Zastava M77 B1

Lore & Background

The Zastava M77 B1 was developed and manufactured by Zastava Arms in Serbia, formerly Yugoslavia, and introduced in 1977. It is a derivative of the Zastava M70 and a modified copy of the Soviet AKM, but chambered in 7.62×51mm with an enlarged receiver and a Western-style flash suppressor. The rifle is gas-operated, air-cooled, magazine-fed, and selective fire, with a fixed wooden stock; the M77 AB1 variant has a folding stock. Early versions featured a milled receiver and an adjustable gas block with flip-up rifle grenade sights.

The M77PS, a semiautomatic variant, was imported into the U.S. by Century Arms in 2014 and 2015, chambered in .308/7.62x51 NATO. It has a polymer thumbhole stock, a 10-round magazine, a heavy 1.5mm RPK-type receiver with a bulged front trunnion and an optics rail, a medium-profile barrel that is not chrome lined, and a polished bolt and bolt carrier. It came with a muzzle nut and threaded in M14-1.0LH. The rifle can be converted back to its original military configuration by changing the polymer furniture to wood and adding a pistol grip, though the rear of the receiver has a proprietary slant cut requiring a modified wood stock or an adapter plate.

Reader's Guide

The Zastava M77 B1 represents a notable adaptation of the AKM platform to the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, reflecting Yugoslavia's independent arms development during the Cold War. Its design, with an enlarged receiver and adjustable gas system, allowed it to serve as a battle rifle while retaining the reliability of the AK lineage. The M77PS import by Century Arms in 2014–2015 brought a semiautomatic variant to the U.S. market, where its rarity and adjustable gas system—with three settings aiding suppressor use—made it sought after. Initially sold for about $550, its price increased over time due to scarcity. The rifle's ability to be converted to military configuration, though requiring modification due to the proprietary slant cut, added to its appeal among collectors and enthusiasts. The M77 B1 is sometimes confused with the similar Zastava M77, but its distinct features and Yugoslavian origin mark it as a unique entry in the battle rifle category.

Did You Know?

• The M77 B1 is a modified copy of the Soviet AKM chambered in 7.62×51mm with an enlarged receiver.
• The M77PS variant imported by Century Arms in 2014–2015 had a polymer thumbhole stock and a 10-round magazine.