View source for Vz. 58

{{Short description|Czechoslovak rifle}}
{{lowercase title}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = vz. 58
| image              = Sa 58-JH01.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = The vz. 58 P (with [[buttstock|stock, pistol grip, and handguards]]; [[Sling (firearms)|and sling]]).
| origin             = [[Czechoslovak Socialist Republic|Czechoslovakia]]
| type               = [[Assault rifle]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = Yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 1959–present
| used_by            = See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
| wars               = {{plainlist|
*[[Vietnam War]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://zpravy.ihned.cz/cesko/c1-55205450-vondra-si-ve-vietnamu-prohlizel-valecnou-korist-je-to-nejake-zrezivele-rekl-tise-general-picek |title=Vondra si ve Vietnamu prohlížel válečnou kořist. Je to nějaké zrezivělé, řekl tiše generál Picek &#124; zpravy.ihned.cz - Česko |publisher=zpravy.ihned.cz |language=cs |date=2012-03-28 |access-date=2012-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619031518/http://zpravy.ihned.cz/cesko/c1-55205450-vondra-si-ve-vietnamu-prohlizel-valecnou-korist-je-to-nejake-zrezivele-rekl-tise-general-picek |archive-date=2012-06-19 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[Laotian Civil War]]
*[[Cambodian Civil War]]
*[[Nigerian Civil War]]
*[[Communist rebellion in the Philippines]]<ref name=steady>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/though-greatly-weakened-philippine-communist-insurgency-holds-steady/|title=Though Greatly Weakened, Philippine Communist Insurgency Holds Steady|date=6 April 2015|publisher=World Politics Review|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230714190729/https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/though-greatly-weakened-philippine-communist-insurgency-holds-steady/?one-time-read-code=32906168936335982477|archive-date=14 July 2023|access-date=1 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Cypriot intercommunal violence|Cyprus conflicts]]
*[[Lebanese Civil War]]
*[[Cambodian-Vietnamese War]]
*[[Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present)]]
*[[The Troubles]]
*[[South African Border War]]
*[[Eritrean War of Independence]]<ref name="mcnab2002">{{cite book |last=McNab |first=Chris|title=20th Century Military Uniforms |date=2002 |edition=2nd |publisher=Grange Books |location=Kent |isbn=1-84013-476-3|page=63}}</ref>
*[[Gulf War]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Armies of the Gulf War|author=Gordon L. Rottman|page=58|year=1993|publisher=Bloomsbury USA |isbn=1855322773}}</ref>
*[[Burundian Civil War]]
*[[Kosovo War]]
*[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)]]
*[[Iraq War]]<ref name ='SAS 2012 10'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2012/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2012-Chapter-10-EN.pdf|chapter=Surveying the Battlefield: Illicit Arms In Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia|title=Small Arms Survey 2012: Moving Targets|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2012|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|page=321|isbn=978-0-521-19714-4|access-date=2018-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831002411/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html|archive-date=2018-08-31|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Kivu Conflict]]
*[[First Libyan Civil War]]
*[[Syrian Civil War]]
*[[War in Iraq (2013–2017)]]
*[[Russian invasion of Ukraine]]<ref name="auto1">{{Cite news |title=Ukrajina není sama! Česko pošle zbraně za 188 milionů, oznámilo ministerstvo |url=https://tn.nova.cz/zpravodajstvi/clanek/455824-ukrajina-neni-sama-z-polska-dorazil-konvoj-s-vyzbroji |work=Nova |language=cs |trans-title=Ukraine is not alone! The Czech Republic will send arms worth 188 million, the ministry said |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307055242/https://tn.nova.cz/zpravodajstvi/clanek/455824-ukrajina-neni-sama-z-polska-dorazil-konvoj-s-vyzbroji |archive-date=2022-03-07}}</ref>}}
<!-- Production history -->| designer           = Jiří Čermák
| design_date        = 1956–1958
| manufacturer       = [[Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod]]
| production_date    = 1959–1984
| number             = Approx. 920,000
| variants           = See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]''
<!-- General specifications -->| weight             = {{convert|2.91|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}}
| length             = {{plainlist|
*vz. 58 P: {{convert|845|mm|in|abbr=on}}
*vz. 58 V {{convert|845|mm|abbr=on|1}} stock extended / {{convert|636|mm|abbr=on|1}} stock folded
*{{convert|1000|mm|abbr=on|1}} with [[bayonet]] fixed}}
| part_length        = {{convert|390|mm|abbr=on|1}}
| width              = {{plainlist|
*{{convert|57|mm|abbr=on|1}} stock extended
*{{convert|72|mm|abbr=on|1}} stock folded}}
| height             = {{convert|255|mm|abbr=on|1}}
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->| cartridge          = [[7.62×39mm]]
| action             = [[Gas-operated reloading|Gas-operated]], hinged locking piece assisted [[breechblock]]
| rate               = 800 rounds/min
| velocity           = {{convert|705|m/s|0|abbr=on}}<br />[[Muzzle energy]]: 1988 [[Joule|J]]
| range              = 100–800 m sight adjustments
| max_range          = 2,800 m
| feed               = Staggered 30-round detachable [[box magazine]], weight {{convert|0.19|kg|abbr=on}} unloaded
| sights             = Open-type [[iron sight]]s with sliding rear tangent and shrouded front post<br />{{convert|353|mm|abbr=on|1}} sight radius
}}
The '''vz. 58''' (or '''Sa vz. 58''') is a [[7.62×39mm]] [[assault rifle]] that was designed and manufactured in [[Czechoslovakia]] and accepted into service in the late 1950s as the '''7.62&nbsp;mm samopal vzor 58''', replacing the [[vz. 52 rifle|vz. 52]] [[Semi-automatic rifle|self-loading rifle]] and the [[7.62×25mm Tokarev]] [[Sa vz. 23|Sa 24 and Sa 26]] [[submachine gun]]s.

