Polish Tantal AK-74

[molonlabetn]

There have been a number of intermediate rifle/carbine models crop up in the last year or so... The Sig 556, Magpul Masada, and Robinson Armament XCR.

I want my personal armament to keep up with these developments.

Gas-piston bolt actuation being the main difference between these and the venerable Stoner AR direct-impingement system... The Sig 556 is the only one of these 3 which I am seriously considering, mainly because the 55X series has a long and reputable track record for accuracy and reliability. It is also the only one which uses a long-stroke gas system (like an M1 Garand or SKS), which increases reliability, and negates the need for a separate forward assist.

I have handled the gun, and know that the controls will work for me... I want to hear any opinions from those who might have some experience with this platform. I will be abandoning my AR15s for whatever I choose, even though the spare parts commonality is a plus (the only one though, really).

Thoughts? Criticisms?... (I give enough, I can take it :up: )

[LiLBucket]

Give me all of your firearms for the reason of being uncertain of what you want!! K? K!!

I actually have no relavent or useful input here, I merely drool for a 556 or an XCR!:p

Thank you!!:D

[Greentimber]

I was going to buy one. Then I took my M4 to the range a couple times and remembered that it never malfunctions.

Saved me $1300+ :D

[Tungsten]

I was going to buy one. Then I took my M4 to the range a couple times and remembered that it never malfunctions.

Saved me $1300+ :D
:lol:

I do like the looks of the new Magpul Masada, though. Very well thought out system.

[Tungsten]

Thoughts? Criticisms?... (I give enough, I can take it :up: )

http://files.blog-city.com/files/aa/37231/p/f/sig556_production_rifle.jpg



You know what to do. And I want to shoot it when you do. :devil:

[molonlabetn]

Got the OK from the 'boss'... Now I just need to sell this AR15 (that's her contingency)

[towerclimber37]

Molonlabe....I would but I don't think I can justify 2 long guns in under 3 months...I just bought this!
http://www.tngunowners.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=174&cat=500

[GlocKingTN]

I really like it!

[Tungsten]

Have you ordered it yet? You know you're going to sell the M4 so you might as well do it! :hyper:

[towerclimber37]

guys...how do I put a picture up instead of a link?? this is driving me NUTS!

[jackdog]

Well that's a short drive.:D

[GlocKingTN]

guys...how do I put a picture up instead of a link?? this is driving me NUTS!
It works for me sometimes, and sometimes it doesnt work!:confused:

[molonlabetn]

Have you ordered it yet? You know you're going to sell the M4 so you might as well do it! :hyper:

I haven't had a chance to swing by Hero-Gear in Winchester... And I probably won't get a chance to until next week, when my schedule clears up a bit.

[EasilyObsessed]

guys...how do I put a picture up instead of a link?? this is driving me NUTS!

Put img surrounded by square brackets before the link and /img surrounded by brackets after the image.

Or you can click the "Insert Image" button just above where you type a reply at. It is the yellowish button with what looks like two mountains and a sun in the picture. Just past your link into the popup after clicking the link.

[Tungsten]

I haven't had a chance to swing by Hero-Gear in Winchester... And I probably won't get a chance to until next week, when my schedule clears up a bit.
So you're good to go on ordering one? That's going to be a sweet rifle!!!

[molonlabetn]

So you're good to go on ordering one? That's going to be a sweet rifle!!!

Yep :)

The sale of my M4 isn't finalized yet... so I'm halfway waiting on that, and also still trying to clear up my busy schedule so that I can actually go wheeling and dealing.

I'm hoping to have the new rifle in the next 2 months or so (but I'm not too optimistic on how long it'll take to get it in once ordred... we'll see.)

I'm still about 20% conflicted about whether to get a PTR 91 KPF (http://www.ptr91.com/product_pages/ptr91kpf.html) instead... but the lower cost of 5.56mm ammo is starting to be very convincing!

My intentions for the Sig, initially, will be to get a Surefire M900 VFG weapon-light, and an EoTech. And I need to research the best way to sling this rifle... The stock flash-hider is going to go, as well, in favor of a Phantom or a Vortex.

I'm giving away the last of my 50gr ammo with my M4, because the 1x7 twist of the Sig won't be compatible with that bullet weight... I'll be stocking up on Double-Tap 62gr SS109.

I'm excited...

[molonlabetn]

Boy, did I change gears...

