Zastava M93 Black Arrow
Zastava Arms · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1998
Also known as: Crna Strela, Black Arrow, M93 Sniper
Overview
The Zastava M93 Black Arrow is a Serbian bolt-action anti-materiel rifle designed and manufactured by Zastava Arms. Designed in 1993 and entering production in 1998, the Black Arrow is available in both 12.7x108mm Soviet and .50 BMG NATO chamberings, making it versatile for customers from both Eastern and Western defense procurement traditions. The rifle operates on a proven Mauser 98-based long-action bolt design with a rotating bolt. A massive two-chamber muzzle brake angled at 45 degrees reportedly reduces felt recoil by up to 62 percent. In Serbian military service, it was issued with a ZRAK 8x56 optical sight with range markings to 1,800 meters. The 12.7x108mm variant has an overall length of 1,670mm with a 1,000mm barrel, while the NATO-chambered version measures 1,510mm with an 840mm barrel. Fed from 5- or 10-round detachable box magazines, the Black Arrow has an effective range of 2,000 meters.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 16000 g (564.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1670 mm (65.75") |
| Barrel Length | 1000 mm (39.37") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 800 m/s (2625 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 15470 J (11410 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3500 m (3828 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 12.7x108mm · primary — also known as 12.7mm Soviet, .50 Russian, 12.7mm DShK
- .50 BMG · 12.7x99mm NATO — also known as 12.7x99mm, .50 Browning Machine Gun, 12.7x99mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Muzzle Brake, Bipod, Mauser 98 Bolt Action, Optical Sight Mount, Carrying Handle
Service history
Operators
- Serbian Armed Forces · adopted 1998 · as M93
- Iraqi Army
- Georgian Armed Forces
- Libyan National Army
Conflicts
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Libyan Civil War (2011)
Production
Production years: 1998-present
Produced by Zastava Arms in Kragujevac, Serbia. Widely exported. Exact production numbers not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Serbia
Notes
The Zastava M93 was substituted for the originally requested Arsenal Bulgaria AR-M7 12.7mm, which does not appear to exist as a sniper rifle. Arsenal Bulgaria's AR-M7 designation refers to a 5.56mm/7.62x39mm assault rifle, not a heavy sniper. The M93 Black Arrow has been widely exported and has seen use in various conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa. Its Mauser 98 bolt-action heritage provides proven reliability in harsh conditions.
Background
Named 'Crna Strela' (Black Arrow) in Serbian, the M93 carries on Zastava Arms' tradition of building robust military weapons for global export. Built on the legendary Mauser 98 bolt action, the same fundamental design that has armed snipers since World War I, the Black Arrow's 62% recoil reduction through its massive muzzle brake makes it one of the more comfortable .50 caliber rifles to fire.