Zastava M85 Mini Mauser 7.62x39

[@tommyfuller103z]

I bought this same rifle back in 2016 for a little less than 300 dollars new. I love it. I installed a Picatinny rail with a 2.5X10 Bauch and loam 40mm scope on it. I have bagged 4 deer with this rifle using Russian steel-cased ammo with hollow points the longest shot was about 160 yards.

[@314299]

When initially introduced they were a pretty good price up here as well, but the cost a lot more now on the used market than they did when they were new. What sort of group size were you getting at 100 yards with the Russian hollow point ammo.

[@vulcangunner58]

I bought one of these in .223 about six yrs. ago. Mine does have an oil-finished stock and shoots well. I put a 4-12x40 scope to dispatch mid-range shadow rats. It's a nice, compact rig for varmints.

[@314299]

I would prefer and oil finish stock over the varnish. Glad to hear that the .223 version is satisfactory.

[@DasGoodSoup]

What is a shadow rat ?

[@vulcangunner58]

@@DasGoodSoup groundhog, woodchuck, whistle pig.

[@tsmgguy]

The left handed M85 in .223 is also very nice. The stock on mine is oil finished, with cut checkering. Inletting is perfect. The rifle is inexpensive, but not cheaply made. I'm sure Zastava went with the smaller bolt handle to keep bolt throw very short and fast. Looks as though the fit and finish has been upgraded since the rifle in your video was produced.

[@314299]

I would prefer an oil finish over this shiny varnish.

[@cs-rj8ru]

Finish really isn't upgraded over time, it's just that it's available with options. Some importers order oil, some order a gloss.

[@Lex5576]

Those are tough built rifles for a working man. They leave a bit to be desired finish wise, but can be slicked up nice without a whole lot of work. Just like a CZ, it’ll group best with surplus grade Russian steel case ammo. Mine’s a tack driver with zinc case Silver Bear.

[@314299]

Yes, this the third posting of this content. Sorry for the repetition, but "KZbin" and all that...

[@heyyoubuddy6749]

Nice lite little rifle, good looking to, noble lineage. I’m sure you will figure out it’s issue. Maybe a good bedding job,True the crown, maybe check depth of throat the bullet might be jumping? I know you will get it squared away. I really enjoy the videos, I wish I could hit the range as often😊 it’s so much fun and a challenge! I love working up loads for a favorite rifle.

[@MrPh30]

They need a good bedding ,freefloating . It was popular for some years over here to trick them out a bit when you got them for same price as a .22 rifle .

[@regsparkes6507]

If KZbin keeps repeating this video I'll keep repeating my 'thumbs up' for it.

[@314299]

Thanks for that. Third time seems to be a charm and it now is "Adsense eligible".

[@jamespollard1670]

A nice compact looking rifle .

[@314299]

It is indeed compact. It's really too bad it's action operates so roughly.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Thanks for the review. I was thinking that this was a proper Mauser design. Oh well. Next rifle. I might have to buy the full sized version. More watching first.

[@314299]

Yes the "Mini Mauser" name is a bit of a stretch.

[@anthonycoffey9412]

Just found one of these with a left handed bolt, might have to pick it up

[@314299]

Not a lot of left handed bolt guns out there.

[@miketreen7403]

Looks like a handy little rifle. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@314299]

It is, too bad it's so inaccurate.

[@vladboy1]

It is and mine shoots sub 1 inch @ 100 all day long

[@oldArmyVet]

I have one in a remington 799 same rifle just remington stamped on it with a laminate stock

[@314299]

Yes for a while Remington sold their version of this rifle as well as another Zastava product, the MP22R which Remington sold as the "Model Five". I wonder if your rifles stock was made by Zastava or if it was an American made stock?

[@canmoreoutdoors2729]

I own one of these, mine is chambered in 223. bolt is very sloppy and the action is very rough. JB cleaning compound works well to smooth the action out. coat the bolt in the cleaning compound, turn on a movie and start cycling. I watched 2 movies and smoothed the bolt and action out nicely. I also removed the front sight hood, i didnt want it. Trigger pull is crisp, no creep in mine. Checkering sucks. Why the bolt handle is so short I have no idea, and the bolt knob is way too small. I dont hate the gun, but it does frustrate me.

