Type 81

Hitzy said:
I agree on the folders, the T81 folder is a bit of an eyesore. VZ looks better there.
The fixed T81 looks better then the fixed VZ58's.
I would have liked the darker stocks on these, and parkerized instead of blued. Parkerizing hides the metal flaws better lol.
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FWIW, I never found the VZ58 folder a very good stock. It's like it was not meant to ever be used, except in the folded position. Terrible cheek weld geometry, uncomfortable, etc. I can only imagine shooting with it in full auto - ouch!

If the T81 folder is the same as the Type 84S AK folder, as many claim, it will be ergonomically far superior to the 23 year older VZ design.
 
To each their own I suppose. I personally prefer the look of the folders (although the fixed does look way better than I originally imagined and I will most likely buy one second import) and I definitely prefer blued over parkerized. I'm very happy with the finish from what I've seen from those who have received them. The only thing that triggers my ocd is the shoddy wood notching.
 
DILLIGAF said:
My wife keeps saying to me that if I didnt have this hobby, I could be home more often instead of out working...lol...

I might have a spending problem...lol...
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I dont look at it as a spending problem.... i like to look at it as my way of contributing to society... by keeping firearms in safe hands!!
 
cr5 said:
Not sure what in the kit is supposed to be the sight tool, I had an adjustment tool from years ago when I had my first SKS, the one with the elevation adjuster and the little C press to push the front pin over.
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My cleaning kit had 4 pieces in it. There would not be room for the front sight tool in the kit (elevation only) and what looks like the handle for the sight tool. No biggie.

On a side note, the owners manual gets full points for Canadian content. It explains ACTS and PROVE. No mention of the operator enjoying better annihilating firepower though.
 
Claven2 said:
FWIW, I never found the VZ58 folder a very good stock. It's like it was not meant to ever be used, except in the folded position. Terrible cheek weld geometry, uncomfortable, etc. I can only imagine shooting with it in full auto - ouch!

If the T81 folder is the same as the Type 84S AK folder, as many claim, it will be ergonomically far superior to the 23 year older VZ design.
Click to expand...

We were discussing looks only...
The VZ58 folder is pretty useless to actually use... hated mine. The fixed stock shape is really odd, and I've never seen anything even remotely similar.
The overall design is robust however, and reliable with a long life expectancy. Decent guns overall.
I was out shooting a far superior rifle to the AK/T81/VZ58 last weekend though. It was designed in 1956 BTW, and it's still in service all over the world today. Newer doesn't always mean better.... it's outlasted those 3 rifles which have been dumped by all the major Army's they were issued to already lol.
 
Technically, the T81 has not been "dumped" - Poly is still making them for the PLA and they remain in use for some roles. Similarly, the Russians still issue the AKM and AK74, despite newer models being produced. Granted, both the Chinese and Russians have updated many of the guns in service with things like more modern furniture, rail systems, etc.

As for the AR, there are arguably better guns out there now (for example, the HK416, the Bushmaster ACR, HKG36C, the FN SCAR...) but armies are reticent to switch horses for marginally better performance given the acquisition cost, training, logistics, manuals, vehicle racks, etc. that would have to be changed as a result.

How many M16/M4 replacement competitions has the US Army run now? I've kinda lost count, though none of them have yet warranted the expense to change rifles on a grand scale.

That's likely also why China and Russia still use the T81 and AKM respectively.
 
I always thought that with our OAL and Barrel Length laws, folders didn't make much practical sense. It took me far too long to cover my XCR's to AR stocks.
 
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Claven2 said:
Technically, the T81 has not been "dumped" - Poly is still making them for the PLA and they remain in use for some roles. Similarly, the Russians still issue the AKM and AK74, despite newer models being produced. Granted, both the Chinese and Russians have updated many of the guns in service with things like more modern furniture, rail systems, etc.

As for the AR, there are arguably better guns out there now (for example, the HK416, the Bushmaster ACR, HKG36C, the FN SCAR...) but armies are reticent to switch horses for marginally better performance given the acquisition cost, training, logistics, manuals, vehicle racks, etc. that would have to be changed as a result.

How many M16/M4 replacement competitions has the US Army run now? I've kinda lost count, though none of them have yet warranted the expense to change rifles on a grand scale.

That's likely also why China and Russia still use the T81 and AKM respectively.
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Stuck with the M16/M4 till the phased plasma rifle rifle in the 40 watt range is perfected.
 
Bulriver said:
My cleaning kit had 4 pieces in it. There would not be room for the front sight tool in the kit (elevation only) and what looks like the handle for the sight tool. No biggie.

On a side note, the owners manual gets full points for Canadian content. It explains ACTS and PROVE. No mention of the operator enjoying better annihilating firepower though.
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Oh that's a downer I was looking forward to a hilarious manual about enjoying better annihilating firepower :(
 
Claven2 said:
FWIW, I never found the VZ58 folder a very good stock. It's like it was not meant to ever be used, except in the folded position. Terrible cheek weld geometry, uncomfortable, etc. I can only imagine shooting with it in full auto - ouch!
Click to expand...

Hitzy said:
We were discussing looks only...
The VZ58 folder is pretty useless to actually use... hated mine.
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I actually don't mind the Vz58 folder and prefer it to the fixed. I actually shoot better with it. Perhaps it's my cheek bone shape... or, I'm not big wussy who is worried about my "comfort" when shooting a gun. :p
 
I'm still waiting for comparison videos and reviews. Vz58 vs. Type-81.

Bench accuracy - ?
Practical accuracy - ?
Reliability - ?
Handling - ?
Ergonomics - Vz wins that one
Rate of fire - Vz again

The Vz is a bit more "compact" in the NR format. Same barrel length but the Vz has a shorter receiver.

Both are a pain to mount optics on. The Vz might have the edge right now, but I'm sure M14.ca will be on that right quick.
 
BeaverMeat said:
I'm still waiting for comparison videos and reviews. Vz58 vs. Type-81.

Bench accuracy - ?
Practical accuracy - ?
Reliability - ?
Handling - ?
Ergonomics - Vz wins that one
Rate of fire - Vz again

The Vz is a bit more "compact" in the NR format. Same barrel length but the Vz has a shorter receiver.

Both are a pain to mount optics on. The Vz might have the edge right now, but I'm sure M14.ca will be on that right quick.
Click to expand...

To be fair, the T81 kicks the Vz's *ss in the "holy sh*t, that guy's got an AK" department
 
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