While the vz. 58 visually resembles the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[Kalashnikov rifle|Kalashnikov]] [[AK-47]], it is a different design based on a [[Gas-operated reloading|short-stroke gas piston]], though using the same ammunition.

==History==
{{update section|date=December 2023}}
Development of the weapon began in 1956; leading the project was chief engineer Jiří Čermák assigned to the [[Konštrukta-Defence|Konstrukta Brno]] facility in the city of [[Brno]]. The Soviet Union had begun insisting that the [[Warsaw Pact]] forces standardize on a common ammunition. As a result, the prototype, known as the "Koště" ("broom"), was designed to chamber the intermediate Soviet 7.62×39mm M43 cartridge, rather than the Czech [[7.62×45mm]] vz. 52 round, used in both the earlier vz. 52 rifle and the [[Vz. 52 machine gun|vz. 52]] [[light machine gun]].<ref name="centvz58v">{{citation|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_8_55/ai_n32097770/|title=Century's VZ.58V: and this one shoots!|author=Holt Bodinson|work=Guns Magazine|date=August 2009|access-date=2011-11-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624005000/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_8_55/ai_n32097770/|archive-date=2010-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref> The assault rifle entered service in 1958 and over a period of 25 years (until 1984) over 920,000 weapons were produced, used by the armed forces of Czechoslovakia, Cuba and several Asian and African nations.

The vz. 58 was produced in three main variants: the standard vz. 58 P (''Pěchotní'' or "infantry") model with a fixed buttstock made of a synthetic material (plastic impregnated wood, older versions used a wooden stock), the vz. 58 V (''Výsadkový''—"airborne"), featuring a side-folding metal shoulder stock, folded to the right side, and the vz. 58 Pi (''Pěchotní s infračerveným zaměřovačem''—"infantry with infrared sight"), which is similar to the vz. 58 P but includes a receiver-mounted [[dovetail rail]] bracket (installed on the left side of the receiver) used to attach an NSP2 night sight; it also has a detachable folding [[bipod]] and an enlarged conical [[flash suppressor]]. For the first two variants, the two types of stock are interchangeable and mount to the same mounting point on the rifle itself, which is identical in both.

A successor to the vz. 58 was proposed in the 1990s; the [[5.56×45mm NATO]] [[ČZ 2000]] assault rifle was suggested as a possible replacement, but due to a general lack of defense funds within the [[Czech Republic]] the program was postponed. Other later  contenders are the ČZW-556 assault rifle and ČZW-762 light machine gun, which both use [[Blowback (firearms)|lever-delayed blowback]] which has more reliable accuracy and performance than gas operation. In 2011 the Czech army started replacing vz. 58s with [[CZ-805 BREN]]s. The aging vz. 58 is the main assault rifle of the Slovak army{{When|date=September 2025}}, but the Slovak army has considered replacing it with the CZ-805.

