CZ 858 VS Norinco M4

L

lazedout

BANNED
BANNED
BANNED
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
32   0   0
Location
GTA Ontario
Hey all.

I am in the process of getting my RPAL and am shopping for the first restricted rifle. I am choosing between the CZ 858 (V4, restricted version) and the Norinco M4.

I am wondering what you guys think is "better" overall. I am using it for range use, and for that "just in case" shtf scenario. ;)

My main concern is reliability. Also, accessibility to parts/repairs/ammo is important as well. I know they sell surplus 7.62 x 39 ammo, they do the same for .223? Whats the cost difference?

Also, how is the maintenance on the M4 compared to the CZ? Hard for a beginner?

Let me know.
 
Geez. Two totally difference rifles with totally different characteristics. You can't choose one-over the other; GET BOTH.
 
858 gives you flexibility in that it's non restricted, but I think the M4 is the better rifle really. Ammo is way cheaper with the 858 though... very tough choice.
If it came down to it, I would go with the M4, just because it's a more interesting rifle, more accurate and more customizable.
 
just as a note. I would be getting the restricted 858.

How much is surplus .223 ammo, if it is available?

I am thinking of getting both, but not everyone can afford both lol. Still need to save room for a handgun :)
 
Surplus 5.56 is not readily available. Commercial .223 (the cheap stuff) is over $500 / 1000. 7.62x39 surplus IS readily available, corrosive milsurp is around $225/1000. So on ammo cost, 858 wins hands down.

I find the 858 to be exceptionally accurate, even with Iron Sights, but then I'm shooting an 18.5" barrel non-restricted version vs. a 10.5" M4 clone. So, no comparison really.

How much money do you want to spend tricking it out?

Also, an AR-15 is 2x or more the price of a 858. So if your goal is to collect more than one, then start with the 858 and a crate of ammo, you will shoot a lot more and have $1,000 left over to buy your handgun.

lazedout said:
just as a note. I would be getting the restricted 858.

How much is surplus .223 ammo, if it is available?

I am thinking of getting both, but not everyone can afford both lol. Still need to save room for a handgun :)
Click to expand...
 
I've got both...

Although the restricted VZ-858 can shoot the cheap ammo, most ranges wont allow you to shoot it; and for good reason as the steel core tends to pass through things and ricochet.

My Norinco M4 is more fun (in my opinion), more accurate, and will accept 10 round mags.

The VZ58 is light and fun too... and can be had a bit cheaper (I paid $450 NIB.)

Bottom line: both are fun to shoot and you cant go wrong with either.

I still think that the M4 is a better value but that's just my personal bias talking and I cant really qualify it.
 
Hey jeff.

How is the reliability on the M4? What about the maintenance? I hear M4's have to be lubed really well... I like the M4 a lot, but the ammo is a big deterrence though...

To rutger. the barrel on the M4 is 14.5", not sure if that was a typo. i wont really trick it out, just a dot sight, unless the gun isnt reliable out of the box. If it isnt, Im better off going with just the stag arms... or not?

Question: HIGH quality M4, or norc m4 and 858? lol

btw thanks for the replies so far everyone.
 
Last edited:
You get 3-4x as much 7.62x39 for your money as you do 5.56. That's fairly significant especially if you are a new shooter.
 
Both rifles are a must have. Get both. Pick whichever you like more as the first and then plot on how to get the other. Both are different, but undoubtedly excellent rifles. GET BOTH!
 
lazedout said:
Hey jeff.

How is the reliability on the M4? What about the maintenance? I hear M4's have to be lubed really well... I like the M4 a lot, but the ammo is a big deterrence though...

To rutger. the barrel on the M4 is 14.5", not sure if that was a typo. i wont really trick it out, just a dot sight, unless the gun isnt reliable out of the box. If it isnt, Im better off going with just the stag arms... or not?

Question: HIGH quality M4, or norc m4 and 858? lol

btw thanks for the replies so far everyone.
Click to expand...


Sorry, I skipped the NORC part of your question and focused only on the M4. My apologies for confusion. I have an Imperial Defense carbine with 10.5" barrel.

from what I have seen of the Norc, it is a good platform for the dollar, but not enough rounds downrange in the marketplace to really make a call.

You said it, Norc AND 858...thats the ticket! If I had to choose one first and budget was my factor, I would choose 858. If I was choosing based on what I could do with it (both mods and fun exercises) I would go with the Norc and head out to learn how to shoot service rifle and 3-gun drills.
 
im very interested in this thread... im looking at these two options.... m4 is expensive and the ammo if turning out to be a turnoff ( at what i can find online)

EDIT: 858 price at wolverine $650.00
m4 price at armseast $895.00
 
Last edited:
If you want to shoot only at a range and need the "look cool factor" then the M4 is for you.

If you want to shoot alot (anywhere) and get very proficeint with your chosen firearm, the 858 wins.

Customising, the AR has an advantage but the VZ's are getting there.

Yes, I have both. I love my AR but it is no better than the 858. Actually, the VZ is less finicky with ammo and when its dirty it has never let me down the AR on the other hand... Maybe the three 58's and two 858s I had were an anomally, but they were plenty accurate. I can make hits consistently to 400m and 3 out of 5 at 600m (on IPSC sized gongs). I can do the same with the AR's I've got, so to me accuracy is a non issue for both.

858 price at wolverine $650.00 w/ 4 mags, pouch cleaning kit etc.
m4 price at armseast $895.00 w/two mags (I think?)

You decide.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the advice so far everyone. I am hoping to keep this going as Im sure I am not the only one looking at this type of comparison.

I like the idea of getting both, but practically, its probably not going to happen... yet. The main problem is the cost of ammo. I want to have at least 1000 rounds for what ever I choose. I already have a crate of 7.62 39 for my SKS waiting to be passed over to my name when I get my license, so the 858 should be a no brainer, but theres something in me making me think hard about the M4 because I shot a norc M4 and it was really fun. Decisions are the worst.
 
lazedout said:
Hey jeff.

How is the reliability on the M4? What about the maintenance? I hear M4's have to be lubed really well... I like the M4 a lot, but the ammo is a big deterrence though...

To rutger. the barrel on the M4 is 14.5", not sure if that was a typo. i wont really trick it out, just a dot sight, unless the gun isnt reliable out of the box. If it isnt, Im better off going with just the stag arms... or not?

Question: HIGH quality M4, or norc m4 and 858? lol

btw thanks for the replies so far everyone.
Click to expand...

The VZ isn't as picky about being cleaned but both guns WILL run better if you follow a regular cleaning regimen after each outing (especially with corrosive ammo).

VZ is a lot more range time as ammo is cheaper and plentiful, which will lead to better marksmanship overall.

The M4 has the better accuracy potential though, both in rifle design and more significantly, in ammo. Commercial match 223 is available, and if you decide to reload you can cut your costs down a bit, while still producing ammo that is both tailored for your specific rifle and is more consistent then a good portion of factory ammo available.
 
I've never owned a semi auto 7.62, been wanting to get one for a while now.

Obviously this would be a very debatable subject,but what would be better to get, an SKS or an 858?
 
Well I have an sks that will be put in my name when my license comes and the SKS is a good shooter. It has a 10 round (pinned to 5) non detachable mag that uses clips to load which is pretty convenient because clips take up very little room and when you buy surplus ammo they come in clips. I havent shot it much, but when I did it shot well. The 858 will be more expensive, but may be more comfortable to hold and shoot ( I havent done either with the 858) The accuracy should probably be the same though. I like the VZ for the looks, the folding stock, and the mags that can be "modded" in a shtf situation.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom