Zastava M80
Zastava Arms · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1980
Also known as: M80, M80A
Overview
The Zastava M80 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Zastava Arms since 1980. 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. The stamped steel frame provides a solid, premium feel with the durability to withstand decades of regular use and thousands of rounds.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3100 g (109.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 870 mm (34.25") |
| Barrel Length | 460 mm (18.11") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 914 m/s (2999 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1670 J (1232 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Fire Selector
- Features: Rotating Bolt, Gas Operated Long Stroke Piston, Chrome Lined Barrel, Select Fire, Adjustable Iron Sights, Bayonet Lug, Ak Pattern Receiver
Variants
- Zastava M80A — Folding Stock
- Zastava M85 — Carbine
- Zastava M90 — Modernized
Service history
Operators
- Yugoslav People's Army · adopted 1980 · as M80
- Serbian Armed Forces · as M80
Conflicts
- Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001)
- Kosovo War (1998-1999)
Production
Production years: 1980-1990s
Produced by Zastava Arms in Kragujevac, Yugoslavia. Superseded by the improved Zastava M90 in the 1990s.
Origin
Country of origin: Yugoslavia
Notes
The M80 featured a fixed wooden stock, while the M80A variant had an underfolding metal stock for paratroopers and vehicle crews. Both shared the same barrel length and internal mechanism. The rifle was later modified in 1990 as the Zastava M90, which added a flash eliminator and redesigned magazine well. The M85 is a shortened carbine derivative. All models feed from proprietary curved box magazines rather than STANAG magazines.
Background
The M80 represented Yugoslavia's pragmatic approach to small arms: taking the proven Kalashnikov platform they were already manufacturing and rechambering it in 5.56mm NATO to make it compatible with Western ammunition supplies, hedging their bets during the Cold War as a Non-Aligned nation.