By Luke Hunsaker – SOFREP
So yes, let’s start off by getting this out of the way. Yes, AKs are the “bad guy” rifles in the eyes of most of the Western world, but let’s put this aside and look at the Zastava M70 pattern rifles. First, let’s explain the difference between standard AKM rifles and Yugo patterns.
The terms “AKM” and “Yugo rifle” refer to different types of firearms, primarily associated with the AK (Avtomat Kalashnikova) platform and Yugoslavian military firearms, respectively.
AKM Rifle:
The AKM is a modernized version of the original AK-47, developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov. As you would expect, the AKM typically fires the 7.62x39mm cartridge. It features a stamped receiver, making it lighter than the original AK-47, which had a milled receiver. The AKM also includes design improvements like a slant muzzle brake and a more efficient gas system. The AKM has been mass-produced in many countries and is known for its reliability, ease of use, and effectiveness in various combat situations.
Yugo Rifle (often refers to the Zastava M70):
The Yugo rifle typically refers to the Zastava M70, developed in Yugoslavia. It is based on the Soviet AKM design but has distinct features. Like the AKM, the M70 also chambers the 7.62x39mm cartridge. The M70 has some modifications compared to the AKM, including a heavier barrel, a bulged trunnion, a different stock design, and features like a grenade launcher capability and a reinforced receiver. The M70 often has a wooden stock and a distinctive folding design in the case of the M70B. The M70 was produced in Yugoslavia and later in Serbia, and it shares some construction methods and components with the AKM but has unique characteristics influenced by the needs of the Yugoslav military.
Now let’s dive a little more into the M70. The Zastava M70 is a Serbian-made assault rifle that has a notable history, particularly in the context of the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia.
Origins: The M70 was developed in the late 1960s by the Zastava Arms factory, located in Užice, Serbia. The design was based on the Soviet AK-47 and its variants, which were widely used by various countries around the world.
Production: Officially introduced into service in 1970, the M70 was part of an effort to modernize the Yugoslav armed forces. It was designed for versatility in various combat scenarios, with modifications that included better stock and more comfortable handling.
Caliber: The M70 is chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge, ensuring it has adequate stopping power.
Design: It retains many design features from the AK series, including a gas-operated action and rotating bolt design, which contributed to its reliability and ease of use.
Variants: The M70 has several variants that were developed over time, including:
M70AB: A standard model with a wooden stock.
M70B: A variant with a folding stock (paratrooper model).
M70AB2: A variant featuring a milled receiver.
M70A: A more modernized version that incorporates different hardware and finishes.
Usage: Yugoslav Wars: The M70 saw extensive use during the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s, being utilized by various factions, including the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA), as well as local militias.
Global Reach: Beyond Yugoslavia, the M70 was exported to several countries, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, where it gained popularity due to its durability and performance.
Legacy:
The Zastava M70 remains in use today, with some military forces and police units still deploying it. Its design influenced various other firearms, and it is part of the legacy of the AK-47 family, which continues to be one of the most widespread and recognized firearms in the world.
As of the 21st century, Zastava continues to produce modern firearms, but the M70 holds a unique place in history due to its role in the tumultuous period of Yugoslavia’s breakup and its lasting impact on military small arms worldwide.
Luke’s Lefty Corner
Now we really hit the reason I am such a fan of the AK platform. This is the first rifle that I picked up and felt like there was nothing I needed to do, as a lefty, to operate the rifle comfortably. The charging handle works beautifully in its simplicity and it’s on the correct side of the firearm for a left-handed shooter, so pretty much straight off the assembly line you will be good to go. As it pertains to the Yugo pattern AK’s I can say that they run incredibly smooth, and the additional handguard length is amazing for shooters with larger hands.
About the author: Luke Hunsaker is a US Navy veteran with a variety of knowledge on sidearms and rifles. He currently resides in Utah.
