I've rolled the dice - Century Arms Tanatal AK-74

[Beach Nut]

I went to my local gun store, actually looking for another snubbie to add to my collection. I saw a Century Arms Tanatal and I was intrigued by it so I asked to take a look. I liked the Parkerized finish and the smooth action and after looking it over, I decided to take a chance on it. I've heard older verisons of this rifle had issues with keyholing because of mismatched barrels. One thing I liked about the AK-74 was the price of ammo. This is my first semi auto rifle and I figured I would go with something that would not break the bank. I would like to know more about accessories, for example, I'm thinking about replacing the wire stock with something a little more stable (folding stock preferred), maybe some night sights and a parts kit. I wish it had a chrome lined barrel, otherwise I am happy and excited about owning my first semi-auto.

 

[WardenWolf]

You probably got a nice rifle. Most Century Tantals are very fine shooters. For the time being, though, I'm sticking with 7.62x39 and 5.56 for my AK-style rifles, since I already have other rifles in those calibers.

 

[TurtlePhish]

The only time I've seen the keyholing issue with the older Tantals is when the barrels heat up a bit. Short of mag dumps, most seem to be pretty okay.

 

[Rob G]

The older Tantals keyholed because they had out of spec barrels. If I remember correctly they were actually 5.56 barrels. The newer ones don't have this issue according to what I've heard. You've bought a good reliable rifle and should enjoy shooting it. I also wouldn't worry about the non-chrome lined part. It's nice to have a CL barrel but if you clean it well it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[sxcamaro05]

I sold the Tantals for 4 years at my last job and they were outsold 19-1 by WASR's. IMHO the quality was much higher, and from shooting them seemed to be a better investment overall. I did hear a few reports of keyholing but most folks were very happy with their purchase of the Tantal.

 

[M1key]

Avoid Lancaster '74s made in the last couple years. Real crap-shoot. Chet outsourced the builds and ended up with a business-bankrupting headache. 556 barrels with oversized gas ports causing keyholing, stretched receivers, dust covers that will no longer fit.

They are still out there in the hands of uninformed and unsuspecting individuals. Even spotted one in a Denver area gun shop for sale on consignment. Visual inspection showed oblong rivet holes. Might have to have a talk with the shop owner.

M

 

[Dr. Sandman]

You know, I don't own anything that shoots 5.45x39, but I have thought about buying a few thousand rounds while it's still cheap. I think it was about $130 for 1080 rounds at the gun show recently, IIRC. It just seems like a good deal. Down the road, pick up a 74...

 

[Beach Nut]

Ammunition is one factor that made me get the AK 74 vs. the AK 47. 5.45 is
inexpensive and easier on the shoulder than the 7.62. Plus, if I decide I love
my new rifle, it would be easier to maintain barrel control if I decide to add a
bump fire to it. I will replace the wire stock with a Russian or East German
triangular folder and maybe invest in some night sights if it shoots good.
I'll have more money for upgrades from ammuntion savings in firing the 5.45
vs. the 7.62. The 5.45 might also be the medicine I need to take care of a
pack of coyotes I've been seeing in the woods behind my house. They killed
my ten year old tomcat (he was a good mouser) and two of my neighbors
cats. I have a Savage 111 30.06 and a Marlin 336 30-30 but those cartridges
would probably be overkill for coyotes. This coming weekend, I'll take it out to
the range for the first time.

 

[Rob G]

The 5.45 might also be the medicine I need to take care of a pack of coyotes I've been seeing in the woods behind my house.

The 5.45 does a very nice job on coyotes. Plus the low recoil makes for quick follow up shots so you can get more than one if you happen to find a pack of them. If you want to add to your fun a bit for $230 you can pick up a PK-A red dot from Kalinka Optics that'll mount to the side rail on an AK. It's a good sturdy red dot for not a ton of money.

 

[xxxleafybugxxx]

Vigilante, I just made the same purchase. Only took it out once. Shoots very good, no keyholing. I highly recommend silver bear ammo. Very good and accurate. The polish tantal does not have the side rail, so that option isn't possible. I have both a Tantal, and a wasr 10. Both are very good rifles. I've had my WASR for years now, never problems. If i had to take one into battle, honestly, I'd take the tantal. I love both, but the accuracy puts the tantal ahead in my book.

 

[Pilot]

I had a Tantal built up from a parts kit (with original Polish barrel, prior to the barrel ban) on an American receiver. It shoots GREAT. I found a stock extender/pad that fits on the end of the folding stock and increases the LOP. It works great, or I would have to replace the stock too. They are short, but I do have long arms.

I have heard the more recent Century Tantals are pretty good, so you are probably fine.

 

[allaroundhunter]

Let that Tantal loose on those coyotes and they won't be running far.

 

[mortablunt]

The AK-74 is a fine weapon. You'll be very satisfied.