SGL21/31 vs. Vz. 58, which one and why?

General Firearms Other Semi-Automatic Rifles
1

Ok, guys, this will be my first venture into a 7.62x39 or 5.45x39 gun, and I’ve definitely been looking around and figuring out my options.
I’ve come to settle on either an Arsenal SGL21/31 or a Vz. 58, but I’m really not sure which one to choose, as they both have a lot going for them. Whichever one I choose, I plan to keep it simple and plain, no plans for rail systems, mounting lights, optics, or modifications. Just a normal/stock gun for some range time and to collect/own.

On one hand, the AK is classic. It works, it’s proven, there’s a lot of parts to be had for them in the U.S. from stock sets to upgrades and accessories. Magazines are cheap and readily available, and so is just about everything else for them.

For the Vz. 58 though, it generally seems to be seen as being a nicer shooter and a little more refined. People seem to agree that the accuracy is better, the ergonomics are better, it’s receiver is machined which is a little nicer, it’s overall lighter, the safety is a little more friendly and doesn’t leave a big hole in the receiver, and it has a bolt hold open. Not to mention it has a few unique features like how the trigger works.
The only down side is that there isn’t a whole lot of after market going for it, and magazines can be difficult to find, but that isn’t much of an issue for me since I won’t be swapping anything out, and I’ll likely order enough for a personal stash.

Overall, I’m definitely leaning towards the Vz. 58 as it definitely seems to be a more refined gun, but at the same time I’m having difficulty overlooking the ease of parts, magazines, and support that’s out there for the AK. I’m also interested in which one will retain it’s value better in the event of another weapons ban.

Anyone care to weigh in and persuade me towards one or the other?
Please, do elaborate in detail and really give me some solid reasons for either one.
Thanks.

2

Just a normal/stock gun for some range time and to collect/own

if this is your only purpose for purchasing, then I don’t see why you’re worried about parts, mags, and where the controls are placed. Both ak’s and vz’s have parts of all types you can purchase from the start and never worry about it again.

…or get whatever looks good.:jester:

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In my opinion, the vz is a much nicer shooter. With that being said, if it’s for range use and collectability, I’d go vz. If I could only have one or the other for serious end use, I’d go with the sgl for parts availability.

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A quality Vz58 is an excellent rifle but all things being equal I would push you towards the SGL series.

The SGL is as close as you will probably get to a REAL Russian AK47 or 74. They come from the same factory that produces them for the Russian military. Has probably one of the better or even best chrome lined barrel available in the US today. It is not a parts gun that has been reassembled and had a new barrel reinstalled since parts kits can no longer be imported with original barrels. This processes of reassembly can cause all sorts of “issues” with the rifle.

The SGL is basically the Colt 6920 of the AK world. Think about it in those terms.

The Vz is an AK variant/type and not a TRUE AK. It has several great features and attributes and should be respected for what it is and what the Czechs designed it to be. I want one myself. Parts and accessories are not rare but they certainly are not what you would call abundant like the AK. Magazines are more expensive as a general rule but when you compare a US Palm AK mag to the price of a Vz58 mag you are in the same price ballpark, however not the same in quality or reliability. Only a goofball would bet against an AK in a reliability comparison to almost any other rifle in the world.

If I was to only own one AK type rifle it would be the SGL.

I will own a Vz eventually but I already own an SGL.

Just my two cents.

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I own a few VZs, they are nice rifles and there is a large aftermarket base growing up here in Canada. I would buy the SGL first, then buy the VZ later on.

Vz’s are really nice though :stuck_out_tongue:

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Range use and collection is really what it comes down to. For serious use I have my ARs, I’m just wanting something a little exotic with some foreign flavor and unique attributes. Of course I want it to be functional, and from everything I’ve seen, both the Vz. and the SGL are more than capable of taking abuse, so that’s really a non-issue.

Good point, I do think I’ll end up getting both within the year, it’s just a matter of which one I should decide on now.

Yeah, I’m generally very interested with the 58, and because of how popular they are in Canada, I don’t see them going anywhere soon, and I can certainly see them growing and becoming more supported.

Thanks to everyone for weighing in, still looking for opinions and advice though.

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If you decide on the vz58, do yourself a favor and bypass all the clones and get one of the Czechpoint guns.

