[TFB GUNFEST] NEW 5.56 AK – The Zastava Arms M90

    Zastava Arms M90

    [TFB GUNFEST] NEW 5.56 AK - The Zastava Arms M90

    Zastava Arms arrived at TFB’s GunFest 2021 with the brand new PAP M90 PS.  The Serbian made Zastava M90 is being imported by Zastava USA to satisfy customer requests for a full size 5.56 AKM pattern rifle.  In addition to its larger size, the Zastava M90 is packed with new features while maintaining the quality and consistency Zastava is known for.

    NEW 5.56 AK – The Zastava Arms M90

    Zastava Arms M90

    [TFB GUNFEST] NEW 5.56 AK – The Zastava Arms M90

    Adjustable Gas System

    Zastava Arms M90

    Zastava M90 Gas Block Assembly

    At the front of the gun there’s a very important feature on the M90; A three-position adjustable gas block that’s almost identical to the one used on the larger Zastava M91.

    Zastava Arms M90

    Zastava M90 Gas Block Assembly Installed

    The new three-position gas block allows shooters the ability to tune the gun based on conditions, ammunition, and suppressor use.  Setting 3 (the most gassed) is used for the first 200 rounds while the rifle is breaking in, and then you can switch to setting 2 for normal use.  Setting 1 is the lowest gassed and is for suppressed or high-temperature use.

    Adjustments to the gas block can be made by removing the handguard or by lifting up the small leaf spring and rotating the block to its new position.

    New Furniture

    Zastava Arms M90

    Zastava M90 Magpul Stock and Grip

    In order to make the rifle 922r compliant, Zastava added a new Magpul ZKUKOV-s Stock and MOE Grip to the rear of the rifle. The stock folds out of the way and to the right for transport, and the MOE grip is comfortable and gives the user additional storage space inside the grip.

    Zastava Arms M90

    Zastava Arms M90 Hogue Handguard

    At the front of the rifle is a very comfortable OverMolded Handguard from Hogue.

    Zastava Arms M90

    Zastava Arms M90 Handguard

    The Hogue rubber handguard is the perfect blend of modern function and comfort.  It features additional M1913 Picatinny rails (not pictured) that can be added for to use of accessories.

    Zastava USA confirmed also that existing M70 furniture (including wood) would fit the rifle, and that multiple options would be available at launch.

    New Polymer Magazines

    Zastava Arms M90

    Zastava M90 Steel and Polymer Magazines

    New polymer magazines were also unveiled alongside the Zastava M90 rifle.  In addition to the 5.56 magazines already available, Zastava will be bringing new 30 round polymer magazines to the market this year as well.

    Zastava Arms M90

    Zastava M90 Polymer Mag Steel Reinforced Locking Block and Follower

    These new polymer magazines feature a rear steel-reinforced locking block as well as a last round bolt hold open (LRBHO) follower.  Designed to both meet and exceed military standards, the new polymer LRBHO mags will be available sometime this February and will retail for $24.99.  Steel Magazines without LRBHO will still be available for $39.99.  Zastava confirmed that one magazine will ship alongside the new M90 rifle.

    Final Thoughts and First Shots

    Zastava Arms M90

    [TFB GUNFEST] NEW 5.56 AK – The Zastava Arms M90

    First off, a big thank you to Zastava Arms USA CEO Ranko for bringing the M90 to TFB’s GunFest.  I had an opportunity to shoot SN#2, and it was everything I could have wanted in a full-size 5.56 AK.

    Zastava Arms M90

    [TFB GUNFEST] NEW 5.56 AK – The Zastava Arms M90

    Of all the new items at TFB’s GunFest 2021, this was hands down my favorite.

    Zastava Arms M90

    [TFB GUNFEST] NEW 5.56 AK – The Zastava Arms M90

    So for those of you who’ve been looking for a full-size 5.56 AK from Zastava, the wait is almost over.  With an adjustable gas block, optics rail, and multiple furniture options, the possibilities for the M90 are limitless.  I look forward to picking one of these up ASAP.

    Zastava PAP M90 PS Features:

    • Barrel Length: 18.25″
    • Barrel Coating: Chrome Lined (Chrome Lined Chamber)
    • Twist Rate: 1:7
    • Muzzle Thread Pitch:  14x1LH
    • Gas System:  Long Stroke 3-Position Adjustable
    • Caliber: 5.56 NATO / .223 Rem
    • Receiver Thickness: 1.5mm
    • Handguard: Hogue Rubber Handguard (w/ rail mounting points)
    • Pistol Grip: Magpul MOE
    • Stock: Magpul ZHUKOV-S (Additional Options Coming After Launch)
    • 922r Compliant Parts:  Muzzle break – Foregrip – Pistol Grip – Stock – Magazine
    • Price: TBD (Competitive)
    • Release Date: Pre-Summer 2021
    Austin R

    The author is a military contractor who enjoys conducting independent firearms research and reloading. Article inquiries and suggestions are welcome at austinjrex at gmail.com


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