Zastava M77

The M77 is a light machine gun from the former nation of Yugoslavia and is produced by Zastava in Serbia. The M77 took it's design from the M70 assault rifle, configured for a machine gun formation.

History[]

Starting production in 1977, the firearm was created for a niche in export sales, and military usage due to it's select-fire capabilities. Usage of the weapon was seen in partially limited usage with the nation of Cyprus, however use has declined, with the weapon being phased out recently. To accommodate modernity, newer production models have surfaced in 2014, semi-automatic models known as the M77PS have been imported into countries such as the United States, with availability being aimed at the civilian market. Other modern variations include the M05N2, which is a semi-automatic model which features a side folding stock, integrated picatinny rails, and an ambidextrous fire selector, similar to that of the IMI Galil.

Design Details[]

Being based upon the M70, it shares the same gas-operated, rotating bolt system which is familiar in Kalashnikov-typed firearm designs. Models also feature rotary bolt locking, and a safety setup. The design of the firearm differs upon the barrel, as to assist with the large 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, such as being equipped with a longer and straighter barrel, and bolt system. The magazine was originally purposefully designed around the firearm, as to hold a high-enough capacity without taking up a high amount of space. The result of the magazine was a straight-20 round magazine.

Ammunition[]

As per specifically being chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO to appeal to foreign nations for military usage, and export sales. Benefitting also, the cartridge itself is larger than the M70's 7.62×39mm cartridges.

Variants[]

Serbian[]

M77B1[]

Production model featuring an underfolding stock, similar to that of the AKMS assault rifle.

M77PS[]

Semi-automatic civilian model originally imported by Century Arms to the United States in 2014 - 2015.

M05N[]

Modern adaptation of the original M77 with adorning picatinny rails, ambidextrous fire selector, and folding stock.

Zastava M77

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