Zastava M48 Sniper
Zastava Arms · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1948
Also known as: M48, Yugo M48, Yugoslav Mauser
Overview
The Zastava M48 Sniper is a scoped variant of the Yugoslav M48 bolt-action rifle, based on the Mauser 98k action and chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser. Produced at the Zastava Arms factory in Kragujevac beginning in 1948, the M48 was Yugoslavia's standard-issue infantry rifle and selected examples were fitted with ZRAK 4x32 telescopic sights for use as designated marksman rifles. The M48 features a Mauser-type controlled-round-feed action with dual front locking lugs, a non-rotating Mauser-type extractor, and a 23.25-inch barrel. The action is loaded via 5-round stripper clips into the internal box magazine. At approximately 8.6 pounds, the M48 is a robust military rifle built to Yugoslav military specifications using Mauser tooling and technical data. While not a purpose-built sniper rifle, the M48's Mauser action accuracy and the 7.92x57mm cartridge's ballistic performance made it an effective designated marksman platform at ranges up to 600 meters.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1086 mm (42.76") |
| Barrel Length | 590 mm (23.23") |
| Sight Radius | 502 mm (19.76") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 878 m/s (2881 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4935 J (3640 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3000 m (3281 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.92x57mm Mauser · primary — also known as 8mm Mauser, 8x57mm IS, 8x57mm JS, 7.92x57mm
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Internal Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Lock
- Features: Mauser Action, Adjustable Rear Sight, Bayonet Lug, Scope Mount Provision
Variants
- Zastava M48A — Improved
- Zastava M48B — Final Production
Service history
Operators
- Yugoslav People's Army · adopted 1948 · as M48
- Serbian Armed Forces · as M48
Conflicts
- Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001)
Production
Production years: 1948-1965
Exact production numbers not publicly confirmed. Only approximately 4,000 were configured as sniper rifles with ZRAK scopes. Total M48 production across all variants was substantial.
Origin
Country of origin: Yugoslavia
Notes
The Zastava M48 is a post-WWII Yugoslav version of the Belgian-designed M24 series with some influence from the German Karabiner 98k. No official M48 sniper variant was mass-produced; approximately 4,000 rifles were experimentally fitted with ZRAK 4x32 telescopic sights for designated marksman use. The scope was mounted using a side-rail system drilled and tapped into the receiver. The M48 uses intermediate-length Mauser action (between K98k and standard M98), with a slightly shorter receiver. Standard military 7.92x57mm ammunition produced muzzle velocities of approximately 2,880 fps (878 m/s) with 198-grain sS bullets. Commercial ammunition is typically loaded to lower velocities of approximately 2,450 fps.
Background
The Zastava M48 carried forward the Mauser legacy into the Cold War era, serving Yugoslavia's unique position as a non-aligned nation. Built on captured German tooling and Belgian technical packages, the M48 represented a nation forging its own military identity while standing on the shoulders of the greatest bolt-action design ever produced.