Well, I've been dealing with Dan & Joe up at Hero-Gear in Winchester about getting me a Polish Tantal AK-74: http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/admin/images/content/tantalfixedstock.jpg

My thought is, cheaper ammo and more proven design... And, with the money I'll be saving, I can justify another purchase :D

I should know today or tomorrow if they can get me one.

[Donnie]

I JUST got off the phone with Dan. They just ordered my newest toy and it should be here in a couple weeks. My plans changed gears on me as well. I had thought about ordering a Sig Revolution 1911, but changed my mind. I already have a good 1911 and variety is the spice of life, right???? Sooooo, I will be the proud owner of another kind of Sig. I've got a 226 Blackwater coming for me. 5 15 round mags, 2 sets of grip panels, contrasting night sights, and a holster that will fit it and my TLR-1. I'm stoked.

[molonlabetn]

Oh that'll be sweet! What make holster are you getting?

[jackdog]

Damn that is sweet, what was the cost??

[molonlabetn]

Atlantic is selling those Tantals for $599... I figured that I could get it, some mags, accessories and a few cases of ammo for the same cost as just the Sig 556.

[Tungsten]

An AK has been on my "short list" of things to buy before the next ban for a while now. Of course we all hope there won't be a next ban, but I'm too much of a realist to think that it won't happen if the Gov't wants it to happen.

What are the good brands of AKs to buy?

[molonlabetn]

What are the good brands of AKs to buy?

Arsenal (Bulgarian)
Vepr (no longer in business)
Vector (Russian)
Valmet (Finnish)
Tantal (Polish)

Some of the cheaper versions (which aren't necessarily 'bad') are the Romanian models imported by Century... These generally have poor fit, luckily that doesn't matter much which AKs

[Donnie]

I'm thinking about a Safariland 5187 or a Bladetech. I've got a Streamlight TLR-1 light that I had for my XD and both Safariland and Bladetech make holsters for it with the light attached in a non duty belt type holster. I'll probably get another holster for it without the light while I'm at it. I've wanted a P series Sig for a while now. I was about to trade another gun I had for a P220ST last fall to a guy I work with, but he backed out. I've been shooting .45 and .40 for a few years now, and thought that I might go back to 9mm in one gun for a while. I can shoot twice as much 9mm for the same ammo cost.

As far as the cost goes, I traded in my used XD .40 V-10 with tru-glo TFO sights, a CompTac CTAC holster for the XD, some duty gear (approx $250 value), and $175. Needless to say, Dan and Joe cut me a hell of a deal on it being that it's MSRP is $1100.

[towerclimber37]

Sooooo, I will be the proud owner of another kind of Sig. I've got a 226 Blackwater coming for me.

I SO know you're going to post pics when you get it :popcorn:

[Voodoo_1]

Arsenal (Bulgarian)
Vepr (no longer in business)
Vector (Russian)
Valmet (Finnish)
Tantal (Polish)

Some of the cheaper versions (which aren't necessarily 'bad') are the Romanian models imported by Century... These generally have poor fit, luckily that doesn't matter much which AKs

Might I add Armory USA (Lancaster Consulting) to the list. This is the AK I'm looking at for a future purchase.http://www.tngunowners.com/photos//data/500/akmb1_6.jpg
The 1.6mm heavy duty stamped receiver is about as close as you can get to being a milled receiver like on higher quality russian AKs. This is a 7.62 x 39 cal. rifle.
Molon, you are absolutely right about the Century Rommy. They are hit or miss as far as getting a good one.
Out of curiosity, what made you decide with going with a 5.45 cal. AK instead of a 7.62 cal. I'm personally going 7.62 to purchase cheap bulk russian (Tiger) ammo and for the power of the projectile. Saving the 5.56 cal. for the AR.

[molonlabetn]

5.45x39 is actually cheaper than 5.56x45 or 7.62x39...

It shoots flatter with less recoil than the 7.62
It (subjectively) hits harder from short barrels than 5.56

[Voodoo_1]

Molon,
Thanks for the info, sounds reasonable to me. Good luck getting your new Tantal.

[molonlabetn]

Thanks,

I just ordered it and 5 extra Polish steel 30 rounders... I'm going to get some Bulgarian polymer mags too, eventually, since they're cheaper.

The gun & 5 mags = $750 shipped.

The 2-week wait for it to get here will probably just drag by... But it'll give me a chance to square away a case or two of ammo.

