Project - 10 Rounds --> Non-restricted Red Rifle- Range Report

lmar

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Range Report: Success!

She works as advertised. Hand loading magazines resulted in no feeding issues. Gun went bang as fast as I could pull the trigger.

Only caveat is that loading from SKS stripper clips is verboten. I can get 6-8 rounds in via stripper before rounds become misaligned.
Never had much success with standard CZ factory magazines either so wasn't really expecting much.

Only got 30 rounds off before I turned around to find a fellow shooter standing at my bay gesturing if he could come forward. I pulled my gun muffs off just in time to hear him ask what type of gun it was.
Asked him if he wanted to shoot it. 10 rounds later he was grinning from ear to ear.

15 minutes later I was walking by another bay to inspect a 1960's vintage Colt AR-15 with an original CAR muzzle brake. The couple had just gotten back into shooting and I asked the wife if she wanted to try the CZ. 10 rounds later she asked if I could write the name of the gun and any other information she would need to buy one for herself. Her comments were focused on the fact that it was pretty light and streamlined compared to her husband's AR and as a result was pretty easy to shoot. I pointed out the sporterized stock was too long for her and that the standard military stock would fit her even better. Then proceeded to show her how easy it was to take the gun apart for cleaning. She then insisted she wanted to re-assemble it herself so that she would know how to do it. I then was given a lesson on the importance of listening -- as she then re-assembled the gun with minimal help from me. To say I was impressed would be an understatement.

The last 10 rounds of the day went to another member who thought he'd have a go at it. Despite being a big AR fan he commented that the gun shot nice -- and that he would have to pick one up to play with.
For those that do not have one - I would highly recommend trying the CZ factory muzzle brake. It does a very good job of keeping the muzzle jump to a minimum. One of my last strings (not shown on video) of the day had me squeezing off rounds as fast as I could pull the trigger. Muzzle rise was no more than 1.5 inches and greatly aided keeping the red dot on target. At 25 yards I was able hold all 10 rounds inside an 8 inch circle. It was a good day - 4 people were introduced to the CZ and 2 potential sales may result.
One thing I have noticed in the past is the 5 round limit prevents one from developing a rhythm or "feel" for how fast one can pull the trigger and still stay on target. 10 round strings allow you to develop this rhythm which allows one to experiment to see what works and what doesn't.
Life is good.

[
Background:


I like the idea of a 10 round non-restricted semi-auto rifle.
However, I do not like the idea of spending $3K for a Tavor, XCR, SIG, etc..... ( Having said that, I would not complain if someone gave me any 3 of the rifles as a gift).
Since I am a relatively cheap SOB I thought I'd create a red rifle equivalent. My budget was to not exceed a $1000.00 (Taxes out).

While I like the idea of the SKS adapter posted elsewhere on this forum (it is a pretty cool idea) the lack of existing parts got me thinking about doing the same thing to my CZ............

Why?
My long suffering AR-15 Grendel Project required me to purchase a bunch of 10 round XCR-L 7.62X39 Magazines from Wolverine ($24.95each).
They've been sitting on a shelf in my workshop for months collecting dust - and I hate not using equipment that was bought and paid for.
Just happened to drop into my local gun store and during my visual inspection of the gun racks -- I spotted a 10 round adapter for the CSA .223 version of the CZ858 family attached to a gun.

At first glance I wasn't all that enamored of the plastic construction (or the .223 round that it fired). However, the idea of firing AR pistol magazines sparked my interest.

A quick search of Google resulted in an adapter that was commissioned by Wolverine to specifically use 10 round XCR magazines in 7.62x39 and fit my non restricted CZ858 (can never remember the 'dash' number). B&T AG CZ 858 AR15 Magwell Adapter. The only downside to the adapter is that: a) it required slight modification to the receiver (milled ledge); (b) the magazine release was built into the left side of the adapter (requiring the removal of factory magazine release paddle); and (c) the elimination of the last round bolt lock mechanism of factory magazines. However, with millions of AK-47/74 out there that don't have this feature - I figured I could live with it.

A quick phone call to Wolverine left me $185 lighter in the wallet department.
Less than a week later the adapter arrived in the mail - so my CZ went to Dlask for the required machining.

