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{{Infobox Weapon|is_ranged=yes
{{Infobox weapon
| is_ranged = yes
|image=[[File:Iraqi soilder with Zastava M72 LMG.JPEG|300px]]
| image = M72B1.jpg
⚫
|caption=An Iraqi Soldier with a Zastava M72
| image_size = 300
⚫
|name=Zastava M72/M72A
⚫
| caption = Zastava M72
|type=[[Light Machine Gun]]
⚫
| name = Zastava M72
|origin={{YUG}}
| type = [[Light machine gun]]
|designer=[[Zastava Arms|Zastava Arms ("Zastava oružje")]]
| origin = [[Yugoslavia]] <!-- WP:INFOBOXFLAG -->
⚫
|manufacturer=[[Zastava Arms]]
| designer =
|cartridge=[[7.62x39mm]]
⚫
| manufacturer = [[Zastava Arms]]
|design_date=1972
| design_date = 1972
|prod_date=1973
| production_date = since 1973
|service=1973-Present
| service = 1973–present
|operators=[[Serbia]], [[Montenegro]], [[Republic of Macedonia]], [[Iraq]], [[Afghanistan]], [[Private Military Contractors]]
| used_by = See [[#Users|Users]]
|wars=[[Yugoslav Wars]], [[Operation Enduring Freedom]], [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]
| wars = [[Soviet–Afghan War]]<ref name="akd">{{Cite web|url=https://www.militaryimages.net/threads/ak-and-its-derivatives-in-action.9076/page-12|title=Photos - AK and its derivatives in action}}</ref><br>[[Iran–Iraq War]]<br>[[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]]<ref name="akd"/><br>[[Yugoslav Wars]]<br>[[Iraq War]]<br>[[Operation Enduring Freedom]]<br>[[Syrian Civil War]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOjewgeMjlY&t=3s|title=- YouTube|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><br>[[OLA insurgency]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Noir |first1=War |title=#Oromia / #Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) fighters with Zastava M72B1 LMG, PK GPMG and SVD DMR. |url=https://twitter.com/war_noir/status/1347089646489055233 |website=@War_Noir |access-date=22 July 2021 |language=en |date=6 January 2021}}</ref>
|spec_type=Rotary-bolt gas-actuated assault rifle
| cartridge = 7.62×39mm
|caliber=
| caliber =
|part_length=542 mm
| part_length = 542 mm
|ammo=
| ammo =
|feed=30, 40 round magazines or 75 round drums
| feed = 30, 40 round box magazines or 75 round drum magazine
|action=[[Gas-actuated]] (rotating bolt)
| action = [[Gas-actuated]] (rotating bolt)
|rate=Semi-automatic, fully-automatic
| rate = 620 RPM
|velocity=745 m/s
| velocity = 745 m/s
|range=400 m
| range = 400 m
|weight=5.5 kg
| weight = 5.5 kg
|length=1025 mm
|sights=Adjustable [[iron sights]], optional mount required for optical sights
| length = 1025 mm
| sights = Adjustable [[iron sights]], optional mount required for optical sights
|variants=
| variants =
|number=120,000+
| number =
}}
}}


The '''M72/M72A''' is a [[light machine gun]] developed and manufactured by [[Zastava Arms]] of [[Kragujevac]], [[Republic of Serbia]]. The M72/M72A is designed on the basis of famous [[AK-47|Kalashnikov]] rifles from [[Russia]], which was proven in numerous wars fought worldwide in the last fifty years of its honorable service.
The '''Zastava M72''' is a [[light machine gun]] developed and manufactured by then Yugoslav [[Zastava Arms]] company.<ref>http://www.zastava-arms.co.rs/cms/index.php?id=322 History of Zastava Arms</ref><ref>[http://www.zastava-arms.rs/cms/index.php?id=215 Zastava M72B1]</ref> The M72 was patterned after the Soviet [[RPK]] light machine gun.


==Overview==
==Design==
The Zastava M72/M72A rifle chambers and fires the [[7.62x39mm]] M43 round. It is gas-operated, air-cooled, drum-fed firearm with a fixed stock.
The Zastava M72 chambers and fires the [[7.62×39mm]] M67 round. It is a gas-operated, air-cooled, drum-fed firearm with a fixed stock. It is a [[squad automatic weapon]], like the Soviet RPK but has unique design features.

