Well I'm happy to say I was able to get some items from Rauch Tactical last week. Three items - rail mount, muzzle brake, and adjustable height AR stock adapter. I've wanted to mount some optics to help my older eyes for some time now and here's my take on what I got.
VZ RAIL MOUNT
I talked to Sean from Rauch Tactical said he had a rail for me with a pre production shell deflector to test. I dropped off my rifle at Rauch Tactical who had it installed for me, as I wasn't able to do the mounting due to time constraints. When I got my rifle back with the mounted rail, the finish and fit on it appeared quite good.
I had a used side mount I bought last year from a fellow CGN'er in my parts bin. This mount with the integral 1" rings:
w w w.kalinkaoptics.com/detail.aspx?ID=266
SKS/SVD Mount w/ 1" Rings ( #AMSKSSM1 )
The mount slid onto the rail smoothly, and tightly. When clamped there is no movement. I tried to slide the mount on the rail numerous times before and during shooting and it was always remained snug/unmoveable and tight against the stopper. I was really lucky I had this mount on hand, as it worked out perfect for me. So good in fact I plan to order the 30mm tube version of it.
Scope was nearly centered over the barrel, maybe 1/4” - 3/8” offset to the left. Iron sights are visable but with the stock set in the highest position I couldn’t see them. Shell deflector worked well - no issues. Looks like the deflector can be bent in a vice a little to fine tune it with whatever scope setup you choose. For me it worked the way it was, but good to know one can fine tune the angle if need be.
Scope was a Leupold 2-7x33.
To note, this was a -20c light wind, winter shoot in a field of snow that was knee deep in areas, so I did the best I could. I took it out for about a 100rd shoot in off-hand and kneeling positions. Scope set at neutral position for first group. Nice result - first string of four rounds grouped excellent in windage axis. It was right on with no left or right adjustment needed. Group shot about 6" high at 75yds, easily adjusted for 150yd zero. I unclamped the mount a several times and it retained the same POI, as I could determine given the conditions. I really enjoyed shooting the 858 with optics - nice change from the iron sights.
I used Czech surplus '71. It was the grey painted case and bullet ammo. Typical groupings of 3-4". I was the weak link for accuracy. With the optics and mount I could have done better off a bench.
Overall. I'm very happy with this setup. Easy install, good fit and finish. No play. Easy removal and replacement. Scope position was very comfortable with the mount I had on hand.
Would I recommend it? - YES
It really made shooting the VZ a nice experience.
MUZZLE BRAKE
I got it just because I like accessories. It went on with a nice tight fit. No crush washer required. It actually went on tighter than the other muzzle brakes I've tried out for the VZ which required filing. It worked well and did the job – very little muzzle climb and recoil. Easy on off to clean. Detent pin fit nicely in the machined groove.
Overall great fit and finish.
Would I recommend it? - YES. I liked it.
ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT ADAPTER AR STOCK to VZ
Again, nice fit and finish. I had it set for the highest/upward setting so that I could get a good cheek weld using the scope. With stock in the uppermost position I found a comfortable neck position, with the original stock cheek weld is less then ideal. My head would have been floating around above the stock.
Would I recommend it? - YES.
Overall the Rauch Tactical VZ product and service are great, they made a good combination and turned the VZ into a great shooting experience. I REALLY like the VZ in stock form, and I REALLY like it mounted up with these parts. That said, I'm not affiliated with Rauch Tactical other then now being a loyal customer. This is a layman review of what to me appeared to be a good set of products for the VZ/CZ rifles. I was very happy with it.
On a sour note, my camera batteries died in the cold. I'll get some pics up soon of the rifle as it sits in the basement.
VZ RAIL MOUNT
I talked to Sean from Rauch Tactical said he had a rail for me with a pre production shell deflector to test. I dropped off my rifle at Rauch Tactical who had it installed for me, as I wasn't able to do the mounting due to time constraints. When I got my rifle back with the mounted rail, the finish and fit on it appeared quite good.
I had a used side mount I bought last year from a fellow CGN'er in my parts bin. This mount with the integral 1" rings:
w w w.kalinkaoptics.com/detail.aspx?ID=266
SKS/SVD Mount w/ 1" Rings ( #AMSKSSM1 )
The mount slid onto the rail smoothly, and tightly. When clamped there is no movement. I tried to slide the mount on the rail numerous times before and during shooting and it was always remained snug/unmoveable and tight against the stopper. I was really lucky I had this mount on hand, as it worked out perfect for me. So good in fact I plan to order the 30mm tube version of it.
Scope was nearly centered over the barrel, maybe 1/4” - 3/8” offset to the left. Iron sights are visable but with the stock set in the highest position I couldn’t see them. Shell deflector worked well - no issues. Looks like the deflector can be bent in a vice a little to fine tune it with whatever scope setup you choose. For me it worked the way it was, but good to know one can fine tune the angle if need be.
Scope was a Leupold 2-7x33.
To note, this was a -20c light wind, winter shoot in a field of snow that was knee deep in areas, so I did the best I could. I took it out for about a 100rd shoot in off-hand and kneeling positions. Scope set at neutral position for first group. Nice result - first string of four rounds grouped excellent in windage axis. It was right on with no left or right adjustment needed. Group shot about 6" high at 75yds, easily adjusted for 150yd zero. I unclamped the mount a several times and it retained the same POI, as I could determine given the conditions. I really enjoyed shooting the 858 with optics - nice change from the iron sights.
I used Czech surplus '71. It was the grey painted case and bullet ammo. Typical groupings of 3-4". I was the weak link for accuracy. With the optics and mount I could have done better off a bench.
Overall. I'm very happy with this setup. Easy install, good fit and finish. No play. Easy removal and replacement. Scope position was very comfortable with the mount I had on hand.
Would I recommend it? - YES
It really made shooting the VZ a nice experience.
MUZZLE BRAKE
I got it just because I like accessories. It went on with a nice tight fit. No crush washer required. It actually went on tighter than the other muzzle brakes I've tried out for the VZ which required filing. It worked well and did the job – very little muzzle climb and recoil. Easy on off to clean. Detent pin fit nicely in the machined groove.
Overall great fit and finish.
Would I recommend it? - YES. I liked it.
ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT ADAPTER AR STOCK to VZ
Again, nice fit and finish. I had it set for the highest/upward setting so that I could get a good cheek weld using the scope. With stock in the uppermost position I found a comfortable neck position, with the original stock cheek weld is less then ideal. My head would have been floating around above the stock.
Would I recommend it? - YES.
Overall the Rauch Tactical VZ product and service are great, they made a good combination and turned the VZ into a great shooting experience. I REALLY like the VZ in stock form, and I REALLY like it mounted up with these parts. That said, I'm not affiliated with Rauch Tactical other then now being a loyal customer. This is a layman review of what to me appeared to be a good set of products for the VZ/CZ rifles. I was very happy with it.
On a sour note, my camera batteries died in the cold. I'll get some pics up soon of the rifle as it sits in the basement.
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