The Gun Counter

By request from Denis, a Vz-58 build.

Step (1) -- press barrel out of receiver stub.

Step 1a -- remove top and lower handguards and piston. Note the pin holding lower handguard in place.

Step 1b -- for the press arbor, I chose to use a 3/8" extension with suitably sized socket. Unfortunately, the locking lugs get in the way so they have to go.

Step 1c -- interference free path for arbor. Don't forget the barrel pin.

Step 1d -- now we press the barrel out. A 12 ton press did just fine.

Step 2 -- Since barrel is shorter than required 16", we must permanently affix a barrel extension. I chose a Slovakian muzzle brake and silver brazed it on. (photos to follow)
Step 3 -- A friction/interference fit is needed between barrel and receiver ... the recommendation is that the barrel shank is 0.0005" larger in diameter than the ID of the receiver. Unfortunately, mine is the other way. One can extensively stipple the barrel shank to raise the metal surface using a dead-blow hammer against a mill file, or a straight hand knurler on the barrel shank to raise the metal surface. I'll show both (photos to follow)
Step 4 -- when correct interference fit is achieved, pound barrel into receiver about 1/4" using a mallet and correctly time the barrel -- I will use a length of fishing string from front sight post to rear of receiver, passing thru rear sight, and visually aligning. (photos to follow)

Stay tuned.

Wow! Thanks, Felix.

A silly question - do I understand correctly that you can buy a Vz58 that has been de-milled by chopping the receiver? Is it otherwise complete? Where do you get the replacement receiver - are those US made?

Denis wrote:Wow! Thanks, Felix.

A silly question - do I understand correctly that you can buy a Vz58 that has been de-milled by chopping the receiver? Is it otherwise complete? Where do you get the replacement receiver - are those US made?

Yup. Complete parts kits, less receiver. Of course, I/we/Americans have to make it "compliant" by replacing the expected number of parts with US made counterparts.

You can still get ORF (US made) receivers from Assault Weapons of Ohio. Czechpoint-USA also carries D-Technik receivers.

Step 3 -- A friction/interference fit is needed between barrel and receiver ... the recommendation is that the barrel shank is 0.0005" larger in diameter than the ID of the receiver. Unfortunately, mine is the other way. One can extensively stipple the barrel shank to raise the metal surface using a dead-blow hammer against a mill file, or a straight hand knurler on the barrel shank to raise the metal surface. The former yields inconsistent results since it requires consistent turning of the barrel while pounding it. The latter yields better results and is far easier to perform too.

Also, before getting ready to press the barrel into the receiver, make sure you insert (after appropriate fitting for your receiver) the piston stop (the little crescent shaped piece that slips into the crescent shaped slot on the upper side of the barrel hole in the receiver) ... life will be much tougher for you if you forget and find need to press the barrel back out of the receiver.

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