FB Tantal wz. 88
Fabryka Broni Radom (Lucznik Arms Factory) · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1991
Also known as: kbk wz. 88, Karabinek wzor 1988, Tantal
Overview
The FB Tantal wz. 88 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.45x39mm, produced by Fabryka Broni Radom (Lucznik Arms Factory) since 1991. This Polish-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3750 g (132.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 943 mm (37.13") |
| Folded Length | 705 mm (27.76") |
| Barrel Length | 423 mm (16.65") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 880 m/s (2887 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1329 J (980 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.45x39mm · primary — also known as 5.45x39mm Soviet, 5.45mm Kalashnikov
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 3, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Three Round Burst, Side Folding Stock, Multifunction Muzzle Brake, Grenade Launcher Compatible
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Polish Armed Forces · adopted 1991 · as kbk wz. 88
- Iraqi Armed Forces · as Tantal
- Kurdish Peshmerga · as Tantal
Conflicts
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Estimated total produced: 25,000 · Production years: 1989-1994
Only approximately 25,000 produced, making it one of the rarest standard-issue AK variants
Origin
Country of origin: Poland
Discontinued: 2005
Notes
Only approximately 25,000 Tantal rifles were produced between 1989-1994 before production ceased - making it one of the rarest standard-issue AK variants. The three-round burst mechanism was a uniquely Polish addition not found on Soviet AK-74s. Removed from Polish frontline service in 2005 when replaced by the 5.56mm NATO Beryl wz. 96 as Poland joined NATO. Surplus rifles were exported to Iraq and used by Kurdish Peshmerga forces. The Tantal served as the direct design predecessor to the Beryl, which retained much of its internal mechanism while rechambering for 5.56mm NATO. Semi-automatic civilian versions were imported to the United States in the 1990s-2000s.
Background
The Tantal was Poland's unique take on the AK-74, adding a three-round burst mode not found on any Soviet AK variant. With only 25,000 ever made, it became one of the rarest standard-issue AK derivatives. It served as the direct design ancestor of the Beryl wz. 96, which rechambered the platform for 5.56mm NATO as Poland joined the alliance.