[Donnie]

I know what you mean by dragging by. It's going to be tough.

So, are you going to leave the factory furnature on it or switch out to a folding stock or anything???

[Voodoo_1]

Congrats on your new Tantal! Sounds like you got an excellent deal with the rifle and the extra mags. You will be so excited that you will definitely need at least a case of ammo to run thru it. Have fun when it comes in and let us know how she does.:owned:

[molonlabetn]

I know what you mean by dragging by. It's going to be tough.

So, are you going to leave the factory furnature on it or switch out to a folding stock or anything???

I dislike under-folders on AKs... they snag on stuff and are not very ergonomic. There is one type of side-folder which I might, just might consider:

http://tantal.kalashnikov.guns.ru/media2/stocksfull01.jpg

But, we'll see how the solid stock does... if it fits me, I'm going to leave well enough alone.

I'll call ya when I go to pick it up.

[Donnie]

I agree, side folders are the way to go if you aren't happy with the solid stock.

Yea, give me a shout and I'll come up there. Maybe mine will come in at about the same time. If you want, we might go out to my property and put a few rounds through it and my new toy. I need to shoot my AR and rezero my EOtech anyway.

[molonlabetn]

Well, my 1000rd of Wolf 70gr 5.45x39, and 2160rd of Tula 53gr steel-core 5.45x39 got here yesterday afternoon...

Now I just need the boom-stick to go with it, and life will be complete!

[CrazyLincoln]

For those of you who are curious about the SIG 556 and did not see my thread....

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=943

ALSO, if you live near Nashville, and want to try out my SIG 556, just PM me and I will be glad to arrange for you to shoot. I only ask, in return, you bring what you have that I may shoot. I love trying new things. :D

[molonlabetn]

For those of you who are curious about the SIG 556 and did not see my thread....

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=943

ALSO, if you live near Nashville, and want to try out my SIG 556, just PM me and I will be glad to arrange for you to shoot. I only ask, in return, you bring what you have that I may shoot. I love trying new things. :D

I intend to take you up on that!

As soon as my Tantal AK74 finally arrives (just another week & a half, hopefully), and I can get the packing grease/cosmoline cleaned out of her, I'll be bringing it to the next meetup we all have that way...

:up:

[CrazyLincoln]

Awsome. I'd like to see how that AK shoots

[molonlabetn]

Still waiting... Now at the 1 month mark...

Demon, did you pick up your 226 yet?

[Hero Gear]

Still waiting... Now at the 1 month mark...

Demon, did you pick up your 226 yet?


Donnie's Blackwater will be here today...I will try to post a few pictures for him :)

[Donnie]

I've got my 226. It's a beauty. I ran in and got it at lunch today and we didn't take any pics of it.

Thanks for jumping through the hoops for me Joe, I really appreciate it.

[Hero Gear]

My pleasure :)

[Donnie]

Heard anything from them lately??

[Hero Gear]

I have access to a couple 556s if someone wants one.

[molonlabetn]

Heard anything from them lately??

Latest response (yesterday evening), the president of Atlantic Firearms contacted me himself and said that mine was confirmed on its way to them from the distributor, and was due to arrive at Atlantic on Friday... Which means, depending on their turnaround, that I might have the rifle in my hands by next weekend...

...and I'll be out of town next weekend :wall:

[molonlabetn]

I have access to a couple 556s if someone wants one.

If Atlantic has lied to me again about my AK... I'll revert to my original plan... :up:

[Donnie]

Did you see the semi-auto Galil on the wall over there??? Looks nice.

[molonlabetn]

Did you see the semi-auto Galil on the wall over there??? Looks nice.

Sigh... yeah, I didn't handle it but I took notice. My only hang-up is that I now have 3160rd of 5.45x39 sitting in my basement which would be useless in the Galil :mad:

The I'm going to give Atlantic their one last chance to get it to me within a week... I really want this Tantal, or else I wouldn't have waited this long to begin with.

[towerclimber37]

Sigh... yeah, I didn't handle it but I took notice. My only hang-up is that I now have 3160rd of 5.45x39 sitting in my basement which would be useless in the Galil :mad:

The I'm going to give Atlantic their one last chance to get it to me within a week... I really want this Tantal, or else I wouldn't have waited this long to begin with.

