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Zastava M65
Photo: LCPL J.A CHAVERRI, USMC · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
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ZastavaM65

Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · Serbia · 1965
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ZastavaM65

Zastava M65
Zastava M65 Photo: LCPL J.A CHAVERRI, USMC · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sustained Firepower
65
Effective Range
50
Accuracy
60
Reliability
85
Portability
70
Ammunition Capacity
55
Barrel Endurance
75
Controllability
70
Versatility
60
Cost-Effectiveness
80
Origin Serbia
ManufacturerZastava Arms
CategoryLight Machine Guns (LMG/SAW)
EraCold War
In service1965
Operators6 countries
Data Quality87%
66
Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) MASS Rating
12/14
Cold War
35/75
All-Time
Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · 10 axes scored
Sustained Firepower
65
Effective Range
50
Accuracy
60
Reliability
85
Portability
70
Ammunition Capacity
55
Barrel Endurance
75
Controllability
70
Versatility
60
Cost-Effectiveness
80
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category.
01 / Overview
Zastava M65
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1965–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW) · COLD WAR
12
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
85
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
66
light machine guns (lmg/saw) category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General7MOD.7
  • First Production Year1965
  • Service Entry Year1965
  • DesignerZastava Arms
  • Weight (Empty)8.5 kg
  • Weight (Loaded)10 kg
  • Currently In ServiceYes
  • Notable UsersYugoslav People's Army
◈Cartridge & Calibre7MOD.7
▣Operation9MOD.9
◇Ballistics6MOD.6
  • Muzzle Velocity715 m/s
  • Muzzle Energy2,000
  • Effective Range (point)600 m
  • Effective Range (area)800 m
  • Maximum Range3,000 m
  • Sighting Range800 m
◆Barrel & Sights7MOD.7
▤Construction6MOD.6
▲Production & Cost1MOD.1
  • Production Start1965
◎Additional Dimensions2MOD.2
  • Width70 mm
  • Height220 mm
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1965Production started
61
years in service
1
countries operating
ⓘ 5 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE8terms
A bayonet lug is a metal fitting on the barrel or muzzle of a firearm that provides a mounting point for a bayonet.
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Uses high-pressure gas to cycle the action, rather than recoil energy.
A pistol feature allowing it to fire grenades or projectile rounds.
Integral bipod: a permanently attached, built‑in bipod that provides a two‑point support for a firearm, allowing it to be rested on a surface without separate accessories.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
A pistol barrel with external helical grooves allowing the attachment of a suppressor or other muzzle devices.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) entry →