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Posted: 5/3/2010 7:50:35 PM EDT
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First, I wanted to know if any of you knew what type of polish tantal this was at http://www.classicarms.us/
i'm guessing it's century arms? if so, are they a decent rifle? i have enough to buy the arsenal ak74, but is it really that much better then one of the lower quality ones? If so, how much better. Also, if I did decide to buy the arsenal could I switch the furniture to that of the polish tantal? i really dig the mismatched plum/bakelite. I ask this because I read somewhere that the tantals are built differently than other 74s, so it's hard to switch parts. i guess i'm looking for an excuse to be cheap. also, if any of you know of any sites that are selling quailty polish tantals that would also be great. |
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Any basic search containing "Century" and "Tantal" would give you a slew of results answering most of the questions you've posted.
But I'll explain anyway. 
First, by all reports, the fit and finish of these rifles is excellent.... Now that that's out of the way.... Century produced these rifles initially with wrong size barrels, with wrong twist rates. They keyholed the targets. Rather than nice round holes, many users ended up seeing long projectile shaped holes in their target. Century switched the twist rate in them to 1/9 and it seems to have worked - some reports these rifles still keyholed, others did not. Now Century produces a 1/8" barreled Tantal, which is closest to what original specs would be. I have not read any range reports from anyone with a 1/8" barrel, but I would assume this is what would be best, provided the bore diameter is correct. People are still buying Century Tantals that end up keyholing the target. If you have the money to get an Arsenal, get the Arsenal. They have original chrome lined barrels, and you can put whatever furniture you want on them. They're also black, which is more authentic than the parkerized finish of the Century rifles. With all that being said... I have a 1/9" Century Tantal, and I love it. It doesn't keyhole, and it shoots great with all grains of ammunition. Rock on. 
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your gun is sexy, mate.
i have a few more questions! are milled receivers better than stamped? I found a milled ak74 on atlanticarms, this is it http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct850.aspx would that be a lot better than the arsenal? also, if I did buy the arsenal, is there anyway I can buy that mismatched furniture plum/bakelite for the arsenal? I really don't dig the tactical looks they give them. I like the rugged |
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Thanks
The whole milled vs. stamped debate has been raging forever... For me, it's not such a big deal, and I think you'll find that most agree. That rifle from the atlantic page is a Lancaster. Lancaster has been getting a LOT of flack in the AK community right now because of NUMEROUS reasons. Bad rivets, guns shooting themselves apart, barrels keyholing, broken warranty promises, etc. etc. etc. Quite honestly I'd take another Century before I'd buy a Lancaster, probably the $369 one from Centerfire or Classic Arms Aside from the god-awful furniture on them (which you want to replace anyway), I've heard those are actually pretty decent rifles for the price. Check the "bulgarian" section of the AK forum here for some reviews. Hope that helps. |
| neither is really better than the other . some people claim the milled is more accurate than stamped. but is a heavier gun. personally i like a heavier gun because it tends to have less recoil than a lighter gun so you can control your follow up shots. but were talking about ak's the weight isnt a huge difference. and if your wanting the 74, well theres not much recoil anyway. it all depends on personal preference. i shoot a 300 win mag browning bar for hunting and that gun has a lot less recoil than a comparable automatic because of it being so heavy. hope that helps |
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