Zastava AKs the new VEPRs and SAIGAS?

[BigPun762]

Supposedly Zastava is going to stop all exports.

I have a Zastava AK but thinking of getting an M77 now.

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/...pZ4-HQZlUtOTUU

[Quiet]

Originally Posted by BigPun762

Supposedly Zastava is going to stop all exports.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated he will be banning the export of all firearms and ammunition this week.

Zastava USA stated they are waiting for official documentation from the Serbian Ministry of Defense before they make an official public announcement.
^In case of national emergency, the Serbian Ministry of Defense will take over control of Zastava.

This is all due to rising tensions and the expected/pending Serbia v Bosnia War 2.0.
^NATO has reported that 30 NATO peacekeeping soldiers have already been wounded by Serbian military forces.
~The Dutch PM and Luxemburg PM are currently attempting to negotiate peace terms (end of hostilities) before war is officially declared.

[BigPun762]

Originally Posted by Quiet

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated he will be banning the export of all firearms and ammunition this week.

Zastava USA stated they are waiting for official documentation from the Serbian Ministry of Defense before they make an official public announcement.
^In case of national emergency, the Serbian Ministry of Defense will take over control of Zastava.

This is all due to rising tensions and the expected/pending Serbia v Bosnia War 2.0.
^NATO has reported that 30 NATO peacekeeping soldiers have already been wounded by Serbian military forces.
~The Dutch PM and Luxemburg PM are currently attempting to negotiate peace terms (end of hostilities) before war is officially declared.

Thank you for a more detailed explanation.

I am really on the verge on ordering an M77 because I feel the value is going to skyrocket.

[Quiet]

Originally Posted by BigPun762

Thank you for a more detailed explanation.

I am really on the verge on ordering an M77 because I feel the value is going to skyrocket.

If war is declared, then there will be a high probability that NATO will bomb/destroy Zastava again.
The first time NATO bombed Zastava was in 1999 and it took Zastava about 5 years to rebuild from being partially destroyed by NATO.

[BigPun762]

Well I believe the export ban is in effect for 30 days per this video.



But per the video, the Serbian government can still extend it if necessary.

I went ahead and ordered an M77 as I am not sure if the ban will be extended indefinitely like the Chinese ban.

[Tripplet918]

I bought an m91 last week. And today just loaded up on PRVI ammo components for it.

I hope the export suspension doesnt last too long. I do like Zastava, PPU and PRVI.

[Quiet]

Originally Posted by BigPun762

I went ahead and ordered an M77 as I am not sure if the ban will be extended indefinitely like the Chinese ban.

Main difference...

The Chinese import ban was involuntarily imposed by the US Gov.

The Serbian export ban on firearms and ammunition is being imposed by the Serbian Gov.

Only way it becomes indefinite is either:
A. The US Gov imposes an import ban on Serbian made firearms/ammunition in retaliation for something Serbia does (genocides Bosnians or declares war on NATO).
B. Zastava no longer exists because NATO destroys them.

[smittty]

Originally Posted by BigPun762

Supposedly Zastava is going to stop all exports.

I have a Zastava AK but thinking of getting an M77 now.

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/...pZ4-HQZlUtOTUU

That's called marketing!

[Dan_Eastvale]

Yet plenty of Russian AK ammo still available

??

[GoatLovin]

Originally Posted by smittty

That's called marketing!

No it isn’t. Serbia has stopped exports for AT LEAST 30 days.

[IEatZ28]

I don't blame them.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

[The Gleam]

Any updates to this evolving scenario? Still in limbo?

Some opined that only the military stuff would not be exported, but it seems in that mindset, even if they continued to export commercial models it would only be for what they had already manufactured, where they would cease or significantly reduce production of commercial models and ramp up production on military support instead.

Whatever it may be, it seems something is up.

It would appear that whatever wholesalers and stores that did have inventory are suddenly and simultaneously running out. Of course, an increased run on what was available likely made inventory shrink faster.

I picked up a wood furniture 'Battleworn' M77 once the news broke at regular price before the news, but looking around the internet, those and the plastic furniture model are being depleted, and selling fast when they do go up for sale.

Most everywhere is noting 'out of stock' on both.

