Sa vz. 58
Ceska Zbrojovka Uhersky Brod (CZUB) · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1958
Also known as: Samopal vzor 58, vz. 58P, vz. 58V, CZ 858
Overview
The Sa vz. 58 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, produced by Ceska Zbrojovka Uhersky Brod (CZUB) since 1958.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2910 g (102.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 845 mm (33.27") |
| Folded Length | 635 mm (25.00") |
| Barrel Length | 390 mm (15.35") |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Width | 45 mm (1.77") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 705 m/s (2313 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1982 J (1462 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 800 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62mm Soviet, 7.62x39mm M43
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Tilting Breechblock, Select Fire, Stripper Clip Guide, Milled Receiver, Integral Bayonet Optional, Lightweight Design, Non Ak Internals
Variants
- vz. 58P — Fixed Stock
- vz. 58V — Folding Stock
- CZ 858 Tactical — Modernized
Service history
Operators
- Czechoslovak People's Army · adopted 1958
- Czech Armed Forces · adopted 1993
- Slovak Armed Forces · adopted 1993
- Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces · as vz. 58
- Ethiopian Armed Forces · as vz. 58
- Indian Security Forces · as vz. 58
Conflicts
- Prague Spring (1968-1968)
- Ogaden War (1977-1978)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
Production
Estimated total produced: 920,000 · Production years: 1959-1984
Approximately 920,000 manufactured at Ceska Zbrojovka between 1959 and 1984
Origin
Country of origin: CS
Designer: Jiri Cermak
Discontinued: 1984
Notes
Despite appearances, the vz. 58 shares no parts with the AK-47 - not even magazines, which use a different locking mechanism. Czechoslovakia's advanced domestic firearms industry allowed them to develop an independent design rather than simply license-produce the AK as other Warsaw Pact nations did. The short-stroke gas piston and tilting breechblock make the action lighter and faster-cycling than the AK, contributing to both the higher rate of fire and reduced weight. The vz. 58P (pevna, fixed stock) and vz. 58V (vyklopna, folding stock) are the two primary military variants. Still in Czech and Slovak reserve service, with modernized CZ 858 Tactical variants featuring polymer furniture and Picatinny rails available commercially. Very popular on the Canadian civilian market. The rifle can also be loaded using SKS-type stripper clips through an open bolt.
Background
Despite looking nearly identical to an AK-47, the vz. 58 shares literally zero parts with it -- not even the magazines. Czechoslovakia's advanced domestic arms industry allowed them to independently design a superior weapon rather than simply license-produce the AK as other Warsaw Pact nations did. At 2.91 kg empty, it is nearly a full kilogram lighter than the AKM.