EDITOR’S NOTE: This post is part of the tour of Europe the Guns For Sale team did earlier this year in conjunction with the IWA 2011 show. More behind-the-scenes footage from the CZ plant is available here: CZ.

The CZ Collection Room is a very cool place, and although there were many interesting and unique firearms in the room, I was drawn to one in the back corner: a Vz-58. Naturally, this example was select fire, and representative of the Vz-58s used by the Czech military, among other organizations. Variants of this rifle are still produced at the CZ factory, which we were able to see – but, unfortunately, not take video of.

I’ve bought both Czech-made Vz-58s and Russian-made AKs, and while I do like the AK, I prefer the Vz. If you’re considering the purchase of an AK, take a second to look at the Vz-58. I’m sure some of my comments in the video might upset the AK faithful, but I hope that most of them have a soft spot in their hearts for the Vz like I do – and I’m an AR-15 guy.

One thing I didn’t mention in the video is that I have found the finish of the Vz-58 to be more rust resistant and durable than even quality, Russian-made AK finishes.