I'm 63 years old and was a blue collar industrial grunt most of my life, to include 21+ years in production CNC machining. The fixture for checking sight alignment and cutting the muzzle cap weld is THE neatest thing I've ever seen. It is rare for a manufacturer to make so much public.
We have something related at a specific company in my town (defense industry, they mainly make things that go boom rather than bang), in a particular detail they make for SAAB they make square holes (with next to to radius in the corners) that go through the entire portion they are made on, and they do it all on a 5 axis CNC mill. I wish i knew how they do it because ive been curious about it since i saw the detail during a lecture, but its so secret they didnt even patent the technology lol.
@@Livi_Noelle As far as im aware its not a fixture (apart from them being produced on a pallet system), what i managed to find out was that the technology was developed in house and its not using a EDM machine.
If I can just be a lil bit too honest, being secret about this stuff isn't that nessecary. It's not like the average individual can buy hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment, JUST to do this specific thing.
I must admit, the fact that they're compliant with the laws, they're dealing with ATF obstacles left and right, and still making it work - speaks volumes about Serbia.
Our gun laws are even worse the in the USA and they are one of the main reasons for massive de-armament of legal gun owners for the past 20 years or so here in Serbia.
This would explain alot as to why imported AKs are more expensive than their US equivalents. I always knew that labor and import law compliance was part of it, I just didn't know the scope. What's silly is it is so unnecessary.
I remember back in 2000 at a gun show they had pre-ban AKs. I was scoffing (I still scoff at) the AKs, saying "I can't see why anyone thinks these are better than an AR...." then I flipped them over and say the $300 price tag. "....but for that price, I could find out."
It's pretty crazy how much effort goes into delivering a quality product while staying in compliance with laws and regulations. I paid $1100 for my Zastava at a time when gun prices were high. You can get them for around $900 these days but even at $1100 I didn't feel like I was paying too much. It's a quality product.
@@hambone950 AKs aren't generally known for their accuracy but it's plenty sufficient for "combat"accuracy. I've never measured for groups but I'd say around 3-4 MOA with irons.
@@yeahsteeeve Most AKs are more accurate than their own shooters..the limitation is in the round. The 7.62x39 is meant for knockdown power and close quarters combat up to 300 yards. The 5.45x39 can reach up 700 and still be lethal. You have Aks now in 308 and 6.5 Grendels now. All that matters really is being able to hit a human sized target
Thanks TFB team for getting us this "behind the scene" look into what it takes for these manufactures to get around these silly laws. I was surprised how much more work goes into these rifles after they receive them. I'm going to look into getting myself a Zastava as I have wanted an AK rifle for many years now.
No there’s enough good American made guns why would you want to go buy a piece of shit AK There’s plenty in plenty and plenty of their platforms for you to choose from buddy
@@TheMccarthy327 and the AK is a tested and proven one buddy and to call an AK garbage is the highest compliment you can give i honestly feel bad for you man
Zastava being so open about the process is refreshing. The AK culture has opened from a very gatekept community to something everyone can get into recently and they are a serious drive behind it.
@@pewpewTN I also got an MDRX and now cannot describe how bad I want the Croatian sensation Hellion. I also want an AUG but I’m in a ban state and haven’t checked that guns legality.
Zastava ARMS USA is based in Des Plaines, IL, a suburb north of Chicago's O'Hare airport. Crazy being in a very anti gun state and still building quality arms in compliance with 922r.
You're thinking of Illinois as Chicago, if you only knew how many multi million dollar companies exist in Illinois that ONLY produce and manufacture firearms.
@Jovan Sveti mine has yet to give me any issues, it’s an import variant still Serbian. It’s built like a tank but the chrome lined barrel takes away from the accuracy a bit, I can hit a man from 300- 400 meters but past that is not likely for my variant. I’ve been told the non chrome lined barrels are a bit more accurate so I believe you. Even mine groups well with cheap ammo. It kills feral pigs, that’s mine’s purpose and it does it very well.
My first rifle I bought was the m70 back in June 2022 . Since then I’ve put about 2k rounds on it so far and not a single problem even ran dirty till about 800-1000 rounds till it’s first clean . TFB convinced me to buy one and no regrets about my first AK .
@@hambone950 typical AK accuracy 2 MOA with Norma 7.62x39 at 100 yards. I am going to see if I can improve that with some cast powder coated hand loads. But to be honest 2 MOA is good for a AK with cheap 7.62x39 ammo.
I now have a much better appreciation for the price point of Zastava products. I had no idea that there was this much work involved in prepping these rifles for the American market.
I sent my zpap in for warranty work, the top cover release button on the side was stuck. I sent it in Monday, and had it back in my hands that Friday. Fixed. Zastava paid shipping both ways. Super fast and came back perfect.
I had an issue with my M90 magazine. They sent me 1 updated poly mag and 2 steels with some stickers and a hand written note. I'll forever own zastava products and suggest them to everyone.
Thanks James. Picked up my first walnut m70 this year because all the good words. I appreciate Ranko going through it with you when he could have left it to an employee. Nothing like an owner that knows his product and is in touch with his audience. I would love a m90 one day. Keep up all the good work Team Zastava and TFB
Zastava is great. Here in Germany, they're absolutely at the affordable end, with their 223 and 308 aks actually being the cheapest new semi autos in their respective calibers, while still being really well made, reliable and decently accurate
@@hk_4014 at like 900 euros. Yeah, guns are (usually) expensive here Edit: that being said, when i wrote the comment you could still find them for like 750, atleast the 223s and 7,62x39s
Just bought my first AK last week and it was a Zastava M70! After watching this video I definitely appreciate my rifle soo much more! Even more than my DMM4v7! I can truly see the love, care, and quality they put in to make me smile my first 500 rounds in my new Zastava! Thank you for this video.