[@314299]

Interesting way to help smooth the action out, I guess you were doing what the factory should have done - final polishing.

[@archerpiperii2690]

I have one of these in .223. It is a fine little rifle but my one complaint is that the bolt is rough and difficult to operate - the short bolt handle only worsens the issue. I am going to try replacing the bolt springs to see if that helps make working the action easier.

[@314299]

I'm not sure why they went with such a short bolt handle and small knob, it does make the rifle harder to operate than it should be.

[@vladboy1]

It is a freaking Mauser action it likes it ruff

[@archerpiperii2690]

@@vladboy1 No. A lot of companies make bolt guns based off of the Mauser action and they are smooth to operate. The Zastava is a great idea that needs improvement on the execution.

[@vladboy1]

Mine works wonderfully

[@anthonykaiser974]

Throw some gun grease at it and cycle it a bunch. It won't be Winchester smoothe, but it makes a huge difference. I rebarreled a lefty 7.62 to 6.5 Grendel.

[@davidnelson5891]

Reload some crazy loads love this. Little rifle

[@314299]

What exactly does "Reload some crazy loads" mean?

[@nicko.3028]

@@314299 he may have meant he has a bench/power scale for reloading cartridges via primer, right measure of powder, and bullet. we've had some guys come the range with reloaded 303 british rounds/the dad has a ammo bench/powder scale etc. for there Lee Enfield rifle...as most of the cartridges in the market are new and expensive or old stuff from ww1/ww2

[@MrPh30]

Happend to see Fusion makes a hunting cartridge also in 7,62x39 . As there is a similar rifle on the way in ,i wil, try to find some later.

[@314299]

Federal Fusion ammo?

[@poppawheelie4383]

I believe this rifle features control feed not push feed

[@314299]

It is not a true Mauser action and is not controlled feed, it is push feed. It does not have a proper 98 pattern extractor and does not have an undercut bolt head so it just pushes the rounds out of the mag, the extractor does not get over the rim until the round is fully chambered.

[@chriscosby2459]

That rifle is sweet.

[@314299]

It looks nicer than it is.

[@alexxu3004]

thanks, I was considering buying one to plink with but doesn't really looks worth the price

[@314299]

These are not really the best 7.62x39 bolt action out there.

[@alexxu3004]

@@314299 cz 527 probabely is but oh my, 1k CAD

[@anthonykaiser974]

Don't know until you FF and/or bed it.

[@josephsoltes1250]

Where you got in from Zastiva reading it is Zastava means Flag

[@314299]

I don't understand what you mean by "Where you got in".

[@alexmaurice4274]

Looking at this and the cz600 lux atm

[@314299]

Get the CZ.

[@Obiwankinobi]

Красив и элегантен !!!! Я б свою сайга МК 7 62 39 на этот карабинчик в лет променял

[@314299]

I wish i were able to trade you for this.

[@Obiwankinobi]

@@314299 я не понимаю ((((

[@Obiwankinobi]

@@314299 Ты считаешь что пародия на калаш лучше этого карабина?

[@craposnap]

@@Obiwankinobi Here in America Russian made AK’s are loved by everyone. Unfortunately they are banned from import and as such the newer kalash concern rifles are not able to be obtained.

[@Vladimir-1967]

@@craposnap Instead of a Russian AK, you can buy a Serbian outpost, an analogue of AK, from you. As well as Bulgarian and Romanian AKs. And in the USA there is a manufacturer of these weapons Kalashnikov USA

[@craposnap]

I would definitely own one if it had a threaded barrel. That’s my only gripe.

[@314299]

It would be easy enough for a properly equipped gunsmith to thread one.

[@craposnap]

@@314299 Agreed but it’s a pain in the ass to go through the trouble. No way to do it well without marring the bluing and I couldn’t bring myself to do that.

[@superglx7028]

I just got one of these about a year ago it is barrel stamp CIA, Century international Arms it has no iron sights it has been modified for only to have a scope and also has a refinished stock could anyone give me a price estimate because I've seen some of these go for $700 but only have iron sights.