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==
==Variants==
* M72 - Standard version with a fixed wooden stock. Utilizes a milled receiver.
In serial production, [[Zastava Arms]] produces two variants of the rifle – M72 and M72A.
* M72B1 - Same as the M72, but with an updated stamped receiver instead of the milled receiver. A semi automatic variant is produced in the United States using original parts kits with a US made receiver and barrel.
* M72AB1 - Same as the M72B1, but with a folding stock and detachable bipod.
* Al Quds - Iraqi Licensed produced variant.


==Design details==
==Users==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
The Zastava M72/M72A is a gas-operated, air-cooled, drum-fed, selective fire, shoulder-fired weapon with a folding stock.


*{{AFG}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Noir |first1=War |title=#Afghanistan: #Taliban carried an attack on #ANDSF CP in Lashkargāh, #Helmand. A Zastava M72B1 LMG, Romanian PM md. 65 rifle, 2x AKM rifles, a Zastava M70(B1/AB2) rifle, a PK GPMG and a Zastava M84 GPMG were captured. |url=https://twitter.com/war_noir/status/1388833166291517441 |website=@War_Noir |access-date=22 July 2021 |language=en |date=2 May 2021}}{{better source needed|date=December 2024}}</ref>
===Factory Accessories===
*{{EGY}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Berkowitz |first1=Oded |title=#Egypt- MoI weapons display for UN peacekeeping operations, didn't expect to see a Zastava M72 there... |url=https://twitter.com/Oded121351/status/1223235578365431808 |website=@Oded121351 |access-date=22 July 2021 |language=en |date=31 January 2020}}{{better source needed|date=December 2024}}</ref>
* {{flag|Iraq}} — was manufactured locally as '''Al Quds'''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-28 |title=The Demise of Al-Qadisiyah Establishments During the Invasion of Iraq |url=https://silahreport.com/2020/05/28/the-demise-of-al-qadisiyah-establishments-during-the-invasion-of-iraq/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211185342/https://silahreport.com/2020/05/28/the-demise-of-al-qadisiyah-establishments-during-the-invasion-of-iraq/ |archive-date=2020-12-11 |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=Silah Report}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Centrefire automatic light machine gun - Al Quds (Kalashnikov) |url=https://collections.royalarmouries.org/object/rac-object-279297 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825150930/https://collections.royalarmouries.org/object/rac-object-279297 |archive-date=2023-08-25 |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=[[Royal Armouries]] Collections}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Quds RKKS (AKM) Machine Rifle |url=https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1190641 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207145624/https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1190641 |archive-date=2018-12-07 |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=[[Australian War Memorial]]}}</ref>
* Knife with [[scabbard]]
* {{flag|Serbia}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Infantry {{!}} Serbian Armed Forces |url=https://www.vs.rs/en/about-saf/armament/infantry |website=Serbian Armed Forces |access-date=14 May 2023}}</ref>
* [[Blank Firing Attachment]]
* Cleaning kit
* Oil can
* Cleaning rod
* Sling
* 4 spare 30rds magazines


==External links==
===Non-state users===
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Oromo Liberation Front.svg}} [[Oromo Liberation Army]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Noir |first1=War |title=#Oromia / #Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) fighters with Zastava M72B1 LMG, PK GPMG and SVD DMR |url=https://twitter.com/war_noir/status/1347089646489055233 |website=@War_Noir |access-date=22 July 2021 |language=en |date=6 January 2021}}</ref>
*[http://www.zastava-arms.co.rs Official website of the manufacturer Zastava Arms]
*{{flagicon|Afghanistan}} [[Taliban]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Noir |first1=War |title=#Afghanistan: #Taliban captured various weapons after an insider attack near #Helmand. A Romanian PM md. 65, an RPK LMG, Zastava M72B1 LMG, 2x Type 3 AK-47 rifles, Bulgarian Arsenal RPG-7V Launcher and PK GPMG were seized. |url=https://twitter.com/war_noir/status/1364487681384800256 |website=@War_Noir |access-date=22 July 2021 |language=en |date=23 February 2021}}{{better source needed|date=December 2024}}</ref> – used during the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)]]


==References==
[[File:Iraqi Soldier.jpg|thumb]]
<References/>

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.zastava-arms.rs/cms/index.php?id=215 Zastava M72B1]


