The Vz.58 is a Czechoslovakian-made 7.62x39mm assault rifle that was adopted by the Czechoslovak army in 1958. It is a gas-operated, short-stroke piston rifle that has a distinctive appearance and a unique mechanism.

Unlike the AK-47, which it resembles externally, the Vz.58 has a hinged locking piece that locks the bolt to the receiver, rather than a rotating bolt. It also has a striker-fired system, rather than a hammer, and a last-round bolt hold-open feature. The Vz.58 is a reliable and accurate rifle that can withstand harsh conditions and requires little maintenance. However, like any firearm, it needs to be cleaned and lubricated regularly to ensure its optimal performance and longevity. In this blog post, we will show you how to clean and maintain your Vz.58 machine pistol, including the itemized list of what is needed and how to properly clean each part. We will also include some safety guidelines. Please note that this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a qualified gunsmith if you have any doubts or questions.

What You Need Before you start cleaning your Vz.58, you will need the following items: 

• A Vz.58 cleaning kit, which includes a two-piece cleaning rod, a muzzle cap, a chamber brush, a slotted patch end, a threaded blank fire adapter, a combination oil bottle and rod handle, and a combination firing pin tool and retaining pin. 
• A Vz.58 field stripping tool, which is a small metal rod that fits into the hole in the receiver cover and helps to remove the recoil spring assembly. You can buy one or use a substitute, such as a punch or a nail.
• A Vz.58 magazine disassembly tool, which is a flat metal piece that helps to remove the floor plate of the magazine. You can buy one or use a substitute, such as a screwdriver or a knife. 

• Gun cleaning solvent, such as Hoppe’s No. 9 or CLP. 
• Gun oil or grease, such as Tetra Gun Grease. 
• Cotton patches, such as Hoppe’s Cleaning Patches or Pro-Shot Cotton Flannel Patches.
• A nylon or brass brush.
• A cleaning jag.
• A bore snake, such as Hoppe’s BoreSnake or Otis Ripcord.
• A toothbrush or a small nylon brush. 
• A rag or a cloth and of course a pair of gloves.
• A pair of safety glasses.
• A gun mat or a newspaper.

Safety Guidelines:

Before you begin cleaning your Vz.58, you should follow these safety guidelines: 

Always make sure that your Vz.58 is unloaded and clear of any ammunition. Remove the magazine and check the chamber and the bore for any rounds or obstructions. Never assume that your gun is empty or safe. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling gun cleaning solvents, oils and grease. These products may contain chemicals that are harmful to your skin and eyes. Avoid contact with your mouth, nose and ears as well. Always work in a well-ventilated area, away from any sources of heat, sparks or flames. Gun cleaning solvents, oils and grease may emit fumes that are toxic or flammable. Do not smoke or eat while cleaning your gun, unless it's vape hehe but even then becareful of fumes and vapors and maybe just go outside. Always keep your Vz.58 and its parts out of the reach of children and unauthorized persons. Store your gun and its accessories in a secure and safe place, such as a gun safe or a locked cabinet. Use a gun lock or a cable lock if necessary. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for cleaning and maintaining your Vz.58. Do not use any products or methods that are not compatible with your gun or its parts. If you have any doubts or questions, consult a qualified gunsmith or contact the manufacturer. 

How to Clean and Maintain Your Vz.58 Now that you have gathered all the necessary items and followed the safety guidelines, you are ready to clean and maintain your Vz.58. Here are the steps to follow: 