I'm actually surprised and impressed Zastava took TFB through a tour to show everything in the manufacturing and refitting process, I would have thought it would have been a lot more closed-door.
I bought a ZPAP M70. I love it. Been doing drills with it for 2 years now and it's very accurate, not a single failure running wolf and tula. Love Zastava
Just purchased a new M77 308 WIN, 2 weeks ago. My first AK and I am impressed. Iron sights right on, out of the box. 100 rounds down range and no problems. Some problems with two 10 round magazines purchased through Zastava-USA website. My understanging is that the 10 rounders are suppose to hold open on last round, and they have stopped doing that after 100 rounds. One of the 10 rounders has a tough time going in. The supplied 20 rounder works fine. Ammo used is IWI 175 gr Open tip match. I had to change gas block setting from the factory 2 setting to 1. Ejecting cases at one o'clock and 500 feet high! Great video. Thank you Zastava!
Great video. Explains a lot on why prices went up over the last 30 years and how quality control differs between each company. Definitely learned more about the modern AK in these last 17 minutes than in any recent AK video. Thank you!
Ya I got a zastava too and she runs fine, the only problem I get is with some of the surplus mags I bought, they don’t feed properly sometimes and I even tried to stretch the springs, I bought some cheap Korean metal mags and they work great and even the knock off bakelite Korean mags work good
@@SmokingGun4570 that makes sense, I’ve only own one ak and a sks, I’ve actually had good luck with aftermarket mags for the sks, the original internal mag is old and likes to jam sometimes
trash, ill never buy zastava again. i was thinking of taking another risk on a zpap92, i said hell no im not going through that again. my wbp milled minijack is the definition of fine work and quality control, zastava is plain shit. my psa's are better than any zastava.
I currently own a PSAK-GF3 because telling people to turn their computers off and on again doesn't yield the profits enough to afford beauties like this, and the gun does extremely well for a budget AK. But if a decent bonus ever does come my way, my next rifle will be a Zastava. Those are truly gorgeous rifles and worth every penny asked.
Zastava is the best AK for it's standard M70 wooden stock versions at $1k. It is a true battle rifle. Even the dust cover is easily twice as thick as a Polish import or Wasr import dust cover. From receiver, gas piston, dust cover, barrel, and especially the wood stock is all much beefier than the others in same price range.
@@JCYTTVi own both but SHTF im grabbing my M70 or M90. They are both WAY overbuilt and just run. If I had to only habe 1 gun for my life to depend on it would be 1 of those 2. No flimsy shit to it.
This has to be one of my favorite TFB videos ever! I have always wondered what the import process looked like, and Zastava USA looks like a well oiled machine!
I appreciate the transparency we saw. Also I agree with the others who comment on the fixtures and CNC work done. They care about quality and their brand.
I love my ZPAPM70. Before I even held it in my hands at the shop, it was easy to see the quality is second to none. Feeling one in your hands is even better and the first magazine you fire is euphoric. Pick one up you will never regret it.
I have an m70 with about 1500+ rounds through it and it runs like a well oiled machine. No issues at all. I'll get another one maybe, but I'm pretty satisfied with the one I have.
I have hogue furniture on my ZPAP, absolutely beautiful and it runs like a Swiss watch. Worth every penny. I really enjoyed seeing the finishing process.
This was eye opening and makes me understand why Imported AK’s are so much more expensive than domestic made AK’s and all the hard work that goes into making them US compliant. The 922r laws were just made by politicians that don’t understand guns and what is actually practical.
@@kxkxkxkx The domestic manufacturers that cut corners and costs every chance they get? The domestic manufacturers that in some cases have created a product dangerous to the user? Even with those protections many people in the know still pay the extra for imports, myself included Domestic manufacturers need to do like PSA and pull their heads out of their ass and work towards making a proper AK. ...maybe its cheaper to lobby for crap like 922r than it is to make a decent product 😠
@@kxkxkxkx I agree it's to protect domestic manufacturers, because that's what allot of these BS laws are really about. It's ironic though everyone loves to talk about the "free market" and competition, but then the politicians go on to rig the market and drive business away from better cheaper products. The fact is allot of these former eastern bloc countries with serious gun making experience just produce better quality AK's and for less money compared to American made alternatives right now, and the only way they can hope to compete is cheating the cost through legal red tape and bureaucracy. If American companies want to compete fair and square they need to up their game, and start producing quality guns for good prices, or they don't deserve to exist.
Man, this seals the deal for me. I’ve wanted an AK for years and have been looking into every legit manufacturer and after this video, I’m going Zastava. Might even buy two. Also, they’re OrthoChristians, which rules. ✝️
I fucking love content like this. Takes guys with serious integrity who are willing to give us a rare glimpse into the process to expose how fucking asinine the bureaucracy and ignorant gun legislation really is. Props to the whole crew 🤙
922r was implemented in 1990 by the Bush Senior Commerce Department to try and prevent importers from circumventing the 1989 import ban by importing foreign parts and converting compliant rifles. Both laws were executive orders and could easily be removed by executive order.
