AK Finalists

[Nice Guy Eddie]

Gentlemen, I think I have decided on either an IO AK-47c or a CAI Polish Tantal AK-74 (5.45 x 39). Reasons being: They're both inexpensive and look good to me for a decent emergency knock-around gun.

The advantage of the Tantal is that it would save me a good bit of money up front, but I'm concerned about ammo availability and spare parts in the future. I'd appreciate any thoughts and pro/cons; I just can't seem to make my mind up. Thanks for any input.

 

[crestoncowboy]

I have never had a problem finding 5.45 ammo. its cheap and plentiful. Its all wolf, sportsmans choice, tulammo, brown bear, and other cheap stuff though. I wish a good company would make brass cased stuff just to see how accurate the ak can be. There have been millions of 74s made so parts shouldnt be a concern either.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

There's a reason CAI guns are so cheap.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=325727

 

[dirtymike1]

Wasn't the Tantal with one that was shipped out with the incorrect barrel size? There is a member here that had huge problems with his CAI rifle and IIRC the flat out refused to service his rifle. Let me see fi I can't find the thread...

 

[Nice Guy Eddie]

Very valid points. Thanks.

 

[dirtymike1]

Ok found it

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=561337&highlight=tantal,+centry+arms

 

[Nice Guy Eddie]

The tantal is the one that "keyholed" all the time. A) I don't know what that means. B) It seems like that happened several years ago, when they were probably first introducing the piece. I would hope that they'd have ironed that out by now, but then again, no one seems to accuse them of a stellar reputation. I was looking at it though J&G, who I have not dealt with, but I would think they'd correct a problem. A lot of assumptions there but I'd just try to get whatever I bought to the range very quickly.

 

[481]

Friends don't let friends buy CAI.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Keyholing is when the bullet tumbles end over end en route to the target, usually going through the target sideways (looks like an old style keyhole). Not exactly great for accuracy or penetration.

 

[dirtymike1]

Keyhole - when the bullet tumbles in air after leaving the barrel.
The link that I post was from only a few months ago... Read it, and see how they are handling warranty issue's...

I'm not bashing CAI, nor am I trying to be one of the hate mongerer's that are out there, but it is a known issue. Just don't want you to get burned, that's all

 

[Nice Guy Eddie]

One big appeal to me of the IO AK47-c is the lifetime warranty. I'm not all that mechanically inclined, and not well experienced with gun work, so that alone may be worth the extra money with CAI being so questionable.

 

[crestoncowboy]

I bought a romanian romarm cugir imported by cai for 400 dollars with over 2000 rds, 7 30 rd mags, and 1 10 rd mag from a pawn shop. I have shot groundhogs with it at 75 yards but havent really shot any groups at any distance but it has never jammed or had any problem in probably a thousand rounds, with most of it being stupid rapid fire just for the hell of it. I figured the ammo was worth the price so why not.

 

[BIGBANG]

I've got an IO ak47c and its great for what i use it for. It's the first rifle caliber I've ever had besides a 22lr. that said i love it! tons of fun, and everyone else from my fiance to my mom loves shootin it. its never "not" fired and i"ve tried all kinds of mags, just look out when you get one and check the rear sights, sometimes the can be canted to the right a bit, i saw several that had this problem, for fun you can't beat the price shoots good groups to for an ak.

 

[Glocked&Loaded]

If you are going for the Tantal I'd make sure to check it out in person first to make sure the front sight base (not the rear sight) is not canted.

 

[Nice Guy Eddie]

I'd have to say I've all but ruled out the Tantal at this point. Besides the apparent continuing issues with the keyholing, crummy customer service, and possible sight problems, it's probably too much of a risk to buy one sight unseen. If I save $100 buying it and more money on the ammo (which is a good bit cheaper right now), that money still flies away if anything at all goes wrong. And it seems like a lot can go wrong!

 

[Nice Guy Eddie]

And thanks for all the help, guys.

 

[CnRnut]

Get a Saiga and open up your tool box!!!