I can get a prety good deal on that Tantal, NDS2 and the VZ2008 and I can’t decide.
This is just a novelty for me but I want something that is going to work reliably. I am leaning toward the 5.45x39 because of ammo prices. I may do some modifications to it but not too much. I was thinking of adding a rail hand guard, optic (H-1), light (G2) and an ambi charging handle but that’s it. Please post your known pros and cons. Thanks!
my vote is for the AK-74 tantal.
that way, you can always buy a fixed stock to use with the ability to swap back to the side folder.
it’s what i did 
(photo taken outside of CA)
Really depends on who built the kit guns (Tantal, NDS2) and what parts they are using, and whether it will have the original barrel or not.
The VZ isn’t an AK but I’m a huge fan of the vz-58 system and think it has a lot of advantages.
I would definitely NOT do an ambi charging handle, it’s not needed and I think it complicates a system with more negatives than positives.
I’m with templar. Although not an AK, the vz58 is dead sexy, super reliable, and has many distinct advantages over the AK platform.
I love the VZ’s.
I personally don’t think the VZ’s list of pros can outweigh the additional cost, proprietary mags, and lack of good mounting options (notice I didn’t say accessories, b/c I don’t like a lot of “accessories” 
)
I obviously prefer a true Kalashnikov. 
I voted '74.
If you do go Tantal, make SURE it has the original barrel and not the rumored crazy keyholing, unlined, “supposedly .223” Green Mountain barrel.
If you do go AK, skip the crapco garbage.
I voted VZ-58. I recently purchased one from D-technik, they are great guns. Milled receiver, lighter than an AK, last shot bolt hold open and overall quality.
i vote vz58
If you want to add rails, like the Ultimak for optics, skip the Tantal.
Centerfire has AK-74s for $350 right now and they are able to accept Ultimak rails. they come with shitty furniture but swap it out for a set from K-var and you’ll be set.
Can you elaborate on your advise to skip the tantal? I am leaning in that direction and mostly because i think the stock is sturdy for a folder. I haven’t looked into the rails much. Ultimak or MI. I will go with the best combination of sturdy and light weight.
How sturdy is the stock on the VZ? The tantal stock is rock solid unlike an underfolder. Does anyone have any pics of a VZ with any accessories on it? Light, red dot?
There are more than a few pic threads at the top of the forum.
Avoid the Tantals that have US barrels. Avoid the VZ’s that Century sells that are kit builds on Ohio Rapid Fire receivers.
Typically, avoid as much US stuff at the heart of these weapons…meaning receiver, barrel. DCI/Nodak receivers are good to go thought.
Tantals have a totally different handguard set up from other AK’s which makes rails problematic.
You can install a Polish/East German/Romanian side folder on any stamped AK that uses a standard 1mm stamped receiver.
Midwest Industries rails are universal, I checked out a set on a Tantal at SHOT and they seem really low profile and slick, FWIW.
Get a Saiga-545 and convert it.
I have a Tantal and like it, but my Bulgarian 74 is nicer, and offers more opportunities to build a more practical rifle. The Lancaster Rough Riders are build from Bulgarian parts and are under $400. They would make a great candidate for the type of rifle you’re looking to build. I really don’t mind shooting my Tantal with the folding stock, and it may be a hair lighter than a Bulgarian with poly furniture, due to the thinner barrel profile. Either way, the Tantal uses a standard fixed stock trunnion, so if you wanted the folding stock on your Bulgarian rifle, you could put one on easy.
Ultimaks are the best gastube rail for optics IMO, because unlike the MI, you can co-witness your rear sights. AKs are very hard to get good optics on because just about every other solution requires you to practically get a ‘chin-weld’ to see the dot.
A proper VZ or a Arsenal offering… Just my 2 cents… Buy once, cry once.
Thanks for all the help guys. Just so you are aware, I am taking this all in like a sponge. I do, however; want everyone to know that I am not going to put much time, effort and money into this as I do my ARs. I would like to keep the whole thing way under $1000.00 because I will not shoot this half as much as my ARs. On the other hand, I am not one to buy junk. Thanks.
Well, I finally purchased an AK. I got side tracked by finishing my 6.8 and a nice Colt K.I.S.S. M-4. I fell into a Polish Tantal with an NDS 2 receiver and a 1/8, 4 grove barrel. This rifle looks great!I would like to add the Midwest Industries rail that is pre cut for the H-1 and I would like to put a MOE grip on it but I have no idea how to do that. I’ve seen it on other AKs and it looks sharp. I’ll post pics when I find my camera, I just moved and have to unpack it.
This is sound advice, and as Templar said, avoid US bbls and recievers if at all possible.
I would also recommend you look at the 106 or 107CR series from Arsenal, its a mid lenth with a poly sidefolder and a very serious addition.