The Czech VZ58 rifle, also known as the VZ 58, was introduced into military service in the late 1950s. It is often compared to the AK-47 due to its external appearance. The VZ 58 was developed independently in Czechoslovakia and has several design differences compared to the AK-47.
While both rifles use the same 7.62x39mm cartridge, the VZ 58 and the AK-47/AKM series do not have interchangeable parts. The VZ 58 has a different operating system known as a short-stroke gas piston system, which differs from the long-stroke piston system used in the AK-47. The VZ 58 also features a lightweight milled receiver, which contributes to its overall lighter weight compared to the AK-47.
