Zastava M59/66 (Yugoslav SKS)

Zastava Arms · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1959

Weight (empty)4100 g (144.6 oz)
Overall Length1120 mm (44.09")
Barrel Length550 mm (21.65")
Magazine Capacity10 rounds
Action TypeGas Operated Short Stroke
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Muzzle Velocity718 m/s (2356 fps)
Muzzle Energy2010 J (1482 ft·lbf)
Effective Range400 m (437 yd)
Frame MaterialSteel

Primary Caliber: 7.62x39mm

The Zastava M59/66 is the Yugoslav-licensed copy of the Soviet SKS semi-automatic carbine, chambered in 7.62x39mm. Originally produced as the M59 starting in 1959 by Crvena Zastava in Kragujevac, the design was modified in 1966 to add a permanently installed 22mm spigot-type rifle grenade launcher at the muzzle, along with a folding ladder grenade sight and a gas cutoff valve to redirect propellant gases when launching grenades. This grenade-launching capability — uniquely retained on the M59/66...

Country of Origin: YU

Designer: Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov