Modifying VZ-58 to accept AK mags

zZ_denis

zZ_denis

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Would it be possible to modify the VZ58 to accept AK magazines (and feed reliably with them)?

I dont currently own a VZ, so i cant compare any dimensions, but i recall the mag well on VZ being slightly longer?
I know that its possible to modify the AK mags to work in VZ, but what about modifying the rifle? I have a whole bunch of AK mags and could benefit from an extra rifle that could use them.

I apologize if this has been asked before - i tried to search but could not find anything.

Thanks!

P.S. Please dont try to talk me out of doing this. I have my reasons for wanting this conversion and im (ONLY) looking for input on how to get it done.
 
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Jamie said:
but why?
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zZ_denis said:
I have a whole bunch of AK mags and could benefit from an extra rifle that could use them.
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DAR 701 said:
I think you would have to remove the bolt hold open device and modify the receiver to utilize the center mounted latch on the AK mag...
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I know that the BHO would have to go. I was mostly concerned with the mag well dimensions (i.e. whether or not i would have to add/remove metal to the receiver to make the AK mag fit properly). Also, assuming the latch is modified/replaced, would the AK mag sit high enough and at a proper angle?
 
Got a 75 round drum that now works for the 858. Sucks that the bolt hold open feature dosn't work cuz there is no follower.
 
LoL!!!
It's pinned to 3 so I don't think I will have that much time before I must shoot my self but it looks so :evil:

side.jpg
 
Again guys, i appreciate the comments and suggestions, but im not looking to modify my rather large (I MEAN IT) collection of AK mags to fit the 858. Im also not looking to acquire another such stash of 858 mags... I got a couple of rifles that use AK mags, and it would be very convenient for me if the CZ used the same mags.
I dont mind chopping up an 858 to make this work... But only if the mags end up working perfectly.
 
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zZ denis, modifying the rifle would be tough as its heat treated and all, the forward mag catch on the AK mags is different than the CZ mags, and so is the rear catch. The CZ's come with 4 mags, and spares are cheap compared to 30 rd. AK mags. With the AK's you give up the last shot hold open, may create feeding/reliability issues and add extra weight all the while CZ mags work very well in the rifle. Ive got a pile of 5 rd. AK mags but just dont feel the need to convert my rifle, I'd rather just use the 5 CZ mags I got. Try the CZ mags before deciding if you want to go this route, it just seems like alot of work with guaranteed compromise and a chance of failure, not to mention you'll have a small stack of CZ mags laying around with no rifle to use them in
 
zZ_denis said:
Again guys, i appreciate the comments and suggestions, but im not looking to modify my rather large (I MEAN IT) collection of AK mags to fit the 858. Im also not looking to acquire another such stash of 858 mags... I got a couple of rifles that use AK mags, and it would be very convenient for me if the CZ used the same mags.
I dont mind chopping up an 858 to make this work... But only if the mags end up working perfectly.
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Then why not sell a bunch of the AK mags, and in turn buy some extra CZ mags? Or does that make too much sense?

Most new CZ's come with 5x 30 rounders anyway, so it's not like you'll be short by much.

:slap:
 
Tyler said:
Then why not sell a bunch of the AK mags, and in turn buy some extra CZ mags? Or does that make too much sense?
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Could be because i actually need the AK mags for other rifles? It's not like they grow on trees.


Tyler said:
Most new CZ's come with 5x 30 rounders anyway, so it's not like you'll be short by much.
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Yes, i will be short by much. Sell me some 20/5, 40/5, 75/5, 100/5 rounders for CZ, (made from steel, aluminum, bakelite, polymer) and maybe i'll reconsider my plan.


I like AK mags. I have a lot of them. I would prefer to add another rifle to my collection that can use these mags.

Sorry to be blunt, but Im not looking for any one's opinion on why it doesnt make sense for me to do this. I'd like to know exactly what would be required to make this conversion work.
 
Sorry to ask but could you post a picture of your AK mag castle ? just for ####s lol.

What i would maybe recommend is if your a 12.5 holder and have an AK , take a caliper and measure the dimensions of the magwell , then take a side by side picture of the two facing up .

Then take the receiver to a machinist and have them mill out the difference ?

Dunno really just trying to offer constructive advice. :redface:
 
zZ_denis said:
Sorry to be blunt, but Im not looking for any one's opinion on why it doesnt make sense for me to do this. I'd like to know exactly what would be required to make this conversion work.
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My e-feelings are intact. ;) I just hope you understand why a lot of us are scratching our heads.

Have you considered an SKS-D? :p
 
zZ denis, there are enough differences between the 2 mags to make this conversion difficult: the front catch on the AK mag would sit right about where the feed ramp is inside the CZ reciever, below the feed ramp is a clearance cut for the CZ mag, material that would most likely need to be welded in, machined and heat treated to form the lip to catch the front of the AK mag. The AK mags just squeeze inside the magwell width wise and you could simply remove some of the paint from the CZ magwell for a nice fit. The final part is the rear mag catch/release tab. On the CZ it is offset to the left side, while the bolt hold open is on the right. There is enough material in the center that you could machine it towards the right to center the mag release, and use a spacer for the left side to keep it centered. Then you may or may not have to rework the mag release to function with the tab on the AK mag. Then any feeding issues will need to be addressed. The follower in the CZ mag sits up higher than the AK's follower does, but the AK mag wont fit high enough into the CZ reciever for me to see if there is sufficient bolt clearance and if the lips/follower are at the same height as the CZ mag once inserted. Until you permanently modify the rifle, theres no telling if it will work properly or not, at that point your balls deep and all-in so absorbing any and all expenses to make it work will be the only way out. Its up to you, but it may get real messy and expensive
 
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