i wish IA could have bought much more thouusands of vz58s coz apart from all the good aspects of a kalashnikov it has the following advantages;
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.
Specifications:
Caliber: 7.62x39mmAction: Gas operated, tilting breach 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
The only disadvantages of vz58 are they are slightly difficult to control in full auto than akms and service life of VZs are 30-40 years as that of an AK is approximately 50 years.