[@314299]

I saw a like new example sell here in Canada for $700. I assume you are in the USA so I suggest looking at places like Gun Broker to see what the current asking prices are.

[@oldArmyVet]

I was wonder if you can shoot steel case ammo in one of these

[@314299]

Yes you can, I've fired a lot of different types of steel case and it works OK, but it's a little more clunky to use than brass case ammo.

[@vladboy1]

I got one and live it have taken a couple deer with it

[@314299]

Nice, at what range?

[@vladboy1]

75-100 meters

[@ronmatson5502]

Zas-tuh-va According to them I always said zust-ov uh

[@314299]

No matter which way we say it someone will probably disagree.

[@irkut6499]

Приветствую. Какой вес у карабина?

[@314299]

This example, with the scope removed, weighs 2.879 Kg with a set of Weaver bases installed on it

[@irkut6499]

@@314299 спасибо

[@nebraskahunter100]

Sweet little gun what 7.62x39 amno are you using with it factory or surplus.

[@314299]

I have tried Commercial, surplus and reloads in it.

[@Bobdixon_Moonvarga_Dancer_III]

Could this have a defense usage?

[@314299]

I guess it could, but I can think of far better arms for that purpose.

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

ANY firearm can be used for defense if it's all you have (or the closest at hand). Soooo many more options for that purpose available today. The good ole' family shotgun filled that need for centuries before this "tacticool" fever hit the market.

[@КостяС-ц8й]

Хочу приобрести каробин застава м85 что можите про него сказать

[@314299]

I would not recommend one in 7.62x39.

[@josipcro]

What is the barrel twist on it ?

[@314299]

According to an article I found on line the twist rate is 1 in 9.44 inches.

[@josipcro]

@@314299 thanks sen few diferend ads on tvist and barrel lenght so was wondering . Becaouse mine is 21inch long and 1-9.5. Thanks again.

[@FISHUNTREECOUNTRY]

But is it worth it?

[@314299]

I would not buy another one.

[@davidwagner4671]

Nice

[@314299]

Thanks David.

[@17thefuzz]

Wow this is just a mini Mauser wannabe. So the only true mini mauser was CZ527. Good to know.

[@314299]

Yeah these are not exactly "as advertised".

[@cs-rj8ru]

The CZ 527 isn't really a full blooded Mauser either. The M85 uses a Mauser type rear bolt assembly, trigger, ejector box and follower/triggerguard/floorplate. The 527 uses the Mauser non rotating extractor, and bolt face. The ejector box is kinda based on a Mauser's. Nothing else on the 527 is similar to a Mauser 98. The M85 is slightly "more" Mauser 98. if you count the features. There are ACTUALLY a few parts on the M85 that WILL interchange with the Mauser 98. I have both by the way and I find the CZ to be the superior rifle. The M85's do shoot very well if you handload.

[@anthonykaiser974]

Too bad CZ didn't make a LH 527 in 7.62x39, or the 6.5 Grendel I wanted. I inquired with a well regarded CZ 527 Smith and he said .223 variants didn't work to convert to 6.5 Grendel due to how they were made.

[@SantiagoJuarez-t3h]

Cuando bale

[@314299]

How does one translate "bite me" to Spanish?

[@cs-rj8ru]

They're a neat concept. Funny thing is that Zastava has known of the design issues for decades and has made no attempt whatsoever to revise the action. Overall they're a well made...junk gun. Great barrels and fantastic blue. Bolt binds up, extractors break regularly...Bolt handle slops everywhere, and is too short handle wise. Honestly, in 40 years no chance to improve it?? Could have been one of the best guns of it's class....

[@dalanwanbdiska6542]

No need to change design if it works.

[@314299]

My guess is that they don't want to change the production machinery as that would cost money.

[@coreygolder6503]

It’s a cheap CZ. You want the issues you mention rectified. Buy a CZ.

[@cs-rj8ru]

@@coreygolder6503 I have CZ-UBs. Your comment reminds me of the guys that think every firearm should be an AR.

[@cs-rj8ru]

@@dalanwanbdiska6542 It "kinda" works.