Zastava M72

Zastava M72
Zastava M72
Type	Light machine gun
Place of origin	Yugoslavia
Service history
In service	1973-Present
Wars	Yugoslav Wars Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom Syrian Civil War
Production history
Designed	1972
Manufacturer	Zastava Arms
Specifications
Weight	5.5 kg
Length	1025 mm
Barrel length	542 mm
Caliber	7.62×39mm
Action	Gas-actuated (rotating bolt)
Rate of fire	620 RPM
Muzzle velocity	745 m/s
Effective firing range	400 m
Feed system	30, 40 round box magazines or 75 round drum magazine
Sights	Adjustable iron sights, optional mount required for optical sights

The Zastava M72 is a light machine gun developed and manufactured by then Yugoslav Zastava Arms company. Generally, the M72 is almost a direct copy of the Soviet RPK light machine gun, the only visual differences being in barrel, wooden stock, no side rail mount and slightly in design of the wooden handguard.

Overview

The Zastava M72 chambers and fires the 7.62×39mm M43 round. It is a gas-operated, air-cooled, drum-fed firearm with a fixed stock.

This weapon is a near copy of the Soviet RPK light machine gun. There are a few differences on the M72/M72A. It does not have a scope side rail mount, the butt is also different, having the shape of a regular AK-47 rifle. It has a reinforced receiver, night sights and no carrying handle. The barrel also differs from other RPK rifles because of the cooling fins to help with heat dissipation from prolonged fire. The M72 only appears with a heavy profile barrel as opposed to Russian and Romanian RPK rifles that can come in both light or heavy barrel configurations.

Variants

• M72 - Standard version with a fixed wooden stock. Utilizes a milled receiver.
• M72B1 - Same as the M72, but with an updated stamped receiver instead of the milled receiver.
• M72AB1 - Same as the M72B1, but with a folding stock.

Many variants have also been made in Iraq under the name of 'Tabuk' (i.e. Tabuk Sniper Rifle), which are direct copies of the M70A and the M72.

Design details

The Zastava M72/M72A is a gas-operated, air-cooled, drum-fed, selective fire, shoulder-fired weapon with a bipod. It is a squad automatic weapon, like the Soviet RPK but has unique design features.

External links

• Zastava M72B1