That’s pretty awesome to see the whole ridiculous process that AK importers have to go through to make them US legal. Might have to get me one of them M70 rifles for my first AK! Great content as always, much love from Texas!
I highly recommend it. Out of all my AK's, and I own several, my M70 is my favorite. Followed very closely by my ZPAP92. I just love Yugo AK's. And greetings from another Texan. 😁
@@lucasblanchard47 My two PSA AKs run awesome! Get the Moekov version! Adjustable stock, and able to mount lights easily. I also got a cherry wood version and it’s beautiful, but it’s not as useful or enjoyable to shoot.
I highly, highly, highly recommend Zastava over any other AK you can buy "off the shelf" right now in the US. I went to a few gun shows looking for a ZPAPM70 and finally found one and when I did let me tell you the fit, finish and quality between Zastava and PSA isn't even funny. I'm very glad I didn't settle for anything else.
@@harryazzole7814 I don’t disagree with you, but the PSAs run great! I like what they’re doing too! Got my Moekov for $540 free shipping. I will be getting a Zastava, however.
Awesome video! I learned a lot! I’ve got an underfolder AK63D and two PSA AK 47s, including a Moekov version that I’ve got thousands of rounds through. I’m going to get myself a Zastava in the next week.
My M70 is an absolute trooper. Now that my state has opened up all rifle calibers, I've got a few ten round mags for hunting and a few 30s for the home. I threw on a combination brake w/ compensator and it shoots like a much softer recoiling firearm, like an AR. Their slide-on rails are also really nice, and hold zero pretty well.
The AK is such a beautiful platform. Anybody in the world can recognize the weapon system, and the overwhelming majority know how to operate one even if they can’t read or write. Truly an iconic platform. Watching this was like watching one of those “how it’s made” food videos that makes you hungry for the food. Now I want a nice, wood furniture AK.
That was pretty cool. I'm sure there are some very environment-friendly minded politicians who would not appreciate the waste that goes into making this.
I'm a big ak fan. This was really cool of zastava to invite us inside of their fab shop and show us around. I've got an american manufactured ak, but I might also have a zastava soon now.
It looks like great attention to detail on the revamping of the Zastava AK's. I've always been into AR's until I saw this video, now I definitely want a Zastava. Maybe if we ever get out of this damn recession/depression I'll be able to save enough money to get one.
Picked up a Zastava ZPAP92 about a year or so ago. So far I have been very pleased with the quality and functionality of the pistol. Zero issues, and the fit in finish was what I expected. Excellent AK pattern firearm.
Wow just wow. So much love goes into Zastavas. I admire any manufacturers that shows so much passion towards providing a great product for their customers. Thank you zastava.
Zastava has earned my utmost respect when it comes to their fit and finish. My first one was a m92 and unfortunately had to sell due to financial hardships. Replaced it with a WASR imported from Century and the magwell was so out of spec it wouldn’t run hardly any magazines. Chucked it and just got a Zpap M70 for my birthday. Will never buy anything but zastava when it comes to AKs from this point on.
This blew my mind to see. I love stuff like this. I'll have a whole new appreciation & do a closer inspection of any AK I checkout at stores. Keep the good stuff coming James
James! You Lawyer with an AK! Thanks for the excellent video. It is very enlightening to see what companies have to do to comply with stupid rules. I think everyone is thinking back to the early days when AKs were $350-400 and this shows us why Y the costs have gone up. Again, thanks for the video and stay cool! Ciao!
My Zastava is fantastic and came perfectly zeroed. I would definitely buy from them again. The Hogue US-made handguard that came on it is comfortable but is plain rubber with no MLOK or vent holes, I may swap it out in the future.
Renko and the Zastava Team are making great AK's...thank you. Really lookin' forward to WHAT'S Next. Psst you can tell me...I wont tell anyone.. Many Thanks James for getting us all areas access. This is what makes this channel numero uno !!!
WOW…that’s one hell of a gun. And the process is very meticulous even for the simplest part. I’m primarily an air gunner, and own quite a few, and they actually cost about as much as most powder firearms.But here recently, after seeing people have to use AR’s, and AK’s for home protection I decided to get one. And I’ll tell ya, it has really added a different and better level of security that my normal hand guns didn’t and couldn’t have. So I just wanted to thank you and Colion Noire, for showing old timers like me where the hole was in my perception of home defense to now filling that space. Your videos really make understanding the total concept of gun ownership and usage what it should be. Please keep up the good work..
OK, I am buying a Zastava. I did not realize what they where doing here in the USA to get there guns over here. I am blown away, what an operation and what a bunch of quality guys doing the US people right. I am saving now!!!
6 years ago, I happened to get a Century Arms M70 NPAP that *wasn't* garbage (only had 1 malfunction with over 2,000 rounds through it). I let a friend of mine who was Serbian military shoot it and he said it didnt feel the same as what he was used to. The recoil felt different (probably a different recoil spring) and the grip wasnt what he was issued either. Glad they are sending the real things, more or less, to the US
My first AK M70 200 yd iron sights bullseye super f****** impressed tiger Maple looks amazing get compliments Everywhere I Go I got compliments on just how smooth the action is the first time I took it out to the range
Having made jigs before, a lot of thought and effort goes into things like that front sight post / muzzle nut jig. It's as interesting to see those specialized machines as it is to see the rifles once you have done a little manufacturing.
I have a 1964 Romanian wasr all-matching serials, from before their QC dropped off in the 80s&90s. The only parts that don't match are the safety, and Tapco G2 trigger that CAI dropped in.
