Manufacturer Review: Zastava Arms

Overview of Zastava Arms and ZPAP M70 Line

The discussion opens with a manufacturer review of Zastava Arms, focusing on why its AK-pattern rifles are frequently recommended as production-line options. The hosts contrast their own preferences, with one more experienced on AKs and the other on ARs, and note that Zastava listens closely to the market. The segment introduces the ZPAP M70 series as the current evolution of the M70 line, distinguishing it from older NPAP rifles. The goal is to walk through Zastava’s rifles and pistols, highlighting design choices that appeal to users seeking a durable, service-style AK platform rather than a custom build.

Receiver Construction, Bulged Trunnion, and Chrome-Lined Barrels

Attention turns to three ZPAP M70 rifles and the construction details that set them apart. Zastava uses 1.5 mm stamped receivers instead of the more common 1 mm thickness, a dimension more often associated with RPK-style squad automatic weapons. The rifles also feature a bulged front trunnion, adding material and contact surface where the barrel meets the receiver, reinforcing the area around the chamber where pressure is highest. A story from Zastava’s military grenade-launcher use is mentioned to illustrate why this reinforcement matters. The conversation notes that older Zastava rifles, such as NPAP models, lacked chrome-lined barrels and chambers, but current production rifles now use chrome lining to improve longevity, ease cleaning when using corrosive surplus ammunition, and resist wear over extended service life.

M70 Configurations, Demil Furniture, and the Gold AK

The hosts describe several ZPAP M70 configurations in 7.62x39, including fixed-stock and underfolder variants. The underfolder model is shown with a compact folding stock and a worn, “battle pickup” style front handguard that displays finish wear and character. They reference Zastava part kits sourced from demilitarized service rifles, whose furniture often shows scratches, markings, or art, allowing builders to give rifles a distinctive, used-service appearance. A gold-finished AK is brought out as a visually striking example, noted mainly for its aesthetic and cost rather than performance. Throughout this section, the emphasis remains on the variety of configurations and the visual character that surplus furniture and special finishes can add to Zastava rifles.

M90 in 5.56, Adjustable Gas Block, and Vog Suppressor

The conversation moves to Zastava’s 5.56 NATO offering, described as the M90, which parallels the M70 but in a different caliber. The M90 uses an 18-inch barrel, longer than the 16-inch barrel standard on the 7.62x39 rifles, and a straighter 5.56 magazine profile. A notable feature is the adjustable gas block, visible as a silver component that can be set for closed, standard, or adverse conditions by removing the gas tube and adjusting the system. The hosts then highlight a ZPAP M70 equipped with Zastava’s new Vog suppressor, a 3D-printed, direct-thread suppressor dedicated to 7.62x39. It mounts via a hub interface and is presented as a recent addition to Zastava’s lineup, with plans to test how it affects sound reduction and overall rifle feel.

Other Zastava Platforms and Accessory Compatibility

Beyond the M70 and M90, the discussion briefly notes other Zastava platforms that have appeared at Classic Firearms, such as the Black Arrow .50 BMG bolt-action rifle, the M77 in .308, and the M76 in 8mm Mauser. The hosts then address accessory and furniture compatibility, explaining that Zastava stamped receivers differ from many AKM-pattern rifles. Stocks attach with a bolt through the rear, similar to a shotgun, rather than a tang, and the handguards and side optics mounts follow Zastava-specific patterns. As a result, users often need furniture and mounts designed specifically for Zastava rifles rather than assuming cross-compatibility with Romanian, Polish, or other AKM parts, even though a range of Zastava-compatible options exists.

Underfolder Conversion Kits and Compact Storage

A notable accessory option discussed is Zastava’s underfolder kit for fixed-stock rifles. Many Zastava magazines incorporate a bolt hold-open feature on the magazine follower, but the focus here is on how the underfolder conversion works. The kit includes a hinge mechanism that mounts to the rear of a fixed-stock receiver using a short bolt, similar to how the original stock is attached. This allows owners to convert a fixed-stock Zastava rifle into an underfolder configuration without permanent gunsmithing or receiver modification. The result is a significantly more compact rifle for transport and storage while retaining the core characteristics of the ZPAP M70 platform.

ZPAP M92 and Zastava Pistol Features

The video then shifts to Zastava pistols, including the ZPAP M92 in 7.62x39 and a 5.56 pistol option. The M92 is shown with a folding brace and is identified as part of the ZPAP production line that followed earlier NPAP and OPAP generations. A key design element on these pistols is the hinged dust cover. Because the barrel is short, the traditional AK rear sight location would create a very short sight radius, so Zastava moves the rear sight rearward and hinges the dust cover to maintain zero when the cover is removed and reinstalled for cleaning. This section emphasizes how Zastava adapts the AK pattern to pistol-length platforms while preserving practical sighting and handling characteristics.