AK-47
Zastava M70 Hands-On Overview – The Best AK for the Money in 2025
Apr
For the longest time, I wanted an AK; however, as the years passed, I felt like I had missed the boat…that was until I discovered Zastava and the Zastava M70. It’s a rifle that’s both reliable and isn’t priced at the level of a Knight’s Armament or LMT. Sign me up. After spending about six months with a Zastava M70 in preparation for an article over at ARBuildJunkie, I can tell you the Zastava M70 is legit.
Few firearms carry the weight of history and rugged reliability quite like the Zastava M70. Born in the heart of Serbia by Zastava Arms, this AK-pattern rifle has evolved from a military workhorse into a beloved option for enthusiasts, hunters, and collectors alike. Its story is one of resilience—both in its design and in its journey to American shores. From its origins under Yugoslavian military demands to the turbulent era of Century Arms imports, and now with Zastava USA steering the ship, the Zastava M70 has emerged as a standout in the crowded world of AKs. Today, it’s not just a rifle; it’s a platform ripe for customization with Zastava M70 accessories, boasting a robustness that’s hard to match. Let’s dive into its past, unpack the import struggles, celebrate its current renaissance, and explore why it’s still worth every penny—even with 7.62×39 ammo getting harder to come by.
A Cold War Classic: The Origins of the Zastava M70
The Zastava M70 traces its roots back to the late 1950s, when the Yugoslavian military sought a tougher, more versatile version of the Soviet AK-47. Zastava Arms, a Serbian manufacturer with a long history of producing reliable firearms, took up the challenge. The goal was clear: create a rifle that could handle the rigors of combat while adding unique features tailored to Yugoslavia’s needs. The result was the Zastava M70, a beefed-up AK variant that stood apart from its Soviet inspiration.
What set the Zastava M70 apart? For starters, it was built to launch rifle grenades, a requirement that demanded serious reinforcement. Zastava thickened the receiver to 1.5mm (compared to the standard 1mm on most AKs) and added a bulged front trunnion for extra durability. They also included a grenade sight that doubled as a gas shut-off lever—a clever touch for grenade-firing safety. Other military-minded features included a notched safety selector to hold the bolt open and a magazine follower that locked the bolt back after the last round. These additions made the Zastava M70 a beast of a rifle, weighing in at around 8.4 pounds unloaded—a bit heavier than your average AKM, but a small price to pay for its tank-like build.
Over the decades, Zastava churned out millions of these rifles, supplying armies across the globe. Its lightweight yet rugged design proved it could thrive in any environment, from muddy battlefields to frozen mountains. The Zastava M70 wasn’t just a tool of war; it was a symbol of Yugoslavian ingenuity, blending Soviet simplicity with local flair.
The Century Arms Era: A Bumpy Ride to America
For years, the Zastava M70 remained a military staple, largely out of reach for American civilians. That changed when Century Arms stepped in to import these rifles into the U.S. market. Starting in the late 20th century, Century brought over various Yugoslavian AKs, including the Zastava M70, under the PAP (Polu-automatska puška, or semi-automatic rifle) designation. It was an exciting prospect—affordable, battle-proven AKs hitting American gun stores with a Zastava M70 price that turned heads—but the road was anything but smooth.
Century’s importation process often involved heavy modification to comply with U.S. regulations, like the 922(r) laws that limit foreign parts in semi-auto rifles. This meant swapping out original components—like stocks, pistol grips, and muzzle devices—for American-made substitutes. Unfortunately, these changes didn’t always go well. Early PAP rifles suffered from a litany of issues: poor-quality replacement parts, sloppy assembly, and inconsistent reliability. Triggers were gritty, barrels were sometimes misaligned, and finishes wore off quickly. The rifles still had that legendary Zastava M70 toughness at their core, but Century’s meddling left many owners frustrated.
Take the barrels, for instance. Original Yugoslavian Zastava M70 rifles didn’t always come with chrome-lined barrels—a feature prized for corrosion resistance and longevity. Century’s imports often stuck with these non-chromed barrels, which didn’t hold up as well under heavy use. Add in subpar Zastava M70 furniture and questionable quality control, and you had a recipe for disappointment. Forums and gun shops buzzed with complaints: “It’s an AK, sure, but it’s not what it could be.” Century’s efforts made the Zastava M70 for sale accessible, but they also diluted its reputation.