I have been a CNC Machinist for over 20 years I've never seen anyone not use coolant don't know if they didn't use the oil or the coolant for the demonstration purposes but I would want lubrication while I'm cutting what a great video to show what the process is to convert these AKs to a product what we desire I've been wanting to buy an M90 for the past two and a half years now but I have a medical card don't know how that's going to work but now that I seen the process and the CNC machines that they're using to modify the mag well especially when that probe was identifying the location before Milling makes me want to buy one of these even more now I like the fact that we've got Americans putting parts and dedicating their work and passion into making these rifles a good product Big Ups to Zastava Arms USA
This explains the chips in my gun, as quality control for a aerospace company, i salute you guys for keeping it cheap and letting me have the steel chips, keep making great products!
I'm 63 years old and was a blue collar industrial grunt most of my life, to include 21+ years in production CNC machining. The fixture for checking sight alignment and cutting the muzzle cap weld is THE neatest thing I've ever seen. It is rare for a manufacturer to make so much public.
We have something related at a specific company in my town (defense industry, they mainly make things that go boom rather than bang), in a particular detail they make for SAAB they make square holes (with next to to radius in the corners) that go through the entire portion they are made on, and they do it all on a 5 axis CNC mill. I wish i knew how they do it because ive been curious about it since i saw the detail during a lecture, but its so secret they didnt even patent the technology lol.
A lot of their fixtures are really nice. I've worked some janky assed fixtures in my time and those are all really top quality pieces.
@@Livi_Noelle As far as im aware its not a fixture (apart from them being produced on a pallet system), what i managed to find out was that the technology was developed in house and its not using a EDM machine.
If I can just be a lil bit too honest, being secret about this stuff isn't that nessecary. It's not like the average individual can buy hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment, JUST to do this specific thing.
Not only that, it hampers the advancements of technology by being clandestine.
I must admit, the fact that they're compliant with the laws, they're dealing with ATF obstacles left and right, and still making it work - speaks volumes about Serbia.
HS Produkt and PPU ammunition FTW
@@eloiseharbeson2483 HS Produkt is from Hrvatska
Our gun laws are even worse the in the USA and they are one of the main reasons for massive de-armament of legal gun owners for the past 20 years or so here in Serbia.
Serbia also gave us back to back NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.
I dont think make sense. It shows that Zastava like to make US dollars but I dont see how it says anything about Serbia.
This would explain alot as to why imported AKs are more expensive than their US equivalents. I always knew that labor and import law compliance was part of it, I just didn't know the scope. What's silly is it is so unnecessary.
dude
so unnecessary. The guys changing out the mag springs, baseplates, and followers for the identical US Made versions just give me asspain
@@tfbtv What really grinds my gears is how mentally deficient the ATF is at counting. Blows my mind.
I remember back in 2000 at a gun show they had pre-ban AKs. I was scoffing (I still scoff at) the AKs, saying "I can't see why anyone thinks these are better than an AR...." then I flipped them over and say the $300 price tag. "....but for that price, I could find out."
@@tfbtv that’s the governments motto… unnecessary followed by expensive.
I guess it’s creating jobs I’ll give it that
It's pretty crazy how much effort goes into delivering a quality product while staying in compliance with laws and regulations. I paid $1100 for my Zastava at a time when gun prices were high. You can get them for around $900 these days but even at $1100 I didn't feel like I was paying too much. It's a quality product.
I wouldn't regret this at all. Mine was around 1000 but it will be in my family longer than my house and vehicles lol
How accurate are they?
@@hambone950 AKs aren't generally known for their accuracy but it's plenty sufficient for "combat"accuracy. I've never measured for groups but I'd say around 3-4 MOA with irons.
@@yeahsteeeve Most AKs are more accurate than their own shooters..the limitation is in the round. The 7.62x39 is meant for knockdown power and close quarters combat up to 300 yards. The 5.45x39 can reach up 700 and still be lethal. You have Aks now in 308 and 6.5 Grendels now. All that matters really is being able to hit a human sized target
Zastava AK is probably best in world!! Price in Serbia is around 300€😊
Thanks TFB team for getting us this "behind the scene" look into what it takes for these manufactures to get around these silly laws. I was surprised how much more work goes into these rifles after they receive them. I'm going to look into getting myself a Zastava as I have wanted an AK rifle for many years now.
zastava is definitely the way to go
Get a kalashnikov one, got one myself and am very satisfied
I've been eyeing the.308Win./7.62NATO version but I'll have to wait until after I move, for a mix of reasons.
No there’s enough good American made guns why would you want to go buy a piece of shit AK There’s plenty in plenty and plenty of their platforms for you to choose from buddy
@@TheMccarthy327 and the AK is a tested and proven one buddy and to call an AK garbage is the highest compliment you can give i honestly feel bad for you man
Hats off to Zastava. I hope they grow and make more quality weapons.
Fabrika zastava radi više od 100 godina pozdrav iz srbije ....
Zastava arms is established 1853.......
Shoutout to the Zastava employee at 6:13 with the based hat
🤣🤣🤣
Dude, I’m dying! 😂 where do I get one?
FUCK lol
wait WUT
Don't we all have a tism?
Zastava being so open about the process is refreshing. The AK culture has opened from a very gatekept community to something everyone can get into recently and they are a serious drive behind it.
Ditto. My M90 was my first AK and just how fun that thing is has opened my mind to the world of AK’s and I ain’t ever going back.
