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AK-47.net:
Polish wz.88 Tantal |
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![wz. 88 Tantal [19.4 kB]](../images/Tantal_88.gif)
Polish Tantal wz.88
| Specifications |
| |
wz. 88 |
wz. 89 |
| Maker: |
Z.M. Lucznik, Radom,
Poland* |
| Caliber: |
5.45 mm x 39.5 |
5.56 mm x 45 SS 109 |
| Action type: |
Gas operated |
| Capacity: |
30 |
| Length (stock folded): |
742 mm (29.2") |
| Length (stock extended): |
943 mm (37.1") |
| Barrel length: |
423 mm (16.65") |
| Sight radius: |
370 mm (14.57") |
| Weight (w/o magazine): |
3.4 kg (7.5 lb) |
| Muzzle velocity: |
880 m/s (2887 ft/s) |
900 m/s (2953 ft/s) |
| Rate of fire: |
700 rpm |
| * no longer manufactured |
History:
Development of this rifle started in late seventies. The requirements called for
a 5.45 mm gas operated rifle with 3-shot burst capability and ability to fire
rifle grenades. The designers based their work on the Russian AK-74 although
most of the mechanisms are original solutions. First called wz. 81 (model 81) it
was accepted by the military in 1990 as "karabinek wz. 89" (carbine
model 89). Simultaneously a shortened version was developed and was named wz. 89
(Onyks). Since Poland is to became a NATO member, a 5.56 mm NATO version was
developed (wz.90), but was not accepted by the Polish military.
Description:
Like the AK-74 the Tantal is a gas-operated automatic rifle. Its receiver is
made from sheet metal stampings and houses an all-new trigger mechanism. The
characteristic large safety/selector lever of the kalashnikov family has in this
weapon a function of safety only. The selector switch has been moved to the left
side of the receiver and has three positions:
C - full auto
P - single shot
S - 3-shot burst
The mainspring rod has been modified to prevent the bolt cover from falling of
when firing rifle grenades. The gas chamber and the gas cylinder has been
simplified. Muzzle brake resembles that of AK-74 but has smaller diameter and is
longer to allow it to be used to launch grenades. The folding stock has a shape
similar to a design used in East German AKMs but uses a different folding
mechanism. Sights can be set for 100-1000 meters and are complemented by a set
of tritium illuminated night sights. Some Tantals are equipped with a side plate
for mounting optics. The rifle can be equipped with wz. 1974 Pallad 40 mm
grenade launcher. Some parts (bolt, bolt carrier and magazines) are
interchangeable with AK-74.
Standard equipment consist of four 30-rounds magazines (steel or plastic), a
bayonet (identical to that of AKM), sling, blank-firing adapter, canvas magazine
pouch, magazine loader and cleaning gear. Additional 60 rounds are carried in
four loading strips for a total of 180 rounds. A light, detachable bipod is also
available.
Varients:
wz. 88 Tantal: - standard version, 5.45 mm
wz. 89 Onyks: - shortened version, 5.45 mm
wz. 90 Tantal: - standard version, 5.56 mm NATO
wz. 91 Onyks: - shortened version, 5.56 mm NATO
kbs wz. 96 / kbk wz. 96 Beryl: - improved versions of Tantal and Onyks
with new stocks and improved receivers with bases for optics.
A light machine gun version (similar to Russian RPKS-74) was rumored to have
been developed, but didn't go into production.
Note:
wz. 88 Tantal was used by the Polish army, it was replaced by wz.96 Beryl. 5.45
mm ammunition is no longer manufactured in Poland and existing rifles are only
used for training.
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