To VZ-52 or not to VZ-52:

tallen702 · Jan 25, 2020

I've always liked the inter-period weapons just post-war. The FN-49, AG-42, MAS49, and other short-lived semi-autos are like kryptonie to my bank account.

I can easily pick up a Czech VZ-52 rifle in original 7.62x45 chambering and no rhino-lining to worry about on the stock. But the price is steep, $700.

Pros:
Online dealer that I've not had issues with in the past
Ability to use CC to make it less harsh on the wallet up front

Cons:
Price is likely steep? But I'm not sure
Ammo availability can be sketchy, it's all corrosive surplus, and expensive at between $0.50 and $0.66/rnd

Thoughts?

somd_mustangs · Jan 25, 2020

you never pay too much, just too early

If it hasn't been monkeyed with then it should always be in demand in the future IMHO.

But I'm not the best to give advice on restraint...

Jimbob2.0 · Jan 25, 2020

Buy once cry once. Not sure these will ever escalate but we have all spent way too much time pondering a purchase, probably more time than the difference between it and hunting for a bargain (though that is sometimes fun). If its a trusted seller that helps.

shershot99 · Jan 25, 2020

Saw those too. I do believe they are overpriced as well and ammo is not good but we all know what the surplus market is. Someone, a lot of someone’s are gonna pay that price and they will be gone. I’m still thinking about it myself. I am leaning towards no but mostly because I have a chance to grab a yugo sks for about 300 so I’m doing that first.

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Combloc · Jan 25, 2020

Spend the extra money and buy a VZ52/57 in 7.62x39. Yes, you will pay a premium but you can shoot a common round in the loading of your choosing and value will continue to rise (and at a quicker rate than the 7.62x45 version).

They are fine rifles and pleasant shooters. Comparing it to an SKS is like comparing a Honda Accord to a Ford pinto. Both work but one just does it sooo much better. As a caveat to that statement, the SKS is definitely the better rifle for war but we're only going to the range. In that context, the Czechnology in the VZ52 wins in every category every time.

Brickman301 · Jan 25, 2020

Combloc said:
Spend the extra money and buy a VZ52/57 in 7.62x39. Yes, you will pay a premium but you can shoot a common round in the loading of your choosing and value will continue to rise (and at a quicker rate than the 7.62x45 version).

They are fine rifles and pleasant shooters. Comparing it to an SKS is like comparing a Honda Accord to a Ford pinto. But work but one just does is sooo much better. As a caveat to that statement, the SKS is definitely the better rifle for war but we're only going to the range. In that context, the Czechnology in the VZ52 wins in every category every time.

This! Pick one up in 7.62x39. Cheap easy to find ammo, and if you decide to sell it, it’s a easier sell.

If you’re into these” Transitional rifles” look into a Egyptian Hakim. LOTS OF FUN! Everyone at the range will wonder what you are shooting, and you will draw a crowd. 8mm Mauser with no recoil, due to the weight of this full sized battle rife, and easily the loudest rifle I own.

Rebel59 · Jan 25, 2020

I have a beauty in 7.62 x45 I'll let go for $700. and I'll throw in some ammo in to sweeten the deal. I'll be at Frederick Sunday, if interested let me know and I'll bring it along.

shershot99 · Jan 25, 2020

Brickman301 said:
This! Pick one up in 7.62x39. Cheap easy to find ammo, and if you decide to sell it, it’s a easier sell.

If you’re into these” Transitional rifles” look into a Egyptian Hakim. LOTS OF FUN! Everyone at the range will wonder what you are shooting, and you will draw a crowd. 8mm Mauser with no recoil, due to the weight of this full sized battle rife, and easily the loudest rifle I own.

Heard great stuff about the Hakim, haven’t been able to find one. Need to get that on the list.

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smdub · Jan 25, 2020

I have a 52 and 52/57. Very cool rifles. $700 seems really steep. Looking at gunbroker there are finished auctions for well less. Could get a similar deal if you keep your eyes peeled (or setup a search).

You are right on the ammo. I bought a crate a little over a year ago and it was $0.50/Rd delivered. They still have it:
https://www.outdoorlimited.com/rifl...87&search_text=&per_row=20&sortBy=8&mode=list
If you buy the rifle, might as well stock up on ammo. They;re never going to make it again

If you get reloading dies, there are a couple different cases you can cut/reform to make work so can always shoot it even once the surplus runs out. FWIW, The 52 breaks down super easy for cleaning so corossive ammo is no big deal.

