Ace side folder opinions... VZ-58

General Firearms Other Semi-Automatic Rifles
1

Just thought I’d run this idea on here, since I’ve had little to no experience with side folders.

I recently picked up a Czechpoint VZ-58, and I’ve been looking at putting an AR stock adapter on it, and running a Magpul CTR. It would give me commonalty and familiarity with my AR, as it is what I have on that rifle.

In my research, I ran across Ace stocks, and starting thinking about a side folder. One thing that I’m hestitant about, is the possible lack of rigidity in a folder. I want something that will give me the versatility of a folder, without moving away from the solid feel of a fixed stock.

What’s the skinny on Ace stocks? I found an adapter that I can run on a VZ, which allows mounting of an Ace. Although I’ve seen VZ rifles with an Ace skeleton stock, like this one…

When they are folded, the stock seems to crowd the controls of the rifle. It would likely have to be a left side folder, to keep it away from blocking the safety, anyhow.

After looking at the different options Ace has available, I’m seriosly considering one of these two stocks. They have the main upper stock tube, but without the smaller support tube…

I’m thinking it’ll make for a simpler, less obstructed folded stock.

Any thoughts? Lay it on me!

PS- I picked up a Robinson XCR at a gunshop today, and was very impressed by the quality of its folding mechanism… looks very much like the pics I’ve seen of Ace folders. Is it an Ace? I’d like to hear feedback on ace quality if not. I really don’t want to end up with a Tapco-esque piece on this gun.:nono:

2

I have an ACE folder on my AK, and I’m very happy with it. It hasn’t seen any really hard use yet, but they’ve been around for a while and they have a good reputation for quality. (customer service, not so much)

The hinge can be installed to fold to either side as you like. I’m not interested in firing with the stock folded, plus I have a side-rail that I plan to make use of, so mine folds to the right.

With the increase in popularity of AKs and Saigas, ACE stocks are popular enough that other companies are making compatible parts. You can get compatible hinges from Stormwerkz (sp?), and compatible stocks from several sources.

The stocks I’ve seen that are intended to mount to ACE-compatible blocks and hinges are all aluminum, milled from a single piece. So if you’re hesitant about the plastic upper tube, try one of those. Although I have to say I haven’t seen an ACE upper tube break yet.

The other ACE stocks you showed are intended for AR carbines, the larger tube is for the buffer & spring. They will fit fine on the hinge with an adapter, but I went with the skeleton style to minimize bulk. The one in the first pic is adjustable for length, if that means anything to you.

3

I actually prefer the ACE skeleton stock over the two stocks like the one in the first picture, makes it look proportional. Being a lefty, left side folded would be ideal.

If I were to convert a vz58 fix stock to a side folding similar to the one pictured what parts do I need?

ACE (AKFX-FS) side folding skeleton stock and storwerkz vz58 adapter
OR
ACE skeleton stock (AKFX), stormwerkz stock folding mechanism and stormwerkz adapter?

4

The ACE AKFX-FS folding stock is just a bundled package of the stock and the hinge.

You need the stock, the hinge, and the vz58 adapter. Any mix of ACE/Stormwerkz will do.

5

Yup, exactly. I just got off the phone with Tim at Ace, and their skeleton stock mountin is the same as their side folder mounting. Essentially, you need a VZ receiver adapter from Stormwerkz, since Ace doesn’t make one, and you can either mount the Ace folder to it, then the stock, or you can mount a Storwerkz side folder, then the Ace stock.

Since all the mounting is the same, you can collect the parts any way you like. Personally, I think I’ll go with the Ace folder and stock. If I end up trying the Ultra light modular stock(the one in the last pic.), and want to switch to the standard skeleton stock later… all I have to do, is buy the skeleton stock for $65, as the Stormwerkz adapter and Ace side folder will be compatable.

Still wondering if anyone has any experience with the durability of the Ace stocks? I don’t need something I can trash, but if things get rough, I want it to hold up. Any thoughts?

6

I use the skeleton stock you shared and the Stormwerkz hinge on my AK. Great piece of kit.

7

Does anyone have experienc with both the Stormwerks hinge and the Ace hinge, and can compare the two?

Also, Ace offers two different styles of hing… a push button hinge, and a lift and swing hinge. Any preference one way or another?

8

I recommend lift and swing. Push button adds complexity to a device where it really isn’t needed IMO. I personally feel the Stormwerkz is built better. They are both functionally the same. Stormwerkz also sells two different adapters for the VZ58, traditional angle and a straight adapter. I plan on using the straight when I purchase a VZ58.

9

I am going to try this also… the ace looks great

10

From Barfcom
Hey guys,
This is more of an FYI for people contemplating cutting off their tang.
Cut the tang off my Saiga 7.62 in the hopes of using an ACE sidefolder setup which I heard was rock solid.

I bought the Ace A500PB with the pushbutton. Almost $100 from Midway. As soon as I got it, I thought it was a tiny bit sloppy, but thought it a compromise since it was a folder.

The design looked flawed and had an adjustment screw that corrected the slop.
Well, over time it appears that the hardened set screw has warn it’s way …056" of the way deep into the other side of the folder. I keep adjusting it, but now the stock is 20 degrees off when the stock is in the shouldered position. I’m disappointed, but knowing that it’s a US gun part, the manufacturer will stand by it.

So I email Ace last Wednesday. I include a model number and Tim’s secretary emails me back the following day asking me some qualifying questions about the folder. I answer her questions within minutes of receiving the email, but don’t get a response until the next day. Once again I get an email from Tiffany stating that the model is defective and they have a newer version. She doesn’t tell me if they will replace it or anything else. That response was Thursday. I emailed her back immediately asking if they would replace it and no email as of yet.

First couple of posters were right, Tim (boss) was out of town. Man, I’m really impatient .

Kind of disappointed in the part and even more disappointed that is has been 3 business days of correspondence and I don’t know if they cover it or not. I almost feel like returning it to Midway, even though I bought it a year ago. I might want to have the tang re-welded back on. I don’t want to deal with this crap anymore.

I want to vent to you guys and set up some info on the web for other guys before they cut off their tang to put on one of the few options out there for a sidefolder.

I’ll keep you posted if they rectify the situation.

**************** UPDATE ***************************
Email from Tiffany to me:
“Thank you for your prompt reply. Unfortunately with it being a year and a half since you purchased the folding stock mechanism we will not be able pay for the shipping to us or the shipping back to you. In most cases if it has been over 30 days since you purchased the product we will not exchange it, unless it is a warranty issue. The mailing address you will need to send the FSM-PB to is:”

I think that this is absolute garbage. This piece of crap was $100 bucks and now I have to spend $15 to get a new one, that’ll probably be a piece of crap after a year, too.
I’m going to send it back to Midway for credit on my account. Unbelievable.