Installation is straight forward. Fit of the adapter to the receiver is tight. Adapter/Magazine fit is good. No rattling of the magazine when inserted and locked into receiver.
Have yet to try inserting full magazine on close bolt to see if it is correctly sized for 10.5 rounds.

Note - In order to keep the bolt back on an empty magazine I added a NEA bolt release. While the bolt does not stay open after the last round - I can manually pull back on the bolt and push the bolt release leaver upwards with my index finger thereby locking the bolt back. Sort of like the Magpul B.A.D lever manipulations when locking the bolt back on an AR. This allows me to hold open the bolt without having to reach down between the adapter and the trigger guard to push the factory bolt hold-open push-button.


Now for some pictures:

Machining required - angled view

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Machining required - straight on shot

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Side view of Adapter on gun (not pinned yet) - checking for fit.

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Note - milled step is not for the adapter (as I first guessed) - it is to provide clearance so the magazine can be inserted fully into the receiver.

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Here is magazine seated in receiver (Not almost straight line run into chamber) - wondering what type of follower I got as the typical 5.56 markings appear to have been ground off from the follower.

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Removal of factory magazine release is required.

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Installed Adapter (Left) - Notice magazine release - easy to access (even with gloves on). Spring is stiffer than I would like - will modify later if required.

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Installed Adapter (Right) - Note installation of NEA extended bolt release.

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Haven't had chance yet to try it out on the range - maybe this weekend.

Total Price:

Rifle $695.00
Adapter: $185.00
Magazines: $50.00 (Qty: 2)
Machining: $45.00
Release: $65.00 (Optional - had it kicking around).

Total Invested: $1040.00 + Taxes + Time
Look on peoples faces when I cut loose with 11 rounds in a row from my non-politically correct firearm --> priceless......

With current black non-restricted AR type rifles going for $2700 -$3000.00+ I have the equivalent red non-restricted semi-auto rifle for about a third of the cost.
Combined with the relatively inexpensive milsurp ammunition - I can shoot all day without breaking the bank.

Addenda:
As a side note - I've read that John@Wolverine elected not to include a right side magazine release and bolt hold open device when writing up the adapter specifications for B&T. My question is why not? Version 2.0 of the current adapter with right hand magazine release and magazine follower bolt hold open device would be perfect as it allowed strong hand manipulation without having to remove hand from grip.


L
 
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Sweet job. Let us know how it goes. I'd love to do something like that in 5.56, especially since I have an XCR, but I think I am SOL.
 
Been considering this route myself. From my understanding the machining for the adapter doesnt affect the operation of the original CZ mags if you wanted to revert back later (not sure why you would, but....) Be sure to come back for a report, it looks tasty!
 
You will love it, mine functions flawlessly, some people dont like the looks of the adapter but once someone lets loose 10 rounds out of such a fun rifle like the CZ that is all forgoten, welcome to the 10 round CZ party :ar15:

ps love your stock

IMG_3060_zpsb9ddff69.jpg
 
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You will love it, mine functions flawlessly, some people dont like the looks of the adapter but once someone lets loose 10 rounds out of such a fun rifle like the CZ that is all forgoten, welcome to the 10 round CZ party :ar15:

ps love your stock

IMG_3060_zpsb9ddff69.jpg

those connectors you have on the magazines i'm assuming replaces the floor plate. is there anything that does the same thing but is straight, not "pie shaped"? seems to create an awkward looking angle. There's no doubt it's functional, but it just looks weird to me...i suppose it needs to be that way for removal? i'm interested in the 858 because of the adapter...
 
Here is what I did with mine. It isn't quite straight, but its better. There are 2 types of mags here, one of them is flat, and one of them is slanted. I reversed the direction of the floor plate wedge accordingly. One of the orientations does not fit snugly so I might have to secure it somehow. But I did not have any problem firing them.
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I'll see what I can do tomorrow.
I purchased handguard from Wolverine as a separate item.
Not listed on their site anymore but it is part of their tactical package.
http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/details/551/CZ-858-Tactical-Handguard-and-Pistol-Grip-Set.aspx

Note - CSA rifle that I've seen on the gun racks at my local store come with the handguard from the factory - might be able to buy one on the EE from someone upgrading.

Also, Wolverine has the sporterized butt stocks on sale for $75.

L
 
Those look like an awesome setup. Can you explain the legalaties behind the larger magazines though? I thought rifles were limited to a 5 round capacity.
 
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