Torn between a T97 and a CSA VZ 58 N/R repost from Black Rifles

walleyed99

walleyed99

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Originally posted in Black rifles, sorry for the double thread.


Just as the title says, I am torn. I want to enter the 5.56/223 world and seriously do not know what to do. The VZ 58 has had it issues but seems to have GREAT warranty support and is a damn ###y gun with tons of aftermarket stuff to throw at it. The T97 is just plain FUGLY but has a neat factor about it, with next to no accessories going for it save for a couple of SH!TTY scope mounts for cheap that leave you with a chin weld when shooting of a great looking upper from T97.ca that makes the gun look pretty cool and WAY more functional. And Alas I am sure 90 days or / 90 feet warranty (okay maybe a little more). I have handled both and most recently the T97 today and its neat but as I said FUGLY, but I am just not sure i can get around the odd ergonomics, weird mag release position and where the charging handle is located before the upper conversion. Any input people??????? Help me pick :)
 
I have fired both.
Both are great rifles.
To use stang mags you will need a mag well conversion for the csa.
So id go t97. But need to file the. Mag well to fit the poly 50. Mags.
 
The controls are ridiculously clumsy on the t97 imo, I would never own one. Pick up a VZ in 762 and call it a day. You won't have to deal with cheap plastic mags for the 556 model and can shoot cheap surplus food. This is assuming you don't have to shoot at an indoor range.

If you are needing a strictly range gun, go with an AR. There isn't a cheaper more effective 556 option than that...
 
I am leaning the way of the VZ58, and also (even with the past issues) the .223, just cause I have a bunch of sks's and such to shoot 7.62x39 and feel like introducing another caliber to the safe, despite the need to buy another caliber of ammo. I had also planned on the magwell adapter and LAR mags to go with it :). Who has the Chrome lined vs the Non chrome lined and what has the durability been like? My local LGS has some Non Chrome lined coming in and since .223 I would looking at is non corrosive ammo I was thinking it shouldn't be a big deal. Thoughts?
 
i love the T97. especially with the FTU. Despite the mag release is on the wrong side, a little practice and you don't really even notice it. The safety however is a pain but then again, i always have my firearms cleared before putting it down so there is never a loaded mag or live round in the rifle. Added side rails and AFG last nite.. totally changes the handling of the rifle.
 
I said it before and I'll say it again:

You can dress up a Vz58 somethin pretty.

13846105353_04d1a6f331_b.jpg


The T97 is harder to swap parts out (right now) but is a great way to get into bullpups for cheap!
 
TV-PressPass said:
I said it before and I'll say it again:

You can dress up a Vz58 somethin pretty.

13846105353_04d1a6f331_b.jpg


The T97 is harder to swap parts out (right now) but is a great way to get into bullpups for cheap!
Click to expand...

Double iron sights! For when the first set fails. Lol

Just picking on you. That Vz looks great, and magpul sights are an upgrade.
 
I have handled both and currently own a csa vz 58 with magwell adapter, my father owns the T97 with FTU. Both rifles are really fun to shoot. My preference is the vz 58, because of the feel and look of the rifle, and also because of the ability to customize it more to your liking than the t97 currently. There are a couple sponsors that advertise the magwell adapter on their sites, and periodically have them in stock... currently I think zahal has them listed as limited quantities.
 
When unable to decide I usually buy both, tell the wife I will sell the one I don't like and end up liking and keeping both.
 
Given my experience with the CSA rifles, I would go for the T97. Additionally, if you are going VZ route, get it in 7.62. I have owned the rifle in both 223 and 7.62, and shooting it in 7.62 is magical. So smooth and sweet to shoot. I also had feeding issues with the gun in 223 with the gen1 mag well adapter and lar mags.

Ben
 
TV-PressPass said:
I said it before and I'll say it again:

You can dress up a Vz58 somethin pretty.

13846105353_04d1a6f331_b.jpg


The T97 is harder to swap parts out (right now) but is a great way to get into bullpups for cheap!
Click to expand...

CZ958 will have an integrated rail, but no option for chrome lined barrel in non restricted when they come out.

Your rifle is pretty, and mine was equally modded out when I had it, but it's damned expensive to get it to that level. When the 958 comes out, it will be hard to justify getting a VZ58.
 
+1 for VZ 58...sweet sweet firearm and very accurate even with iron-sights (you can shoot with bolt-actions all day). Ergos on VZ are better - rifle feels well balanced. The only downside is the magazine. T97 is good too but 1. Quality is crapshoot - can go either way 2. Ergos are horrible - I personally could never get a liking to bull-pup design and T97 has er unconventional safety.
 
When the 958 comes out, it will be hard to justify getting a VZ58.
Click to expand...

When's that happening exactly?

With Canadian firearms: I prefer to buy what's on the shelf today rather than wait for the RCMP/CBSA/manufacturers/distributors to get all their ducks in a row.
 
So, seeing as if I buy a VZ 58 it will be a .223 I know there has been reliability issues, but the 5 year warranty is great, and I really want a .223 :) that is non restricted. Since I will be shooting factory ammo, hand-loads, or Norc surplus that is non corrosive is the non chrome lined barrel really a big deal? My thoughts are not so much. Any other opinions?
 
TV-PressPass said:
I said it before and I'll say it again:

You can dress up a Vz58 somethin pretty.

13846105353_04d1a6f331_b.jpg


The T97 is harder to swap parts out (right now) but is a great way to get into bullpups for cheap!
Click to expand...
That right there, in my opinion, is all the encouragement I would need to get a T97...That is the ugliest, most douched up Vz58 I have ever seen:puke:
 
I've played with a few VZ's and as much as I tried, I couldn't like them. Conversely, I bought the T97 because one of the Mods here is a bad influence (you know who you are) thinking it would be a kick around POS gun, but it's the best grand i've spent in a long time. Can't wait to get the next one I've ordered from Canada Ammo...
 
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