Zastava M56
Zastava Arms · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1956
Also known as: M56, Automat M56, Yugoslav M56
Overview
The Zastava M56 is a Yugoslav open-bolt, blowback-operated submachine gun chambered in 7.62x25mm Tokarev. Introduced in 1956 as a simplified domestic successor to the M49, its layout draws heavily on the German MP 40, sharing a folding metal stock and tubular receiver but distinguished by a longer body and a long curved 35-round magazine. The higher-velocity Tokarev cartridge gave it greater range and penetration than the 9mm MP 40, and its low cyclic rate kept it controllable. Cheap and simple to manufacture, it equipped the Yugoslav People's Army and saw extensive use throughout the Yugoslav Wars.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3500 g (123.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 870 mm (34.25") |
| Folded Length | 590 mm (23.23") |
| Barrel Length | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 35 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 500 m/s (1640 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 550 J (406 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x25mm Tokarev · primary — also known as 7.62x25mm, 7.62 Tokarev, Type 51
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Bolt Handle Safety Notch
- Features: Folding Stock, Curved Magazine, Wooden Grip Panels, Perforated Barrel Shroud
Service history
Operators
- Yugoslav People's Army · adopted 1956 · as M56
- Croatian Army · adopted 1991
Conflicts
- Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001)
Production
Production years: 1956-1960s
Produced by Zastava Arms (then Crvena Zastava) for the Yugoslav People's Army; later supplemented and replaced by the Zastava M70 assault rifle.
Origin
Country of origin: Serbia
Designer: Zastava Arms
Notes
The M56 is sometimes criticised as overly simple: improperly reassembled examples can partially disassemble themselves while firing. The bolt handle doubles as a safety, locking into a notch to block movement.
Background
Soldiers and irregulars valued the M56 for its hard-hitting Tokarev round, which could defeat light cover and body armour of the era far better than the 9mm rounds of comparable Western submachine guns.