@@michaels5210 I got into Bullpups a few years ago & now I can't go back.
@@pewpewTN I also got an MDRX and now cannot describe how bad I want the Croatian sensation Hellion. I also want an AUG but I’m in a ban state and haven’t checked that guns legality.
Yeah no go away I want things cheap
@@Rezplz hey look I’ve seen Aug’s dip below 2000 hahah.
Zastava ARMS USA is based in Des Plaines, IL, a suburb north of Chicago's O'Hare airport. Crazy being in a very anti gun state and still building quality arms in compliance with 922r.
Shit ton of fun companies in New York too
You're thinking of Illinois as Chicago, if you only knew how many multi million dollar companies exist in Illinois that ONLY produce and manufacture firearms.
We'd love them to come move over to their neighboring free state Missouri
Chikago is packed with Serbs, that's why lol 😆
Chicago and Toronto are hub for Serbian immigrants, might have to do something with it.
If I could only have one rifle I would choose my ZPAP M70, thanks Zastava for bringing us this blend of art and firepower
@Jovan Sveti mine has yet to give me any issues, it’s an import variant still Serbian. It’s built like a tank but the chrome lined barrel takes away from the accuracy a bit, I can hit a man from 300- 400 meters but past that is not likely for my variant.
I’ve been told the non chrome lined barrels are a bit more accurate so I believe you. Even mine groups well with cheap ammo.
It kills feral pigs, that’s mine’s purpose and it does it very well.
Zastava PAP je rodjena u snijegu, dok se AR navikava😉. Pozdrav iz Srbije!!!
THIS is the quality control you're paying for. This is why Zastava owns the AK market right now 💪
Zastava doesn't own shit. Still gets destroyed by century
@@Calories_To_Calibers Zastava is way better value, century is well beyond the point of diminishing returns
@@Calories_To_Calibers LMAO WHAT
@@Calories_To_Calibers The cope is of the charts on this one. 😂
Walk into any chain gun store. There's no zastavas on the shelf it's all century's. Quit pretending to be ak guys
My first rifle I bought was the m70 back in June 2022 . Since then I’ve put about 2k rounds on it so far and not a single problem even ran dirty till about 800-1000 rounds till it’s first clean . TFB convinced me to buy one and no regrets about my first AK .
got mine in august I LOVE IT
How accurate are they?
@@hambone950 typical AK accuracy 2 MOA with Norma 7.62x39 at 100 yards. I am going to see if I can improve that with some cast powder coated hand loads. But to be honest 2 MOA is good for a AK with cheap 7.62x39 ammo.
@@Johnny-jr2lq id be happy with that, even an ar produces that moa..
Love my Zastava, bought it 5 years ago for $300 and I will never get rid of it
300$ you bought??? dont believe that shit probably more like 750$
I now have a much better appreciation for the price point of Zastava products. I had no idea that there was this much work involved in prepping these rifles for the American market.
I sent my zpap in for warranty work, the top cover release button on the side was stuck. I sent it in Monday, and had it back in my hands that Friday. Fixed. Zastava paid shipping both ways. Super fast and came back perfect.
@Jovan Sveti we are warrior class I love these guns
I had an issue with my M90 magazine. They sent me 1 updated poly mag and 2 steels with some stickers and a hand written note. I'll forever own zastava products and suggest them to everyone.
This is the best explanation I have ever heard of 922R. I knew how many parts and such but damn way to go Zastava.
Very interesting video about what goes into the Zastava with the 922lr compliancy regulations, that was great, thank you.
Super cool to see how my rifle was imported and the work put into it. Thanks Zastava crew!!
Thanks James. Picked up my first walnut m70 this year because all the good words. I appreciate Ranko going through it with you when he could have left it to an employee. Nothing like an owner that knows his product and is in touch with his audience. I would love a m90 one day. Keep up all the good work Team Zastava and TFB
M90 rules
Zastava is great. Here in Germany, they're absolutely at the affordable end, with their 223 and 308 aks actually being the cheapest new semi autos in their respective calibers, while still being really well made, reliable and decently accurate
How much are they out there?
@@hk_4014 at like 900 euros. Yeah, guns are (usually) expensive here
Edit: that being said, when i wrote the comment you could still find them for like 750, atleast the 223s and 7,62x39s
This should be on How’s it Made :) one of the best episodes thus far, thanks TFB team, made my afternoon watching this
Pride in workmanship is a beautiful thing. Thanks.
Just bought my first AK last week and it was a Zastava M70! After watching this video I definitely appreciate my rifle soo much more! Even more than my DMM4v7! I can truly see the love, care, and quality they put in to make me smile my first 500 rounds in my new Zastava! Thank you for this video.
I'm actually surprised and impressed Zastava took TFB through a tour to show everything in the manufacturing and refitting process, I would have thought it would have been a lot more closed-door.
I bought a ZPAP M70. I love it. Been doing drills with it for 2 years now and it's very accurate, not a single failure running wolf and tula. Love Zastava
Disregarding the garbage import rules, I just gotta say the Zastava people seem like good dudes.
All Serbs are like that. It is sad how we are protrayed in USA.
i wasnt a huge zastava fan until now. I think these behind the scenes look, and how open they are, is what makes me think theyre an awesome brand
Just purchased a new M77 308 WIN, 2 weeks ago. My first AK and I am impressed. Iron sights right on, out of the box. 100 rounds down range and no problems. Some problems with two 10 round magazines purchased through Zastava-USA website. My understanging is that the 10 rounders are suppose to hold open on last round, and they have stopped doing that after 100 rounds. One of the 10 rounders has a tough time going in. The supplied 20 rounder works fine. Ammo used is IWI 175 gr Open tip match. I had to change gas block setting from the factory 2 setting to 1. Ejecting cases at one o'clock and 500 feet high! Great video. Thank you Zastava!
