October 2007

The Czech SA Vz. 58 service rifle is now available from CZ-USA in 2 semi-automatic only versions, the VZ 58 Tactical Sporter, and the VZ 58 Military Sporter. 

The Sa vz. 58 was developed by Ing. Jiří Čermák in 1956 and 1957, adopted by the Czechoslovakian army in 1958. and was produced by Česká Zbrojovka in Uherský Brod, Czechoslovakia until 1983.  Approximately one million Sa vz. 58 rifles were produced during it’s 20 year production run. As of 2007, it is still the standard issue service rifle in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The new Tactical and Military Sporter models are manufactured by combining original Sa vz. 58 components with a new semi-auto only milled receiver, a new trigger mechanism and new fire control parts.

While the appearance of the VZ 58 looks similar to the AK-47, it was inspired by the German StG 44 and initial development was actually based on  the 7.92 x 33.  Mechanically, the VZ 58 is completely different from the AK-47, and no parts including magazines are interchangeable. 

Differences between the VZ 58 Sporter and the AK-47 

• The VZ 58 has a milled receiver, the AK-47 is stamped.
• Even with the milled receiver it is almost one pound lighter than a stamped AK-47.
• The bolt of the VZ 58 stays open after the last round in the magazine has been fired.
• The VZ 58 has a more natural point of aim and is faster handling.
• The safety is more ergonomic making a faster first shot possible with the VZ 58.
• The ejection port is HUGE. There is no chance of an empty case getting stuck in the action of the VZ 58.
• The VZ 58 gas piston can be removed or exchanged without tools.
• The alloy magazine of the VZ 58 is half the weight of the steel AK-47 magazine.  (.42 lb. vs. .84 lb.)
• VZ 58 is easier to field strip.
• The VZ 58 is striker fired unlike the hammer fired AK-47. This reduces the number of parts and possible points of failure.

Each Rifle is provided with the following accessories:

• One 30 round magazine
• Cleaning kit
• VZ. 58 Sporter owner’s manual and history on CD

Specifications:

Caliber: 7.62x39 mm
Action: Gas operated, tilting breech block
Overall length: 913 mm / 35.94”
Barrel length: 410 mm / 16.14”
Weight: with empty magazine 3.32 kg / 7.32 lbs
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
Sights:100 to 800 meter adjustable rear, hooded front
Stock:  Zytel Stock (Tactical Sporter), Wood-impregnated plastic (Military Sporter)

05051 - VZ 58 Tactical Sporter Hi Cap cal. 7,62x39, zytel stock
Retail price: $990.00

05050 - VZ 58 Military Sporter cal. 7,62x39, hi cap, original stock
Retail price: $970.00

15002 - VZ 58 30 rd magazine
Retail price: $39.00