Zastava M70 ZPAP

[ABNAK]

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.

IIRC the Serbs have an ethnic kinship (so to speak) with the Russians. The Russians backed Serbia during the Clinton era troubles over there.

[SteyrAUG]

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.

From a practical standpoint, it's probably as strong as some other folding stock designs, I was just pointing out it won't be like one secured by 4 riveted cross pins.

[Slater]

The latest from Zastavas' Facebook page. Don't know how this is going to turn out, but anyone wanting a ZPAP might find it prudent to act sooner rather than later.


Dear Zastava Customers and Supporters,

We are writing to inform you that the government of Serbia has officially halted the exports of weapons. While we acknowledge the current situation, we remain hopeful that this restriction will not persist for a substantial period.

At Zastava Arms USA, we want to assure you that we still have remaining quantities of ZPAPs available within the United States. However, we have made a conscious decision not to exploit this limited supply to artificially inflate our pricing. We believe it is important to maintain fair and reasonable prices, avoiding any form of price gouging.

This communication also serves as an opportunity for us to express our sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support during this challenging time. Your continued loyalty and encouragement have been invaluable to us.

We understand that this news may raise concerns and uncertainties. Rest assured, we are closely monitoring the situation. Our commitment to providing you with high-quality firearms and exceptional service remains unwavering.

Thank you once again for standing by our side and being an integral part of the Zastava family. Together, we will navigate through this temporary setback with resilience and determination.

Yours sincerely,
Zastava Arms USA

[Bret]

I have a feeling that eventually the Serbian government will figure out that having Americans subsidizing the manufacturing of firearms for their military is in their best interest.

[m4brian]

I have a feeling that eventually the Serbian government will figure out that having Americans subsidizing the manufacturing of firearms for their military is in their best interest.

We hope - and with some reason to assume so.

[Slater]

If chroming the bore is seen as a product improvement (and I think that most would concur), the US commercial market can largely take credit for that. Although historically the M70 seemed to do OK without it.

[SteyrAUG]

If chroming the bore is seen as a product improvement (and I think that most would concur), the US commercial market can largely take credit for that. Although historically the M70 seemed to do OK without it.

I think most countries starting doing it either from the start or after we did it with the M16A1. Yugoslavia was unique for not doing it. Now if you mean the semi M70 for US sales, then absolutely agree, we like chrome barrels especially given some of the things commonly encountered with x39 caliber ammo. Even the non corrosive stuff is notoriously dirty and lacquer sealed primers and necks can produce gummy crap.

[ABNAK]

I think most countries starting doing it either from the start or after we did it with the M16A1. Yugoslavia was unique for not doing it. Now if you mean the semi M70 for US sales, then absolutely agree, we like chrome barrels especially given some of the things commonly encountered with x39 caliber ammo. Even the non corrosive stuff is notoriously dirty and lacquer sealed primers and necks can produce gummy crap.

I *think* the original AK-47's had chrome lined barrels, and would wager the ChiCom Type 56 did too; those pre-date our M16A1. Of course with the shitty corrosive ammo they used it was likely a necessity.

The only infamous "stuck case" (like the Vietnam scourge of the original M-16's) I've ever had on a rifle was a 5.45 AR that had a nitrided barrel. Of course it happened during a carbine course years ago and was embarrassing to say the least.....I had to use a cleaning rod to remove the spent case from the chamber as "mortaring" it only worked sporadically. Discovered that you had to let the chamber cool while empty between strings of fire or the coated steel case would get cemented in place.

Needless to say I am a BIG fan of chrome lining, but would reluctantly take a nitrided/Melonited barrel over an unlined one.

YMMV