Zastava M70

Zastava Arms · Pistol · In Production · 1970

Also known as: Crvena Zastava M70, CZ M70, Little Bee

Overview

The Zastava M70 is a compact, single-action, blowback-operated semi-automatic pistol chambered in .32 ACP. Produced by Zastava Arms of Serbia, its design is loosely derived from the larger 7.62x25mm Tokarev Zastava M57, scaled down to fire the smaller 7.65mm Browning cartridge. Originally issued to Yugoslav police and military personnel as a service and backup sidearm, it is nicknamed the 'Little Bee' and remains in production and export today.

Specifications

Weight (empty)670 g (23.6 oz)
Weight (loaded)750 g (26.5 oz)
Overall Length165 mm (6.50")
Barrel Length94 mm (3.70")
Height117 mm (4.61")
Width29 mm (1.14")
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Trigger Pull31 N (7.0 lbf)
Magazine Capacity8 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity300 m/s (984 fps)
Muzzle Energy213 J (157 ft·lbf)
Effective Range25 m (27 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist240 mm (9.45")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialPolymer
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Production years: 1970-present

Long production run; many examples exported as surplus to the United States and other markets

Origin

Country of origin: Serbia

Designer: Zastava Arms

Notes

Originally designated CZ M70 (Crvena Zastava Model 1970). Feeds from an 8-round single-stack magazine. Large quantities have been imported as surplus into the United States.

Background

Built on the lineage of Zastava's Tokarev-pattern M57, the M70 shrank that service pistol down to a pocketable .32 ACP intended for plainclothes police and officers, earning the affectionate nickname 'Little Bee.'