no way I'd go with one when I have the ability to have legal 10 round capacity.

I do have to say that any safety that requires you to put your finger in the trigger guard to activate is stupid. But I bear the Mini no particular malice otherwise..
 
vladdy said:
Wow, I can't believe there is 15 pages on this thread and so few mentions of the biggest CZ advantage IMO- AR15 mags via magwell adapter
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I think the fact that it wasn't mentioned is due to the issues with the magwell adapters and 10rd mags in CZ's. I have a CZ and like it, but I decided not to get my rifle machined for something I read so/so reviews on. Some people have had success and others have had trouble.
 
Ardent said:
Thank you, and you nailed it. Certain types can't accept something less tactical and shown on tv less performs the same in the real world. Both are rock solid .223 semis, and with 45gr white box Win HP and 55gr Federal FMJ group identically for me (2" 100 yards). The Mini however handles a scope better and weighs 2lbs+ less. I had to scout scope my PE90 to get a scope height I found comfortable without a cheek riser. The Mini mounts anything from the get go.
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True. Except for the scoping thing. My PE90 is the target model so scoping wasn't an issue. :p


Ardent said:
Again, thanks. I didn't find the PE90 to be as accurate as everyone said, and I owned one for quite awhile. It could produce MOA here and there with 62gr and the small bit of the Swiss ammo I had, but typically produced 1.5" and 2" when warmed up. This mirrored the 581 series Mini to a tee, occasional 1-1.5" groups, reliably 2-2.5". In the end I had to question why I had a $3000 rifle that weighed far, far more, mounted scopes far more poorly, had far more expensive replacement parts and accessories, was less weather resistant, and in the end was just a semi .223 like the Mini.

This just won't wash with the died in the wool tacticoolers, it can't compute that two quality semis do the same thing in the real world (Mini being lighter, cheaper, and more weather resistant actually bodes better for the field). A semi .233 that hits what you aim at is a semi .223, I'm afraid, even if that shakes the earth for guys that only like guns shown in movies, games, and so forth. Fashion, the Mini does not have, function, it has in droves.

Nothing wrong with liking tactical and mil stuff, but lets just remember we're hobbyists. Some folks get a littttle wound up a about it. Some guys like Ferarris some guys like Vettes. Big price difference same result. I can afford PE90's but like Minis.
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I found my PE90 target model hated the 63 grain RUAG ammo but would shoot around 1moa with 62 American Eagle. I haven't shot much else in it, so I would hope I can get more accuracy. I also have a spring kit to get installed that will lower the trigger weight. But ultimately it's a battle rifle built on a piston system. 1 moa is about the best you should expect. It's not a DI target AR that's for sure.

The one thing I will say here though. The CZ858 off hand I find handles better than the mini. I prefer the safety on the CZ and with the pistol grip and balance (Barf wood is nice and light and makes a good poor mans synthetic) it balances better and is quicker. The mini is a ranch rifle. For most practical purposes you're right it will do everything the other will do. But the CZ for off hand I just find handier at least for an iron sights only firearm. Because I wouldn't even bother mounting optics on it.

The mini14 is a good deal for a non restricted semi auto. No arguments. The CZ though has it's strengths as well. If not planning on putting a scope on it and shooting off hand then I'd recommend the CZ. Although you make some very valid points with regards to the min being very reliable, stainless durability, same accuracy as more expensive rifles and being good value for the money.

One thing I should add. The stock trigger on my CZ was very good. The stock trigger on my mini sucked. I took it in and had a gunsmith work on it. I just went and dry fired both my CZ and 14 target. I recalled my mini14 trigger still being a bit long. I was wrong. It feels like a single stage match trigger. It's been a while since I've shot it. When I first received the mini the trigger was gritty and really sucked. Now it's light and very smooth. Also short travel. The gunsmith did an excellent job. Well worth the $40. The stock CZ trigger has a smooth longer travel but breaks clean. For a stock battle rifle trigger it's very good. As good or better than my PE90. As always these were with my examples, others may vary.

I have the CZ for off hand plinking and the mini14 target for target plinking. Both are fun and I've opted for the advantages of each. If looking for one only to do it all, ie scope and use for plinking along with fun target shooting I'd opt for a mini. The CZ just doesn't lend itself to scopes very well. The aftermarket stuff looks like a mickey mouse add on. With the Ruger it's ready to scope. For a ranch rifle it would be the Ruger. For a choice of only one or the other and having to do more than one thing. Yes I'd choose the mini14.
 
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There are still CSA VZ58s available. I know that the OP has made a decision, but this is still an interesting thread. Anyway, I have a CSA chrome lined and a blued Mini 14. I realize that the CSA is not a CZ858, but it is pretty damn close. It is maybe -1 for reliability and cost, but +1 for corrosion resistance and scope mounting. Anyway, both are very fun to shoot and with CSA we are basically looking at nearly the same price. The Mini(2015) is definitely more accurate than the VZ58 I own. That said, it wears a proper scope and the VZ is bare. The sights on the VZ are terrible. Terrible. I don't like irons on any rifle, but the communist rifles I have fired (SKSs, VZ58, CZ 858, SVT 40) are all in a class of their own at the bottom. The VZ 58 is definitely cooler looking and is remarkably easy to bomb around the bush with. The Mini is also light and easy, but does not yet wear its folder, so it is not quite an apples to apples comparison. I guess if I just wanted to blast away in cut blocks or have a tactical rig I would choose a VZ58, but if I planned on hunting small game/varmints I would choose the Mini. Both rifles could fill the other role, but just not as well. Something that this thread has failed to mention is that, at least currently, there is cheap non-corrosive ammo available so corrosion is less of a concern for that reason. Since the OP opted for a Mini, perhaps an SKS would make a nice, affordable stand in for the VZ. If I could only choose 1, it would be the VZ. It is just more fun to me.
 
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