Comparing Preban Mitchell Yugoslavian AK47 To Current Serbian Zastava PAP Rifles

"They don't make 'em like they used to..." is something we hear all the time, especially when it comes to firearms; doubly so reguarding AKs! So in this video, we put that to the test by comparing a pre-1989-ban Yugoslavian AK47(RPK47) Mitchell Arms import, with current PAP rifles made in Serbia and imported by Century Arms & now Zastava Arms USA.
We take the Mitchells to the range, compare features, and do disassemblies to look under the hood of these rifles. So were Zastavas made in Yugoslavia better than Zastavas made in modern Serbia today?
Interested in becoming a Patreon contributor? Check out our Patreon page at:
www.patreon.com/mishaco
Visit www.ozarkbeararms.com to read more articles.
This video is produced and published to KZbin for historical and educational purposes and to document and make record of the content herein publicly available for said purposes. The Mishaco channel is run by experienced and trained industry professionals and all activity portrayed and content herein is presented with all considerations to safety and in accordance with local, state, and the Federal law of the United States.

[@Juan0481]

Misha, how do you not have more subs?? This channel kicks ass.

[@mattmorrison9379]

The Mitchell imports are super nice. Got to love that grip fills the hand nicely

[@johnleidorf2280]

I love this Man. Always interesting.

[@totenkopf1479]

Very nice Misha. Gotta say you've got a great taste in firearms.

[@CheatcodeGlitch]

I’m loving this channel. There’s an insane amount of info and entertainment to be had. Thanks for the videos!

[@sp204b]

It was so sweet to see your kitty giving zastava some love

[@rdh5961]

Thank you for your amazing content. Educational, informative, entertaining and simply fascinating. Great job!

[@Spike-13]

Misha: the cat and AK sanctuary

[@lyrooo326]

I love all your videos Misha. I'm a gun nerd and I love all the awesome historic details you provide.

[@Shaggerton]

Are you using a new camera now? The quality is awesome!

[@Shaggerton]

Shapiro Shekelberg shalom mr shekelberg! Hope Nashville is treating you well 😉🤑

[@VanquishMediaDE]

Hi Fren

[@Loonie1029]

Misha: “It likes Chinese mags”. Jay: “Just like Biden”. LOL! 🤣

[@misha5670]

Yep, not exactly sure what that even means but was funny so *shrug*

[@dblockvillin]

Misha you’ve been under a rock if you don’t know what that means too funny

[@doozy435]

That made me fucking laugh

[@stevepellechia1747]

Absolutely love my Zastava AK DF with the XY stamping,built like a tank although it doesn't have a chrome lined barrel,it's a simple great constructed AK-47.Great collector piece.💖💥😎

[@Ed-uk8el]

Misha, your beard is looking fantastic. It shows your wisdom. Congrats.

[@bombero3368]

I have the same rifle, 23XX. Extremely well made and in my opinion...a work of art!

[@misha5670]

I honestly think Zastava makes a good AK; be it in 1988 or 2008 or 2018.

[@jeremy2255]

ZASTAVA makes the best AK'S in the word!

[@Pavia1525]

I got one in 1985-86. Serial number 001656. Love it, except the tritium night sights are long dead. At the time it was the first few alternative to the Chinese AK and offered excellent wood that fit a European sized person for length of pull.

[@misha5670]

So you got one of the American Arms Yugo imports, neat.

[@scottjackson4473]

@misha5670 I've got American Arms 1003 any idea how many came in ?

[@joeruiz4010]

The Mitchell and American Arms M70 OPAPs are better than ANY Chinese AK.

[@mattmorrison9379]

Years back my opap bolt and carrier liked to rust. The one Mitchell I have come in contact with was 20 something years older and magically no rust on the bolt and carrier. Make of that what you will I reckon lol

[@josephmpeluso1606]

i laughed when the cat tried to steal the show cuddling wit the AK

[@Choo-ew9so]

My Yugo kits came from, Apex, sent them and a NDS receiver off to Two Rivers Arms.I now have an M70 and M72 thats as close to pre ban as I can get....both are flawless,

[@chaz-mi1ch]

I'm learning ALOT! You pretty much made up my mind as to if I should pull the trigger and jump on my next acquisition. I believe it's a pre 89. Has all the "goodies " i.e. night sights(tridium), bay lug,grenade sight/gas block, also NO mag well cut out, and removable slant cut muzzle break. Bulged front trunion. On left side of the front trunion is stamped M70 AB2 1988. Sure would be nice to try and narrow down the history of this fine gem! Your input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for all you do! It's a great service.

[@nilwels6320]

Hi Micha, Thanks for another great review. I happen to own an M70AB2 from American Arms. It was recently shipped factory new soaked in cosmoline. My local arms dealer here in Switzerland obtained a few of the from the USA - he said they were sitting in a forgotten crate in some US warehouse. Not sure - perhaps they were not able to sell them due to it being a pre-ban model? Unfortunately, I don’t know much about gun legislation in your country. Anyway, just right of the serial number is the model name which is just plain “AK”. It came with a very ergonomic M76 style wooden grip and without scope mounting rail on the left side. Interestingly, on the left side, where the Mitchel model has the scope mount, there are 5 round marks which remotely look like welding spots. I believe they might have used a receiver which was meant to have the scope mounting rail but then decided to go without it. Cheers and best regards from Switzerland, Boris

[@ushad]

Awesome purchase. If you don't mind me asking how much did you purchase an FN one for? I am currently trying to get an American Arms 7.62x39 import and it's NOS (new old stock).

