Ak47 / ak74 which ak to buy?

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Zack

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I was looking at getting a AK in a few months. I looked at the wasr10, yugo m70. I do not want a wasr10, is there something higher on the rateing scale than a wasr10(your basic ak)? I do not want a kvar or some $900-$1200 ak.....

I have been looking at a Polish Tantal AK-74 It is a 74 correct? some people say it is a 47!?:what::rolleyes: Is this gun still dependable like an AK47? take all the mud and sand and still work? It is polish does it mean it is made in polish or is it made in Russia? The main reason why I am looking at it is because of cheap ammo by the case. Surplus ammo is only $150ish for 1080 rounds. Mags are a bit hard to find but thats ok. The wire folder would be the only thing to keep me from buying one and the BIG price tag at $600. Can you change out the wire stock for a wooden one or will this effect the 922(r) and I would have to add some parts to the gun? Does anyone have a tantal will the wire folder on? does it bother you?:uhoh:

The other thing would keep me away from it is it is made by CAI, which I heard is not so great... But it is an AK it should hold up.

What is the normal price on a Tantal, like a GREAT deal. I know ak47's where like $600 last year for a wasr10 now they can be found for $360-$450. What is the Tantals price? $500? $450?
 
The AK74s are chambered in 5.45 vs. the 7.62 of the AK47. Polish AKs are nice rifles compared to the Wasr10:)
 
the AK74 is a bit more accurate because of the better round
if you can i would just dish out the extra dough and get the AK74
but i own a WASR-10 and i have no problems with it
in the end its personal preference
 
So you would recommend getting a Tantal? what is a fair price for one of these? I do not want to pay $600++ and find out there only worth $450..... I heard they are heavy in the front? will this effect the aim?
 
I have no experience with that brand but if you check out aimsurplus.com they have several AK's at very good prices. I bought my romanian there. They dont have any AK74 in stock but if you wait a little they might have some in or you could ask them when they will get them in
 
you gotta also how much cheaper 7.62 is? proper english please? I do not understand what you are saying? maybe you are saying you gotta know how much cheaper 7.62 is???????? I thought 5.45x39 is cheaper? spam cans $150 1080 rounds??? 1,000 wolf ammo $230ish??

also can someone answer a few of my questions please?
 
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It is a 74 correct?
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Yes, it is basically a revised version of the AKM, chambered for 5.45x39mm rather than the standard 7.62x39mm.

Is this gun still dependable like an AK47?
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Yes, it is essentially the same firearm.

take all the mud and sand and still work?
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No, but generally neither will an AK. Reliability is good but grossly overstated.

It is polish does it mean it is made in polish or is it made in Russia?
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Neither...it was made in Poland.

Can you change out the wire stock for a wooden one or will this effect the 922(r) and I would have to add some parts to the gun?
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I believe you would...but the wire folders do fine for a light recoiling carbine like the AK-74 (or even the AK-47).

The other thing would keep me away from it is it is made by CAI, which I heard is not so great...
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Century does put out turds from time to time, but I think your biggest concerns will be mag well slop, canted sights, and general poor quality workmanship. Nothing that will affect operation, mostly aesthetics.

What is the normal price on a Tantal, like a GREAT deal. I know ak47's where like $600 last year for a wasr10 now they can be found for $360-$450. What is the Tantals price?
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$600.00 is a horrible deal...they are $430.00USD at Classic Arms.

Ughh said:
You gotta also how much cheaper 7.62 is....
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5.45x39mm is NOT cheaper, it is more costly. That said, if it were I, I would stick to 7.62x39 for AK platforms, they were designed for it, it is relatively cheap, easy to find, non-corrosive (typically), hits harder (will work fine for deer in the proper rifle), and available domestically if needed (there are no US manufacturers of 5.45mm). IMO the best rifle that is "AKish" is the VZ-58, just a better all around design and just as rugged (if not more so). A Saiga (if you are willing to restore/convert) is also a good option.

:)
 
already did a convert on a saiga I do not want to do another it was kinda hard. I rather wait and do it on a .410 saiga or 12g saiga.

Maverick223 nailed it! all my questions answerd. I am just confussed how is 5.45x39 not cheaper than 7.62x39? a box of 5.45x39 is $129 aims and a wolf 1,000 case is $220++??

just looking for a ready to go ak no work to be done :)

(how is this non-corrosive? I thought it was because it is sealed in the metal can which my 7.62x54R came it, I thought all these metal cans surplus where corrosive?)

RUSSIAN 5.45X39 AMMUNITION

WHAT A GREAT DEAL. RUSSIAN, STEEL CASE, LAQUER COATED, NON-CORROSIVE 5.45X39 AMMUNITION.
1080 ROUNDS / SEALED TIN, .53 GRAIN W/MOISTURE SEAL. THIS IS THE GOOD STUFF.......
ITEM # RUSSIAN 5.45X39........... $159.95
 
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I have been looking at a Polish Tantal AK-74 It is a 74 correct?
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The Tantal has some extremely minor differences from a Russian 74, none of which involve the basic operating system and its reliability.

Does anyone have a tantal will the wire folder on? does it bother you?
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I have a Tantal and have used former East German .mil 74s with the same stock. It isn't all that bad, though it's a bit too short for me, personally. Not much of a problem, but occasional minor ouch moments stemming from being right up on the rear sling swivel.

