Ceska Zbrojovka VZ58V

Description

The Vz. 58 is a Czechoslovakian assault rifle developed in 1956 and although at first glance it resembles the AK47 series of rifles and utilizes the same 7.62x39mm ammunition, that is where the similarities end. In terms of operation it far more closely resembles the world’s first ‘assault rifle’, the German Sturmgewehr (STG/MP 44), a weapon which was years ahead of its time.

The side folding stock allows the weapon to be shortened when not in use and for this reason it was the preferred weapon of Czech Special Forces/Paratroopers and tank crews.

Predominantly used by Czech forces throughout the Cold War period, this reliable weapon was also exported globally. One of the first overseas governments to receive it were the Egyptian’s, which enraged the West and helped lead the 1956 Suez Crisis. Where British and French forces would encounter the weapon for the first time.

This standard issue 58P model has a fixed wooden buttstock/pistol grip & handguard, these were all replaced with wood-impregnated plastic towards the end of its production. The 58Pi has a Night/IR sight bracket to the left side and this model, as mentioned above, has a side-folding metallic buttstock.