{{AK47 derivatives}}
{{AK47 derivatives}}

⚫
{{Zastava firearms}}


[[Category:Machine guns of Serbia|M72]]
[[Category:Machine guns of Serbia|M72]]
[[Category:7.62 mm firearms]]
[[Category:7.62×39mm machine guns]]
[[Category:Light machine guns]]
[[Category:Light machine guns]]
[[Category:Kalashnikov derivatives]]
[[Category:Kalashnikov derivatives]]
[[Category:Weapons of Yugoslavia]]
[[Category:Machine guns of Yugoslavia]]
[[Category:Cold War infantry weapons]]
[[Category:Infantry weapons of the Cold War]]
⚫
[[Category:Zastava Arms]]

[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1970s]]
⚫
{{firearms-stub}}
{{Serbia-stub}}

⚫
[[hr:Zastava M72]]
[[pl:Karabin maszynowy Zastava M72]]
[[sr:Застава М72]]

Latest revision as of 14:26, 1 December 2024

Zastava M72
Zastava M72
TypeLight machine gun
Place of originYugoslavia
Service history
In service1973–present
Used bySee Users
WarsSoviet–Afghan War[1]
Iran–Iraq War
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict[1]
Yugoslav Wars
Iraq War
Operation Enduring Freedom
Syrian Civil War[2]
OLA insurgency[3]
Production history
Designed1972
ManufacturerZastava Arms
Producedsince 1973
Specifications
Mass5.5 kg
Length1025 mm
Barrel length542 mm
Cartridge7.62×39mm
ActionGas-actuated (rotating bolt)
Rate of fire620 RPM
Muzzle velocity745 m/s
Effective firing range400 m
Feed system30, 40 round box magazines or 75 round drum magazine
SightsAdjustable 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.[4][5] The M72 was patterned after the Soviet RPK light machine gun.

Design

[edit]

The Zastava M72 chambers and fires the 7.62×39mm M67 round. It is a gas-operated, air-cooled, drum-fed firearm with a fixed stock. It is a squad automatic weapon, like the Soviet RPK but has unique design features.

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

[edit]
  • 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. A semi automatic variant is produced in the United States using original parts kits with a US made receiver and barrel.
  • M72AB1 - Same as the M72B1, but with a folding stock and detachable bipod.
  • Al Quds - Iraqi Licensed produced variant.

Users

[edit]

Non-state users

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Photos - AK and its derivatives in action".
  2. ^ "- YouTube". YouTube.
  3. ^ Noir, War (6 January 2021). "#Oromia / #Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) fighters with Zastava M72B1 LMG, PK GPMG and SVD DMR". @War_Noir. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  4. ^ http://www.zastava-arms.co.rs/cms/index.php?id=322 History of Zastava Arms
  5. ^ Zastava M72B1
  6. ^ Noir, War (2 May 2021). "#Afghanistan: #Taliban carried an attack on #ANDSF CP in Lashkargāh, #Helmand. A Zastava M72B1 LMG, Romanian PM md. 65 rifle, 2x AKM rifles, a Zastava M70(B1/AB2) rifle, a PK GPMG and a Zastava M84 GPMG were captured". @War_Noir. Retrieved 22 July 2021.[better source needed]
  7. ^ Berkowitz, Oded (31 January 2020). "#Egypt- MoI weapons display for UN peacekeeping operations, didn't expect to see a Zastava M72 there..." @Oded121351. Retrieved 22 July 2021.[better source needed]
  8. ^ "The Demise of Al-Qadisiyah Establishments During the Invasion of Iraq". Silah Report. 2020-05-28. Archived from the original on 2020-12-11. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
  9. ^ "Centrefire automatic light machine gun - Al Quds (Kalashnikov)". Royal Armouries Collections. Archived from the original on 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
  10. ^ "Al Quds RKKS (AKM) Machine Rifle". Australian War Memorial. Archived from the original on 2018-12-07. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
  11. ^ "Infantry | Serbian Armed Forces". Serbian Armed Forces. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  12. ^ Noir, War (6 January 2021). "#Oromia / #Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) fighters with Zastava M72B1 LMG, PK GPMG and SVD DMR". @War_Noir. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  13. ^ Noir, War (23 February 2021). "#Afghanistan: #Taliban captured various weapons after an insider attack near #Helmand. A Romanian PM md. 65, an RPK LMG, Zastava M72B1 LMG, 2x Type 3 AK-47 rifles, Bulgarian Arsenal RPG-7V Launcher and PK GPMG were seized". @War_Noir. Retrieved 22 July 2021.[better source needed]
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Zastava M72 LMG.
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