The other thing would keep me away from it is it is made by CAI, which I heard is not so great... But it is an AK it should hold up.
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Century is supposed to be using properly dimensioned barrels these days, if I'm not mistaken, but I'd make the following general observation about AKs -- they're quite reliable (though nowhere near as reliable as the internet would lead you to believe) when properly built, but nothing about the AK makes it reliable if improperly assembled. Garbage in will result in garbage out, if you will.
 
(how is this non-corrosive? I thought it was because it is sealed in the metal can which my 7.62x54R came it, I thought all these metal cans surplus where corrosive?)...
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Apparently I was wrong...I thought that most all of 5.45x39mm was corrosive.

...but nothing about the AK makes it reliable if improperly assembled. Garbage in will result in garbage out, if you will.
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Not trying to suggest that it is impossible to flub up...just that CAI tends to do alright when it comes to AKs, whereas other rifles they hack on can come out pretty poorly. There is absolutely nothing magical about the AK that makes it operate when constructed improperly, eat up sand, or any other internet myths that are oft spread.

:)
 
Maybe I'm repeating what others have said, but...

The cheapest surplus 5.45x39 ammo on the market right now is corrosive and was made in the 70's and early 80's. Good price is $130-$150 per case of 1080. Good example is the aforementioned AIM Surplus offering:
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=A54539R
There is also current production non-corrosive 5.45x39 on the market but it is more expensive. From Centerfire:
http://www.centerfiresystems.com/AM545200.aspx

7.62x39 ammo prices are all over the place right now, with easily a dozen different varieties available in a range of prices, but nowhere that I've found sells 7.62 cheaper than surplus 5.45. Please feel free to correct me if I am in error.


While I have no practical experience with the Tantal, I recently picked up this beautiful, well-built, and perfectly functioning Lancaster Bulgarian AK-74 from Atlantic Firearms for $600 (thanks guys!):

ak74-1.jpg

Surplus Bulgarian thirty-round magazines for AK-74's are also plentiful and cheap right now. Once again, AIM Surplus:
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=MAK74C30&groupid=15
Price there is $9.95 a piece if you buy four or more. Condition is used, and they look like it,with scratches and annoying little "Made in Bulgaria" stickers on them, but all that I bought so far have functioned perfectly. Several other vendors are selling the same magazines at similar prices. New mags can be had for a bit more.
I also picked up a case of the surplus 5.45 and will likely get more while the price is so low.
I hope this helps.





Jeffrey
 
Yeah, check out Atlantic Firearms for sure. They have the 5.45x39 Rough Rider AK 74 for a real good deal and will take care of ya. No I don't have any association with them but have heard alot of good stuff about them.
 
what if I didnt want to deal with the online FFL and shipping, I just bought it at a local gun shop. Will the basic polish tantal AK-74 with wirefolder work?
 
Yes, Polish Tantal's are fine I'd make your dealer hasn't had it sitting around for a couple of years in his shop as some of the older Century built ones did have 5.56 barrels and that is a problem. Also just look it over real well check for sight cant etc. You should be fine just educate yourself before you go to look and buy and you should get a good one.
 
Will the basic polish tantal AK-74 with wirefolder work?
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It'll be fine, just A) Make sure 5.45mm is what you want...& B) Don't pay $600.00 because your getting hosed.

:)
 
Don't pay $600.00 because your getting hosed.
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Hey Maverick I'd agree with most everything you have said save but as for getting hosed paying $600+or- I disagree. I'll pay extra for Quality. I've owned WASR's but was willing to pay extra for a Lancaster Romanian G build and couldn't be more happy. Just like getting a CIA Polish for $450ish is okay but getting a nicer one like grilledcheese's would be much better IMO and for only $150 extra. That's really not much doe. We all end up shooting more $$ in ammo anyway.
 
Grilledcheese how much was yours?
what do you mean 5.56 barrel? they make 5.45x39m guns but they put 5.56 barrels on them!???(CIA scams people?):confused::what: I do not want to get taken for.

Also if I just buy from the store, can I add a nice wood stock like yours? or do I need to worry about the 992r? Isnt the wirefolder not made in the US? so it would be ok to put a non us stock on???


Oh its a Bulgarian AK-74 I did not see that part.... opps. Well that is still a nice AK! :)

I was thinking it was a tantal
 
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I'd say you'd better be absolutely sure if you want to deviate from 7.62x39 in an AK. I went with a basic WASR10 then built an AR to get a flat shooting round. Each works very well in its intended application and saved me money. Anyway, do your homework and get the right thing for yourself - the first time.

BTW, if the OP is demanding proper English in this thread he may want to live up to that standard himself before attacking someone trying to help.
 
Hey Maverick I'd agree with most everything you have said save but as for getting hosed paying $600+or- I disagree. I'll pay extra for Quality. I've owned WASR's but was willing to pay extra for a Lancaster Romanian G build and couldn't be more happy.
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I was referring to the Polish Tantal (which he had a price of $600.00 for), for a nicer rifle that would be an acceptable price. Personally I wouldn't spend any more than about $500.00 for a AK variant (milled or not), because I consider the VZ-58 to be a little nicer rifle for little more, but that is a different story.

:)
 
The stock on grilledcheese's gun could that be added to a polish tantal or would 992r effect it?? If I wanted to add a very nice stock to a polish tantal ( If I buy ) do I need to worry about 992r if it is foriegn part? not US made?(the wire folder on the tantal is foriegn or is it US made?)
 
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