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Zastava M70

1970 COLD WAR MODERN

History of the Zastava M70

The Zastava M70 is a Cold War-era infantry assault rifle with a rich history of service in multiple conflicts. It was developed in the late 1960s by the Yugoslav Zastava Arms Factory and has been utilized in significant battles, including the Gulf War, Yugoslav War, Kosovo War, and even the 2011 Libyan civil war. Inspired by Soviet designs like the AK-47, the M70 closely resembled the earlier Yugoslav M64 but later evolved into a more modern version known as the "M70."

The M70 is often compared to the iconic AK-47, featuring a rectangular receiver, a fire selector, and a magazine well in front of the trigger assembly. It fired the Soviet 7.62x39mm rifle cartridge, had a rate of fire of 620 rounds per minute, and an effective range of about 1,300 feet. The rifle's weight was around 8 pounds. Various iterations of the M70 were developed, differing in receiver manufacturing processes and stock types, with some having folding stocks that folded under the receiver.

Despite its subtle differences from the AK-47, the M70 has remained a reliable and enduring weapon. It is also known by names like "Yugo M70" and "Yugo AK" and served as the foundation for the "M76" sniper rifle, which used a different cartridge, the 7.92x57mm Mauser, instead of the Soviet 7.62mm rifle cartridge.