I love my Zastava M70! Knowing all the obstacles that Zastava has to go through to let me own one of these rifles makes me apreciate it even more!
So do I. I also have the M90 and i bought the PAP M77 today. I can't wait to shoot that gun
Ive always like Yugo AKs and after buying a Zastava M90 I love it and became a fan instantly. Now watching this makes me a bigger fan.
Great video. Explains a lot on why prices went up over the last 30 years and how quality control differs between each company. Definitely learned more about the modern AK in these last 17 minutes than in any recent AK video. Thank you!
This is so great! Thank you for the tour. Love Zastava firearms. I have several of them…and several of their mags.
Bravo! Pozdrav iz Srbije !!!
This has made me super confident in Zastava USA firearms! Thank you so much for this experience, they defiantly know what they're doing!
Pozdrav iz Srbije!!! 💪
Zastava is absolutely killing it. Easily some of the nicer and better built aks on the market for a more than fair price.
Ya I got a zastava too and she runs fine, the only problem I get is with some of the surplus mags I bought, they don’t feed properly sometimes and I even tried to stretch the springs, I bought some cheap Korean metal mags and they work great and even the knock off bakelite Korean mags work good
@@outdoorvideoswithbrad that’s all AKs really in my experience. An AK that works reliably with every single mag is an anomaly
@@SmokingGun4570 that makes sense, I’ve only own one ak and a sks, I’ve actually had good luck with aftermarket mags for the sks, the original internal mag is old and likes to jam sometimes
I have a M-70 imported by century arms. The mag well is tight af, prefers cheap metal mags
trash, ill never buy zastava again. i was thinking of taking another risk on a zpap92, i said hell no im not going through that again. my wbp milled minijack is the definition of fine work and quality control, zastava is plain shit. my psa's are better than any zastava.
I currently own a PSAK-GF3 because telling people to turn their computers off and on again doesn't yield the profits enough to afford beauties like this, and the gun does extremely well for a budget AK. But if a decent bonus ever does come my way, my next rifle will be a Zastava. Those are truly gorgeous rifles and worth every penny asked.
Bravo pozdrav iz Srbije 💪
Puska je najbolja u klasi!!!
Zastava is the best AK for it's standard M70 wooden stock versions at $1k. It is a true battle rifle. Even the dust cover is easily twice as thick as a Polish import or Wasr import dust cover. From receiver, gas piston, dust cover, barrel, and especially the wood stock is all much beefier than the others in same price range.
Would you say the Zastava is a better manufactured rifle than an ar15
@@JCYTTVi own both but SHTF im grabbing my M70 or M90. They are both WAY overbuilt and just run. If I had to only habe 1 gun for my life to depend on it would be 1 of those 2. No flimsy shit to it.
Great peek behind the curtain at our favorite AK manufacturer. Thanks Zastava and to hell with 922R! Awesome video.
This man carrying gunTube on his shoulders,
Thank you James 💪🏼😤
Best AK in the market right now. Zpap m70. Thanks Zastava for doing the work, it shows down range.
Damn Zastava never fails to impress. Also one of the few companies that listens to buyer feedback.
Bas tako pozdrav iz Srbije 💪
This has to be one of my favorite TFB videos ever! I have always wondered what the import process looked like, and Zastava USA looks like a well oiled machine!
Thanks!
Just the fact that there is a factory in the US converting Serbian 556 AKs for the American market is incredible! Love my paps!
Bravo pozdrav iz Srbije 💪
The look that guy gave James when he just came into his workstation was my favorite part. 👍😂
Appreciate the video, showing the extra steps a lot of companies have to comply to with silly import laws.
Incredibly insightful, thank you Zastava and TFBtv for the look inside the process. And for laying the stupidity of 922R bare.
I love how the AR and AK are beautiful in their own unique way. Different lines, different aesthetics, but equally gorgeous.
I appreciate the transparency we saw. Also I agree with the others who comment on the fixtures and CNC work done. They care about quality and their brand.
Great to see what Zastava goes through to bring their products in and maintain the quality expected from a military grade builder...
I love my ZPAPM70. Before I even held it in my hands at the shop, it was easy to see the quality is second to none. Feeling one in your hands is even better and the first magazine you fire is euphoric. Pick one up you will never regret it.
Hvala pozdrav iz Srbije ❤
I have an m70 with about 1500+ rounds through it and it runs like a well oiled machine. No issues at all. I'll get another one maybe, but I'm pretty satisfied with the one I have.
I gotta get a Zastava now just to support these guys. Was looking at them at my LGS recently and I'm just waiting for the right one to come in
Like Rob Ski said ALWAYS CLEAN YOUR IMMPORT AK FIRST. There are still metal fragments in barrel and gas tube.
Not my Zastava. It was perfectly clean of metal shavings.
I have hogue furniture on my ZPAP, absolutely beautiful and it runs like a Swiss watch. Worth every penny. I really enjoyed seeing the finishing process.
This was eye opening and makes me understand why Imported AK’s are so much more expensive than domestic made AK’s and all the hard work that goes into making them US compliant.
The 922r laws were just made by politicians that don’t understand guns and what is actually practical.