==Design details==
{{One source section
| date = July 2021
}}

===Operating mechanism===
[[File:SA 58 FIELD STRIPPED.jpg|thumb|left|The vz. 58 field-stripped]]
[[File:Aktivni zalohy ACR.jpg|thumb|Members of Active Reserve of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic armed with vz.58]]

The vz. 58 is a [[selective fire]] [[Gas-operated reloading|gas-operated]] weapon that bleeds expanding combustion gases generated in the [[gun barrel|barrel]] from the ignited cartridge through a port drilled in the barrel, {{convert|215|mm|abbr=on|1}} from the chamber, opening into a hollow cylinder located above the barrel that contains a short-stroke piston. The vz. 58 does not have a gas regulator and the full force of the gas pressure is exerted on the piston head, propelling it backwards in a single impulsive blow. The piston is driven back only {{convert|19|mm|abbr=on|1}} when a shoulder on the piston rod butts against the seating and no further movement is possible. There is a light return spring held between the piston shoulder and the seating which returns the piston to its forward position. The gas cylinder is vented after the piston has traveled back {{convert|16|mm|abbr=on|1}} and the remaining gases are exhausted into the atmosphere on the underside of the cylinder via two ports. The entire piston rod is [[Chrome plating|chromium-plated]] to reduce fouling.

The locking system features a locking piece hinged from the bolt and housed in the bolt carrier that contains two locking lugs which descend into and engage locking shoulders in the [[Receiver (firearms)|receiver's]] internal guide rails. The weapon is unlocked by the short tappet-like stroke of the piston rod as it strikes the bolt carrier and drives it rearwards. After {{convert|22|mm|abbr=on|1}} of unrestricted travel, a wedge-like surface on the bolt carrier moves under the hinged breech locking piece and lifts it up and out of engagement with the locking recesses in the steel body. The hinged breech locking piece swings up and this movement provides the leverage required for [[primary extraction]]. The breech block is then carried rearwards extracting the empty [[Cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]] casing from the chamber. A fixed ejector passes through a groove cut in the underside of the bolt and the case is flung upwards clear of the gun.

===Features===
[[File:Sa 58-JH02.jpg|thumb|right|vz. 58 P]]

The spring-loaded [[Extractor (firearms)|extractor]] and [[firing pin]] are both housed inside the bolt, while the fixed ejector is slotted inside the receiver. The extractor retains the firing pin and is powered by its own plunger and spring.

The weapon does not have a conventional rotating hammer but a linear hammer instead. The hammer is a steel cylinder hollowed from one end almost throughout its entire length to accommodate its own operating spring. At the open end of the cylinder, a plate is welded and a groove is cut in each side of this to slide on the receiver guide rails. This linear hammer enters the hollow bolt and drives a free-floating firing pin forward with each shot.<ref name="centvz58v"/>

The vz.58 uses a [[Trigger (firearms)|trigger mechanism]] with a lever-type fire mode selector, which is also a manual [[Safety (firearms)|safety]] against accidental discharge. When the selector lever is placed in its rear position ("1"—single fire) the sear is disabled and the left hammer catch is rotated by the disconnector, which is depressed by the bolt carrier after every shot and is therefore disconnected from the hammer catch. The forward setting of the selector lever ("30"—automatic fire) disables the disconnector, and the left hammer catch meshes with the sear mechanism. The center ("safe") setting with the selector lever pointing vertically downwards, mechanically lowers the [[trigger bar]] and the disconnector so there is no connection between the trigger and the semi-automatic sear which holds the hammer. The rifle also has an internal safety, which prevents the weapon from discharging when out of battery. The right linear hammer catch disables it, and it can only be released by pulling the charging handle back and cocking the weapon.

The weapon is fed from a detachable [[box magazine]] with a 30-round cartridge capacity and made from a lightweight aluminium [[alloy]].<ref name="centvz58v"/> When the last round from the magazine is fired, the bolt will remain locked open on the bolt catch, activated by the magazine's follower. The magazine release tab is located at the base of the receiver on the left side, behind the magazine well. The bolt carrier has a built-in guide rail used for reloading from 10-round stripper clips (from the [[SKS]] rifle). Despite their similarity, vz. 58 magazines are not interchangeable with those of the Kalashnikov-pattern weapons.

