So, I'm at a crossroads: I have the possible option of trading my Ruger Mini-14 for a VZ 58 in nice condition or a Bulgarian AK-74 that was built from a NoDak Spud receiver and kit. I've always wanted to own both but what with saving for a wedding; not to mention pricing out the cost of a Galil build, and starting a new job right after moving (which should actually lead to even more gun buying shenanigans in a year or so what with bonuses and all), and buying a house I can really only justify the one. Technically the AK is the better deal as it comes with a plethora of magazines and ammo and the VZ comes with a single magazine and a bayonet.
Part of the deal is value. The 6.8 has functioning 20 round Promags (trust me, it took some tweaking) piles of brass, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, it's riding in a Sparta stock but I still have the original stock and heat shield on hand, etc...and as the average Mini in 6.8 is going for around 850-1k used I think it's fair to say that the value of my rifle is somewhat higher considering the accessories, magazines, ammunition, and reloading supplies that come with it. So, I want to feel like I'm getting the right return on my investment so on the one hand I feel an AK-74 with almost 2500 rounds of ammunition, and seven spares is a better deal than a VZ with no rounds and one mag but on the other hand I could see the VZ growing in value in ten to fifteen years.
I can not say that I really favor one over the other. The CZ 58s are quite a bit lighter than the AKs though. That might tip it in their favor if I was going to be out and about with the gun a lot.
I can not say that I really favor one over the other. The CZ 58s are quite a bit lighter than the AKs though. That might tip it in their favor if I was going to be out and about with the gun a lot.
The same fellow is selling/trading both. He swears that the 74 is the smoothest shooting and accurate example that he has ever owned. On the one hand there is the weight to consider but on the other parts, magazines, and the fact that the 74 comes with enough ammo a quality side rail so that I can through a Primary Arms 1-6x on there and get well acquainted with the weapon. More of a conundrum than I had thought possible because on the other side of the coin I've shot a VZ 58 or two and they are excellent rifles.
Overall I might take a few classes with either rifle and use them as general plinkers. Overall I'm going to change out the furniture, nothing too wild or tacticool, just to lighten it up and provide an RIS for a red dot like a Primary Arms Advanced Micro or Trijicon MRO, etc...my 74 experience is limited but I was impressed by the negligible felt recoil and muzzle rise compared to even my AR.
Vz58 is a better gun IMO. Have 2 of them they have been excellent. Much lighter then an AK and lock back on last round. They have both been 100% reliable through thousands of rounds. Accuracy is about the same as an AK also.
How does the VZ balance with the side folder compared to the AK? I'd prefer a few extra ounces to trying to deal with something incredibly front heavy. I've popped a few shots off with a VZ but I have never handled them enough to make an lasting impressions as far as handling and accuracy (I'm not expecting a 2 MOA rifle) This one is rocking some janky polymer furniture and I'd also like to know about putting a plain Jane forend. I'm not much for cheese graters after having to tote around an M4 with that stupid, gains five pounds for every minute you're in the prone, why did they make my rifle weigh more quad-rail.
For a compact gun that you can put in a briefcase.
It is hard to beat the side folder CZ. And as Wilson has said, a very reliable design. Not that you hear about AKs failing much either. But guns built from parts kits I am a bit skeptical of. Unless I know who built it. My AKs are set up for more distance.
It is hard to beat the side folder CZ. And as Wilson has said, a very reliable design. Not that you hear about AKs failing much either. But guns built from parts kits I am a bit skeptical of. Unless I know who built it. My AKs are set up for more distance.
He has paperwork to show that it was built for him by a former Arsenal Employee. Otherwise I'd be 110% leery of the trade myself and I'm going to do a hands on, "look over" should I decide to trade.
I was kind of hoping to talk the guy into the VZ and an SP-01 he for the Mini with all my ammo and all 10 magazines, extra parts, etc...but sadly the SP-01 is gone (Foxtrot Mike Romeo) because I want to at least get my value out of the 6.8 (call me a stickler but I hate the idea of trading down in value, even for a solid rifle like the VZ)
Nice looking rifles. Those are beauties. I'm thinking short to medium range and something to tide me over until I can do my Galil build.
The VZ-58 is going to hold it's value or increase in value much better than the AK-74. Not only that, the VZ-58 is one of the most interesting rifles out there. Zahal has a good deal of modern accessories for the VZ or you can stick to the period correct stuff. The Century built VZ's were all good rifles with very well made receivers.
Is it a "better" rifle than the AK? Perhaps, perhaps not. But they are very fun, reasonably accurate, a VERY interesting design, and a high quality rifle. I'd take the VZ in a New York Minute.
Kodadek- I'd also go with the VZ. While the 74 is smooth and relatively mild, the ammo isn't as cheap as it used to be. So for the cost of running/feeding it, I'll take the heavier 7.62 rounds. No, there aren't as many aftermarket bells and whistles for the VZ and the mags are more expensive, but I'd still go with it.
Never buy a gun as an investment. It's like buying a car as an investment.
The VZ 58 is a surperior rifle, but AKs are better for the American consumer. For the following reasons: Magazines are much cheaper and plentiful, unlike the VZ's proprietary magazine (magpul even make 5.45 ak74 mags now!), 5.45x39 commercial ammo is every bit as cheap as 7.62x39 commercial ammo, and parts and accessories can be bought new for the event something breaks. VZ is a collectable, the AK is a using gun, for those reasons. If you do buy a VZ, stock pile magazines, and parts that are subject to wear, because the supply of them is finite, as of now. If you are really torn, I would get the VZ now, and the AK later.
if parts are finite, then go with the AK. Seems like it was built by a knowledgeable smith. A bulgarian 74 with a paper trail will hold some value as well. Just look it over carefully and see if the seller wont let you shoot a few rounds. There is plenty of cheap ammo as well (if that's a concern), just not as cheap as 7.62 though
Actually, that guy ended up pulling out at the last minute and I found an MKE HK93 clone. I'm figuring a chore stock and an m-lok handguard, a few spare mags (after I modify the Maxwell) and I'll have a really nice rifle that should hold some value.
Thanks for the input. I was going to go VZ, but I think the guy got sellers remorse and though it is lamentable, life rolls on. In a week or so I should have me a quality HK clone that I can run ragged. AR fatigue...it's a real thing.
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