Well, if you want to sell the ammo, I'm betting that labrat would take it off your hands! his AK EATS ammo like tornados eat a trailer park.:D

[molonlabetn]

Well, if you want to sell the ammo, I'm betting that labrat would take it off your hands! his AK EATS ammo like tornados eat a trailer park.:D

I thought his was a 7.62x39?

If this falls through, I will be selling this stuff at my cost (which is cheaper than what someone can buy it for now).

I hope that I don't have to resort to that, though...

[molonlabetn]

Alright! There is yet hope! :rock:

Joe, be looking for me Monday afternoon!




From: ATLANTICFIREARM@aol.com [mailto:ATLANTICFIREARM@aol.com]

Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 7:32 PM
To: -molonlabetn-
Subject: Re: Order status inquiry

Fixed stock rifles arrived , all orders will ship out Thurs & Fri of this week

Thank You
Atlantic Firearms
Atlantic Firearms ,LLC
10337 Bunting Road
Bishopville MD, 21813
Office # 410 352 5183
Fax # 410 352 3374
EMAIL - sales@atlanticfirearms.com (ATLANTICFIREARM%20@%20AOL.COM)
Web Site WWW.ATLANTICFIREARMS.COM (http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/)



http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/admin/images/content/tantalfixedstock.jpg

[Hero Gear]

Its about time....lol

[Len]

I believe I speak for us all when I say a full range report will be REQUIRED upon acquisition.

[molonlabetn]

I believe I speak for us all when I say a full range report will be REQUIRED upon acquisition.

You betcha! I'll even do ya' one better... I'll bring it up to HGR on the 23rd :up:

[Urse]

Arsenal (Bulgarian)
Vepr (no longer in business)
Vector (Russian)
Valmet (Finnish)
Tantal (Polish)

Some of the cheaper versions (which aren't necessarily 'bad') are the Romanian models imported by Century... These generally have poor fit, luckily that doesn't matter much which AKs

Actually Vepr is a model built by the Molot factory in Russia. Robinson Armament was the importer but lost the contract(circumstances unclear). Atlantic Firearms is now the importer of VEPRS and have them in folding and fixed stock configurations. These rifles are based off an RPK receiver with a thicker(1.5mm) receiver and beefed up front trunnion. I will soon be the owner of my 3rd Vepr. To me these rifles are quite possibly the finest Kalashnikov variant currently available. The first time I took my Vepr K 7.62x39mm 16.5" barreled version to the range I was outshooting a tricked out Bushmaster with 4XACOG in the lane next to me with only Iron Sights(this had alot to do with the shooters). I can get consistent 3" groups at 100 yards off sandbags. I have a 308 version with 20.5" barrel that should be here middle of next week. The Molot factory is "controlled" by the Russian Izhmash factory(Saiga rifles) whose director is none other than Mikhail Kalashnikov himself! Valmet(Finnish), Polytech(Chinese), Arsenal(Bulgarian), Vepr(Russian) are the creme de' la creme of the Kalashnikov world. Valmets and Polytechs are 1200+(no longer imported) and Arsenals and Veprs are $650-1200 and probably the best readily available commercial Kalashnikovs. Norincos(Chinese), Saiga(Russian) are both great values for the money but the Norincos are only imported with thumbhole stocks(Blehhh) and the Saigas are imported in "sporterized" version that need to have the FCG(Fire Control Group) moved forward and have a pistol grip and traditional stock attached(although you can buy the base rifle for <300 by the time your finished you will have 500+ in it) but it is a Russian AK. Polish guns are good value for the money.Yugos do not have chrome lined bores. And Romanian are considered the bottom end in quality of manufacture. Oh and Vectors are actually Polish or Romanian kits built here in America off of America receivers(http://www.vectorarms.com/)
For me unless you spend more than 600 or so all of your choices are only Minute of Man accurate(which gets the job done). Whew! sorry for the long winded post.

[Urse]

I almost forgot the Robinson Armament XCR is loosely based off the Kalashnikov operating system. With a combination of AR ergonomics and barrel/caliber interchangeability. I was very close to buying one of these it looks like a quality product. However, when they lost the importation contract for the VEPR they evidently were on a pay as you go contract with MOLOT they continued to take orders for the Vepr and had people waiting as much as 18 months for a rifle that they never got. That coupled with the fact that they have offered zero product support to existing Vepr owners make me question their business practices. Also another forum I am a member of contains a thread in which Alex Robinson personally resorts to name calling of another poster. I can understand defending yourself and your product however as a businessman you risk alienating your customers.

