AethelstanAegen
Member
I've decided to take the plunge and buy a rifle that is not 60+ years old. I've decided to with the AK platform (I will likely add an AR down the line, but I plan to wait on it). I also want something with a side folding stock (I've heard too many negative things about shooting an underfolder). I mainly plan for this rifle to be a bum around the woods/target shooting gun. My woods are wicked hilly, so compactness and weight are somewhat of an issue...essentially, I'd like a gun I'd be inclined to take with me when out for a walk through the woods (because in general, I opt to leave the Garand at home as it weighs a ton).
A secondary (but only because it's less likely to ever be needed for such) is as a defensive weapon against all critters/predators (4 and 2 legged, though 4 around here only really gets to be black bear size and they tend to leave well enough alone...so mostly 2 legged and perhaps wild dog). I've thus been trying to decide between 7.62x39 and 5.45x39. The very cheap price of 5.45x39 is obviously a selling point, but even 7.62x39 is significantly cheaper than other rounds for the rifles I already own. I understand the theory behind the smaller 5.56 and 5.45 caliber round, but I'm having a bit of trouble getting my mind around a less the an .30 calibered battle rifle with a grain weight less than even any pistol round I own (the smallest being the 86gr Tokarev). I'm sure I'll get over this but it has been holding me back from committing to 5.45x39 (can you tell I'm a .45acp guy over 9mm? haha). I imagine either round would generally be sufficient against two-legged vermin and wild dog but in the off chance of having to deal with a black bear would one of these rounds work better than other (or perhaps neither)?
Anyways, long story short, the main contenders are as follows:
Arsenal AK 107F (either with the synthetic folding stock or the metal folding triangle stock) in 7.62x39.
or the:
Interarms (not Century) Polish Tantal in 5.45x39.
I'm inclined towards the Arsenal, with a preference for the synthetic stock over metal one...anyone have experience with the comfort of either? The Arsenal is right at the top of my rifle budget around $840-880 at Atlantic firearms and the IAC Tantal is right around $630. I have ruled out the 5.45x39 Arsenal folding stock rifles as they push the limit over my budget (into the $1000+). I'd thought about an AMD 65 in 7.62, but it just never grew on me.
Can anyone suggest either rifle to me or perhaps a third option I've overlooked? Also does anyone know what the discount Atlantic gives for members of THR? Should I be looking at making the purchase elsewhere (ie a cheaper place)? Many thanks!
A secondary (but only because it's less likely to ever be needed for such) is as a defensive weapon against all critters/predators (4 and 2 legged, though 4 around here only really gets to be black bear size and they tend to leave well enough alone...so mostly 2 legged and perhaps wild dog). I've thus been trying to decide between 7.62x39 and 5.45x39. The very cheap price of 5.45x39 is obviously a selling point, but even 7.62x39 is significantly cheaper than other rounds for the rifles I already own. I understand the theory behind the smaller 5.56 and 5.45 caliber round, but I'm having a bit of trouble getting my mind around a less the an .30 calibered battle rifle with a grain weight less than even any pistol round I own (the smallest being the 86gr Tokarev). I'm sure I'll get over this but it has been holding me back from committing to 5.45x39 (can you tell I'm a .45acp guy over 9mm? haha). I imagine either round would generally be sufficient against two-legged vermin and wild dog but in the off chance of having to deal with a black bear would one of these rounds work better than other (or perhaps neither)?
Anyways, long story short, the main contenders are as follows:
Arsenal AK 107F (either with the synthetic folding stock or the metal folding triangle stock) in 7.62x39.
or the:
Interarms (not Century) Polish Tantal in 5.45x39.
I'm inclined towards the Arsenal, with a preference for the synthetic stock over metal one...anyone have experience with the comfort of either? The Arsenal is right at the top of my rifle budget around $840-880 at Atlantic firearms and the IAC Tantal is right around $630. I have ruled out the 5.45x39 Arsenal folding stock rifles as they push the limit over my budget (into the $1000+). I'd thought about an AMD 65 in 7.62, but it just never grew on me.
Can anyone suggest either rifle to me or perhaps a third option I've overlooked? Also does anyone know what the discount Atlantic gives for members of THR? Should I be looking at making the purchase elsewhere (ie a cheaper place)? Many thanks!
