CAI Tantal or Saiga 5.45x39?

[ThatGuyHank]

I'm looking to pick up another Semi auto rifle and I'm stuck between two rather specific ones. I've seen the CAI Tantal fixed stock models going for around 500$, these are brand new and supposedly aren't plagued with the keyholing issues former Tantals were. Then the Saiga 5.45x39 is going for 400$ (whatever happened to the 300 dollar saiga?), I know these guns are solid and well built, the only problem is that it needs to be converted which will easily raise its price above that of the Tantal.

Is the Tantal at the same accuracy and quality level of the saiga or is it still having issues? Which would you consider to be the better value? (I'm specifically talking about Century Arms Tantals)

 

[AethelstanAegen]

You might want to look at the Interarms Tantals as well. They're a little more than the CAI built ones, but you don't have to worry about the quality or the laughable warranty offered by CAI. I've been very happy with my Interarms Tantal rifle.

If strictly between the Saiga and the CAI Tantal, I'd vote Saiga. You can always convert it over time, spreading that cost out and end up with a really quality AK. You will also once again not have to take the Century lottery and have a great gun from the beginning. Sometimes piece of mind and a quality start are worth saving up a little longer for...you may well end up saving money, and certainly time/energy if you got a Century lemon.

Lots of people ave great success with their Century built AKs, lots of people don't. If you could inspect it in person before hand, that would be well worth it if you're considering a Century.

 

[M1key]

Another vote for the brand-new Russian made Saiga.

M

 

[dubya450]

This may be stupid but what exactly does it mean to convert a saiga?

 

[rule303]

Conversion refers to making it into more of a "real" AK. They are imported with a sporter stock, and the trigger group is moved to the rear so a pistol grip can't be installed.

 

[briansmithwins]

Saiga hands down.

Avoid the taint of CAI whenever it is a option.

BSW.

 

[ifit]

i would skip the two you mentioned and consider the romy m10 in 5.45x39, i think its a better purchase

 

[JohnnyK]

both...

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Get an Interarms, you won't be disappointed. I have one and see no quality issues and absolutely love it and even trust it with my life with it being my HD rifle.

 

[CnRnut]

Saiga