New factory receivers and hard chrome lined barrels.

Avoid Century kit builds with US barrels and receivers. They’re cheap for a reason. :suicide:

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Always look forward to hearing you weigh in on these types of guns. :smiley:
I’ve absolutely settled on the Czechpoint USA 58s when I decide to get one. I know all about Century and their shenanigans, and I wouldn’t consider for a second buying anything from them.
The real decision is just deciding which one to pick up first, as it will be a little while before I can get the other. Thoughts?
Additionally, I’ve heard rumor that saigas are not being imported anymore, is this true, and would that mean I should certainly look at the Arsenal SGL first before prices skyrocket?
Thanks.

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Well…I own several AK’s, and I own a vz58 that Troy at InRange built for me using one of the 100 Grand Power Slovakian receivers that made it into the US.

When people ask me whether they should get an AK or a vz58, my standard response is this…

If you’re going to buy ONE, then it should be an AK. If you’re going to own several, make one of them a vz58.

The support network for the Kalashnikov here in the US far outstrips anything for the vz, which is the opposite of what conditions are like up in Canada, where AK’s are on a restricted list, but vz58’s aren’t. Our cousins up in the Great White North also can buy real SIG 55x rifles and several other things we can’t get, so I wouldn’t look at what’s available up there as to continued availability down here.

The most practical choice is an AK, hands down. The “hey, that’s cool” choice would be a vz58.

I haven’t heard of the SGL series being halted. Other non Arsenal Inc. SAIGA’s might have run into some distribution issues, that’s happened in the past.

10

Once again you saved me some typing.

I own all of them. D Technik (Czech) Vz58, several SGL21s and several SGL31s.

If I had to pick ONE to keep it would be the SGL31. Between the two 7.62x39 rifles, I’d pick the SGL21.

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Thanks a ton, Templar. I’ll be going with the SGL first, and later on down the road I’ll pick up the 58 to have something a little unique and fancy.

Just out of curiosity, why would you keep the 31 over the 21?

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IMO it is a superior round.

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That’s where we’ll disagree, but not enough to get into an internet snit over…:cool:

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While I understand that the 7.62 has greater penetration capabilities and the advantages of a larger diameter round, it is also my understanding that the 5.45 round is more accurate, has a flatter trajectory and superior terminal ballistics. And that is what my opinion is based upon.

Why do you find the 7.62 to be superior?

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OP, if it were me. . .I’d opt for the SGL-21. Ammo and mags are easier to find and generally cost less too.

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I favor the 7.62x39mm over the 5.45x39mm as a general purpose round because of the wider variety of ammunition available, both foreign and domestic, as well as the penetration and much greater wounding potential, particuarly with the more modern US commercial loads.

I also think that for the ranges that a carbine is typically expected to be used at (inside of 300 yards), the ballistics of the 7.62x39mm, while not stellar, are adequate.

If I were buying ONE Kalashnikov, it would be chambered for 7.62. If I planned on two or more, then one would definitely be chambered in 5.45mm.

The 5.45x39mm is a cartridge that is subject to the whims of importation to a much greater extent than it’s bigger brother is. Surplus is cheap NOW, but it won’t be forever.

Don’t take all this to mean I’m a 5.45mm hater, I’m not. It’s a neat little round with very low recoil and flatter trajectory than 7.62x39mm, but it wouldn’t be my choice as an owner of a single carbine only.

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Hornady makes it.

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But the world is sitting on millions of rounds of 5.45 that will eventually be surplused. I see 5.45 being around a long time, even if it is not as cheap as it once was.

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It can’t come straight out of Russia though, it has to have been sitting in a secondary country for at least 5 years.

That’s how all the Russian 5.45mm is coming in now, it’s been sitting in Bulgaria all these years.

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5.45 has been in use in Russia for a very long time, since 1979, I think.

Just because there are many milions of rounds of it does not mean there will always be a supply imported into the US.
Remember super cheap 7.62x39 from China? Gone never to be seen again. 5.45 could go the same way.

Sure 7.62x39 surplus could go the same way but there are more domestic manufactures of it then there are of 5.45 currently.

With the increase in popularity of the caliber eventually more manufacturers may start to produce it like Hornady has. When that happens it will no longer be super cheap like the surplus stuff.