AK-47
Modernizing the Zastava M70: A Professional Upgrade Journey
Apr
Coming from the world of ARs, it only seemed natural to do a few practical modifications to my new Zastava M70. The Zastava M70 has proven to be a standout addition to my firearm collection, offering a compelling mix of historical significance and practical utility. It also looks darn cool and is surprisingly fun to shoot. It’s also been just as fun to shop for.
Why Zastava?
Manufactured by Zastava Arms in Kragujevac, Serbia, this AK-pattern rifle emerged in the late 1950s as Yugoslavia’s response to the Soviet AK-47. With its 1.5mm stamped receiver, bulged front trunnion, and cold-hammer-forged barrel, the Zastava M70 provides a robust platform recognized for durability and reliability.
As an enthusiast of AR-platform rifles, appreciated for their modularity and precision, I had long sought to include an AK in my collection. After thorough research into AK options, I selected Zastava USA for its reputation and quality. My journey with this rifle began with a stock configuration and progressed into a deliberate modernization effort to meet specific needs: installing a weapon light, adding a sling, and mounting a red dot optic. This post details that process, outlining the upgrades and their reasoning, while affirming why the Zastava M70 remains a top choice in 2025.
Understanding the Zastava M70: A Durable Base
My Zastava M70 started as the exact model available at AR15discounts.com: the Zastava ZPAP M70 16.3″ 7.62x39mm 30rd Semi-Auto Rifle with a Hogue handguard, Magpul grip, and Magpul Zhukov-S folding stock. This variant features a 1.5mm receiver, thicker than the standard 1mm on many AKMs, resulting in an unloaded weight of approximately 8.4 pounds that effectively manages recoil. The barrel, cold-hammer-forged and chrome-lined, ensures resistance to corrosion and wear, an advancement over some historical models with non-chromed bores. Double-locking lugs on the bolt enhance reliability, a design refined during its service with the Yugoslav People’s Army.
Chambered in 7.62x39mm, the Zastava M70 performs consistently with Soviet Arms ammunition from Palmetto State Armory, a supplier I rely on for its quality and availability. Distinctive Yugoslavian features, such as a notched safety selector and a magazine follower that locks the bolt open after the last round, reflect its military origins, including grenade-launching capability. My rifle arrived with a Magpul Zhukov-S folding stock, Magpul MOE grip, and Hogue handguard, blending modern polymer components with traditional design elements. While this configuration was impressive, my decision to modernize was driven by both practical requirements and a desire for a refined aesthetic.
Modernization is a common choice among Zastava M70 owners. The rifle’s durability and straightforward design make it an excellent platform for upgrades, appealing to shooters seeking adaptability for contemporary uses like tactical training or low-light shooting. My objectives were to improve visibility with a weapon light, enhance portability with a sling, and increase targeting speed with a red dot optic. These modifications transformed the Zastava M70 into a customized tool, showcasing its versatility as a platform.
Mounting a Red Dot Optic: Partnering with RS Regulate
The Zastava M70 lacks a factory optics rail, requiring an aftermarket solution for a red dot. Zastava Arms USA included an optic mount with the rifle, a side-rail option designed for compatibility. After assessing it, I opted for a more specialized solution from RS Regulate. My initial optic was the Vortex UH-1 Huey Gen 2, a holographic sight I often use to evaluate firearm performance. While its rugged construction and wide field of view are notable, its height-over-bore posed challenges on the AK platform, disrupting my cheek weld.
RS Regulate, an American manufacturer, specializes in optic mounts for AK-pattern rifles, including Yugoslavian models like the Zastava M70. The company produces the AK-300 series: lightweight aluminum mounts that secure to the rifle’s side rail with a quick-detach lever. These mounts support various optic footprints and maintain zero through repeated use, reflecting RS Regulate’s focus on precision and reliability. This expertise made their solution preferable to the Zastava-provided mount.
Using an RS Regulate AK-301 base, I mounted the Vortex UH-1, but the elevated position required adjustments. The Magpul Zhukov-S stock, adjustable and ergonomic, needed a Magpul cheek riser to align my eye with the optic, a functional but imperfect fix. For those with a factory wood stock on their Zastava M70, a low-profile optic is recommended to maintain a natural cheek weld without additional components. Finding the UH-1’s size excessive for this application, I switched to the Holosun 509T, an enclosed red dot with a compact titanium housing and solar backup. I installed it using an RS Regulate AKR mount for the Trijicon RMR footprint, paired with Holosun’s 509T conversion plate. This setup positioned the optic closer to the bore, providing a seamless cheek weld and rapid target acquisition with its 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA circle, significantly enhancing the Zastava M70’s performance.
Installing a Rail System: SLR Rifleworks Precision
To mount a weapon light, the Zastava M70’s Hogue handguard required replacement with a more capable alternative. The Hogue forend included M-LOK slots, but they were rudimentary and limited in functionality. Frankly, I also wanted a more modern and visually appealing look, which led me to SLR Rifleworks, a Texas-based manufacturer known for high-quality firearm components. The SLR Rifleworks ION Lite M-LOK handguard, designed for the Zastava M70, offered a lightweight, durable solution crafted from 6061 aluminum with a hard-anodized finish. To save some money on the light itself, we went with a simple Surefire handheld in a BCM ring mount.
The 11.5-inch handguard required removing the front sling loop with a cutting tool, a minor modification completed without professional assistance. Its M-LOK slots allowed precise placement of a handheld Surefire on a BCM ring mount, providing substantial illumination for low-light conditions. The handguard’s Picatinny top rail also supports additional accessories if needed. To improve recoil management, I replaced the factory slant brake with an SLR Rifleworks Synergy Mini Compensator, a compact muzzle device that reduces muzzle rise and enhances follow-up shot accuracy. These SLR Rifleworks components elevated the Zastava M70’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Completing the Build: Vickers AK Sling
Portability was addressed with the addition of a Vickers AK Sling from Blue Force Gear. Developed by firearms expert Larry Vickers, this two-point sling features a padded nylon strap and a rapid-adjust tab for quick length adjustments. Secured via QD swivels to the Zastava M70’s rear trunnion and the SLR handguard’s M-LOK slot, it ensures comfortable, secure carry during extended use. The Vickers sling integrates seamlessly with the rifle’s enhanced features, improving its practicality.
Reflections and Future Plans for the Zastava M70 Build
This modernization effort transformed my Zastava M70 into a highly capable firearm. The Holosun 509T on the RS Regulate mount delivers fast, accurate aiming. The SLR Rifleworks handguard and Synergy Mini Compensator, paired with a mounted light, improve utility and control. The Vickers AK sling enhances portability. Using Palmetto State Armory’s 7.62x39mm ammunition, the rifle has demonstrated consistent reliability throughout this process, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable platform. The only other upgrade I plan is the addition of a Zastava suppressor, which will further refine its capabilities for specific applications.
The Zastava M70’s strength lies in its combination of historical design and modern adaptability. Features like the double-locking lugs and reinforced construction ensure durability, while the increasing availability of Yugoslavian-pattern accessories, unlike years past, unlocks its customization potential. Starting from the stock Zastava ZPAP M70 with Hogue handguard, Magpul grip, and Magpul Zhukov-S stock, this rifle proved an excellent base for a tailored build. As an AR enthusiast, I found Zastava USA’s offering to be the ideal AK addition to my collection after extensive research. Whether kept in its original form or upgraded for specific needs, the Zastava M70 offers exceptional value and versatility, solidifying its status as a top-tier option for shooters in 2025.