I have owned, shot and built dozens of AR15 rifles, in various calibers. I had always wanted an AR in 7.62x39 Russian ... and I had also wanted one with a piston and a side folding stock. Rather than building such a specialised custom rifle, which would have cost a fortune just for the upper alone, I bought a
CSA CZ58 instead. My 58 came out of the box with Black plastic furniture and an AR 15 butt stock adapter fitted with an M4/Telescoping stock. I swapped over to an ACE Ultralight rigid butt stock instead, then eventually added a side folder adapter to the M4 telescoping stock. With the butt stock folded, this is one compact little rig.
The CZ58 is absolutely a great piece of kit ... light ... fast .... reliable ... durable. I put a Bushnell red dot on it and a compensator, and it became my favorite 0-200 yd choice. It is lighter and more compact than my Russian SKS, and the removable magazines are a big advantage for run and gun high round count scenarios. I also have a
Just Right Carbine in 9mm that takes Glock magazines, and it is a tough call as to which I like best for up close and personal scenarios. Of course the 7.62X39 Russian cartridge wins at anything past CQB ranges.
Only thing I don't like about the 58 is the safety is on the right side. An aftermarket ambi safe is available.As mentioned, adapters are available to use AR mags in both 5.56 and 7.62x39. NOTE that here in Canada, the CZ 58/VZ58 carbines are also available with 8" and 12" and 16" barrels, and the CSA brand models are available in both .223 and 7.62x39 Russian.
LAZ 1
