[SHOT 2022] Zastavas in .308 Win: M77 Semi-Auto and M07-AS Bolt-Action Rifles
Zastava Arms USA brought to SHOT Show 2022 two new firearms chambered in .308 Winchester – the M07-AS bolt-action rifle and the M77 semi-auto rifle. While the former has already made its way to the stateside and can be found on the Zastava Arms USA’s website, it is not yet known if they will import the M77 too.
Zastava M77 is basically a 308 AK. The reason why they could convert an AK into .308 Win is that Zastava AKs are based on the RPK LMG – they have thicker receivers and reinforced bulged front trunnions. This stronger receiver/trunnion design in conjunction with the rather long bolt stroke distance of AK rifles allows converting the RPK-based guns into .308 Winchester, a cartridge longer and much more powerful than the 7.62x39mm. Russian Molot Vepr rifles in .308 Win are also based on RPK receivers/trunnions.
The M77 rifle has been imported into the US before but in a thumbhole stock configuration. As seen in the top picture of this article and in the TFBTV video below, the version shown at SHOT 2022 has a Magpul folding stock and pistol grip. It also features a cold hammer forged and chrome lined barrel, adjustable gas system and is fed from proprietary 10 and 20 round steel magazines.
Tell us in the comments section at which price point would you consider buying an M77 rifle.
The M07-AS bolt-action rifle is based on the Mauser M98 action. The rifle is fed from five-round detachable box magazines, has a top Picatinny rail on the receiver, adjustable trigger and three-position safety. The cold hammer forged heavy profile 26″ CMV barrel has a 1:10 twist rate and 18×1 RH metric muzzle threads. The cheekpiece height and LOP are adjustable. The overall length of this rifle is 46.5″. The M07-AS rifles are shipped with the scope, two magazines, cleaning kit, sling and user manual.
Managing Editor Being a lifelong firearms enthusiast, Hrachya always enjoys studying the history and design of guns and ammunition. Should you need to contact him, feel free to shoot him a message at Hrachya@TheFirearmBlog.com
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What is the difference between this semi-auto Zastava and an Iraqi "Dragunov", which is no Dragunov but an AK with a long barrel (more or less)?
I purchased one of the thumbhole stock equipped M77 PAP PS models in 2014 when they were first available. Kind of looks like an AK version of an M1A. LOL.Back then the MSRP was $900 but I bought mine for $557 from BudsGunShop.com. Don't think you'll see that kind of price again though. Not sure how many were imported back then but they sold out quickly in 2014. It's a nice rifle. The magazines however were crazy unavailable or super expensive until a company called Csspecs started manufacturing them. You can get 20 round M77 mags from them (made in USA) for $46.