An interesting feature on this rifle is the ability to quickly change the type of stock. The vz. 58 can appear either with its original fixed stock (in either beech wood or composite material) or folding steel stock, or with one of the many aftermarket stocks available – including AR-15 style stock adapters that mount a buffer tube to the receiver. The latter usually has the buffer tube slightly angled down so as to compensate for the very low ironsights on the vz. 58. Switching between the various options requires merely removal of a bolt at the rear of the receiver and swapping in the stock of choice.

===Sights===
The rifle's [[iron sight]]s consist of a fully adjustable front post and a tangent rear sight with a sliding notch with range denominations from 100 to 800 m, graduated every 100 m. Besides this, the left side of the rear sight leaf is marked with the letter "U" (''univerzální'' meaning "universal"), for snap shooting, firing at moving targets and night combat at ranges up to 300 m. The rifle's sight radius is {{convert|15|in|cm}}.<ref name="centvz58v"/> The front sight base also serves as a mounting platform for the vz. 58 edged [[bayonet]].

===Accessories===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Adam's Guns vz. 58 Accessories.jpg|thumb|right|The vz. 58 is issued with a four compartment leather pouch, magazines and bayonet with scabbard.]] -->

Several modernization accessories have been manufactured for the vz. 58 platform from different companies.
Accessories include "tactical" bolt release, extended and/or ambidextrous magazine release paddles, ambidextrous fire mode selectors, custom handguard rails, several types of sight mounting options and various muzzle brakes and compensators. Both civilian and military users use these upgrades, and they also see frequent use with [[private military company|private military companies]] in the Middle East.

Additional equipment supplied with the rifle includes: 4 spare magazines, a magazine pouch (in either canvas, leather, or leatherette), vz. 58 bayonet and scabbard, cleaning brush and rod, muzzle cap, oil bottle, unified sling, front sight adjustment tool, disassembly aid and a threaded [[blank-firing adaptor]]. The vz. 58 also has a proprietary bipod, flash hider and scope mount for NSP-2 night vision scope (vz.58 P variant). Grenade launching inserts, as well as under barrel grenade launchers were developed but never adopted.

==Variants==
[[File:Sa 58-JH04.jpg|right|thumb|The vz. 58 V model features a side-folding shoulder stock. This particular rifle is also fitted with a railed handguard.]]
[[File:Czech KFOR (1).jpg|right|thumb|The vz. 58 V model with a side-folding shoulder stock used by [[Military of the Czech Republic|Czech Army]] soldiers in [[Kosovo Force|KFOR]] operation.]]{{One source section
| date = February 2022
}}

