The Czech foray into unique military cartridges came to an end in the 1950s when the Soviets insisted on the "unification" of military ammunition within the Warsaw Pact countries. Still, rather than adopting the ubiquitous Soviet AK-47, Czechoslovakia soldiered down an independent path, creating a series of prototype assault rifles culminating with the Model Sa vz.58 going into production in 1959.
Chambered for the 7.62x39, the Czech Sa vz.58 shares not one interchangeable part with the AK-47 even including its similar-looking, 30-round magazine. The differences between the models are distinct. The Sa vz.58 features a fast, inline, striker ignition system rather than the internal hammer of the AK. In the Czech model, the gas piston is separate and not attached to the bolt carrier. The low profile receiver is milled, not stamped and riveted, yet, the Sa vz.58 is almost 2 pounds lighter than the AK. In fact, the Czech's were so concerned with weight they used an unusually lightweight alloy, rather than steel, to fabricate their magazines.
Gone is the AK's noisy, awkward, safety and dust cover. In its place is a handy, wing safety just aft of the trigger. Nor are the guts of the fire control system exposed on the right side of the receiver as they are in the AK. The bolt cover and bolt carrier of the Czech model completely seal and protect the action from the elements. A nice touch is the left side of receiver is milled smooth, so as not to irritate the back of a soldier when carrying the rifle slung.
