5.45x39 AK recommendations

[Jguy101]

I'm in the market for a 5.45x39mm AK at the moment, and I've narrowed my selection down to three options, so I decided I'd ask for opinions:

• Tennessee Guns Bulgarian kit gun--Bulgy parts on a NoDak Spud receiver; seems decent for the price.
• 5.45 Saiga--Would probably be about the same price after conversion as the above Bulgarian, although it'd lack the muzzle brake.
• Century Tantal--I've heard about the keyholing problems, but I've also heard that Century's using higher-quality barrels now. If that's true, are they otherwise decent enough?

 

[Kor]

If your jurisdiction requires "politically-correct" guns, get the Saiga.

If you think it might be a good idea to tote your AK-74 around in a carry-bag, either slung on your shoulder or in your vehicle, get the Tantal. If possible, take a 5.45 round with you and check the bore diameter by inserting the bullet point into the muzzle - if the bullet goes all the way in to the case mouth, the bore is too wide and that particular gun will probably keyhole. The wire side-folder stock is not as bad for shooting as some make it out to be, especially if you wrap it with 550-paracord or something similar.

For general range practice and carbine training classes, get the TGI build with the solid fixed stock - it gives you the best cheek-weld and shoulder mount.

If you can afford it, a custom-built AK-74 incorporating an Arsenal polymer side-folder stock gives you the best of both worlds - a solid polymer stock that folds to the side and locks solidly, yet opens quickly. Arsenal, Inc. of Las Vegas has done production side-folder rifles in 7.62X39 and 5.56X45, but not in 5.45X39 - yet...

 

[mshootnit]

Arsenal has done several rifles in 5.45 including the SLR105, 105R, 105A1R and the SGL-31(44) and SGL-31(65)
I have owned 3 arsenal rifles and all have been worth the money. I agree with the side folder assessment. Although I also really like the Ace side-folders which can be installed in less than an hour.

 

[Norinco982lover]

I had fun converting my Saiga 7.62x39 over the past month...not too hard...and you get to customize it however you want!

 

[wally]

The nice thing about the Tantal is you can simply replace the folding stock with a standard one if you don't like it.

If you plan to shoot corrosive ammo (all the cheap surplus 5.45x39 is corrosive) I'd go with the lowest priced one that has a chrome chamber and bore -- which probably means the Saiga unless you can still find a Century or TGI made with the original barrels.

--wally.

 

[Babarsac]

I had to make the same decision a few weeks ago. I went with the Bulgarian AK-74 built by Lancaster and sold by Atlantic Firearms. At $599 it's not the cheapest one out there but it does have the side scope rail for my Kobra. I'm picking it up next week.

 

[mshootnit]

Wally,
IMO the Saigas (being russian, and having a nicer finish and more attention to detail) are too nice for the corrosive ammo unless you are going to clean it with near boiling water after every session. I still wouldn't do that to my Saiga. If you were going to do corrosive I would go with a cheaper variation yet. Problem is even the Wasr-2's are holding value or going up. I agree that it should be chromed rifle.

 

[HorseSoldier]

I'd vote for the Saiga, if you feel qualified to do the conversion. You could always have a gunsmith thread it for the 74 brake.

Tantals are nice, but Century is always a red flag. Of the two rifles I've bought from them through the years, one ran great (an FAL) and one had issued (Yugo AK) -- I'm not really fond of a company that has a 50% go rate in my experience.

 

[atblis]

Well

You could look around for an Interarms Tantal. Not being made anymore, but they use the original Polish barrel, and are very nicely put together.

Otherwise I vote for the Saiga.

Just a question if anybody knows. What do you have to do to the 5.45 Saigas to get them to use Hicaps? Do they need a feed ramp?

 

[frankd4]

Arsenal

Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal The best Ak you can own, they also make the SLR106f that is chambered in 223 thats the way to go best gun with the best round.

 

[atblis]

Also, if you can find a Vepr at a reasonable price, jump on that.