Arnie's note: Please take note that in some countries the fitting of real-steel parts (even from a de-act) to an Airsoft 'marker' can, in legal terms, turn that Airsoft item into what is legally classified as a true firearm. It should also be noted that the breaking down and use of deactivated firearms for a use other than what it was originally certified for, is also illegal in some countries. I would strongly recommend that you check your laws before attempting any such similar project on your own. The VZ.58 (Rifle Model 1958), is available in 2 models (the P model, with fixed stock, and the V model, with folding stock). They have been used by the Czechoslovakian Army since their agreement with the Warsaw Pact. It is one of the very few "original" assault rifles used in the Warsaw Pact's countries (since most of those adopted the russian made AK47, then starting production of their own national-made AK copies). While this rifle can be considered similar to the AK in external appearance, the VZ58 utilizes a completely different locking principle. It is currently in service with both the Czech and Slovakian armies.
I have dreamt about this project for a few years. I started to realize the idea about two two months ago. I´m member of Airsoft team URNA Pardubice and the real Police URNA (only some of the "poorer" regional forces) sometimes have this gun instead of more common, but more expensive, H&K MP5. I wanted to install a version 3 gearbox into the real deactivated rifle and to obtain an authentic and sturdy AEG by doing this, but sadly this is not possible! The gearbox's cylinder width is more than real gun and I found more problems as well as that.
I decided to install parts from a real vz.58 onto a TM AK47 AEG. I ground down (using grinding wheel) the real gun into several parts and tried to fit them on AK-47. Of course AK had to be prepared for this. The AK's body was modified, the stock replaced with collapsible real version, the charging handle was removed and the rear sight was cut down.
The barrel is made from aluminum with real front sights mounted on it. Also the handguard and rear sight was used from the real gun. I tried to use the real parts as much as possible and I can say that was a success.
The original parts left from the AK47 in this new build are the body, gearbox, hopup, inner barrel (nabbed from a TM XM177E2) and the inner guts of an AK hicap mag. Yes, even the magazine cover is original, it was actually quite surprising how easy it fitted.
The most difficult thing was to fit and fix the metal receiver and to fit the motor into the grip. You can see the result of my efforts from the pictures. Gearbox has been upgraded with an aluminum piston head and a spring guide and bearings from Guarder, steel bearings from Classic Army and it has been fitted with a Guarder hopup rubber. I spent a lot of time in the local paint shops, as it was very difficult to find similar colour. You see, the real vz.58 has a dark grey-blue colour, not black. Finally I managed to find something very similar in a spray can version (originally intended for use on cars :-) ) It is not possible to fit a battery inside this AEG, and I hate external battery bags. So I decided to insert a large 8,4V 2000mAh battery into a second real magazine. It is camouflaged very well so you can only see the wires coming out the top. I load it with two 7.62 dummy rounds for a better look. Both magazines are then taped together.
Specs:
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Last modified: Monday, February 3, 2003 8:28 PM Copyright 2003 ArniesAirsoft
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