studies at the Military University
of Technology I was issued a wz.
88 from a 1991 test series. Even
though I am not a fan of firearms
based on Mikhail Kalashnikov's de-
sign, I bought the Tantal because
I really like this specific one.
My rifle dates from 1993, the late
production period and it is an
unissued. It features minor impro-
vements over the early production
runs, such as an improved hand-
guard retainer and gas tube cover
bracket, which originally could
fail if the weapon was dropped on
a hard surface.
The firearm was purchased as a
set with four polymer `magazines,
also from later production. The
first magazines were structurally
identical to those for 7.62x39mm,
though they obviously differed in
their curvature and follower shape.
It also came with a sling—and that
was it. Unfortunately, that was the
standard kit for Tantals sold back
then, though sometimes a cleaning
kit might be included. Conversely,
as in the case of my rifle, the cle-
aning rod was often missing. After
a short search, I managed to
acquire one thanks to Marcin from
the „Kalashnikov Museum."
land. These included factory-new
rifles (like the one in the photos),
used ones, and refurbished units
characterized by a different protec-
tive coating and a gray-green color.
Currently, Tantals are gone, unless
you happen upon a second-hand
unit—but we will return to that topic
at the end of the article.
MY TANTAL
I bought my wz. 88 about five years
ago. My wife wanted a watch for
our wedding anniversary, so I told
her I'd buy myself a gun. And I
did. Taking advantage of the cour-
tesy of a friendly store, I even got
a small discount, and the Tantal
moved into my safe.
The purchase was driven by pure-
ly sentimental reasons. During my
Tantal
right side
view
Toolbox - a set of tools
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