[molonlabetn]

Yeah, some of that stuff was the reason I ruled out the XCR earlier on when I was considering it, the Sig 556, or waiting for the MagPul Masada...

I'm sure that I'll be happy with my com-bloc relic :D

[Len]

See, I just KNEW there was a reason I gave you a discount! Tell Misty she can't shoot it in that class, though! (Although maybe after or during lunch...)
:D
You betcha! I'll even do ya' one better... I'll bring it up to HGR on the 23rd :up:

[Len]

Hmm, seemed to have stumbled on some serious knowledge here!

I'm in the process of educating myself about AR15-style rifles, but the more I read, the more I seem to hear a little voice in my head say "What you REALLY want is an AK!"

So, with that in mind, I'd like to learn more about the AK platform (history, variants, how to shoot/procure/improve skills, etc). Anyone willing to offer up some suggested reading?

Many thanks in advance.

[molonlabetn]

Dr. Edward Clinton Ezell's The AK-47 Story

John Walther's Kalashnikov Machine Pistols, Assault Rifles and Machine-Guns, 1945 to the Present

Duncan Long's AK47, The Complete Kalashnikov Family of Assault Rifle

Lots of good info here: http://www.ak-47.net/ , as well. Happy reading!

[Urse]

Start here: http://www.ak-47.us/

www.akfiles.com

www.akforum.net

and also if you are interested in technique a great place to hang out is

www.warriortalk.com

just remember the AK is not an AR it does not act,feel,shoot,handle anything like the black rifle. However, "a billion peasants can't be wrong"

[Len]

Thanks guys! I see my list of summer reading has grown longer!

(I've lurked some at warriortalk, but have never posted -I simply have nothing to add that would be worth anyone's time to read at this point.)

-Len

[molonlabetn]

Is the wait finally over?

If it's here, I'll be there to pick it up today, mid-day or afternoon! I'll post pictures soon after...

[wareagle]

did she show?

[DEIMOS]

Yep :)
The stock flash-hider is going to go, as well, in favor of a Phantom or a Vortex.
I'm excited...

Look at the Phoenix flash hider from saylorsmachine.com. David Saylors is my best freind, he is also an expert machinist and gunsmith.

[molonlabetn]

did she show?

Nope... Not today. But, I'm hopeful for tomorrow!

[towerclimber37]

Hmm, seemed to have stumbled on some serious knowledge here!

I'm in the process of educating myself about AR15-style rifles, but the more I read, the more I seem to hear a little voice in my head say "What you REALLY want is an AK!"

So, with that in mind, I'd like to learn more about the AK platform (history, variants, how to shoot/procure/improve skills, etc). Anyone willing to offer up some suggested reading?

Many thanks in advance.
Len, you're ALMOST on target :p if you really want to do some "quality" work with a rifle, then go for something in the .308 flavor! you won't regret it!
Julie was shooting 3 inch groups with the m1a at 250 yard range...that was the first time she'd shot at that distance, with iron sights.


then again, .308 is getting expensive ..it could be cost prohibitive.

[molonlabetn]

Vepr and Saiga AKs are available chambered in 7.62x51 NATO... Tempting for sure! But the ammo cost is down-right ridiculous...

[Len]

One thing at a time, Tower, one thing at at time! :)
I'll get there. I do agree the ammo prices are crazy. I'll own one soon, just may not be able to shoot it much, or ever. But it shall be mine!
-Len
PS. Congrats to the SO on the nice groups. Iron sights? Dang!


Len, you're ALMOST on target :p if you really want to do some "quality" work with a rifle, then go for something in the .308 flavor! you won't regret it!
Julie was shooting 3 inch groups with the m1a at 250 yard range...that was the first time she'd shot at that distance, with iron sights.


then again, .308 is getting expensive ..it could be cost prohibitive.

[dcloudy777]

I just got off the phone with a very happy molonlabetn.... something Polish just showed up at the shop, and it ain't no kielbasa.... :devil:


DanO

[RedHead_1911]

I just got off the phone with a very happy molonlabetn.... something Polish just showed up at the shop, and it ain't no kielbasa.... :devil:


DanO

So happy that he cut his lunch date short with his wife...Oh well:rolleyes: He's headed your way at Mach 2

[Donnie]

He should be heading back towards Tullahoma at Mach 74 with his Polish prize in hand.

