Zastava M92

The M92 is a carbine developed and manufactured by Zastava Arms since 1992.^[2] It is nearly identical to the Zastava M85 carbine; the only differences between the two are caliber and, correspondingly, magazine design.^[3] The M92 is a shortened version of the Zastava M70 assault rifle, which is a modified copy of the Soviet AKM assault rifle.

Zastava M92
Zastava M92
Type	Carbine
Place of origin	Yugoslavia/Serbia
Service history
In service	1992–present
Wars	Yugoslav Wars Kivu conflict[1] Libyan Civil War Banjska attack
Production history
Manufacturer	Zastava Arms
Produced	since 1992
Specifications
Mass	3.57 kg (7.87 lb)
Length	795 mm (31.30 in) stock extended 550 mm (21.65 in) stock folded
Barrel length	254 mm (10.0 in)
Cartridge	7.62×39mm[2]
Action	Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire	620 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity	678 m/s (2,224 ft/s)
Effective firing range	200-400 m[2]
Feed system	5, 10, 30, 40 round box magazine or 75, 100 round drum magazine
Sights	Adjustable iron sights, optional mount required for optical sights

Overview

The Zastava M92 chambers and fires the Soviet 7.62×39mm round. It is a gas-operated, air-cooled, magazine-fed, and selective fire firearm with an under folding metal stock. In general design, it is a modified hybrid of the Soviet AKMSU and AK-74 carbines, but is easily distinguished by the design of pistol grip and especially by the longer handguard, which is made out of a different wood type and has three cooling vents instead of the usual two. This feature gives the M92 less overheating on full auto mode.

The M92 also features a shorter barrel. Unlike most rifle rounds which would otherwise experience a loss of velocity out of a shorter barrel, the 7.62×39mm round loses very little velocity when compared to a full-length barrel. This makes it an excellent round for short-barrel rifles. The short barrel of the M92 may not lose enough velocity to even make a considerable difference when compared to the M70.

Design and features

The M92 is a gas-operated, air-cooled, magazine-fed, selective fire, shoulder-fired weapon with an underfolding stock. In contrast to the M70, the M92 also features a flash eliminator on the barrel end, which reduces muzzle flash and allows the user to see the bullet's point of impact. Like all carbine rifles, the M92 has a shorter effective range and lower penetration when compared to the original rifle, but it also has its own advantages, it is more efficient in close combat, the handling is improved, and it has a higher rate of fire. Other advantages of a shorter barrel are more portability and ease of concealment, making it popular for vehicle crews, pilots and special forces.

Users

Iraqi soldiers with M92s

• Democratic Republic of the Congo^[1][4]
•  Iraq: Produced copies under license from Yugoslavia, primarily at the Al-Qadissiya Establishments.^[5]
• Jordan^[5]
•  Lebanon^[5]
• Libya: 80,000 bought in 2008-2009^[6]
• Nicaragua
•  North Macedonia: Used by the Army of North Macedonia.
• Palestine: Used by Palestinian presidential guard and security forces.^{[7][better source needed]}
• Serbia: Used by Special Forces (formerly also used by the Special Operations Unit)^[8][9]

See also

• Zastava PAP series
• Zastava M70