Zastava USA: A New Dawn for the Zastava M70
Everything changed in 2019 when Zastava decided to take control of its destiny in the American market. Tired of watching their rifles stumble under Century’s stewardship, they launched Zastava USA, becoming their own importer. This wasn’t just a business move—it was a game-changer. With Zastava USA at the helm, the Zastava M70—now branded as the Zastava ZPAP M70—underwent a serious glow-up, addressing past flaws and cementing its status as a top-tier AK.
The Zastava ZPAP M70 arrived with a slew of upgrades. Most notably, Zastava introduced chrome-lined, cold-hammer-forged barrels as standard. These barrels are tougher, more accurate, and built to last, shrugging off the corrosion issues that plagued earlier imports. The receivers retained that beefy 1.5mm thickness, and the bulged trunnion stayed put, ensuring the rifle could take a beating.
Zastava also tightened up quality control, eliminating the sloppy assembly that had tarnished Century’s versions. The result? A rifle that’s as close to its military roots as U.S. laws allow, delivered straight from Serbia with no middleman meddling.
The vibe with Zastava USA is different. There’s a sense of pride and precision in every Zastava M70 that rolls off the line. They’ve kept the classic features—like the bolt hold-open and grenade sight—while offering modern touches like beautiful wood furniture options (walnut, maple, or Serbian red) or polymer stocks for a Zastava M70 tactical build. At just under $1,000, it’s a steal for what you get: a rifle that’s robust, reliable, and ready for anything.
Robustness, Weight, and Reliability: The Zastava M70’s Core Strengths
Let’s talk about what makes the Zastava M70 special. First, its robustness. This isn’t a lightweight AR-15 you baby at the range—it’s an AK built to survive the apocalypse. That 1.5mm receiver and bulged trunnion give it a structural integrity that’s hard to beat. Drop it, drown it, bury it in mud—the Zastava M70 keeps chugging along. It’s the kind of rifle you could pass down to your grandkids, still kicking after decades of abuse.
The weight—around 8.4 pounds unloaded—reflects that durability. It’s heavier than a standard AKM (typically 7-7.5 pounds), thanks to those reinforced components. Some might call it a drawback, but for many, it’s a feature. That extra heft soaks up recoil, making it a steady shooter, especially with the stout 7.62×39 round. It’s not a featherweight plinker; it’s a purposeful tool with a reassuring solidity.
Reliability? That’s where the Zastava M70 shines. AKs are famous for running in conditions that would choke other rifles, and the Zastava ZPAP M70 lives up to that legacy. The chrome-lined barrel shrugs off rust and wear, while the simple gas-operated system laughs at dirt and neglect. Whether you’re dumping mags at the range or trekking through the wilderness, this rifle delivers. It’s not finicky about ammo either—feed it steel-case surplus or premium brass, and it’ll eat it all without complaint.
Upgrading the Zastava M70: A Modern Twist
One of the best things about the Zastava M70 today is its upgrade potential. While it’s fantastic out of the box, Zastava USA’s control has opened the door to a growing aftermarket tailored for Yugoslavian-pattern AKs. Unlike the Century days, when parts compatibility was a crapshoot, you can now trick out your Zastava M70 with confidence.
Take our shop’s latest project, for example. We upgraded a Zastava M70 with an SLR Rifleworks rail—a sleek, lightweight handguard that replaces the classic wood forend. It’s got M-LOK slots galore, perfect for lights, grips, or a Zastava M70 sling mount, and it gives the rifle a modern, tactical edge without sacrificing its soul. We also added an SLR Rifleworks muzzle brake, taming the 7.62×39’s kick and keeping follow-up shots fast and flat. Paired with that, we mounted a Holosun 509T optic—a compact, enclosed red dot that’s tough as nails and ideal for quick target acquisition. The 509T’s titanium housing and solar backup make it a perfect match for the Zastava M70’s rugged ethos.
The real magic, though, is the mounting solution. We went with an RS Regulate AK-300 series Zastava M70 scope mount—the gold standard for AK optics. This side-rail mount locks up tight, holds zero like a champ, and keeps the optic low and centered over the bore. It’s a far cry from the wobbly, high-riding mounts of old. Together, this setup transforms the Zastava M70 into a precision shooter without losing its AK charm. You can still rock the iron sights if you want, but that red dot takes it to another level—whether you’re hunting, plinking, or running drills.
The Golden Age Perspective
Imagine if the Zastava M70 were suddenly banned from import tomorrow. Overnight, we’d look back on these days as a golden age—a fleeting window when these Serbian beauties flowed freely into the U.S., affordable and unhindered. Collectors would lament the loss, prices for existing rifles would skyrocket, and forums would buzz with nostalgia for the time when you could snag a brand-new Zastava ZPAP M70 for under a grand. It’s not a far-fetched scenario; import restrictions have hit other firearms before. While they’re here, though, the message is clear: the time is now. Every crate that lands stateside is a chance to own a piece of history before the door slams shut. Don’t wait for hindsight to tell you what you already know—act while the getting’s good.