It is to protect the domestic manufacturers...
@@kxkxkxkx The domestic manufacturers that cut corners and costs every chance they get? The domestic manufacturers that in some cases have created a product dangerous to the user?
Even with those protections many people in the know still pay the extra for imports, myself included
Domestic manufacturers need to do like PSA and pull their heads out of their ass and work towards making a proper AK.
...maybe its cheaper to lobby for crap like 922r than it is to make a decent product 😠
@@brenttrent8811 I like a Romanian wasr but really all AKs are kinda crap to people who have access to LaRue and Geissele 💎
The Domestic manufacturers just want less competitors. Thus, less interesting and cool guns from foreign countries for US Citizens.
@@kxkxkxkx I agree it's to protect domestic manufacturers, because that's what allot of these BS laws are really about. It's ironic though everyone loves to talk about the "free market" and competition, but then the politicians go on to rig the market and drive business away from better cheaper products. The fact is allot of these former eastern bloc countries with serious gun making experience just produce better quality AK's and for less money compared to American made alternatives right now, and the only way they can hope to compete is cheating the cost through legal red tape and bureaucracy. If American companies want to compete fair and square they need to up their game, and start producing quality guns for good prices, or they don't deserve to exist.
Man, this seals the deal for me. I’ve wanted an AK for years and have been looking into every legit manufacturer and after this video, I’m going Zastava. Might even buy two. Also, they’re OrthoChristians, which rules. ✝️
I fucking love content like this. Takes guys with serious integrity who are willing to give us a rare glimpse into the process to expose how fucking asinine the bureaucracy and ignorant gun legislation really is. Props to the whole crew 🤙
Gatsu
922r was implemented in 1990 by the Bush Senior Commerce Department to try and prevent importers from circumventing the 1989 import ban by importing foreign parts and converting compliant rifles. Both laws were executive orders and could easily be removed by executive order.
That’s pretty awesome to see the whole ridiculous process that AK importers have to go through to make them US legal. Might have to get me one of them M70 rifles for my first AK! Great content as always, much love from Texas!
I highly recommend it. Out of all my AK's, and I own several, my M70 is my favorite. Followed very closely by my ZPAP92. I just love Yugo AK's. And greetings from another Texan. 😁
@@TexasHellcat1836 nice, honestly I’m looking at PSA too. 🤠👍🏼
@@lucasblanchard47 My two PSA AKs run awesome! Get the Moekov version! Adjustable stock, and able to mount lights easily. I also got a cherry wood version and it’s beautiful, but it’s not as useful or enjoyable to shoot.
I highly, highly, highly recommend Zastava over any other AK you can buy "off the shelf" right now in the US. I went to a few gun shows looking for a ZPAPM70 and finally found one and when I did let me tell you the fit, finish and quality between Zastava and PSA isn't even funny. I'm very glad I didn't settle for anything else.
@@harryazzole7814 I don’t disagree with you, but the PSAs run great! I like what they’re doing too! Got my Moekov for $540 free shipping. I will be getting a Zastava, however.
Awesome video! I learned a lot! I’ve got an underfolder AK63D and two PSA AK 47s, including a Moekov version that I’ve got thousands of rounds through. I’m going to get myself a Zastava in the next week.
Awesome! Thank you. I am looking forward to the new guns Zastava is bring in. Hurry up with those videos James!
My M70 is an absolute trooper. Now that my state has opened up all rifle calibers, I've got a few ten round mags for hunting and a few 30s for the home. I threw on a combination brake w/ compensator and it shoots like a much softer recoiling firearm, like an AR. Their slide-on rails are also really nice, and hold zero pretty well.
I just got my first Zastava M70 and absolutely love it! Thanks to Zastava for a great rifle, and TFB for great reviews and entertaining media!
Definitely proves Zpaps are the best value and quality for $1000 on the market !
Actually up to 1,400 for certain versions but yeah 1000 for base fixed stock model
Daleko najbolji model u klasi. Pozdrav iz Srbije❤
The AK is such a beautiful platform. Anybody in the world can recognize the weapon system, and the overwhelming majority know how to operate one even if they can’t read or write. Truly an iconic platform. Watching this was like watching one of those “how it’s made” food videos that makes you hungry for the food. Now I want a nice, wood furniture AK.
Thanks for the video. I cherish my M70 even more now.
Very proud that I picked up a Zastava as my first AK just a few weeks ago, I've been proven right in my choice 📈
That was pretty cool. I'm sure there are some very environment-friendly minded politicians who would not appreciate the waste that goes into making this.
Unfortunately, the environmentalists have many contradictory party views.
Ironically, the politicians created this mess.
The answer to the waste from those politicians would be to totally end importation.
Unfortunately, I think we can all predict that their proposed solution won’t be updating the laws, it will be just outright banning the import of AKs.
Ironically I'm willing to bet they are the same politicians that voted for 922 compliance.
I'm a big ak fan. This was really cool of zastava to invite us inside of their fab shop and show us around. I've got an american manufactured ak, but I might also have a zastava soon now.
Tako je pozdrav iz Srbije!!!❤
The TFB content rocks; especially when you tour these manufacturer facilities. The Zastava guy is cool.
It looks like great attention to detail on the revamping of the Zastava AK's. I've always been into AR's until I saw this video, now I definitely want a Zastava. Maybe if we ever get out of this damn recession/depression I'll be able to save enough money to get one.
TFB Team , Thanks for showing us this step that is required to be preformed. Now we understand much better.