* vz. 58 P: Standard fixed [[buttstock|stock]] (casually called "pádlo" (paddle) by Czech soldiers)<ref name="mf">https://modernfirearms.net/en/assault-rifles/czech-republic-assault-rifles/sa-vz-58-eng/</ref>
* vz. 58 V: Metal [[folding stock]] version for vehicle crew and airborne units (casually called "kosa" (scythe) by Czech soldiers).<ref name="mf"/> 
* vz. 58 Pi: Has a [[Telescopic sight#Mounting|mounting interface]] for an [[infrared]] [[night vision]] NSP-2 sight, fixed stock, cone flash hider and folding bipod.
* ''Automatická puška'' ("automatic rifle") AP-Z 67: Experimental [[7.62×51mm NATO]] caliber version developed in 1966.
* ''Útočná puška'' ("assault rifle") ÚP-Z 70: Experimental [[5.56×45mm NATO]] version developed in 1970.
* ''Experimentální zbraň'' ("experimental weapon") EZ-B: Experimental [[bullpup]] prototype developed in 1976.
* ''Ruční kulomet'' ("light machine gun") codename KLEČ ("Mountain Pine"): Experimental variant with a 590&nbsp;mm barrel (similar to [[RPK]]), developed in 1976.
* ''Lehká odstřelovačská puška'' ("light sniper rifle") vz. 58/97: Experimental marksman rifle developed by VTÚVM Slavičín.
* ''Samopal'' ("submachine gun") vz. 58/98 "Bulldog": [[9×19mm Parabellum]] variant developed by VTÚVM Slavičín.
* vz. 58 Military Sporter: [[Semi-automatic firearm|Semi-automatic]] made by CZ-USA.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20100702075748/http://www.americanrifleman.org/ArticlePage.aspx?id=1510&cid=2</ref>
* '''CZH 2003''' '''Sport''': [[Semi-automatic firearm|Semi-automatic]] only variant for civilian consumption. Available with either a standard (390&nbsp;mm) or shortened (295&nbsp;mm) barrel. Limited production was made for the civilian market in Canada with an extended barrel length of (490&nbsp;mm).
* '''CZ 858''' '''Tactical''': A [[semi-automatic firearm|semi-automatic]] variant designed for the civilian market assembled from unused parts from when production of the military versions ended. It is available with standard (390&nbsp;mm) barrel length on the -4V (folding stock)  and 4P (fixed stock) version, or extended (482&nbsp;mm) barrel length on the -2V and -2P version. The barrel is not chrome-lined in the -2 versions unlike the original military and -4 versions. External components have a new [[varnish]] coat (identical to the coating used on original military rifles). A "Canadian" model was also being offered based on the -2 version, featuring a real wood stock engraved with a maple leaf. Due to further restrictions, the CZ958 was developed for the Canadian market, tailoring the design to Canadian law. It was being sold by Wolverine Supplies but has since been prohibited.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/03/20/cz958-review-bringing-cold-war-21st-century/ |title = Cz958 Review: Bringing the Cold War into the 21st Century| date=20 March 2015 |publisher=The Firearm Blog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209183700/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/03/20/cz958-review-bringing-cold-war-21st-century/|archive-date=December 9, 2022}}</ref>
* FSN Series: Newly manufactured civilian [[semi-automatic firearm|semi-automatic]] variants. Available in standard (FSN-01, 390&nbsp;mm), with or without folding stock (FSN-01F and FSN-01W, which has a wooden stock and cheek piece), or shortened (279&nbsp;mm) barrel lengths (also with folding stock), outer parts are [[Bluing (steel)|blued]]. All variants with the exception of the -01W have [[bakelite]] stocks.
* CSA vz. 58 Sporter: Available in [[.222 Remington]], [[.223 Remington]] ([[5.56 NATO]]), or [[7.62×39mm]],<ref name="mf"/> these rifles and carbines were newly manufactured by Czech Small Arms, and not [[Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod|Česká zbrojovka]]. They came in Compact (190mm barrel, folding stock), Carbine (300 or 310mm barrel, folding stock), and Rifle (390 or 410mm barrel, fixed sporter stock) models. In addition there was a "Tactical" model chambered in .223 Remington, featuring a 410mm barrel, railed handguard, and collapsible buttstock. All featured synthetic handguards, although the 7.62×39mm rifle model is available with either a synthetic or phenolic wood handguard.
* Rimfire VZ 58: "Ogar 58" developed and manufactured by Highland Arms in Czech Republic, together with the cal. .22 LR conversion kit "Ogar 22". The conversion kit is intended for all calibers and variants of VZ 58.
* Vz 2008: A variant by Century Arms built using a Czech parts kit with a U.S. made receiver and barrel.
* Rung Paisarn RPS-001: an adaptation of the vz. 58 with components from the [[M16 rifle#M16A2|M16A2]] first manufactured in 1986 by Rung Paisarn Heavy Industries of Thailand.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.globaldefence.net/deutsch/asien/thailand/dossier.htm |title=Rung Paisarn RPS-001 |access-date=2016-02-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323160718/http://www.globaldefence.net/deutsch/asien/thailand/dossier.htm |archive-date=2010-03-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* AP-67: 7.62×51mm NATO variant
* MARS vz. 58: A variant modified by Caledonian Classic Arms of [[Kilbirnie]] with a Manual Action Release System (MARS), which locks the action in the rearward position after extracting the spent cartridge, requiring a second (non-firing) trigger pull to release the action and chamber a cartridge.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=What is the MARS VZ.58?|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw-ld3KckYc|people=EnglishShooting|date=21 March 2018|access-date=9 April 2025|via=YouTube}}</ref> These were designed to circumvent the United Kingdom's ban on semi-automatic weapons and were legal for civilians to own until they were [[Offensive Weapons Act 2019|banned in 2019]].

