looking to buy Polish Tantal AK 74....ADVISE?

[skipbo32]

wanting advise on buying a polish ak 74 tantal. i dont want to go with century because i want a good chrome lined barrel on mine. i here Interarms builds a good polish tantal and they have US made chrome barrels on them. does anyone have any feedback on these newer Interarms Tantals and the US barrels?

i did find one tantal made from a parts kit with the original barrel but i am not sure of who built it. i figured Interarms has a warranty.........so i dont know how much of a gamble it is to go with an all matching parts kit Tantal with original barrel, over one with a new US barrel built by a reputable company.

 

[AethelstanAegen]

I'd highly recommend the Interarms Tantal. Mine has been 100% reliable and the parkerized finish has been very robust (it resists scratches much better than my FEG AMD-65 which has an Arsenal like finish). All the rivets were well done, no canted sights, no mag wobble, and no keyholing as was a problem on the early Century Tantals. The barrel is indeed chrome lined. I can't tell you how the warranty/customer service is as I've had no problems with mine and thus no need to utilize said warranty/CS. I also really like the folding stock and with the light recoil of 5.45 it's not uncomfortable to use (I get a much better cheek weld than say on an underfolder). For what it's worth I ordered mine from Atlantic Firearms (they'll give you a discount for being a member here) and shipping was very quick and they were happy to answer a ton of silly questions of mine before I ordered. Feel free to send me a PM if you have any questions about the rifle that I didn't cover.

Here's a few pics:

 

[skipbo32]

thanks for the feedback. where did you get the bakelite grip? i like it!

 

[AethelstanAegen]

where did you get the bakelite grip? i like it!

I actually don't remember where...though a quick google search turned up this place: http://www.robertrtg.com/ak.html

That said, I haven't ordered from them so YMMV.

 

[skipbo32]

great link! thanks!

 

[skipbo32]

AethelstanAegen:

i forgot to ask you.....what year did you buy your Tantal in?

 

[AethelstanAegen]

August of last year. I've got one of those 1080 rd tins of 7n6 through it and about half of a second tin...so total round count is about 1,500.

 

[skipbo32]

man, i'll save $25 by getting it through Atlantic Arms. or shud i just get it on GB?

 

[BigMag]

I've always purchased through Atlantic Firearms. There service is great and they back up what they sell. Right now it looks like it's on sale with them for $589.

 

[AethelstanAegen]

Well shoot that's less than I payed (even after my THR discount) only a few months ago...so I'd say go for it if you want a Tantal.

 

[skipbo32]

well,

i went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Tantal on GB. after shipping it is going to cost me $25 more than if i bought through Atlantic FA. i am trying to work with the guy on selling me some 5.45 ammo with a shipping price break (however). so in the end we will see if it was worth it. i'll keep ya'll posted.

he did say the Tantal was built from a matching parts kit.

 

[AethelstanAegen]

Very cool, skipbo32. You'll have to show us some pics and let us know how she shoots once you get her in person (it's pretty rare to see the Beryl furniture so I'd be curious to see some more detailed pics).

 

[skipbo32]

i did not get the Beryl one. i got the one with the US chrome barrel and bakelite handguard:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=273569685


i paid $25 more than what i would have if i went with AFA. turns out the seller could not swing me the deal i was looking for with combined shipping on some ammo. o well, im sure the rifle will be great. i just need to find a nice orange tint bakelite pistol grip and some bakelite mags. at less than .15 cents a round, im gunna be having some fun with my new 5.45 AK74. i will let ya'll know how it shoots.

 

[AethelstanAegen]

Oh, so you went with the Interarms build...a good choice Haha. If it's like mine, it will be built from a matching numbers parts kit (all the numbers on the parts of my rifle match except those made in the US for 922r). You won't be disappointed skipbo32. Now you'll find yourself slowly becoming addicted to bakelite. Haha.

 

[aubie515]

I have a Century Tantal and it's GTG. No keyholing issues and the finish is one of the best that I've owned in any AK. I just added the Attero Arms mount with my Trijicon RMR and that combo is very nice.

 

[skipbo32]

Oh, so you went with the Interarms build...a good choice Haha. If it's like mine, it will be built from a matching numbers parts kit (all the numbers on the parts of my rifle match except those made in the US for 922r). You won't be disappointed skipbo32. Now you'll find yourself slowly becoming addicted to bakelite. Haha.

thank YOU sir. you were the one who helped me decide on this one. and yes, i need to get some bakelite!

 

[JohnnyK]

cheaper than dirt offers some new bakelite mags for AK74