problem with VZ58s and what keeps me from them is that they are open top and like the SKS not the best rifle for putting any sort of optics on
if you get an AK, dont get an AK47 (milled), get an AKM (stamped), theyre nearly two pounds lighter and just as reliable... the aftermarket for AKs is pretty much exploding right now, even 5 years ago there werent nearly as many options for upgrades as there is now so customizing an AK to fit and feel the way you want it is pretty easy
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upside to AKs is they are very reliable, very durable, easy to work on, many options not just in the aftermarket but different barrel and caliber configurations, different types of side and underfolding stocks if you dont want plain fixed, multiple barrel contours, and all around great rifles, they are also very simple, with no upper/lower receiver thats two less springs, detents, and pins.. being the dust cover and safety lever are one piece and do not need a detent to stay in position, thats many more parts eliminated from the count.. and with a fixed charging handle this also eliminates the seperate charging handle and the forward assist youd have on the AR
magazines in my opinion are of a better design, thick, fully curved, and the rock and lock method offers a more positive lockup (no need to tap to ensure its seated properly).. the mag release is also naturally ambidextrous, and the ammunition i would use is golden tiger 123 grain FMJBT, these bullets have a ballistic coefficient of about .310 (about equal to 62 grain 5.56) so they retain more energy down range and shoot flatter than typical x39 ammo, plus i get 2 MOA with golden tiger ammo and the bullets designed with a hollow nose cavity like 7N6 that crushes on impact causing an almost immediate yaw and tons of damage and i get it for about $0.23/rd (or $230 per 1000)
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downside to getting one is it sounds like you have little experience with them so its going to take time to get used to, the charging handle wont be where you would expect it, theres no last round bolt hold open that youve become accustomed to and the dust cover and safety lever all all combined into one piece so its not going to be where youre used to having it, also no forward assist, iron sights are of a different type as well, so if you decide to get serious about them, plan to train and get used to the different configuration
the last downside on AKs is they are addictive, buy one AKM and you will probably want a milled 47, an AK74, krinkovs, veprs, tabuks, RPKs, paps, PSLs, those outfitted with traditional wood, some with modern synthetics, and before you know it you'll have a half dozen or two and still want more
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