Zastava M85
Zastava Arms · Carbine · In Production · 1992
Also known as: ZPAP85, M85 NATO
Overview
The Zastava M85 is a select-fire carbine chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Zastava Arms since 1992. 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 30-round magazine capacity, this carbine offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3350 g (118.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 795 mm (31.30") |
| Folded Length | 550 mm (21.65") |
| Barrel Length | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 800 m/s (2625 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1286 J (949 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 620 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56 NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56mm 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, Underfolding Stock, Bulged Trunnion 1 5mm, Flash Eliminator, Three Cooling Vents Handguard, Extremely Compact, Nato Caliber
Variants
- Zastava ZPAP85 — Civilian
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Serbian Armed Forces · adopted 1992 · as M85
- Serbian Police · as M85
Production
Production years: 1992-present
Limited production primarily for Serbian special forces and export/commercial markets. The civilian ZPAP85 is popular on the US market.
Origin
Country of origin: Serbia
Notes
The M85 is essentially the M92 rechambered for 5.56mm NATO, sharing the same compact dimensions, bulged trunnion, three-slot cooling vents, and underfolding stock. The 5.56mm cartridge benefits from the compact package more than the 7.62x39mm - producing less blast and flash from the short barrel while maintaining adequate terminal performance at close range. The civilian ZPAP85 semi-automatic variant is popular on the US commercial market, particularly as a basis for SBR (Short Barreled Rifle) builds. The M85 competes with platforms like the AKS-74U and HK53 in the compact NATO-caliber PDW role.
Background
The M85 exists because Serbian special forces wanted the compact dimensions of the M92 but with NATO-standard 5.56mm ammunition for interoperability with Western allies. The 5.56mm cartridge actually performs better from the short 10-inch barrel than the 7.62x39mm does in the M92, producing less blast and flash while maintaining adequate terminal performance at close range.