My M77 has made itself at home among my VEPRs and RAA Saigas in .308, as well as a couple of Molot VEPRs in 12ga.

Looking at recent prices on VEPRs, the Molots 12ga, and most other Russian stuff that went for just a few hundred dollars 15 years ago, no regrets.

---

[highpower]

I have been following this story and decided that I needed one more Zastava in the hoard. Co-incidentally, I found a M70 with the red furniture for sale locally at my favorite place to spend my child's inheritance at a small discount. I must say that These Zastava's are very well made and I am glad I got off my butt and got it when I did.

[DaveInOroValley]

Funny how a similar thing happened in regards to my Saiga S-12. I should of bought five of them at the time. I guess my Zastava AK will go,up in value now as well.

[BigPun762]

Got my M77 today. WOW, it is one of the nicest AKs i've handled.

And god I am so happy it is chambered in 308.

[The Gleam]

Received Turdner's holiday flyer-sale catalog today in the mail. Noticed there wasn't a single Zastava rifle anywhere to be found within, and yet in previous years they had a sale on various M70 and M77 models almost every other week.

I was seeing in the news the other day that the Kosovo/Serbia situation is still hot and threatening to break out into a mini war at any minute.

I also haven't seen any indication or updates on Serbia's lifting their ban on exports since the issue arose and was announced earlier this year.

---

[Reno-Kid]

Originally Posted by The Gleam

Received Turdner's holiday flyer-sale catalog today in the mail. Noticed there wasn't a single Zastava rifle anywhere to be found within, and yet in previous years they had a sale on various M70 and M77 models almost every other week.


---

No issues getting Zastava in Nevada or Gunbroker

[The Gleam]

Originally Posted by Reno-Kid

No issues getting Zastava in Nevada or Gunbroker

Which models though? The basic M70 seems more prevalent, and most of the M77s, while seemingly in shorter supply, appear to be the polymer stock versions.

Additionally, I do see some sellers online have them, but their remaining inventory is a lot less than they typically had on hand in the past. Such as in the past where there was seemingly an endless availability, some of those sellers are listing only 5 in stock.

It makes me wonder if what's available is just the remains of older inventory.

---

[highpower]

Having had mine for a few months now, I can definitively say that if you have a chance to get one, do it. Fit and finish on mine is first rate and it is truly built like a tank.

[BigPun762]

Originally Posted by highpower

Having had mine for a few months now, I can definitively say that if you have a chance to get one, do it. Fit and finish on mine is first rate and it is truly built like a tank.

That Serbian Red color is absolutely gorgeous

I got the same furniture on my M77. Zastava has great deals on surplus furniture!!

[BigPun762]

Originally Posted by The Gleam

Received Turdner's holiday flyer-sale catalog today in the mail. Noticed there wasn't a single Zastava rifle anywhere to be found within, and yet in previous years they had a sale on various M70 and M77 models almost every other week.

I was seeing in the news the other day that the Kosovo/Serbia situation is still hot and threatening to break out into a mini war at any minute.

I also haven't seen any indication or updates on Serbia's lifting their ban on exports since the issue arose and was announced earlier this year.

---

I remember when the SAIGA and VEPR ban happened, people would say "I still see VEPRs" until they didn't.

I'm glad I got my SAIGA when I did. Now you cannot find it without paying $1000+. And I am glad I got an M77 as well. I was going to get one anyways.

[Reno-Kid]

Originally Posted by The Gleam

Which models though? The basic M70 seems more prevalent, and most of the M77s, while seemingly in shorter supply, appear to be the polymer stock versions.

Additionally, I do see some sellers online have them, but their remaining inventory is a lot less than they typically had on hand in the past. Such as in the past where there was seemingly an endless availability, some of those sellers are listing only 5 in stock.

It makes me wonder if what's available is just the remains of older inventory.

---

M70 and M90. I am itching to get the M90.

[oddball]

Originally Posted by highpower

Having had mine for a few months now, I can definitively say that if you have a chance to get one, do it. Fit and finish on mine is first rate and it is truly built like a tank.

I wholeheartedly agree.

Here is mine, bought it a few weeks ago. I saw and liked the walnut finish ones in person, but decided to get the "battle worn" finish, and I have to say, I love it.



