Zastava M72

Lore & Background

The Zastava M72 was developed and manufactured by Zastava Arms, closely following the Soviet RPK light machine gun. It is a gas-operated, air-cooled, drum-fed firearm with a fixed stock, serving as a squad automatic weapon. Key differences from the RPK include the absence of a scope side rail mount, a butt shaped like a regular AK-47 rifle, a reinforced receiver, night sights, and no carrying handle. The barrel features cooling fins to aid heat dissipation during prolonged fire, and the M72 only appears with a heavy profile barrel, unlike Russian and Romanian RPK rifles that may have light or heavy barrel configurations.

Variants include the standard M72 with a fixed wooden stock and milled receiver; the M72B1 with an updated stamped receiver; and the M72AB1 with a folding stock and detachable bipod. A semi-automatic variant is produced in the United States using original parts kits with a US-made receiver and barrel. An Iraqi licensed-produced variant is known as the Al Quds.

Users of the M72 include the Oromo Liberation Army and the Taliban, the latter using it during the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021).

Reader's Guide

The Zastava M72 represents a Yugoslav adaptation of the Soviet RPK concept, tailored with specific design choices such as a reinforced receiver, night sights, and a heavy barrel with cooling fins. Its production by Zastava Arms and licensing to Iraq as the Al Quds indicate its spread beyond its country of origin. The M72's use by non-state actors like the Oromo Liberation Army and the Taliban during the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) demonstrates its continued relevance in conflicts. The existence of a US-made semi-automatic variant from parts kits shows its appeal to civilian collectors. The M72's design, while closely based on the RPK, incorporates distinct features that set it apart, such as the absence of a carrying handle and scope rail, and the exclusive use of a heavy barrel. Its legacy lies in being a robust squad automatic weapon that saw service in multiple regions and conflicts, maintaining the basic RPK layout while introducing local modifications.

Did You Know?

• The M72 has a reinforced receiver and night sights, unlike the standard Soviet RPK.
• The barrel of the M72 features cooling fins to help with heat dissipation from prolonged fire.
• An Iraqi licensed-produced variant of the M72 is called the Al Quds.
• The M72 only appears with a heavy profile barrel, unlike some RPK rifles that can have light or heavy barrels.