A decent 52/57 is going to run at LEAST $1200 and they seem to be going up fast. But you'll save that difference after just a crate of two of ammo so maybe worth splurging for.

x2 the Hakim is also a cool rifle. I too am drawn to the ultimate and penultimate semiauto rifles before the world went select fire.

Biggfoot44 · Jan 26, 2020

Damn ! I though I was reasonably knowledgeable on this category , but the Vz 52 , 52/57 had escaped my radar , and now I want one .

In the universe of shooter milsurps , the sequence should be approached in the reverse . Pounce on the stacks of decent quality surplus ammo first , then find the gun to use it .

Cruacious · Jan 26, 2020

Biggfoot44 said:
Damn ! I though I was reasonably knowledgeable on this category , but the Vz 52 , 52/57 had escaped my radar , and now I want one .

In the universe of shooter milsurps , the sequence should be approached in the reverse . Pounce on the stacks of decent quality surplus ammo first , then find the gun to use it .

The problem is 7.62x45mm is very scarce, very corrosive, and to the best of my knowledge not produced anywhere. This is why most Vz.52 rifles languish the same as french 1935 pistols did for quite some time: Lack of Ammo. If there was a decent supply of non-corrosive ammo I would pick one up again. But, since there is not, I shall not.

Side note: I did fire one. It was already shot out. However, the recoil is pleasant with the 7.62x45. I'm honestly tempted to get a receiver and make a project out of fitting it for 7.62x39 myself if it's cheaper than the Vz.52/57 by enough.

mawkie · Jan 26, 2020

$700 seems a bit steep in IMHO. But you know me, I'm cheap and willing to pass up lots of decent examples to get that unicorn combination of what I want for what I want to pay. Sometimes life is too short to play that game.
This is one of those items where you gotta kiss a lotta frogs to find the prince. So many of the Century imports are rough and not worth nearly as much. Occasionally you can find one of the Grenada bring-backs (see my older thread). They're out there and all that I've seen are in VG to excellent condition.
But if this one tugs on your heart strings and it's a bucket list item then you could do worse.

Rebel59 · Jan 26, 2020

Perfect example......LOL. You guys need a new hobby :rolleyes:

tallen702 · Feb 7, 2020

For anyone interested, Classic just dropped the price on the 7.62x45 version by $200 today. (now $499)

If I hadn't just ordered a M98/48 from OWS, I'd have jumped on it. Who knows, maybe they'll still be too expensive for most and hang around a bit longer.

mawkie · Feb 9, 2020

Speaking of the VZ52, ammo I snagged back in Dec. finally arrived along with 1200 rounds of primed 7.5mm French brass. Good thing I snagged the ammo and brass so cheap because shipping certainly wasn't!

asdaven · Mar 31, 2020

Im contemplating a VZ52 as well. Classic Firearms has had them but not VZ52/57s. VZ52/57 models are hard to come by. VZ52s are much more common. But then the 7.62x45 ammo is hard to come by. 7.62x45 seems like a cool round being more powerful than 7.62x39.

Does anybody think any of the ammo manufactures will start producing this round? I know Prvi Partizen makes a lot of the obsolete calibers in new production ammo INCLUDING 7.92 Kurz for the STG 44. Then calibers line the Carcano and others. Surprised they wouldnt pick this up. Hate to rely on a surplus ammo stockpile for ammo. Once thats gone then you cant buy the ammo. Unless you reload it. And with a semi-automatic rifle you are going to go through a lot more ammo than a bolt-action.

mawkie · Apr 1, 2020

-Wish I had a fully functional crystal ball. Who knows if anyone will pick up this cartridge. There's always hope. Those of us with French 1935a and 1935s pistols kept hearing rumors that Starline was going to produce brass for the French 7.65 Longue cartridge. But after a dozen years of this I personally gave up hope. Then another collector opened his wallet and gave Starline a cash infusion to jump-start the project. Now we can shoot those sweet little autos. Can only pray that the cool VZ52 gets some loving from a brass or ammo manufacturer as well.

To VZ-52 or not to VZ-52:

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