Shoots much better than my old Arsenal SGL21, which was fun, but grouped like sh*t. Sold that whole setup 11 years ago and finally returned to the world of 7.62X39 last month. My ZPAP is a whole lot better than the Arsenal I had, groups are much, much tighter and consistent, it makes firing an AK47 fun again. Plus my old Arsenal had poly furniture, and I much prefer the traditional wood.

The thing had so much thick brown oil in and outside of it, took awhile to clean things up and lube it with Slip 2000 EWL. Same with the Zastava mags (bought 4 extra 30 rd), had to take them apart and clean and lube them as well. Ordered some Bulgarian steel and polymer/steel reinforced ones on sale at Gun Mag Warehouse last week, should be delivered any day now. But the Zastavas are excellent AKs.

[BigPun762]

Originally Posted by oddball

I wholeheartedly agree.

Here is mine, bought it a few weeks ago. I saw and liked the walnut finish ones in person, but decided to get the "battle worn" finish, and I have to say, I love it.



Shoots much better than my old Arsenal SGL21, which was fun, but grouped like sh*t. Sold that whole setup 11 years ago and finally returned to the world of 7.62X39 last month. My ZPAP is a whole lot better than the Arsenal I had, groups are much, much tighter and consistent, it makes firing an AK47 fun again. Plus my old Arsenal had poly furniture, and I much prefer the traditional wood.

The thing had so much thick brown oil in and outside of it, took awhile to clean things up and lube it with Slip 2000 EWL. Same with the Zastava mags (bought 4 extra 30 rd), had to take them apart and clean and lube them as well. Ordered some Bulgarian steel and polymer/steel reinforced ones on sale at Gun Mag Warehouse last week, should be delivered any day now. But the Zastavas are excellent AKs.

Do you have an issue with magazine fitments on your M70?

Some mags will refuse to go into mine. And when they do, god they are incredibly hard to get out. I am thinking of filing down the mag catch slightly but at the same time don't want to permanently modify anything.

The magpul 10 rounders go in and out smoothly with no issue.

[oddball]

^^^^^^^^^

The Zastava 30 rd mag that came with it slides in & out perfectly, same with the two Zastava ones I bought in addition. The poly Zastava's I bought (steel tabs) goes in & out fine, a tiny bit more resistance than the steel ones. I kept an Arsenal Circle 10 30 rd mag from the old days and it is similar, fits fine. I did not get my Bulgarians today, but I hear they fit just fine. Haven't tried any Magpul ones, don't think I need any if the Bulgarians work out.

[oddball]

Originally Posted by BigPun762

I am thinking of filing down the mag catch slightly but at the same time don't want to permanently modify anything.

I assume you're still in CA, so you would be limited by magazine choices.

IMO, I would never hack and cut a firearm to accept certain magazines. You say the Magpuls work fine, great. What others have you tried? KCI (S.Korea)? Pro Mag? IMO, not very good mags. Arsenal makes 10 rounders, maybe try those. It seems most of the 10 rounders are polymer, not steel.

[Reno-Kid]

Originally Posted by oddball

I assume you're still in CA, so you would be limited by magazine choices.

IMO, I would never hack and cut a firearm to accept certain magazines. You say the Magpuls work fine, great. What others have you tried? KCI (S.Korea)? Pro Mag? IMO, not very good mags. Arsenal makes 10 rounders, maybe try those. It seems most of the 10 rounders are polymer, not steel.

KCI work on m70.

[highpower]

I'm not understanding where the mag fitment issues are coming from. I have maybe 70-80 surplus Eastern European mags and a couple dozen Chinese along with a few Bulgarian circle 10 polymers.

I won't say I tried all of them, but I did try a couple dozen mixed types of Chinese, European and polymer through my M70 and every single one of them clicked into place without issue and smoothly released the same way. Some of these were well used and others were brand new.

I understand the reluctance to modify your new rifle, but If I was faced with only having to use certain mags in an AK, you can bet that I would analyze the problem and fix it. If all it would take a couple of passes with a mill file on the mag catch, I would do that in a heartbeat. I would much rather make the rifle work with all magazines than have to limp along with just using certain specific types.