Picked up a Zastava ZPAP92 about a year or so ago. So far I have been very pleased with the quality and functionality of the pistol.
Zero issues, and the fit in finish was what I expected. Excellent AK pattern firearm.
Truly an excellent information video. I have a Zastava in Serbian Red furniture that I already liked, but this makes me appreciate it more.
Wow just wow. So much love goes into Zastavas. I admire any manufacturers that shows so much passion towards providing a great product for their customers. Thank you zastava.
Zastava has earned my utmost respect when it comes to their fit and finish. My first one was a m92 and unfortunately had to sell due to financial hardships. Replaced it with a WASR imported from Century and the magwell was so out of spec it wouldn’t run hardly any magazines. Chucked it and just got a Zpap M70 for my birthday. Will never buy anything but zastava when it comes to AKs from this point on.
Blagosloven bio prijatelju! Zastava je bez konkurencije. Pozdrav iz Srbije❤
LOL, I see you creeping around there in the background Justin! Great video!
This blew my mind to see. I love stuff like this. I'll have a whole new appreciation & do a closer inspection of any AK I checkout at stores. Keep the good stuff coming James
James! You Lawyer with an AK! Thanks for the excellent video. It is very enlightening to see what companies have to do to comply with stupid rules. I think everyone is thinking back to the early days when AKs were $350-400 and this shows us why
Y the costs have gone up. Again, thanks for the video and stay cool! Ciao!
Yes! I've been waiting for this video ever since you mentioned you were possibly going to get a factory tour at Zastava.
6:14 please be patient i have autism
They make great stuff. I got a zpap92 and a old yugo m24/47 made in the zastava factory. Both still run amazing
Just picked up my us black walnut. Awesome gun refinished the hardware though looks even better.
I love my M70. US palm grip, RS Regulate optic mount, primary arms 3x microprism and jmac muzzle device and she's perfect. Love the walnut.
My Zastava is fantastic and came perfectly zeroed. I would definitely buy from them again. The Hogue US-made handguard that came on it is comfortable but is plain rubber with no MLOK or vent holes, I may swap it out in the future.
Renko and the Zastava Team are making great AK's...thank you. Really lookin' forward to WHAT'S Next. Psst you can tell me...I wont tell anyone.. Many Thanks James for getting us all areas access. This is what makes this channel numero uno !!!
Their quality control and care makes me feel much better for getting a zpapm70 for my first ak
Tako je 💪 pozdrav iz Srbije❤
After watching this video, I'm glad I went with Zastava when I ordered my M70 this week
WOW…that’s one hell of a gun. And the process is very meticulous even for the simplest part. I’m primarily an air gunner, and own quite a few, and they actually cost about as much as most powder firearms.But here recently, after seeing people have to use AR’s, and AK’s for home protection I decided to get one. And I’ll tell ya, it has really added a different and better level of security that my normal hand guns didn’t and couldn’t have. So I just wanted to thank you and Colion Noire, for showing old timers like me where the hole was in my perception of home defense to now filling that space. Your videos really make understanding the total concept of gun ownership and usage what it should be.
Please keep up the good work..
What rifle did you end up going with for yourself?
OK, I am buying a Zastava. I did not realize what they where doing here in the USA to get there guns over here. I am blown away, what an operation and what a bunch of quality guys doing the US people right. I am saving now!!!
This was a very cool look into the QC and quality of these guns.
I love TFB TV so much ! Thanks for showing us this process. Super cool video James cheers.
6 years ago, I happened to get a Century Arms M70 NPAP that *wasn't* garbage (only had 1 malfunction with over 2,000 rounds through it). I let a friend of mine who was Serbian military shoot it and he said it didnt feel the same as what he was used to. The recoil felt different (probably a different recoil spring) and the grip wasnt what he was issued either. Glad they are sending the real things, more or less, to the US
My first AK M70 200 yd iron sights bullseye super f****** impressed tiger Maple looks amazing get compliments Everywhere I Go I got compliments on just how smooth the action is the first time I took it out to the range
Having made jigs before, a lot of thought and effort goes into things like that front sight post / muzzle nut jig. It's as interesting to see those specialized machines as it is to see the rifles once you have done a little manufacturing.
I have a 1964 Romanian wasr all-matching serials, from before their QC dropped off in the 80s&90s. The only parts that don't match are the safety, and Tapco G2 trigger that CAI dropped in.
James Reeves looks like a Chad James Franco.
Signed
🤣🤣🤣
A Chad James Franco with an affinity for booty shorts 👀
James Franco beats it to pictures of himself.
Franco already is a chad
I have been a CNC Machinist for over 20 years I've never seen anyone not use coolant don't know if they didn't use the oil or the coolant for the demonstration purposes but I would want lubrication while I'm cutting what a great video to show what the process is to convert these AKs to a product what we desire I've been wanting to buy an M90 for the past two and a half years now but I have a medical card don't know how that's going to work but now that I seen the process and the CNC machines that they're using to modify the mag well especially when that probe was identifying the location before Milling makes me want to buy one of these even more now I like the fact that we've got Americans putting parts and dedicating their work and passion into making these rifles a good product Big Ups to Zastava Arms USA
Compressed air is a solution that can eliminate any need for lubricant...
One of the most fascinating firearm related videos I've ever seen. Great video TFB 👍
This explains the chips in my gun, as quality control for a aerospace company, i salute you guys for keeping it cheap and letting me have the steel chips, keep making great products!