The 7.62×39 Conundrum: Less Available, Still Worth It
There’s one catch to the Zastava M70’s appeal: the 7.62×39 cartridge. Once dirt-cheap and plentiful, this Soviet staple has become less available in recent years. Global supply chains, import bans, and rising demand have driven prices up—gone are the days of $0.20-per-round steel-case ammo. Today, you’re looking at $0.35 to $0.50 per round for decent stuff, with premium loads creeping higher.
Is it still worth it? Absolutely. The 7.62×39 hits hard, with a 123-grain bullet delivering solid energy out to 300 yards—perfect for hunting or self-defense. It’s not a sniper round, but the Zastava M70’s chrome-lined barrel squeezes surprising accuracy out of it, especially with good ammo and optics. Stockpile when you can, and it’s still a viable choice. Plus, the round’s availability hasn’t dried up entirely—major retailers and ammo makers like Tula, Wolf, and Hornady keep it in circulation. It’s a trade-off, but one that pays off for the Zastava M70’s unique blend of power and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Zastava M70
Is the Zastava M70 a true AK-47 variant?
Yes, the Zastava M70 is a legitimate AK-47 variant, built on the same gas-operated, long-stroke piston system as the Soviet original. However, its Yugoslavian design—thicker receiver, bulged trunnion, and grenade-launching features—sets it apart as a unique evolution of the AK platform.
How reliable is the Zastava M70 under heavy use?
The Zastava M70 is a reliability champ. Its chrome-lined barrel and overbuilt construction mean it can handle thousands of rounds, harsh weather, and rough handling without skipping a beat. Zastava ZPAP M70 reviews consistently praise its ability to keep running when others fail.
What’s the difference between the Zastava ZPAP M70 and older Zastava M70 models?
Older Zastava M70 rifles, like those imported by Century Arms, often lacked chrome-lined barrels and suffered from inconsistent quality control. The Zastava ZPAP M70, imported by Zastava USA, features upgraded barrels, tighter assembly, and modern furniture options while retaining the classic design.
What kind of accuracy can I expect from the Zastava M70?
Out of the box, the Zastava M70 delivers typical AK accuracy—around 2-4 MOA with iron sights and decent ammo. Add a Zastava M70 scope mount and quality optic, like our Holosun 509T setup, and you can tighten that up significantly for a more precise shooting experience.
Is the Zastava M70 compatible with standard AK furniture and accessories?
Mostly, yes. The Zastava M70 uses a Yugoslavian-pattern design, so while it accepts many standard AK parts, some—like handguards and stocks—may require specific Zastava M70 furniture or adapters due to the bulged trunnion and unique receiver shape.
How heavy is the Zastava M70 compared to other AKs?
At 8.4 pounds unloaded, the Zastava M70 is heavier than a standard AKM (7-7.5 pounds) due to its reinforced receiver and trunnion. It’s a trade-off for durability, giving it a solid, recoil-absorbing feel that many shooters love.
Is the Zastava M70 a good rifle for first-time AK buyers?
Absolutely. The Zastava M70 offers a perfect mix of affordability, reliability, and upgrade potential, making it an ideal entry point into the AK world. Its Zastava M70 price—under $1,000—combined with Zastava USA’s quality control, seals the deal for newbies and veterans alike.
Why the Zastava M70 Stands Out Today
The Zastava M70 has come a long way from its Cold War origins. Century Arms’ rocky imports gave it a shaky start in the U.S., but Zastava USA turned the tide, delivering a rifle that honors its heritage while embracing modern demands. It’s robust enough to shrug off punishment, hefty enough to feel substantial, and reliable enough to trust your life to. At under a grand, it’s a bargain for a rifle with this pedigree.
And with upgrades like the SLR Rifleworks rail and muzzle brake, Holosun 509T, and RS Regulate Zastava M70 scope mount, it’s more versatile than ever. Sure, 7.62×39 isn’t as cheap as it once was, but its performance keeps the Zastava M70 relevant. Whether you’re a first-time AK buyer scoping out a Zastava M70 pistol or a seasoned collector adding to your stash, this rifle offers something special—a blend of history, durability, and potential that’s tough to beat. It’s not just a rifle; it’s a legacy, reborn and ready for the future.