Zastava M84
Zastava Arms · Machine Gun · In Production · 1984
Overview
The Zastava M84 is a general-purpose machine gun chambered in 7.62x54mmR, manufactured under license from the Soviet PKM design. Entering service with the Yugoslav People's Army in 1985, the M84 is a belt-fed, gas-operated weapon with a quick-change chrome-lined barrel capable of sustained fire at 700-800 rounds per minute. The gun weighs 8.8 kg on its bipod and feeds from 100- or 250-round non-disintegrating metal link belts. The M84 M modernized variant adds a folding stock with adjustable cheek pad, Picatinny rails, and NATO vehicle mounting compatibility.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 8800 g (310.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1175 mm (46.26") |
| Barrel Length | 658 mm (25.91") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 825 m/s (2707 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3623 J (2672 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3800 m (4156 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x54mmR · primary — also known as 7.62 Russian, 7.62x54R
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Belt Fed
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Folding Bipod, Muzzle Brake, Gas Flow Regulator, Belt Fed 100 Or 250 Rounds, Vehicle Mounting Capability
Variants
- Zastava M84 M — Modernized
- Zastava M86 — Vehicle Mount
Service history
Operators
- Serbian Armed Forces · adopted 1985 · as M84
- Bosnian Armed Forces · adopted 1992 · as M84
- Croatian Armed Forces · adopted 1991 · as M84
- Iraqi Armed Forces
- North Macedonian Armed Forces · as M84
Conflicts
- Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
Origin
Country of origin: Serbia
Notes
Differs from the Soviet PKM primarily in stock shape (non-hollow wooden stock) and barrel contour. The quick-change barrel is rated for 18,000+ rounds. The M84 M variant is the current-production modernized version.
Background
The M84 saw extensive combat during the Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001), where it was used by all belligerents in the conflict. Its reliability in the harsh Balkan conditions and the widespread availability of 7.62x54R ammunition made it a ubiquitous presence on all sides of the fighting.