Zastava M72
| Zastava M72 | |
|---|---|
 Zastava M72B1 | |
| Type | Light machine gun |
| Place of origin |  Yugoslavia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1973-Present |
| Wars | Yugoslav Wars, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1972 |
| Manufacturer | Zastava Arms |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 5.5 kg |
| Length | 1025 mm |
| Barrel length | 542 mm |
| Cartridge | 7.62x39mm |
| Caliber | 7.62x39mm |
| Action | Gas-actuated (rotating bolt) |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic, fully automatic |
| Muzzle velocity | 745 m/s |
| Effective firing range | 400 m |
| Feed system | 30, 40 round magazines or 75 round drums |
| Sights | Adjustable iron sights, optional mount required for optical sights |
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The Zastava M72 is a 7.62mm light machine gun developed and manufactured by Zastava Arms.[1][2] The M72 is based on the RPK rifle from the USSR.
Overview
The Zastava M72 rifle chambers and fires the 7.62x39mm M43 round. It is gas-operated, air-cooled, drum-fed firearm with a fixed stock. This rifle is a copy but not a direct copy of a Soviet RPK light machine gun. There is a few differences on the M72/M72A first it does not have a scope side rail mount. The butt stock is also different having the shape of a regular AK-47 rifle. It has a reinforced receiver night sights and no carry handle. The barrel is not chromed lined which makes it more accurate than the Soviet version. Extra care must be taken when firing corrosive surplus ammo.
Variants
In serial production, Zastava Arms produces two variants of the rifle – M72 and M72A.[citation needed] Many variants have been made in Iraq under the name of Tabuk series of rifles which are direct copies of the M70A and the M72 AK47's. Century Arms International assembles semi-automatic (self-loading, only) rifles for American collectors and sportsmen, using American-made receivers, surplus M72 parts kits, and several small U.S. made parts to comply with U.S. import restrictions.
Design details
The Zastava M72/M72A is a gas-operated, air-cooled, drum-fed, selective fire, shoulder-fired weapon with a bipod. The Zastava M72/M72A is a squad automatic weapon like the Soviet RPK and has unique design features.
References
- ^ http://www.zastava-arms.co.rs/cms/index.php?id=322 History of Zastava Arms
- ^ Zastava M72B1
External links
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