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 in fact 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 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 receiver 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, so there is virtually no chance of an empty case getting stuck in the action.
• 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-4. This reduces the number of parts and possible points of failure.

Specifications

Caliber: 7.62x39 mm
Action: Gas operated, tilting breech block
Overall length: 35.94''
Barrel length: 16.14''
Weight: with empty magazine 7.32 lbs
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
Sights: 100 to 800 meter adjustable rear, hooded front
Stock: Bakelite