Step 1: Field Strip Your Vz.58 The first step is to field strip your Vz.58, which means to disassemble it into its main components for cleaning. To do this, you will need the Vz.58 field stripping tool or a substitute. Once the necessary tools are acquired, here is how to field strip your Vz.58: Place your Vz.58 on a gun mat or a newspaper, with the muzzle pointing away from you and the safety selector on the safe position. Push the magazine release button on the right side of the receiver and remove the magazine. Set it aside for later cleaning. Pull the charging handle to the rear and inspect the chamber and the bore for any rounds or obstructions. If there are any, remove them and discard them safely. Release the charging handle and let it go forward. Insert the Vz.58 field stripping tool or a substitute into the hole in the receiver cover, near the rear sight. Push it down and forward to release the receiver cover. Lift the receiver cover and remove it from the receiver. Set it aside for later cleaning. Pull the recoil spring assembly out of the receiver. Set that aside also, for later cleaning. Push the bolt carrier to the rear and lift it out of the receiver. The bolt and the locking piece will come out with it. Set them aside as well. Remove the gas piston from the gas cylinder by pulling it out from the front. Set it aside for later cleaning. You may need furniture depending on where you buy your kit, you can find furniture sets here. If you already have a handguard and our field stripping than  continue on, remove the handguard by pushing the handguard pin out from the left side of the receiver. The handguard pin is located near the front sight. Pull the handguard forward and off the barrel. Set it aside in cue for cleaning. 

Take a break here and go back thru the steps so far, double check progress and see if you've forgotten anything. If all looks well, proceed then next to remove the muzzle device by unscrewing it from the muzzle. The muzzle device may be a flash hider, a compensator, a muzzle brake or a blank fire adapter. You have now field stripped your Vz.58. You should have the following parts: The receiver with the barrel, the trigger group, the safety selector, the magazine release and the sling swivel. The receiver cover. The recoil spring assembly. The bolt carrier with the bolt and the locking piece. The gas piston. The handguard with the handguard pin. The muzzle device. 

Cleaning Your Vz.58 Rifle

1. • Barrel and Bore:
     • Use a bore brush and cleaning rod to scrub the barrel. Run the brush through several times.
     • Follow up with patches soaked in gun cleaning solvent to remove fouling and residue.
     • Wipe the bore dry and inspect for cleanliness.
   • Receiver and Bolt Carrier Group:
     • Clean the receiver, bolt carrier, and bolt using a soft brush or cloth.
     • Pay attention to the locking lugs and other critical areas.
     • Remove carbon buildup and debris.
   • Gas Piston and Gas Cylinder:
     • Clean the gas piston thoroughly. Ensure it moves freely within the gas cylinder.
     • Remove any fouling or carbon deposits.
   • Recoil Spring Assembly:
     • Inspect the recoil spring for wear or damage.
     • Clean it using a cloth or brush.
   • Handguard (if applicable):
     • Clean the handguard, especially if it has accumulated dirt or debris.
     • Pay attention to the interior surfaces.
2. Lubrication:
   • Apply a light coat of gun lubricant to moving parts, including the bolt carrier, bolt, and gas piston.
   • Focus on friction points to ensure smooth operation.
   • Avoid over-lubrication, as excess oil can attract dirt.
3. Reassembly:
   • Follow the reverse steps of disassembly to put your Vz.58 back together.
   • Ensure each component is properly aligned and seated.
   • Pay attention to the orientation of parts (e.g., bolt, gas piston).
   • Tighten any screws or pins securely.
4. Function Testing:
   • With the rifle reassembled, perform a function check:
     • Ensure the safety selector works correctly.
     • Cycle the charging handle and bolt carrier.
     • Confirm that the trigger, magazine release, and other controls function as expected.
5. Final Inspection:
   • Visually inspect the entire rifle for cleanliness.
   • Check that all components are in place.
   • Verify that the muzzle device is securely attached.

Tips:

• Avoid Muzzle Crown Damage:
  • When cleaning the muzzle, be gentle to avoid damaging the crown. A damaged crown can affect accuracy¹.
• Regular Maintenance:
  • Clean your Vz.58 rifle after each use or periodically, especially if it’s exposed to harsh conditions.

Remember, a well-maintained firearm ensures reliability and accuracy. 

With all this info, tools and steps process you can maintain your Vz58 for generations to come and hand it down to your grand children and them to their grand children as new generations learn about the 2nd amendment and the pleasures of collecting antique pieces of history, hunting and target practicing for sport and fun. Happy cleaning!

 If you enjoyed that informational snippet, check out our post on cleaning and maintaining your SKS rifle!