Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category.
01 / Overview
Zastava M72
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1973–
Operators
Conflicts
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW) · COLD WAR
10
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
92
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General4MOD.4
- First Production Year1973
- Service Entry Year1973
- Weight (Empty)7.5 kg
- Currently In ServiceYes
◈Cartridge & Calibre4MOD.4
- Cartridge7.62×39mm
- Calibre7.62 mm
- Case Length39 mm
- Bullet Weight7.9 g
▣Operation7MOD.7
- Action TypeGas-Operated
- Fire ModesSemi-automatic, Automatic
- Select FireYes
- Feed SystemDetachable Magazine
- Magazine Capacity40
- Drum / Belt Capacity75
- Cyclic Rate of Fire620
◇Ballistics2MOD.2
- Muzzle Velocity745 m/s
- Effective Range (point)400 m
◆Barrel & Sights3MOD.3
- Barrel Length542 mm
- Sight TypeAdjustable iron sights, optional mount required for optical sights
- Iron SightsYes
▤Construction1MOD.1
⬢Features2MOD.2
▲Production & Cost1MOD.1
- Production Start1973
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1945First deployment: Cold War
- 1973Production started
53
years in service
9
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Conflicts
ZASTAVA M72 · CONFLICTS SERVED IN20% win·20% loss
Total Conflicts
5
Victories
1
Ongoing
0
Losses
1
2018–OLA insurgency—→2003–2011Iraq WarDecisive victory→2001–2014Operation Enduring Freedom—→1979–1989Soviet-Afghan WarDecisive victory→1979–1992Salvadoran Civil War—→
ⓘ Shown only from conflicts recorded in our database.
05 / Operators
Operator Countries9country
06 / MASS Score
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW) RANKING Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
31LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)10COLD WAR · LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)31SERBIA · ALL WEAPONS1PERFORMANCE/PRICE · LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)
ⓘ Rankings are within theLight Machine Guns (LMG/SAW)category.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE7terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
A firearm stock that can be folded or collapsed to reduce overall length for storage or transport.
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.
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.
Select fire is a fire selector mechanism on a firearm that lets the shooter choose the firing mode, such as semi‑automatic, burst, or fully automatic.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources