I believe the Tantal I've been looking at is a side folder. I shoot lefty too, and the stock folds right, so that might be an issue for me also. I've also been kicking around the idea of trying to find an Arsenal SGL20, but they all seem to be priced through the roof at most places. My main concern over about the 5.45 is that the ammo might not be as common place as the 7.62 here in the States. If I went with a Tantal or AK74 I could always stockpile the ammo I guess....
Side folders, for me are not an issue as long as they fold and unfold or at least unfold without having to push