The wz.78's were made as replacements for the wz.48's. Instead of the Mosin style sights, these ones have AK style sights instead. On top of that, the sights are removable and there is a built in dovetail to allow the addition of a scope. As I understand it, these were all made between 1989 and 1991. Of course at the same time, Poland was leaving the Soviet sphere of influence and heading in the direction of Nato. As a result, their need for these rifles diminished and they were eventually surplused out.
Here's a few photos of the first one that I bought at auction.


The AK style rear sight, graduated out to 100 yards. I've only shot it out to 50 yards so far and boy is it a tack driver.


The front sight sits on a dovetail and is easily removable.

These come with a 5 round magazine.

This one was imported by PW Arms in Redmond WA.

Now, I did say that this was a pair of wz.78s.. After getting the one above, I made a couple of people at the local range a bit jealous. My shooting buddy really wanted one and our local FFL we transfer through was pretty keen on getting one as well. I spent some time and found a post on another forum about a shop down in NC that actually had 3 of them, new in box. My friend contacted the guy to get the shop info and then contacted the shop to confirm he had them and would ship them out of state. They had all three and would ship no problem. Both he and our FFL wound up getting one and we waited a few days for them to show up. I went to the FFL's place with my friend to take a look at what they got. The rifle my friend got was gorgeous, excellent condition, still covered in grease, he was very happy with it. Then I took a look at the one the FFL got and all I could say was WOW! That rifle was a stone cold fox and I knew immediately that I couldn't let him keep it. He has a list of guns he really wants, so I casually asked if I could see the list. Browsing through it, I found a rifle I was willing to trade him for the wz78. He needed a day to think about it but agreed to the exchange and his wz became my wz and I couldn't be happier.
Here's a few photos of the 2nd one.


Doesn't matter what angle you look at it from, the wood on this one is just amazing!


Also a PW Arms import

The kids got me a Mueller 8-32x44 scope to put on it for Fathers Day. It's a bit of over kill for the rifle but it'll shoot the wings off a gnat at 50 yards!