[molonlabetn]

Safely arrived, and Triumphant!!! :D

http://webpages.charter.net/eddiemickle/molonlabetn/IMG_0247.JPG

http://webpages.charter.net/eddiemickle/molonlabetn/IMG_0248.JPG

http://webpages.charter.net/eddiemickle/molonlabetn/IMG_0249.JPG

http://webpages.charter.net/eddiemickle/molonlabetn/IMG_0250.JPG

The wait is OVER! :up:

[Donnie]

It was nice meeting you Eddie. That's one sweet AK. The finish on it looks better than most that I've seen and the black furniture goes well with it.

[molonlabetn]

It was nice meeting you Eddie. That's one sweet AK. The finish on it looks better than most that I've seen and the black furniture goes well with it.

It was a pleasure to finally meeet you, as well... and Sam, too :up:

Looking forward to emptying some casings with ya'll sometime soon!

[samueld308]

Good to meet you, Eddie.
We need to use up that crate of ammo.:)

[Urse]

Congratulations, it looks like a whole lot of fun!

[tnroadrunner]

Eddie, We were hoping you would of brought it to the meeting last night. Looks great.

[Hero Gear]

Damn, im out of the shop for one day, and look what happens?

[molonlabetn]

Damn, im out of the shop for one day, and look what happens?

No worries, I'll be bringing it back by before too long to investigate getting a scout rail for the forend to mount an EoTech on... (UltiMak?). And I'll have to order another case of Wolf or something for the shoot at the NG range, so everybody can try out a few mags-worth...

Any suggestions on how best to sling this sucker? (You and I both know who I won't be going to for that...)

Cheers man! I'll catch you next time... Thanks for all the assistance with this one!

[nsnate02]

Looks good. I'm still waiting on my Saiga to get converted by Red Stick! From what I hear, my now 14 + week wait is due to Atlantic firearms putting in big orders for AK's. Waiting and anticipation are killers. I'm glad you got yours.

PS - any one interested in converting a Saiga to full AK yourself......http://www.cross-conn.com/Saiga_Conversion/index.htm

[molonlabetn]

Ordered an aluminum 4-rail handguard today...

http://www.leapers.com/product%20images/new%20items/product%20images/mnt-hg478sa-m.jpg

...I'll be installing a VFG and a weaponlight, for sure, and hopefully an EoTech in the not-too-distant future.

[Urse]

Repeat after me.....It is not an AR, It is not an AR.....:D

[molonlabetn]

What's wrong with this look?

http://olegvolk.net/gallery/d/16481-2/dashboard2469.jpg

It's functional.

[dcloudy777]

I think what he meant, Molon, is that the sight is just a waste of time, unless of course you get the special Com-Bloc calibrated MOTF* reticle, then you can really extend the effective range of most AK variants to their limits. I've heard of man-sized targets being hit with ranges as long as 30, even 35 meters with that setup. :D

DanO

*Minute-of-Tractor-Factory... a popular unit of measurement used to state the circular error of probability, I mean accuracy, of AK variants.

[crytes]

I have a question I was looking up the dragunov sniper rifle and I got many hits that called it an ak47 dragunov, is this a misnomer or is the dragunov just a modified AK?
Crytes

[Urse]

35 meters really? And its Minute Of Man. Nothing wrong with that look just ribbing you a little. You might want to look into a Aimpoint Red Dot with low mount rings it allows co-witnessing of the iron sights. Contrary to popular belief Kalashnikov iron sights have probably been used to kill more people than any other.

Crytes a true Dragunov is not a Kalashnikov. Different design(er). There are many places selling the Romanian PSL and incorrectly calling then Dragunov Sniper rifles. Here is a link with some info:
http://www.dragunov.net/

Remember troops, Any Kalashnikov is better than none!:D

[dcloudy777]

The SVD, or Dragunov, pattern rifle, is based loosely on the Kalashnikov pattern, but the similarities are largely superficial. Both rifles are gas operated short stroke piston weapons, and the safety levers are very close in appearance and, but the similarities pretty much end there. SVDs were built exclusivley on machined receivers, and their removable fire-control modules are vastly different from the AK. SVDs also have no provision for automatic fire, and the SVD has a 2-postion adjustable gas system.
Many clones of the Dragunov, such as the Romanian and Yugo guns, however, aren't much more than AK pattern rifles stretched and strengthened to handle the 7.62X54 round. These guns, and the outward similarity between the SVD and the AK, seem to confuse lots of folks, as the "AK47 Dragunov" reference is pretty common. Hope that helped.

