Zastava M70 (Assault Rifle)

The Zastava M70 is a 7.62×39mm assault rifle developed in Yugoslavia by Zastava Arms. It was designed to be a modified version of the AK-47 and has undergone several iterations since its introduction.

Development

Zastava was unable to directly obtain technical specifications for the AK-47, so it opted to reverse-engineer the weapon. The M70 features unique built-in capabilities that enable it to fire rifle grenades and shoot rifle handguns.

Variants

The M64 variant is a copy of the AK-47 with a removable grenade launcher sleeve. The M64A/M64B/M70A corresponds to the Russian AKS, while the M70B1/AB2 are copies of the AKM/AKMS with a removable grenade launcher sleeve.

### Yugoslav Variants
* M64: copy of AK 47 with removable grenade launcher sleeve
* M64A/M64B/M70A: gun with . cartridge
* M70B1/AB2: copies of the AKM/AKMS with removable grenade launcher sleeve, steel carcase pressed

### Serbian Variants
For export, Kragujevac developed a modernized M70 with standard rails:
* fixed ladle version and polymer mount. Long for without charger;
* type Carabine M4 and polymer mount. Long for without charger

Employment

The Zastava M70 has been employed by various military forces and militias in the Balkan region, including:

* Yugoslav People's Army
* Republika Srpska
* Croatian militia and military during the Croatian War
* Bosnian militiamen during the War of Bosnia and Herzegovina
* Kosovo security forces

Civil Version

The civil version called Semiautomatic Sporting Rifle PAP is intended for the North American market. It does not shoot in gusts and does not receive bayonet or grenade launchers.

Production

The M70 was produced in several iterations, including: * M64: 20 inch barrel variant with wooden stock * M64A/M64B/M70A: 16.3 inch barrel variant with fixed wood stock * M70B1/AB2: 16.3 inch barrel variant with folding stock

Variants in Other Calibers

The Zastava M70 has also been produced in other calibers, including: * .308 Winchester (8.57mm) * 5.56 mm NATO (AR M80/M90)

Private Military Companies and Mafia Use

Following the 1991-1995 Balkan conflict, FA Zastava spread to private military companies and mafia organizations, such as the Camorra and 'Ndrangheta in Italy.

References