have people finally lost interest in the VZ 858?

[Claven2]

FWIW, The Type 81 will end up being decent if it is made like a real military one - time will tell. The Calibre article with poor accuracy tested a sample/beater with inop rear sights that hte RCMP lab tried to make go F/A for 3 years. It was an abused rifle with broken sight parts.

You can't really draw any conclusions re accuracy - I'm shocked they bothered posting results.

Back to the OP's question:

I've had 3 VZ58 type rifles now. I bought a Marstar gun in 2006 from the very first batch - a restricted one with the military markings intact. Then I have two 858 NR guns. The original restricted one ran best. One 858 was mall ninja'd for fun, the other left stock.

I lost interest in ALL of them, as my nicer SKS's shot better groups and had fewer FTFs. The trigger gremlin was a PITA and I eventually had a couple VZ's tabbed.

In the end, I sold them for the blasters they were and moved onto better platforms. No regrets, no intent to get another 858.

I've been watching for WR762 reviews to see if they are any kind of improvement, but so far data is light.

 

[PECHENEG]

for 1400$ it is not easy to keep an interest... though VZ58 is by default better than type81, just based on previous experiences with Czech vs Chinese mil. production.. in reality.. who knows... tactical imports only knows
On the other hand.. 1000$ vs 1400 hmm and potentially type 81 mags will fit AK-friendly platforms with minimal FILING

 

[Steiner]

Guess peoples experiences vary. In total I've had four cz858 (various years) , and two vz58(in x39, 2013 and 2015 dated) and all were problem free. I found them just as reliable as the SKS's I have, and 58/858 seemed slightly more accurate (but not of any significance). I really like the slim and light characteristics of these rifles. I still have one of each (58 + 858) and they are long term keepers. The SKS's are keepers too.
Both platforms are the same, but different...haha..you know what I mean.
Cheap surplus ammo only provides so much accuracy. The rifle and ammo do what these platforms were designed for, and they do it well....infantry carbines 1950's era.

On a side note, to be fair,overall prices on most surplus rifles have risen DRAMATICALLY in the last few years. Look at the Garand, SVT, m38, m44, K31, K98, Swedish, etc. The only rifle that has not doubled in price is the SKS, but it has climbed 25% or more.

 

[josey wales]

the 858s and similar partern are not really surplus rifles like the ones you mentioned above, but i do get where you are coming from with the mention of price increase
In regards to the 81 and the 102, it is nice to see options

 

[Steiner]

True, I was just commenting prices have gone up across the board...but yeah, I know what you mean the 58/858 are not really surplus rifles.
I also agree, the Type 81 and 102 are nice options. I hope to add those to the herd at some future point!

 

[marshall]

Just wondering , what is a used CZH2003 sport with aftermarket P.G, and fore end worth these days, took one on trade the other day.
Have not really kept up on the Cz stuff last couple years.
Thanks guys.

I got one of the first CZH2003 Sports (restricted) when they first came into the country. Think I paid $595 for it. A fun little rifle to shoot. Mine's not going anywhere.

Auggie D.