Zastava
Zastava Arms is a Serbian firearms manufacturer with over 170 years of history, producing AK-pattern rifles and pistols to military specifications for markets worldwide. In the U.S., Zastava is best known for the ZPAP M70 AK-pattern rifle and the M85 and M92 AK-style pistols—all built with cold-hammer-forged barrels and properly heat-treated components that distinguish Zastava products from less carefully constructed AK alternatives. For buyers who want a properly built AK, Zastava is consistently among the most recommended options at any price point.
Read our full Zastava Buying Guide ↓
ZPAP M70 Rifles
The ZPAP M70 is the Serbian military AK in semi-automatic configuration, chambered in 7.62x39mm. It features a cold-hammer-forged barrel, proper bolt and trunnion heat treatment, and a 1.5mm receiver—hallmarks of a properly built AK. The M70 is widely regarded as one of the best factory AK-pattern rifles available in the U.S., delivering military-grade construction at a competitive price compared to other quality AK manufacturers. For AK buyers who want to buy once and own a well-built rifle, the ZPAP M70 is a consistent recommendation.
M85 and M92 Pistols
The Zastava M85 and M92 are AK-style pistols built on the same quality platform as the ZPAP rifles. The M85 chambers 5.56x45mm NATO; the M92 chambers 7.62x39mm. Both feature cold-hammer-forged barrels and heat-treated components identical to the full-size rifles. They’re popular as pistol-configuration AKs for use with pistol braces and as compact range platforms, and they carry the same quality reputation as the ZPAP rifle series in a shorter, more maneuverable configuration.
Why Zastava Stands Out
Not all AK-pattern rifles are built to the same standard. Zastava builds with properly heat-treated bolt carriers, properly staked gas tubes, and forged trunnions—construction details that matter for long-term reliability over thousands of rounds. Compared to lower-cost AK imports with softer components and less consistent heat treatment, Zastava products represent a meaningful step up that serious AK shooters recognize. The extra investment in component quality is reflected in documented long-term reliability and durability.
Related Pages
Browse our rifles page for all AK-pattern and other rifle options, or see our AK-47 pistols page for other AK pistol options. See our 7.62x39mm ammo page for ammunition to pair with your Zastava.