Narrowing down my choices for an optic for the Vz.58

GunsNotPuns

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
4   0   0
I need the collective hive mind's help in choosing a new optic for my Vz.58. I was using an NcStar tactical compact scope, mostly because it was a little over 5-inches in length and went on the CSA side mount without hanging over the chamber (a previous scope hung well over and bounced cases back into the chamber with regularity), but after it failed (and the replacement failed) time to change it up.

At any rate, I've narrowed it down to two options. I say options because I'm in love with neither but my budget is about $600 so that does limit a lot of options.

Option 1: Hi-Lux CMR 1-4x24mm
https://www.wolverinesupplies.com/ProductDetail/HLXCMR14X24R_Hi-Lux-CMR-1-4x24mm-w--Red-Illuminated-CMR-Ranging-Glass-Reticle--Matte

At 10.2 inches it's longer than I like but I figure I can mount it so a majority of the scope is back, much like Serbinator did in this picture. Should avoid the problem of hanging over the chamber. Cons -- I'd like more than a x4 but I can live with it. Pro - I like the reticle.

Option 2: Burris AR-332
http://shop.sylvestresportinggoods.com/Scopes/Burris-AR-332/

I'm not a fan of the reticle but at 5.5-inches it would fit on the side mount rail with no chance of rounds hitting it and going back in the chamber. I'd prefer the AR-536 for the extra power but finding one north of the border seems impossible. Cons - reticle and poor eye relief. Pro - Gets good reviews, decent value for the money.

At any rate, those are my options. If you have some time to spare some thoughts or suggestions, I'm all ears. If you have other optic options, I'm game to hear them.
 
I had a hi-lux cmr 1-4x on my vz58 with a magwedge rail. I never tried it on the side mount rail. I think you'd get brass impacts on scope. I think where mine was mounted the eyepiece was flush with back of receiver. Excellent scope for the money!!
I have a vortex spitfire 3x. It's very similar to the Burris. I wish I had tried it on the side mount rail but I sold the rail. The vortex has a spacer that can be removed to drop it down lower. That would be a benefit on the vz58. The Burris or vortex probably the best choice. But it may make a light rifle feel top heavy
 
Last edited:
I have a Burris AR 332 on my TNW ASR great optic, BUT its built for flat top ARs, thus meaning it naturally sits VERY HIGH, combine that height with the height of a CSA scope rail and all the sudden you have a $400 optic that sits STupidly high and looks ugly on your VZ.

Way back in the day.... when I was an SKS Noob. I came up with the contraption you see below. Note the AR 332 in the picture is sitting on a NC Star rail attach directly on top of the SKS receiver. And it still sits high.

DSCF1082_zpshgjbicrz.jpg
 
Option 2: Burris AR-332
http://shop.sylvestresportinggoods.com/Scopes/Burris-AR-332/

I'm not a fan of the reticle but at 5.5-inches it would fit on the side mount rail with no chance of rounds hitting it and going back in the chamber. I'd prefer the AR-536 for the extra power but finding one north of the border seems impossible. Cons - reticle and poor eye relief. Pro - Gets good reviews, decent value for the money.

At any rate, those are my options. If you have some time to spare some thoughts or suggestions, I'm all ears. If you have other optic options, I'm game to hear them.

If I were in your position, I'd look at a Vortex Spitfire 3x(4x? Whichever it is). Similar to a 332, but you can remove the center riser in the mount and mount it wayyy lower. I had one. Didn't love it, but it was a good optic. I think I got $400 on the EE for it, so you should definitely be able to get one for $400-$600

Alternately a used Elcan OS3 can be picked up for around $600 used, but it's a bit bigger and higher.

I went a different route on my Vz rifles - Fastfire III and TRS25s
 
Those 1-4 scopes can be mounted with lows. Why the hell that dude in his picture used mediums blows my mind.

Here is my Vz 58 with a scope on it. The scope is 2mm away from touching the rail.



Here is what the same rifle looks like but with a POS of a scope on it. Scope came with the rail from the EE. Tried it once for ####s and gigs but then went out the next day and got a nice leupold 1-4x20. It was on sale at WWS for 30% off.

 
How about what this guy is rocking - any notion on the scope? I guess with the gas mask the cheek weld is just about right lol.

 
If I were in your position, I'd look at a Vortex Spitfire 3x(4x? Whichever it is). Similar to a 332, but you can remove the center riser in the mount and mount it wayyy lower. I had one. Didn't love it, but it was a good optic. I think I got $400 on the EE for it, so you should definitely be able to get one for $400-$600

Alternately a used Elcan OS3 can be picked up for around $600 used, but it's a bit bigger and higher.

I went a different route on my Vz rifles - Fastfire III and TRS25s


Here's a pic of my vortex spitfire 3x with spacer removed on my T97 to give the OP an idea of how low it can be mounted.




I've gone the same route with my vz58's as well. Red dots all around. I am gonna pick up a cz958 when they finally get here and try mounting a scope on it.
 
Last edited:
Just wanted to thank you all for your wise counsel... gave me some to think about. The Vortex Spitfire has dumped the AR-332 in the compact category. Maybe the one I go with... though I am concerned it might sit high with the low-profile mount


What are you running for a stock? Is it straight or factory angle? If it's straight it won't be too high
 
I'm running the bushnell banner dusk and dawn. Scope was on my 17hmr which the scope was designed for but after trading off the rifle the scope found a new home on my csa VZ sporter in 556. It's not super slick and tacticool but allows me to get 5 rounds of my reloaded vmax loads into 1/2" at 100m. Gonna be my canine rifle once I find the time to actually get out and do some hunting.
 
Were way beyond irons aren't we? I don't know, for the moment, I like the irons but again I am pretty new to shooting and as the sks became the vz, so to the irons go to the vortex, aimpoint, etc. Still think the cheek weld will be a problem with a scope as with the irons and the org. rattly plastic stock I am looking straight down the pipe!
 
The FAB Defense GL6 stock with adjustable cheek rest will solve your problem as it did mine. I hate that awful stock that come on so many black rifles these days. My first order of business is to always swap them out. At any rate, no cheek rest issues for me with that stock.

At any rate, I ordered the Vortex Spitfire 3x last night. My thanks for all of your collective help.
 
The FAB Defense GL6 stock with adjustable cheek rest will solve your problem as it did mine. I hate that awful stock that come on so many black rifles these days. My first order of business is to always swap them out. At any rate, no cheek rest issues for me with that stock.

At any rate, I ordered the Vortex Spitfire 3x last night. My thanks for all of your collective help.

Post pics when you have it mounted!!
 
Back
Top Bottom