==Users==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
[[File:Slovakian Soldier Vz. 58.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Military of Slovakia|Slovak Army]] engineer, equipped with a vz.58 V, provides security for other team members processing 23 mm anti-aircraft ammunition for disposal near [[Diwaniyah]], Iraq, 2006.]]

=== Current ===
* {{flag|Angola}}<ref name="czechpoint">{{cite web |url=http://www.czechpoint-usa.com/history-of-the-sa-vz-58 |title=Czechpoint - History of the Sa vz. 58 - History of the Sa vz. 58 rifle |publisher=Czechpoint-usa.com |access-date=2010-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706172756/http://www.czechpoint-usa.com/history-of-the-sa-vz-58/ |archive-date=2011-07-06 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{flag|Burundi}}: Burundian rebels<ref name ='SAS 2007 6'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2007.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2007/en/full/Small-Arms-Survey-2007-Chapter-06-EN.pdf|chapter=Armed Violence in Burundi: Conflict and Post-Conflict Bujumbura|title=The Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |year=2007|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|page=204|isbn=978-0-521-88039-8|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827001033/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2007.html|archive-date=2018-08-27|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Cuba}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Cyprus}}<ref name="jones2009"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defence24.com/czech-rifles-and-ammunition-for-the-peshmerga-prague-supporting-the-fight-against-daesh-again|title=Czech Rifles and Ammunition for the Peshmerga. Prague Supporting the Fight Against Daesh Again|date=27 January 2016|language=en|first=Juliusz|last=Sabak |access-date=24 September 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924190628/https://www.defence24.com/czech-rifles-and-ammunition-for-the-peshmerga-prague-supporting-the-fight-against-daesh-again|archive-date=24 September 2018}}</ref>
* {{flag|Eritrea}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Ethiopia}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Guatemala}}<ref name="czechpoint"/>
* {{flag|Guinea}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|India}}<ref name="czechpoint"/>
* {{flag|Indonesia}}<ref>{{Cite web |first= |date=6 September 2021 |title=DANSATROL Lantamal VII Pimpin Prajuritnya Laksanakan Latihan Menembak |url=https://koarmada2.tnial.mil.id/2021/09/06/dansatrol-lantamal-vii-pimpin-prajuritnya-latihan-menembak/ |url-status=live |website=koarmada2.tnial.mil.id |language=id|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208175207/https://koarmada2.tnial.mil.id/2021/09/06/dansatrol-lantamal-vii-pimpin-prajuritnya-latihan-menembak/|archive-date=February 8, 2023}}</ref>
* {{flag|Iraq}}<ref name="czechpoint"/>
*{{flag|Kurdistan}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/02/05/czech-republic-donate-vz-58s-iraq-kurdistan-fight-isis/|title=Czech Republic To Donate vz. 58s To Iraq, Kurdistan, To Fight ISIS|date=5 February 2016|language=en|format=Web|access-date=24 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924192808/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/02/05/czech-republic-donate-vz-58s-iraq-kurdistan-fight-isis/|archive-date=24 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Ivory Coast}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Identifier les sources d'approvisionnement: Les munitions de petit calibre en Côte d'Ivoire|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/C-Special-reports/SAS-SR21-CotedIvoire-FR.pdf|first=Holger|last=Anders|date=June 2014|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]] and [[United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire]]|isbn=978-2-940-548-05-7|page=15|language=fr|access-date=2018-09-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009093415/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/C-Special-reports/SAS-SR21-CotedIvoire-FR.pdf|archive-date=2018-10-09|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag|Laos}}: Delivered by [[Czechoslovakia]] during [[Laotian Civil War]].
* {{flag|Libya}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Mozambique}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Philippines}} ([[Bureau of Corrections]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1156598|title=PNP donates P944-K worth of equipment, guns to BuCor &#124; Philippine News Agency |website=Philippine News Agency }}</ref>
* {{flag|Slovakia}}:<ref name="jones2009"/> Standard service rifle. In the process of being replaced by the [[Grand Power]] [[List of equipment of the Slovak Army|M4M]], which is to be completed by 2028.<ref>https://militarnyi.com/en/news/slovak-army-adopts-new-small-arms-and-uniforms-vzor-25/</ref>
