Our Brownells Gun Tech with the super hair AND a vast knowledge of firearms, Caleb Savant, tells us about the differences between two AK-47 variants: the Russian AKM and the Czech VZ 58. Both are Kalashnikov-type assault rifles - and that's where the similarity ends. NO parts can be interchanged between them, except for the 7.62x39 cartridge they both fire. The AKM has a stamped steel receiver with press-fit and riveted trunnions, while the Czech receiver is machined from solid steel billet. Inside, the AKM's long-stroke piston is attached to the bolt carrier assembly, so both assemblies reciprocate together. The VZ 58 has a short-stroke piston that strikes the bolt carrier, which then moves independently. The AKM is hammer fired; the VZ 58 has a striker assembly. The VZ 58 has a system to lock the bolt open on an empty mag; the stock Soviet AKM does not. When the VZ's bolt is locked open, its magazine can be reloaded from a stripper clip without removing the mag from the rifle. The totally non-interchangeable magazines do look similar... but the VZ's is made of aluminum and has a bolt hold-open notch, while the AK's was originally steel.
Which rifle is better? Both are rugged, reliable, and battle proven. Caleb likes 'em both. Do you prefer one over the other? Let us know in the comments below.
Check out Keith Ford's earlier overview of the VZ 58: • From the Vault: Czech ...
5 авг 2024
