Century VZ2008 issue

[Vintovka]

My VZ2008 has an issue with feeding/cycling. Before I even shot it, I thought that the bolt carrier moved awfully sluggishly. Fast forward to its first range outing, the bolt carrier didn't have the strength to fully chamber the first round. I've observed that the first 5-6 rounds from a fully loaded magazine struggle the most (when the spring tension is highest in the magazine). Once I get below 22-23 rounds, the rifle cycles much more reliably, but still has hiccups now and then. Since I don't get to go to the range a lot, I figured I'd just keep shooting it and try to wear it in. 400 rounds later, it cycled noticeably more reliably, but still would have trouble pushing the next round into battery sometimes.

Upon taking it apart, I don't really see any wear marks anywhere. What could be causing this?

[Joe R.]

Century is not held in high regard when it comes to build quality. Having said that my vz2008 has been 100% and accurate to boot. There may be some tolerance stacking/build factors involved.

I would be sure the gun is properly lubed and shoot the snot out of it to see if it wears in. No, no gun "should" need this, however some in fact do.

[wanderson]

I've had a VZ-2008 for a few years, out of the box the action was smooth, smoother than my WASR. But before my first range trip I took it apart to clean & lube it, when I put it back together something was binding. Couldn't identify what it was, everything looked right, but I broke it down again and SLOWLY re-assembled it and it worked fine after that. Not sure what was off but there's several great videos on how to remove & reinstall the bolt, it's different from an AK but once it's done a few times it's simple.

Mine's been great, light recoil and accurate @ 100 yards

[Fiorina]

What kind of magazines are you using? Is there a chance there's gunk in them? It's also conceivable that you may need a new recoil spring. It could be too well used and not have enough umph left in it. Seeing as how these probably came in as parts kits

[Fiorina]

I didn't check the date of the thread before posting, wonder if the op got it figured out?

[Vintovka]

I didn't check the date of the thread before posting, wonder if the op got it figured out?

Haven't been home again since posting to work with the rifle at all, but you might have a good idea about the magazines. They're Czech surplus and appear to be in decent shape, but I haven't taken them apart. Could be some cosmoline or something in there. Also likely going to pre-emptively order new springs so I can rule that potential issue out next time I go shooting (never hurts to have extra parts on hand anyway).

So I'm going to:

-Disassemble/clean the magazines
-Disassemble, clean, and carefully reassemble the rifle
-Replace recoil/piston springs (if the first two attempts aren't successful)

I really like the VZ2008 overall, so I hope the issue gets resolved as easily as possible. Appreciate the input.

[Fiorina]

I would definitely take the mags apart for a cleaning and to check the followers. Rule out the simple stuff

[wanderson]

Next time I open up my VZ2008 I'll take a look at the recoil spring and see if it's the same length as one of my AK springs.
I just replaced the recoil springs in my WASR & Draco with Wolff xtra power springs, not much difference in the Draco as it had a smooth action out of the box and a slightly longer/stronger stock spring than the WASR. The WASR however is noticeably stronger now. WASRs tend to kind of drag when they hit the G2 trigger hammer,

[96 SS]

They are not the same length

[wanderson]

You are correct sir, not even close. Guess that's what they mean by 'short stroke'.

Or maybe 'short stroke' is what happened to my brain when I thought these springs were the same...too much time with the AK and not enough with the VZ.