* {{flag|Somalia}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Syria}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Tanzania}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{Flag|Ukraine}}: 5,000 Vz. 58s were donated by the Czech Republic.<ref name="auto1"/>
* {{flag|Vietnam}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ceskapozice.cz/en/business/companies/czech-defense-minister-talks-high-tech-arms-sales-vietnam |title=Czech Defense Minister talks up high-tech arms sales to Vietnam &#124; Czech Position |publisher=Ceskapozice.cz |date=2012-03-29 |access-date=2012-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709115337/http://www.ceskapozice.cz/en/business/companies/czech-defense-minister-talks-high-tech-arms-sales-vietnam |archive-date=2012-07-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Former ===
* {{flag|Afghanistan|2004}} (2009–20)<ref name="jones2009">{{cite book |editor1-first=Richard D. |editor1-last=Jones |editor2-first=Leland S. |editor2-last=Ness |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |date=January 27, 2009 |edition=35th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=Coulsdon |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref>
* {{flag|Biafra}}:{{sfn|McNab|2002|p=37}} 732<ref name="auto">{{cite book|last=Jowett|first=Philip |title=Modern African Wars (5): The Nigerian-Biafran War 1967-70|year=2016|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-1472816092|page=22}}</ref>
* {{flag|Czech Republic}}: Standard service rifle 1959 - 2011<ref name="jones2009"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=5080|title=7,62mm samopal vzor 58|language=cs|work=Czech army|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041226150736/http://www.army.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=5080|archive-date=2004-12-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.cz/assets/files/9334/zbrane_definit.pdf |title=RUČNÍ ZBRANĚ AČR |language=cs |pages=16–21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229001255/http://www.army.cz/assets/files/9334/zbrane_definit.pdf|archive-date=2012-02-29}}</ref> replaced by [[CZ-805 BREN|CZ BREN 2]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://olomoucky.denik.cz/zpravy_region/armada-prevzala-ve-stepanove-nove-utocne-pusky-fot.html |title=Armáda převzala ve Štěpánově nové útočné pušky. FOTO |newspaper=Olomoucký Deník |language=cs |publisher=Olomoucky.denik.cz |date=2011-07-19 |access-date=2012-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327213921/http://olomoucky.denik.cz/zpravy_region/armada-prevzala-ve-stepanove-nove-utocne-pusky-fot.html |archive-date=2012-03-27 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{flag|Czechoslovakia}}: Passed on to successor states after its use by former [[Czechoslovak People's Army]] forces.<ref name="mf"/>
* {{flag|Turkey}}: Captured from [[Cypriot National Guard]] during [[Turkish invasion of Cyprus]].<ref>{{cite web |title=TRANSFER OF ANTIPERSONNEL MINES |url=http://www.hrw.org/reports/2000/uslm/USALM007-04.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924170552/http://www.hrw.org/reports/2000/uslm/USALM007-04.htm |access-date=18 April 2025 |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}</ref>
* {{flag|United States}}: Some captured rifles used by [[Long-range reconnaissance patrol#United States|LRRPs]] in Vietnam<ref>{{cite book|title=US Army Long-Range Patrol Scout in Vietnam 1965-71|series=Warrior 132|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|first=Gordon L.|last=Rottman|date=10 Oct 2008|isbn=9781846032509|page=32|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mHqHCwAAQBAJ&q=Vz+58|access-date=13 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914022546/https://books.google.fr/books?hl=fr&id=mHqHCwAAQBAJ&q=Vz+58|archive-date=14 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Non-state users ===
* {{flagicon image|Flagge FDLR.svg}} [[Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda]]<ref name = 'FDLR'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Highlights-EN.pdf |chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Chapter-07-EN.pdf|chapter=Waning Cohesion: The Rise and Fall of the FDLR–FOCA|title=Small Arms Survey 2015: weapons and the world |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2015|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|page=201|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128065841/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Highlights-EN.pdf|archive-date=2018-01-28|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag|ISIL|name=Islamic State}}<ref>{{cite web |author=M. Ahsan Jamal |url=http://www.ir-ia.com/IRIA_ISIS-Weapons-and-Ammunitions.html |title=ISIS Weapons and Ammunitions |publisher=International Relations Insights & Analysis |access-date=2017-06-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131055143/http://www.ir-ia.com/IRIA_ISIS-Weapons-and-Ammunitions.html |archive-date=2017-01-31 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Provisional_Irish_Republican_Army_Badge.svg}} [[Provisional Irish Republican Army]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bbcrewind.co.uk/asset/5ea00c859cf8e10027567d1b |title=Inside Ulster}}</ref><ref>"IRA turns to East for tools of terror", Irish Independent, 27 January 1986.