Zastava M87
Zastava Arms · Machine Gun · In Production · 1987
Overview
The Zastava M87 is a heavy machine gun chambered in 12.7x108mm, manufactured under license from the Soviet NSV (Nikitin-Sokolov-Volkov) design. The gas-operated weapon fires from an open bolt at 700 rounds per minute, feeding from 60-round belts. Weighing 24.8 kg (gun body only), the M87 features a quick-change chrome-plated barrel, forward cartridge case ejection, and an adjustable gas regulator. The weapon can be mounted on infantry tripods, vehicle turrets, tank cupolas, and naval platforms. An optional electric trigger is available for remote-fired vehicle installations. The M02 Coyote variant mounts the M87 on an infantry tripod, while the M07 Hummer variant is optimized for vehicle mounting.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 24800 g (874.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1560 mm (61.42") |
| Barrel Length | 1100 mm (43.31") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 60 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 845 m/s (2772 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 16235 J (11974 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 6000 m (6562 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 12.7x108mm · primary — also known as 12.7mm Soviet
- .50 BMG — also known as 12.7x99mm NATO, .50 Browning Machine Gun
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Belt Fed
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Chrome Plated Barrel, Forward Case Ejection, Gas Flow Regulator, Vehicle Mounting, Tripod Mounting, Electric Trigger Option
Variants
- Zastava M02 Coyote — Infantry Tripod
- Zastava M07 Hummer — Vehicle Mount
Service history
Operators
- Serbian Armed Forces · adopted 1987 · as M87
- Croatian Armed Forces · adopted 1991 · as M87
- Bangladesh Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001)
Origin
Country of origin: Serbia
Notes
Spare barrel weighs 9.3 kg. Effective against air targets at 1,500 m and ground targets at 2,000 m. Maximum range is 6,000 m.