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Zastava M72
Photo: Srđan Popović · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
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ZastavaM72

Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · Serbia · 1973
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ZastavaM72

⚙ Zastava M70 variant
Zastava M72
Zastava M72 Photo: Srđan Popović · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sustained Firepower
65
Effective Range
50
Accuracy
60
Reliability
85
Portability
75
Ammunition Capacity
55
Barrel Endurance
70
Controllability
70
Versatility
65
Cost-Effectiveness
90
Origin Serbia
ManufacturerZastava Arms
CategoryLight Machine Guns (LMG/SAW)
EraCold War
In service1973
Operators9 countries
Data Quality87%
67
Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) MASS Rating
10/14
Cold War
31/75
All-Time
Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · 10 axes scored
Sustained Firepower
65
Effective Range
50
Accuracy
60
Reliability
85
Portability
75
Ammunition Capacity
55
Barrel Endurance
70
Controllability
70
Versatility
65
Cost-Effectiveness
90
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category.
01 / Overview
Zastava M72
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)
—
67
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
◎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
◇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
  1. 1945First deployment: Cold War
  2. 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
ⓘ Shown only from conflicts recorded in our database.
05 / Operators
📖 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
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) entry →