Zastava M70 ZPAP

[Slater]

These Serbian AK's have been on the US market for a few years now. Most of the reviews I've seen are favorable. Anyone with any positive or negative experiences with these?

[SteyrAUG]

These Serbian AK's have been on the US market for a few years now. Most of the reviews I've seen are favorable. Anyone with any positive or negative experiences with these?

They are obviously a bit heavier than most, RPK trunion and I think a thicker receiver. Not sure the barrels were originally chrome lined, but looks like they are now. Seem to be well made and durable. For a time they were priced far too high but I think that was everyone wanting the closest thing you could get to an Iraqi Tabuk.

The bolt hold open is just the magazine follower, keep one magazine to be correct and then buy standard AK mags because the bolt hold magazines suck and actually make mag changes slower.

[Slater]

Yeah, I believe the initial imports didn't have chromed barrels but Zastava supposedly got enough customer feedback that they began chroming the bores. Ironically, I think that the non-chromed barrels were actually closer to Yugoslavian milspec.

[SteyrAUG]

Yeah, I believe the initial imports didn't have chromed barrels but Zastava supposedly got enough customer feedback that they began chroming the bores. Ironically, I think that the non-chromed barrels were actually closer to Yugoslavian milspec.

You would be correct. I've known lots of people who owned them and said it didn't matter, my preference would be for chrome line since it isn't any kind of DMR and given how dirty most 7.62x39 ammo is. I had one, but when Sandy Hook drove prices past $2,500 it was sold.

I'd take a M70 over a WASR10 any day, the only thing that keeps me from replacing it is I can't spend $1,000 on a CAI AK, that is what I used to pay for Bulgarians and I have a few more than a dozen AKs and I don't feel the need to have a representative example from every country that ever made them.

The only one I kinda miss is my Hungarian blond AK, but it was also selling for $2,500 so it got sold.

[Bret]

Among other Yugo AK's, I have several M70 variants. I'd say that they're good to go, but not quite up to Russian or East German standards. The only issue that I ever had with one was one of the very first imports that had a single stack bolt. It wouldn't feed reliably. I fitted a proper double stack bolt and it's been good to go since.

[ABNAK]

I have one I bought a year or so ago. CHF, chrome lined barrel. As Steyr said, it's the RPK-style receiver with the reinforcing bulge. The barrel is a rather stout one. The thing is built like a tank. It remains unfired and I intend to keep it that way for higher resale value if needed, kind of an "investment" if times get hard. I also have the new production Serbian (Yugo) steel mags for it. I put the KNS adjustable rear peep sight on it too. https://www.knsprecisioninc.com/prod...le-rear-sight/

I have the original wooden stock set for it but also the cool underfolder that doesn't require the holes in the receiver. It is rock-solid, and looking at it you can't see that it is not attached in the normal way. Although the AK underfolders are notoriously un-ergonomic this is nice addition. https://zastavaarmsusa.com/product/z...hing-required/

Almost forgot.....I bought a new condition Yugo black plastic pistol grip for it, the kind with the horizontal ribs on it. Found it on Gunbroker. I had wanted one of those Yugo thick and wide wooden grips but couldn't find one worth a damn; since everything else is brand-new I didn't want one beat to hell.

[m4brian]

I think it is a very cool thing to be able to throw on the U-folder.

How are these with magwells? I ask because generally those that are cut here, like these sometimes have enough variation to make them loose with some mags. No AKs today seem to fit like my older ones cut by WP factories.

[SteyrAUG]

I think it is a very cool thing to be able to throw on the U-folder.

How are these with magwells? I ask because generally those that are cut here, like these sometimes have enough variation to make them loose with some mags. No AKs today seem to fit like my older ones cut by WP factories.

That underfolder won't be nearly as strong, but I don't think that will matter to most.

If it's a shooter, I'd stick with a fixed stock. I only have two underfolders in my entire collection, an original Polytech and a Polish kit built on a Nodak for a shooter.

The M70 I had seemed to have a very correct mag well, hundreds of times better than any WASR out there. I assume that hasn't changed.

[Slater]

From Zastava's Facebook page:


"Dear valued customers,

We have been made aware of the recent news regarding the weapon export ban imposed by the Serbian government. We understand that many of you have reached out to us seeking clarity on whether this will impact the exports of ZPAP firearms from Zastava Arms USA.

At this time, we would like to inform you that we have not received any official notice from Zastava Arms factory regarding the ban. Therefore, we are unable to confirm whether the ZPAP exports will be affected. As you may know, Zastava factory is owned by the Ministry of Defense, and their primary focus is to cater to the needs of the Serbian military.

While we understand the concerns surrounding this situation, we sincerely hope that the security situation in the region will be resolved peacefully. We believe that peace is in the best interest of all people in the Balkans, and we remain committed to supporting our customers and the community in any way we can.
Please be assured that as of now, we are continuing to receive shipments as usual. We deeply appreciate your ongoing support and trust in our products and services.

Thank you,
Zastava Arms USA"

Not sure if this is related to the current gun control frenzy over there, or maybe friction with Kosovo. Can't hurt Zastava's current sales efforts, though.

[ABNAK]

That underfolder won't be nearly as strong, but I don't think that will matter to most.

If it's a shooter, I'd stick with a fixed stock. I only have two underfolders in my entire collection, an original Polytech and a Polish kit built on a Nodak for a shooter.

The M70 I had seemed to have a very correct mag well, hundreds of times better than any WASR out there. I assume that hasn't changed.

I guess perhaps from an engineering point of view it is technically not as sound (I think?) as the built-in underfolder, but I gotta tell ya it is solid! Like I said above it is unfired, but I had a new Norinco underfolder probably 20+ years ago and this Serb gun with this pseudo-folder is just as or even more stable. Going from memory regarding the Norinco, but this new setup is pretty nice. Never had a well-used version of either one but how it feels brand new surely contributes to the long-term outcome. (firing underfolders sucks but they look cool!)

The design is actually pretty slick. It slides into the back of the receiver like any other stock would and on each side is a thick "nub" projecting forward just a tad that has the holes for mounting the stock and button mechanism. Yeah, it's not into the receiver itself, but it is solidly homogenous to the rear mounting base that bolts into the receiver.