Zastava M19
Zastava Arms · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2020
Also known as: Zastava APM M19, M19 MCS, Modular Assault Rifle M19
Overview
The Zastava M19 is a Serbian modular assault rifle developed by Zastava Arms and adopted by the Serbian Armed Forces around 2020. Part of the company's Modular Combat System (MCS) family, it is a select-fire, gas-operated rifle using a long-stroke piston and rotating bolt, chambered primarily in 7.62x39mm with a 6.5mm Grendel option. It features tool-free barrel changes, a non-reciprocating charging handle, ambidextrous controls, a side-folding adjustable stock, and a full-length Picatinny rail. The M19 is intended to replace the long-serving Zastava M70 in Serbian service.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3850 g (135.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 910 mm (35.83") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 720 m/s (2362 fps) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62x39mm Soviet, 7.62mm M43, .30 Russian Short
- 6.5mm Grendel — also known as 6.5x39mm Grendel
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector
- Features: Modular Design, Tool Free Barrel Change, Non Reciprocating Charging Handle, Long Stroke Gas Piston, Rotating Bolt, Side Folding Stock, Full Length Picatinny Rail, Ambidextrous Controls
Variants
- Zastava M20 — Caliber Variant
Service history
Operators
- Serbian Armed Forces · adopted 2020 · as M19
Production
Production years: 2020-present
In production at Zastava Arms; entering Serbian Armed Forces service to replace the M70
Origin
Country of origin: Serbia
Designer: Zastava Arms
Notes
Developed alongside the 5.56x45mm NATO M20 as part of Zastava's Modular Combat System (MCS) line. Barrel lengths include a 254mm carbine and a 415mm standard configuration.
Background
The M19 represents Serbia's first clean-sheet domestic assault rifle since the Kalashnikov-derived M70, breaking from the AK pattern with a modular, tool-free swappable-barrel architecture and a non-reciprocating charging handle.