I voted for the Vz58 because I'm a sucker for "beaver barf" and because of the availability of 7.62x39 versus 5.45.
Let us know which route you take.
I would also go with the vz 58!!!! 7.62*39 is super cheap at the moment too
I'm personally leaning vz 58. Gotta say last round bolt hold open and top loading with stripper clips is pretty nifty. I do see what you mean about ammunition availability. If I do go vz58 I will probably go the tactical version which has a 6 position stock and is fully blacked out. No beaver barf for me although I don't hate it. I've seen some beech wood models that are very nice.
Beech wood hand guards have a tendency to crack. I know from experience.
I've owned both and sold the vz.58 - only because I have so many mags and accessories for the AK platform. Both are super fun.. Can't go wrong either way, IMO..
I believe it. I wasnt particularly interested in the beech wood model just think it looks nice.
In your situation I dont blame you. Currently the closest thing I have to an ak is a vepr 12 lol so I'm not invested in either platform yet. I agree both seem like great choices.
Cool.
The milled receiver VZ is probably about a pound lighter than a stamped receiver AK if that makes a difference to you..
Both.
Seriously though there are a lot of things that are not comparable.
SLR104 is 5.45, you may want to consider the more widely available SLR106 in 5.56 both are fine guns.
VZ58 is a better gun in many ways and different platform. Lighter, can be loaded from stripper clips, mags are not hard to find. Available in 7.62x39 and 5.56 I have both. If you want 7.62x39 this is your option.
All in all if you are ok with 5.45 and have a line on a SLR104 at a decent price I would be tempted to buy one. Right now VZ58s are plentiful, SLR104s are drying up.
I voted for the Arsenal, but honestly, I'd grab one of these: https://www.atlanticfirearms.com/products/fm-ak74-21-5-45x39
In fact, I might.
I LOVE my SLR106. Took some time to get a collection of mags but I found a man who sold his 106 and had a ton of mags. Had them shipped to my son's house in PA and picked them up during one of my regular visits.
You really can't beat the SLR106 for many reasons. Steel cased 5.56 is just one of them.
Ya the mags are not cheap but not murderously priced and available. I need to get a few more. I have a 106F SAM5 and SLR106CR