Universal Machine Gun Model 59 (UK Vzor 59): May 2014

As the long wait for the ATF approval begins for the SBR (Firearm Manufacturer Registration Tax Stamp), and the Suppressor (Transfer Registration Tax Stamp), there are a few items that can be added to the carbine now (rails, muzzle attachments) and some final decisions to be made (optics options, butstock options).

The back-plate weld can NOT be removed and the stock can't be added yet (unless orange is a good color for you - for about the next 15 years), but we can pretend!

CSA Optic mount side rail added. Since the CSA VZ.58 receiver already comes drilled and tapped, it's easy peasey to remove the two plugs, de-grease the holes and lock-tight the rail in place.

(Overpriced - "only-200-made"...) Czech Special Forces two-piece muzzle break was acquired and is shown here added to the carbine. Only the best muzzle climb reduction available for this carbine. (Supposedly 80% reduction in climb and 60% reduction in recoil.)

Midwest Industries optic mount with a Vortex red dot was off borrowed off an AKM-47 (optic rails are the same), and is a definite NO GO option (without an added deflector), as it slants way forward over the receiver and shells will eject directly up into the mount and the optic.

Here is the CSA high optic mount shown mounted to the rail -- a definite mounting option, depending on the operation at hand and the type of stock installed. Shown below with a Trijicon TAG13a ACOG optic w/QD, specifically designed for the 7.62x39 bullet trajectory. A CSA low optic mount, which would cover up the use of the iron sights, could also be utilized, esp. with a red dot sight and a low "jaw-weld" standard folding metal stock option. The Fab Defense stock was borrowed off another rifle to see what it would look like set behind the carbine. They are not connected in any manner (no orange jump suit for me please).

The Trijicon 3X ACOG optic looks good on the carbine (albeit a bit high), however will the 7.62x39 bullet drop of the ACOG reticle still be correct with the short barrel carbine? OK, who am I kidding? They don't call me "Pray-and-spray" for nothing.

With the high optic mount, the iron sights would still be available for use underneath, regardless of the optic type. This would be a good option for close combat iron sight back up. (Other than the battle proven ACOG, which has a horseshoe reticle that is lit up by natural light and tritium, a typical red dot or other battery powered optic on the mount could always fail). Having said that the mount on the rail itself is quick disconnect too.

Below is the future SBR Carbine with mock-up stock which is shown behind the receiver about the correct distance as if it was attached to a tube or folder joint. Shown here next to another legal length VZ.58 rifle. The VZ.58 rifle is an OOW with a pinned/welded Czech style flash hider (which is required to be "permanently" attached within the US) making the rifle barrel length about 17" long.

Both stocks being equal (folding or not), we are only talking about 5" difference in the possible total length. I'm going through a lot of BS and a paying a $200 tax stamp for a difference of just under 5" in length. (That's an 11.81" Carbine barrel measured w/o any muzzle attachment vs. 17ish" barrel which includes the pinned and welded Czech style flash hider on the rifle. I really lub the guberment rules. /sarc.

The Kestrel 7.62 AK suppressor will add 6.5" replacing the Czech Special Forces flash hider on the Carbine when in use -- for a total barrel length of about 17.3" inches when operating in a suppressed configuration. This would make the total length of the Carbine around 28" with a standard stock folded and add another 8.27" with the standard folding stock extended for about 36" total length. (If all my math calcs are correct.)