VZ 58 NR Vrs T97 What one would you choose?

hypa said:
I'll admit, it's a hard gun to figure out. If you have a low iq, or don't know how to control your left hand it will be a challenge to work the controls on a t97.
For this of us who don't break into tears upon having to use our left hand, it's a hell of a fun gun to shoot. Mine is a blast.

But the vz is one of the best rifles I've ever shot. I don't think the op would be upset with either choice.
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LOL. Sounds like someone is a bit testy about criticism of the T97.

onetwentyish said:
The T97 hands down as long as you put an FTU on it and a LHG.
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The FTU fixes one of the T97s shortcomings. It's still not as a low as it should be, though.
 
I went with the x39 CSA VZ58 "sporter" with adjustable stock and I couldn't be happier. I don't currently own anything in .223 so it made sense to stick to X39. Granted, I tossed on a BC Tactical handguard system for mounting options and a Magpul AFG which both came courtesy of a kind CGN'r who was switching back to wood which bumped me a little higher than the 1K I was looking to spend on it.
 
You can order a Chinese scope that fits the scope base on the rifle without an adapter.

Running cproducts mags the rifle is now flawless. Waiting for that scope to come back into stock. Love it.

The mag release is the only problem. The t95 has a proper mag release, I am hoping some ingenuous person develops an after market one we can install, or perhaps a future version of the rifle will arrive with a better one.
 
5 shots from the 58 with 3 mag changes compared to 15 shots with the 97---that is why it is more fun! your trigger finger is your safety depending on which government trained you...not knocking other opinions, just giving mine. My 58 is now a safe queen and I have 2 T97s--one with the ftu and one original.
 
Depends on the caliber.. If you wanna have some .30cal fun on the cheap, the VZ is great and the new VZ pistol mags should become available soon. For .223, I liked my T97. As for some posters' comments on the safety, wait till you try to do a match or a tactical shoot with one of those when you have to disengage and engage safety at each and every string. It adds a lot of movement and slows down your first shot time by enough to matter when competing against people who know how to shoot. Even the mag changes add precious seconds due to the mag release and the magwell that's not competition-friendly. That's why I switched from a T97 to an AR even though I loved my T97, was a blast to shoot and was very accurate for what it is.
 
I would never use a T97 in competitions. I agree that the safety is a huge downside in those situations. I believe the T97.ca LHG is going to fix both the safety and mag release issue. By the time you do the necessary mods to both guns they aren't far off each other in price.
 
My .223 CSA VZ58 arrived today from EPPS. Have to pull it apart, lube it and shoot the SH!T outta her on Friday nigh(Next time I can make the range). Big thumbs up to Ellwood Epps and the SUPER FAST service they provide!!
 
I have a couple of each rifle, and they are too different for fair comparison, without understanding the criteria to be met.

Both have fairly poor optic mounting options, except for low sitting red dot types. Both can be shot on the cheap, but corrosive demands more post shoot time. Both are fairly light, though the length of the t97 is far better. Both have poor mag release designs, but are easy to improve. Both have short radius iron sights, limiting accuracy with them. I suspect the design of the type 97 will prove to be more reliable, but only because of the changes to the VZ-58 that were made to please our masters. In it's original state, the VZ-58 design is superb. The type 97nsr fires a more accurate round, particularly outside of 300m, but stopping power suffers beyond that, without heavier pills. The 7.62x39 will smack down anything it hits, but hits are less likely beyond 300m.

At the end of the day, I would choose based on the job. Bush busting dinner getter? The Vz-58 sporter. Urban brawler? The handy, short, type97nsr. 100m Paper puncher? Type 97nsr. 50m can perforator? The Vz-58.

Buy both. Then buy a couple Vz-58 shorties.
 
I could not decide between the CSA vz58 in .223 or 7.62 so I bought them both.

I found myself enjoying the .223 more than the 7.62 and ended up selling it since I already had two 858 4Vs which are now completely useless. :mad::kickInTheNuts:

Now spring is back and I wanted a new gun. I had to choose between another VZ58 in 7.62 or the T97. I chose the T97 for it's size and the ability to use 15 round AR mags.

I'll most likely end up with another VZ58 in 7.62 soon enough though. I am looking for a chrome lined barrel version.


When in doubt, buy them all.
 
I have had both before, pick the 58.


The 97 is an awkward weapon and x39 is sooo much more fun to shoot.
 
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