Zastava M77
Zastava Arms · Battle Rifle · In Production · 1977
Also known as: M77 B1, ZPAP M77
Overview
The Zastava M77 is a select-fire battle rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, produced by Zastava Arms since 1977. This Serbian-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace. Featuring a 20-round magazine capacity, this battle rifle offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4350 g (153.4 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4900 g (172.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1035 mm (40.75") |
| Barrel Length | 500 mm (19.69") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 838 m/s (2749 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3347 J (2469 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1200 m (1312 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 620 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62 NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Bulged Trunnion 1 5mm, Enlarged Receiver, Flash Suppressor
Variants
- Zastava M77 B1 — Modernized
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Yugoslav People's Army · adopted 1977 · as M77
- Serbian Armed Forces · adopted 2006 · as M77
Conflicts
- Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001)
Production
Production years: 1977-present
Limited production compared to the M70, as the M77 fills a niche designated marksman/battle rifle role rather than standard infantry use.
Origin
Country of origin: Yugoslavia
Notes
The M77 fills the same niche as the Russian AK-308 - a full-power NATO-caliber AK - but predates it by over 40 years. The enlarged receiver and heavier barrel add approximately 650g over the standard M70. The M77 B1 modernized variant adds polymer furniture and folding stock. The civilian ZPAP M77 semi-automatic variant in .308 Winchester is available on the US commercial market. The rifle saw combat use in the Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001). Compatible with proprietary 20-round magazines only - not interchangeable with standard AK magazines due to the different cartridge dimensions.
Background
The M77 predates Russia's own NATO-caliber AK (the AK-308) by over 40 years, making Yugoslavia one of the first nations to successfully scale the AK platform up to handle the full-power 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. The civilian ZPAP M77 in .308 Winchester has found an enthusiastic following among American shooters who want AK reliability with the long-range capability of a .308 battle rifle.