The Zastava ZPAP M70 Serbian Red

Overview of the Zastava ZPAP M70 Serbian Red

The video focuses on a Zastava Arms AK-47 variant, the ZR7762SR, one of the ZPAP M70 models chambered in 7.62x39mm. Zastava is a Serbian manufacturer that produces firearms for both military and civilian markets. This rifle represents a traditional AK-47 pattern from Zastava with features the brand is known for. The standout element is the bright red wood furniture, often described as a Soviet-style red finish, paired with a black receiver and barrel for a strong visual contrast. The hosts emphasize that beyond appearance, the rifle incorporates several construction details associated with military-grade AK-pattern rifles.

Muzzle device, sights, sling mounts, and cleaning rod

At the front, the rifle uses a standard 45-degree compensator typical of many AK-47 platforms. It is a simple but effective muzzle device. The front sight tower is adjustable for both windage and elevation, with windage adjusted at the base and elevation by screwing the front sight post up or down. The front sling mount is fixed on the left side of the rifle, while the rear sling mount is a swivel type. A traditional cleaning rod is retained under the barrel, which the presenters note as an element that makes an AK look complete. This particular rifle arrived with the cleaning rod separate in the box and was installed before filming. The rifle also appears to have a functioning bayonet lug with a noticeable shoulder.

Red wood furniture, bulged trunnion, and 1.5mm receiver

The upper and lower handguards, pistol grip, and buttstock are wood finished in a bright red color that highlights the rifle’s appearance. The hosts note that Zastava’s background as a military supplier brings over features sometimes missing from commercial-only AKs. The rifle uses a bulged front trunnion similar to an RPK-style configuration, providing additional material and strength where the barrel attaches and chamber pressures are contained. The stamped receiver is thicker than standard AKM receivers, measuring 1.5mm instead of the more common 1mm. This RPK-spec thickness is intended to add structural rigidity and durability to the platform while maintaining the familiar AK layout.

Rear sight, bolt hold-open features, and safety

The rifle is equipped with an RPK-style rear sight that is adjustable, complementing the adjustable front sight for more precise zeroing. The safety lever includes a bolt hold-open notch, which is not present on all AK variants. This allows the bolt to be manually locked to the rear by pulling it back and engaging the enhanced safety lever, useful for showing clear at a range. In addition, Zastava’s magazines incorporate a bolt hold-open feature in the follower, so when the magazine is empty the bolt is held to the rear on the follower. Together, these features provide two practical ways to keep the action open, which is uncommon on many traditional AK-pattern rifles.

Side optics rail, dust cover, and magazine

On the left side of the receiver, the rifle has a standard AK-style optics mounting rail. This accepts side-mount brackets that slide onto the rail and extend over the top, allowing the use of magnified optics or red dot sights. With a quality mount, the setup can maintain zero reliably. The dust cover attaches in the conventional AK rifle manner, retained at the rear by the recoil spring assembly and captured at the front near the rear sight block. It does not use the hinged, flip-up style more commonly seen on AK pistols. The rifle ships with a standard 30-round AK-47 pattern magazine that includes the bolt hold-open follower. The magazine and furniture share the same overall AK-47 style configuration familiar to users of this platform.

Stock, grip, Serbian pattern furniture, and feel

The buttstock, pistol grip, and handguards all match in the same red wood finish, with a smooth surface that the presenters note looks particularly good on camera. One host comments that some AKs have more pronounced wood grain texture, which can provide a tactile feel, while this Zastava example is smoother yet still fully functional. Because this is a Serbian-style AKM pattern, the stock attaches differently than many other AKM rifles. It uses a bolt running back through the stock, similar to a typical shotgun stock, rather than a tang at the rear of the receiver. This difference affects compatibility with aftermarket furniture, so users must select parts designed for Serbian pattern rifles. The rifle is described as feeling solid when cycling the action and inserting the magazine, giving an impression of robust assembly.

Chrome lined barrel, specs, and gas system

The hosts note that current Serbian Zastava rifles now feature chrome lined barrels, which was not always the case in earlier production. This change aligns them more closely with other military-style AK offerings. The rifle’s overall length is stated as approximately 35.25 inches, with a height of about 8.5 inches and an unloaded weight of around 7 pounds. The barrel twist rate is 1 turn in 9.45 inches, slightly different from the more typical 1-in-10 twist often seen in 7.62x39mm rifles. The gas system is the standard long-stroke gas piston design associated with the AK platform, contributing to the reliability for which these rifles are known. These specifications place the ZPAP M70 firmly within the traditional AK-47 pattern while incorporating some updated features.

Final thoughts on the Zastava AK platform

In closing, the presenters reiterate their appreciation for AK-pattern rifles in general and Zastava rifles in particular. They describe this ZPAP M70 Serbian Red variant as visually striking while retaining the solid feel expected from a production-line manufacturer with military experience. One host mentions owning an older Serbian NPAP rifle and expresses continued confidence in Zastava’s quality. Viewers are invited to share their own experiences with this specific Zastava AK-47 model in the comments or reviews. The video ends by summarizing that the rifle combines traditional AK features, Serbian-specific construction details, and updated elements like the chrome lined barrel within a distinctive red wood configuration.