DanO

C'mon Urse... Kalshnikov rifles might have been used to kill a whole mess of folks, but has anybody actually used the sights on one yet? I mean other than to pry open stolen UN food crates? :stir:

[crytes]

Thanks I've been considering takeing up hunting and I figured A sniper rifle aught to do a prety good job. Aside from that the apearence of those rifles just have so much style. By the way would that mean that the True dragunovs are more acurate? Or is it about the same?
Crytes

[Urse]

C'mon Urse... Kalshnikov rifles might have been used to kill a whole mess of folks, but has anybody actually used the sights on one yet? I mean other than to pry open stolen UN food crates? :stir:

:DOK, That was a good one.:D

[Tungsten]

I have handled the gun, and know that the controls will work for me... I want to hear any opinions from those who might have some experience with this platform. I will be abandoning my AR15s for whatever I choose, even though the spare parts commonality is a plus (the only one though, really).

So... back to the subject at hand :p are you happy with the one you purchased and would you recommend it to others?

[molonlabetn]

So... back to the subject at hand :p are you happy with the one you purchased and would you recommend it to others?

After 500 trouble-free rounds of Wolf 70gr 5.45x39 (including significant rapid and bump-firing)... I couldn't be happier with the rifle's performance. I have not yet shot it to determine it's accuracy at longer ranges, but it seems to group very tightly based on my experience sighting it in. With a proper sight on it, I expect it to be a very usable 300yd gun.

The rifle is very easy to clean, even easier than most AKs, because the gas tube is free-floated and the rifle can be stripped just as quickly as any AR.

The trigger is excellent, smooth and light, with a longer travel than an AR, but breaks nicely.

The action is smooth, and since I have installed a buffer behind the carrier it cycles without jarring the shooter at all. Recoil is very light and controllable, also due to the effective muzzle-brake.

Mag changes are slower than an AR, but with practice, one can very quickly drop the empty with the heel of the fresh mag and then snap it in place. I'll try to take a video of a few mag-dumps next time I shoot it.

Overall, a very rugged and reliable rifle, easy to operate, and much higher quality than any other stamped-receiver AK I've handled. I'd certainly take it over any AR under $1000.

[Tungsten]

I'd love to shoot it sometime, provided you'd let me. :D

[molonlabetn]

I'd love to shoot it sometime, provided you'd let me. :D

But, of course! I don't have to report in until 3pm on Saturday... we could go to the range in Manchester on your way back from Hero-Gear. I was planning on going out there for a couple hours anyways.

[Tungsten]

Hey, that's an idea. Let me clear it through the boss at home this evening. :)

[molonlabetn]

Just got back from the range (Terry Walden's in Manchester)... First of all, the Range Report:

- Performed rapid controlled-pairs thru 2 mags off-hand/standing @ 50yd, 100% reliability, 6" (approx) group.

- Slow-fired at 12"x12" steel-plate @ 300yd thru 2 mags standing & 1 mag rested, 100% reliability, sights were dead-on using the 300yd setting made hits 50% of the time standing, and all but a few rested shots missed.

- Rapid-fired 1 mag + a partial mag at 25yd, easily kept all shots on a 8.5x11 sheet... reliability issue, however, 1 round experienced a failure-to-feed. It was hung up between the bolt and face of the breech. I dumped the mag, racked the carrier (which dropped the misfed round through the magwell), and reloaded with the second mag. No other issues.

- Bump-fired 1 full mag at 25yd, shouldered, 100% reliable and controllable... but, I'd estimate the grouping at around 3ft dia... :blush:

So, after a total of 730rd through this gun so far it has malfunctioned once.

Now, the eye-candy:

http://www.tngunowners.com/photos/data/500/Polish_Tantal_AK-74_9-1-07_1.jpg

[Tungsten]

That's a very cool rifle. I really enjoyed getting the chance to handle it today! Too bad I'm a complete noob when it comes to AK controls. :lol:

[fury2neon]

That is a very nice AK!

[molonlabetn]

As long as it doesn't 'choke' again before I'm through with its first case of ammo, I'll be happy.

Looking forward to shooting it again... and I hate going to the range by myself.

[towerclimber37]

Eddie, so does Julie.
:D