</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Flag_of_the_Ulster_Volunteer_Force.svg}} [[Northern Ireland|Northern Irish]] [[Ulster loyalism#Paramilitary and vigilante groups|loyalist paramilitaries]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32919223 |title=Murder weapon discovered in Imperial War Museum display |work=BBC News |date=2015-05-28 |access-date=2018-06-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429232532/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32919223 |archive-date=2018-04-29 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Japanese Red Army]]{{sfnp|Dobson|Payne|1979|page=96}}
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines (alternative II).svg}} [[New People's Army]]<ref name=steady/>
* {{flagicon|Kurdistan}} [[Peshmerga]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/02/05/czech-republic-donate-vz-58s-iraq-kurdistan-fight-isis/amp/ |title= Czech Republic To Donate vz. 58s To Iraq, Kurdistan, To Fight ISIS |date=5 February 2016 |work=TheFireArmsBlog.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103043002/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/02/05/czech-republic-donate-vz-58s-iraq-kurdistan-fight-isis/amp/|archive-date=November 3, 2022}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[South Sudan Democratic Movement]]<ref name="South Sudan">{{cite book|series=HSBA Arms and Ammunition Tracing Desk|date=December 2012|page=7|title=Weapons seized from the forces of George Athor and John Duit|url=http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/facts-figures/arms-ammunition-tracing-desk/Weapons_seized_from_George_Athor_and_John_Duit.pdf|publisher=Small Arms Survey|access-date=2019-01-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928072244/http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/facts-figures/arms-ammunition-tracing-desk/Weapons_seized_from_George_Athor_and_John_Duit.pdf|archive-date=2013-09-28|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Karen National Union}} Referred to as a "Woman's Gun" due to its perceived "feminine" features.<ref>{{cite magazine |last= Peterson|first= Tom|date= February 1990 |title= Battle at Thingannyinaung|magazine= Soldier of Fortune  |publisher=Soldier of Fortune}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[AKM]]
* [[URZ AP]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last1=Dobson |first1=Christopher |last2=Payne |first2=Ronald |title=The Weapons of Terror: International Terrorism at Work |date=1979 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-1-349-16111-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R_-wCwAAQBAJ |language=en}}
* {{Cite book| last = Gander| first = Terry J. |author2=Charles Cutshaw | year = 2001| title = Jane's Infantry Weapons 2001–2002| publisher = Jane's Information Group| location = London | isbn = 978-0-7106-2317-1}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commons|Sa vz. 58}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090912152459/http://www.czub.cz/en/catalog/86-armed-forces-law-enforcement/OS-AUT/SA_58.aspx Česká zbrojovka—official site]
* [http://www.czhermex.cz/ CZ Hermex - Maker of the CZH-2003 Sport]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121212062735/http://www.czub.cz/zbrojovka/cz-manual/Instruction-Manual-cz-sa-58_en.pdf Instruction manual]
* [http://www.czechpoint-usa.com/history-of-the-sa-vz-58/ History of the vz. 58] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019004006/https://www.czechpoint-usa.com//history-of-the-sa-vz-58 |date=2017-10-19 }}
* [http://i2.guns.ru/forums/icons/forum_pictures/002483/2483243.jpg 5.56×45mm NATO Variant] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305193853/http://i2.guns.ru/forums/icons/forum_pictures/002483/2483243.jpg |date=2014-03-05 }}
* [http://i2.guns.ru/forums/icons/forum_pictures/002483/2483245.jpg 7.62×51mm NATO Variant] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305193931/http://i2.guns.ru/forums/icons/forum_pictures/002483/2483245.jpg |date=2014-03-05 }}

{{Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod}}

[[Category:7.62×39mm assault rifles]]
[[Category:Assault rifles of Czechoslovakia]]
[[Category:Infantry weapons of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Rifles of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1958]]
[[Category:Short stroke piston firearms]]