ak74 tantal original or us made barrel?

[wlemay]

I am looking at getting a polish tantal imported by century; I found one and really like it: all matching serial numbers, decent finish, really nice looking bore... However, I have been told to be weary of American made barrels on CAI guns, Century is apparently notorious for buying the cheapest parts and slapping guns together that key hole and shoot like hell. Having never bought a CAI firearm I don't know if that is true or not, but I can say I have heard more bad things than good things.

After looking over the firearm I noticed an importation mark on the barrel itself: "CAI Georgia VT." I am assuming that this means that the barrel is the real deal from poland since it is marked in such a manner... I could not locate any other markings on the barrel.

I just want to know what I am getting into, I would have assumed that the barrel would have matched serial numbers to all of the other components but I could be wrong.

*Edit* the serial number begins with a Y*******, I read that those ones have very good barrels and do not key hole... still not sure if it is original or domestic.

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[plouffedaddy]

Is it new? If so I'd get it since Century has a good warranty and they honor it.

Here's my CAI review:


CAI Tantal Review Video Link

 

[wlemay]

Is it new? If so I'd get it since Century has a good warranty and they honor it.

No, it's not new... A friend of a friend is selling it, he said he bought it at a gun show (not sure when). So I have no clue how old it is or if it is under warranty... all I know if the serial number starts with Y000###, the gun looks pretty nice, and the guy said it does not keyhole. Perhaps someone could tell me how old it is based on serial number or how to look it up?