Zastava M21
| Zastava M21 | |
|---|---|
 Zastava M21SB (export variant) | |
| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin |  Serbia |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Serbia, Republic of Macedonia, Iraq, Private Military Contractors |
| Wars | Iraq War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Zastava Arms |
| Manufacturer | Zastava Arms |
| Produced | 2004-Present |
| No. built | 18,000+ |
| Variants | M21, M21S, M21C |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | M21 - 3.85 kg, M21S - 3.8 kg, M21C - 3.59 kg |
| Length | M21 - 998/750 mm, M21S - 915/666 mm, M21C - 856/606 mm |
| Barrel length | M21 - 460 mm (18.1"), M21S - 375 mm (14.8"), M21C - 325 mm (12.8") |
| Cartridge | 5.56x45mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-actuated (rotating bolt) |
| Rate of fire | 680 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 925 m/s |
| Effective firing range | 450 m (492 yd) with iron sights 600 m (656 yd) with optics |
| Feed system | 30 rounds |
| Sights | Adjustable iron sights, optional mount required for optical sights |
The Zastava M21 is a modern assault rifle developed and manufactured by the Serbian Zastava Arms company. The M21 is designed on the basis of the famous Kalashnikov rifles from Russia[1].
Overview
The Zastava M21 rifle chambers and fires the 5.56x45mm NATO or .223 Remington round. It is gas-operated, air-cooled, magazine-fed, selective fire firearm with a folding stock.
History and variants
In serial production, Zastava Arms produces three variants of the rifle – long and short barrel as well as carbine M21C. The shorter variant carries the M21S designation and is intended for use by special military and police units for urban combat and anti-terrorist operations.[2]
Production and usage
On 29 April 2004 the M21 was officially accepted by the Military of Serbia and Montenegro as the successor to its 7.62 mm firing Zastava M70/M72/M92 assault rifles.
In 2004, the then Ministry of Defence of Serbia and Montenegro, ordered 500 Zastava M21 assault rifles. Serial production of the new rifle began on 1 September 2004 and 5,000 rifles were produced in 2004 with the M21 designation.
In 2005, a number of M21 rifles, costing 150,000 euros, was received by Macedonia, who was the first foreign customer of the M21.[3]
In 2006 and 2007, Zastava M21 assault rifles were spotted in the hands of Iraqi forces and private military contractors during the Iraq War. In March 2008 Iraq ordered 2,000 M-21 rifles to serve in their army.
Currently close to 13,000 M-21 assault rifles are in service with the military of Serbia.
Design and Features
- Ergonomically designed and balanced
- Low recoil
- Light weight and compact
- Efficient and reliable locking system
- Polymer, easily adjustable stock
- Polymer magazine.
- Hammer forged barrel with chromium plated rifling to increase accuracy
- Built in "Picatinny" rail, allowing attachment of standard NATO aiming devices
- Bayonet attachment
- GP-25 40 mm under-barrel grenade launcher
- Flash hider to decrease blinding of the operator and to stabilize the weapon
Accessories
- Knife with scabbard
- Blank ammunition attachment
- Cleaning kit
- Oil can
- Cleaning rod
- Sling
- 4 spare 30rds magazines
- GP-25 accessory set (rubber recoil pad, cleaning brush, ammunition bag, holster)