New Tantal, a couple Q's

LH2 · January 17, 2009, 5:14pm

I picked up my new Lancaster Tantal and got it home for its initial clean / lube. A couple observations / questions. This is my 1st AK. I already own a VZ.58 and initial impression is that the VZ is a nicer quality rifle that feels more solid. I’m looking forward to seeing how I like the 5.45 caliber though…

I screwed on the muzzle brake but it’s still slightly loose. Is this normal? It won’t make it one revolution tighter.

The gas piston has some play to it. It’s not one solid piece?

Is there a diagram someplace that shows what points on an AK to lube? I just went with light grease coating where the bolt slides in the receiver and the bolt itself.

Do I apply grease to the gas piston?

Observations:

Numbers match if that matters. Same # stamped on the various parts.
Upper & lower hand guards do not match. One is red, one almost coyote brown. I was disappointed by this. Where can I order a matching set?
Will any AK pistol grip fit the Tantal?

Thanks!

Jay_Cunningham · January 17, 2009, 5:18pm

LH2:

I picked up my new Lancaster Tantal and got it home for its initial clean / lube. A couple observations / questions. This is my 1st AK. I already own a VZ.58 and initial impression is that the VZ is a nicer quality rifle that feels more solid. I’m looking forward to seeing how I like the 5.45 caliber though…

I screwed on the muzzle brake but it’s still slightly loose. Is this normal? It won’t make it one revolution tighter. Normal - you can use a hi-temperature o-ring if it really bothers you.

The gas piston has some play to it. It’s not one solid piece? It is pinned to the carrier and should have a slight amount of play.

Is there a diagram someplace that shows what points on an AK to lube? I just went with light grease coating where the bolt slides in the receiver and the bolt itself. Lube the lower rails and upper “rails” and the bolt. Then after you shoot it a bit lube anywhere else you see wear.

Do I apply grease to the gas piston? No.

Observations:

Numbers match if that matters. Same # stamped on the various parts.

Upper & lower hand guards do not match. One is red, one almost coyote brown. I was disappointed by this. Where can I order a matching set?

Will any AK pistol grip fit the Tantal? I believe so.

Thanks!

replies in blue text

ICANHITHIMMAN · January 17, 2009, 11:16pm

I dont even know what that is?

senorlinc · January 18, 2009, 12:24am

this is a Tantal…

http://kalashnikov.guns.ru/models/ka281.html

not all tantals are created equal, do some searching about the CAI version

IrishDevil · January 18, 2009, 1:09am

Hope this helps

f.2 · January 18, 2009, 1:17am

I’ve got an excellent Tantal kit at Overland Industries. They should do a nice job.

Also have this hybrid one of a kind Tantal underfolder:

Tantal underfolder

milled uf stock

f.2 · January 18, 2009, 1:21am

How’s it shoot?

ICANHITHIMMAN · January 18, 2009, 1:27am

Thanks for showing me I like it.

LH2 · January 18, 2009, 2:21am

F2 - I just picked it up yesterday and haven’t had it out to the range yet. Maybe tomorrow, otherwise next Friday I should get a chance.

I had no idea that Tantals usually have the non-matching hand guards. So no big deal!

HighSpeedDreams · January 18, 2009, 2:57am

They’re great rifles. I think you will enjoy yours.

If not, sell me your mags.

Cheers.

LH2 · January 23, 2009, 9:05pm

It is freakin’ awesome!

No key holing (didn’t expect in since the barrel is orig Polish). Accurate enough for what it is.

Might look into getting an optic, but I’m guessing this is a pain on a Tantal with the proprietary hand guard…