Help me pics a sub $1000 gun...

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pavmentsurfer

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My first "which one" thread so maybe you can cut me some slack.

Im trying to sell or trade my Mini 30 for something different. It just doesnt excite me. Whatever I choose must be under $1000 and MUST be non restricted. I also prefer that it shoot either .223 or 7.62X39 as those are most available to me and I already have an SKS and surplus ammo... so 7.62X39 would be preferable. My 3 choices are as follows (though I'm open to other suggestions):

-VZ 58 with an 11.5 barrel
-CZ 858 Tactical 2
-Keltec SU-16F

These are guns that have caught my eye. I don't hunt, I'm not a HUGE target shooter. I just like to shoot and I like my gun to look "tactical" as much as possible. I like the military look of the VZ58 and CZ858... but what is the difference between them? They appear very similar.

The keltec intregues me because it folds, holds mags in the stock and the fore end is a bipod... seems like a cool gun overall. But id have to stock .223 for it as all I have now is 7.62X39 so that would put the initial purchase price up a bit.

Any advice or any other ideas would be greatly appreciate.
 
The VZ58 is restricted with the 11.5" barrel, so that leaves the 858-2 with either a folding or fixed stock. It is a great choice if you want to stick with 7.62x39, but your SKS will likely collect a lot of dust once you try the 858.


Mark
 
Which VZ is it thats not restricted? The 14? I know one of them is listed as non restricted. So lets say It was between that and the 858... Whats the difference between them? they appear very similar but I've read the 858 has stamped components whereas I've read about the VZ having machined components? Is this true?

I appreciate the suggestions. Just can't afford to have them all and want to pick the one ill be happiest with in the end. No range or shop near me to test them so its all gotta be done online.
 
pavmentsurfer said:
Which VZ is it thats not restricted? The 14? I know one of them is listed as non restricted. So lets say It was between that and the 858... Whats the difference between them? they appear very similar but I've read the 858 has stamped components whereas I've read about the VZ having machined components? Is this true?

I appreciate the suggestions. Just can't afford to have them all and want to pick the one ill be happiest with in the end. No range or shop near me to test them so its all gotta be done online.
Click to expand...

minimum barrel length for a semi is 18.5
 
pavmentsurfer said:
Which VZ is it thats not restricted?
Click to expand...

CZ-858, and I think CSA now has a non-restricted VZ too...either way it HAS to be 18.5 inches to qualify as non-restricted.


pavmentsurfer said:
So lets say It was between that and the 858... Whats the difference between them? they appear very similar but I've read the 858 has stamped components whereas I've read about the VZ having machined components? Is this true?
Click to expand...

No.
858's have a super-strong medium grey paint as it's coating, works quite well, not the most attractive thing, and have some rough machining marks on them where it's visible, but all moving parts surfaces are smooth for proper function. They just tend to look "crude" and "Communist Functional" like the original issue VZ-58's used to.

The CSA VZ's seem to have very clean exterior machining as you'd expect on a quality rifle, and have some sort of attractive black coating...I don't think it's a paint or enamel...I don't think it's bluing either...maybe an anodizing? I'm not sure, but it looks really nice. But it doesn't look "original" if that's what you are after.

858's are about $300 cheaper than the VZ's I think...


pavmentsurfer said:
I appreciate the suggestions. Just can't afford to have them all and want to pick the one ill be happiest with in the end. No range or shop near me to test them so its all gotta be done online.
Click to expand...

Well I think you'll be happy either way, I really like my 858!
 
I've handled and shot both CZ and CSA.

The CSA felt like a better built gun and the price reflects this. It just looks and feels of better quality. The one I tried had the NEA upper and lower handguard and a folding stock... it was absolutely sweet.
 
Cz 858 is All mil-spec with a new barrel, The same Firearm used by the czech army. And is a real VZ by CZ without the fun switch.

CSA VZ 58 is a new production company with new commercial parts. Look very nice.

CZ 858- Surplus Mil firearm/real deal. Rough looking but super tuff .

CSA VZ 58- A really nice knock off of the CZ using new parts. Nice finish. some parts have been breaking. Some CZ mags will not work with it.

Both are great firearms. Come down to what you want . A brand new rifle or a Military rifle.
 
I'll have to wait and see what my mini 30 sells for and decide then. I really like that M4 style all ready upgraded.

I've read these guns come with a plastic trigger? Do either of them have a metal trigger standard? That would be something I'd have to upgrade for sure.
 
Sold the mini 30 this morning so I've decided I'm going with a VZ58 from Wanstalls. Its the M4 tactical style with the adjustable stock. Im going to call and see if they can double check that there are no issues (headspace) with the rifle they send. But being in BC they are 3 hours out so I have to wait till this afternoon.
 
Well, I just sent Frontier Firearms $1014 for a VZ 58 M4, taxes and shipping included. So, hopefully in the next 10 days or so, ill have my new gun. Im pretty excited. I asked if they could pick a good one and check it for headspace (is that the right description) so I don't have to send it back or anything. Only thing I want to upgrade right away is the front grip. I want something railed. Fab Arms maybe... not really sure yet. But I got the M4 style with the sliding buttock and pistol grip. So that stuff doesnt need to be touched.

Thanks for the great advice.
 
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