[jmpeal]

Yep, I tried Magpuls, KCI, some ones that say made in Croatia, Unitys, etc and never had an issue with any of them

[Quiet]

Originally Posted by highpower

I'm not understanding where the mag fitment issues are coming from.

The mag fitment issues is a legacy of which company imported and modified the rifle to be 922r compliant.

Because of US importation laws, semi-auto centerfire AK style rifles are made to utilize single-stack AK magazines and after importation, the importer modifies the rifles to accept the standard pattern double-stack AK magazines.

When Century Arms was the importer of Zastava made AK style rifles, the mag fitment was hit or miss due to the quality control on them opening up the magazine well was not consistently good.

Complaints about mag fitment and other issues regarding the Century Arms modifications/922r compliance work was the reason why Zastava USA was created to be the sole importer of newly made Zastava firearms.

The Zastava USA imported Zastava AK rifles do not have the mag fitment issues.

[PogoJack]

US Palm and Magpul are super tight in a ZPAP M70 but steel mags of all kinds seem good to go.

I?ve heard whispers that the commercial bolts are soft and it would be good to pick up a spare military M70 for good measure.

[highpower]

Originally Posted by Quiet

The mag fitment issues is a legacy of which company imported and modified the rifle to be 922r compliant.

Because of US importation laws, semi-auto centerfire AK style rifles are made to utilize single-stack AK magazines and after importation, the importer modifies the rifles to accept the standard pattern double-stack AK magazines.

When Century Arms was the importer of Zastava made AK style rifles, the mag fitment was hit or miss due to the quality control on them opening up the magazine well was not consistently good.

Complaints about mag fitment and other issues regarding the Century Arms modifications/922r compliance work was the reason why Zastava USA was created to be the sole importer of newly made Zastava firearms.

The Zastava USA imported Zastava AK rifles do not have the mag fitment issues.

I know about that stuff. I was commenting in regards to BigPuns post regarding how some of his magazines don't fit properly.

Some mags will refuse to go into mine. And when they do, god they are incredibly hard to get out. I am thinking of filing down the mag catch slightly but at the same time don't want to permanently modify anything.

I only use military magazines in my AK's and have never had an issue with fit or function. The only polymer mags I have are Bulgarian circle 10's, so I suspect his issue must be with aftermarket mags.

[Quiet]

Originally Posted by highpower

I know about that stuff. I was commenting in regards to BigPuns post regarding how some of his magazines don't fit properly.

I only use military magazines in my AK's and have never had an issue with fit or function. The only polymer mags I have are Bulgarian circle 10's, so I suspect his issue must be with aftermarket mags.

Didn't BigPuns say he got a M77 in .308?

Wouldn't that limit the type of magazines he could use?

[highpower]

Originally Posted by Quiet

Didn't BigPuns say he got a M77 in .308?

Wouldn't that limit the type of magazines he could use?

I was referring to BP's original post:

Originally Posted by BigPun762

Supposedly Zastava is going to stop all exports.

I have a Zastava AK but thinking of getting an M77 now.

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/...pZ4-HQZlUtOTUU

In relation to his response to oddball:

Originally Posted by BigPun762

Do you have an issue with magazine fitments on your M70?

Some mags will refuse to go into mine. And when they do, god they are incredibly hard to get out. I am thinking of filing down the mag catch slightly but at the same time don't want to permanently modify anything.

The magpul 10 rounders go in and out smoothly with no issue.

Which is where I inferred that he was referencing his M70.

[oddball]

Originally Posted by jmpeal

Yep, I tried Magpuls, KCI, some ones that say made in Croatia, Unitys, etc and never had an issue with any of them

I got my Bulgarian mags, both steel and poly/reinforced steel yesterday on my doorstep. Haven't had a chance to load and shoot any of them, but they click in/out perfectly with no problems whatsoever, and I really didn't expect any issues since Zastava USA has an excellent reputation in build quality. I gotta say I love the Circle 10s; they are lighter than steel, built solid and work great. I need to get more, wish I didn't sell most of mine years ago, they were much cheaper back then than the $50+ nowadays. But they are cheaper than my HK MP5 mags