Zastava M65/M72

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The Zastava M65 and M72 mitrier rifles are Yugoslav-Serb variants of the Kalachnikov RPK.

Introduction

The Yugoslav (then Serbian) company Zastava offers the widest range of AK-47 handguns. The first were the Zastava M65/M65B, a local version of the 7.62 x RPK with forged steel carcass.

They were quickly replaced by the LMG M72.B1/AB1, identical to the RPK/RPKS and built on the carcass of the Zastava M70B1 (and thus made by stamping). These F-Ms can receive a day vision or infrared bezel.

For export the LMG M77 (NATO) and LMG M80 (NATO) were created.

Differences with the RPK

The manufacturer chooses to maintain the original AK-47 butt. Some versions even have a changeable cannon like the M65B. Like the Zastava M70s, these FMs have a bum stop.

Users

These handguns armed the JNA soldiers and then the combatants of the wars of Yugoslavia and the First and Second Gulf War.

Employment by Bosnian militiamen and during the War of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Cyprus

Employment by Croatian militia and military and during the Croatian War.

Belgrade delivered Zastava M72 to the Iraqi Army during the Iran-Iraq War. The variant produced under license by the Iraqi arsenals under the name of Al Quds experienced intensive use during the Gulf wars and then the 1991 Insurrection.

/ private military companies

References

Bibliography
Jean Huon, History of Kalachnikov, ETAI, 2011.

Machine gun
Military weapon manufactured in Yugoslavia