[@Enough_Tumbleweed]

Aw come on, let the cat get some camera time 😂

[@misha5670]

You can tell Jay's a dog person huh? lol

[@Enough_Tumbleweed]

@@misha5670 😂😂 indeed.

[@shirky06]

Hello, I've been wondering why you replace all your yugo ak recoil springs with military springs? My new m70 1.5 chrome lined almost seems like it wants to jump the rails at the very last couple inches of reciver. It shoots fine . Please enlighten me with your powerful Ak wisdom. Thank you love the videos!

[@Chris-yy5pj]

That's typical of many AKM rifles I believe. They feel like they are going to, but no matter what they dont. My Romanian Is the same way

[@monsta3038]

Mine does it too nature of all aks

[@jeremy2255]

Zastava-Yugo AK'S have light recoil springs.

[@Falcon-nj6kr]

Mishaco: the crest is Serbian Royal Crest with 4 S in the shield which means "Only Unity Saves Serbs"

[@Arkeo36]

I really dig that old school m70/m76 oomfy pistol grip. It might be sacrilegious if not on a Zastava, but I would definitely put a repro on any AK I had with wood furniture.

[@dillonyoung8063]

great video. Just wanted to point out that your sling is backwards on your Mitchell import. My OCD talking here lol.

[@thewinterwhite]

Ginger cat just wants to show some love for AKs.

[@rackNslidez_24]

Looks like even the cats around there think highly of AK's 🐱... Just sayin, multiple species can't be wrong 😂...

[@steve-harveyy]

Just wait until they evolve to have thumbs.

[@sp204b]

The only problem with the full stock is the cheek slap when you fire

[@jonribbing3115]

Looks great! Glad to see your take on it. When I held it... I thought it felt quite similar to my zpap. I wonder on the opaps.. if they were more trained on building 1.5 mil receivers and that's why some people had problems with them being too weak. Maybe lack of heat treating? I have always been curious on that as well as quality of the steel stock that they use today vs back in the yugo days.

[@misha5670]

Honestly, i think its mostly the internet doing its thing. There are over 50,000 NPAP/ZPAPs in the USA. Of those, its only natural that some will have issues. The majority thoughs eem to be running fine. Plus its not like there are reports of them actually blowing up or anything truely huge like that. Just replace the recoil spring and you are typically gtg.

[@10mikemike89]

I have a Yugo M70b2and an M70b1. I believe century is the importer, obviously one is an under folder, and the other has a cheap century black plastic stock and handguard. Both have the grenade sights. I wonder if you could direct me to any information on them, or maybe do a video? Idk if they are interesting enough, if they are common, or ?. Thanks for your videos. I love watching them.

[@misha5670]

Century isn't the importer, its teh builder. Those were assembled from M70 parts kits here in the USA using a new USA receiver and USA barrel. Your folder is called 'M70AB2 Sporter' and your fix stock is 'M70B1 Sporter.' Notice how yours have a black finish, parkerizing of some type, not bluing.

[@10mikemike89]

@@misha5670 thanks, it's seems fairly well built considering century built it. I'm no expert, but the gun has held up for years. Accuracy isn't awesome, buy I think that's just me. BTW, it's really nice of you to take the time to reply to me. Made my day.

[@misha5670]

@@10mikemike89 CAI started making the M70AB2 way back in 2005. Overall, yes the model has a good reputation. They have used a few different subcontractors for building & parts over the years too. my old one bought back in '05 had a Nodak Spud receiver, Green Mtn barrel, and still had the wood handguards. Later, they started using black ply HGs when originals in good shape ran out. Have a good one, cheers.

[@Geralito505]

I want these so bad 😭

[@1999glock]

Fortunate to have purchased 3 of thes and they are by far my all time favorite AK's. Have the RPK 762x39, the M-70 underfolder 762x39 and the M-77 762x51. All are safe queens.

[@ushad]

If you don't mind me asking, I am interested in purchasing one (7.62x39). How much did you pay? A price range would suffice. Someone local to me has an American Arms import and i'm very interested in adding it to my collection. Thanks.

[@1999glock]

As I recall, in 1986 when I bought them they were around $450 for the RPK and the M-77. The underfolder was less, maybe $350. The Mitchell Arms were always more expensive and harder to find. I bought them because I liked the furniture more than the others. Ammo was around $79 for a 1000 round crate. These days are long gone.

[@ushad]

@@1999glock wow crazy to hear. $80 for 1000 rounds would be a dream. I’m currently looking at about $3000 for the American Arms Import version. But I’m not too sure if they’re valued more or less than the Mitchell’s as the American Arms were imported beforehand.

[@scottjackson4473]

@@ushad was that one you refer to on GB?

[@kalashloy4179]

personally kinda liked how the prebans have that m76 grip on them, personally found that alil more aesthetically pleasing

[@misha5670]

The newer ZPAPs have a similar grip too.

[@kalashloy4179]

for some reasons i personally preferred the m76 grip over the yugo plastic grip and the zpap woodgrip, zpap woodgrips aren't looked as nice for me somehow

[@politicman1]

The higher scope bracket, along with the original higher scope mount made for the Yugo AK47's allows you to use the iron sights without taking the scope off the rifle.

[@bigroba3005]

Hey Misha maybe because the rpk reciever had a longer barrel usually. Maybe the reason why scope mount is more forward??

[@benmoppin7320]

I bought a milled kit 10 yes ago all matching numbers even the stock. I can't figure out the date its old can you tell me how?

[@dennismoore3688]

What is a Mitchell preban marked ak47 in mid 1600s serial #, never fired worth?

[@michaelhatfield3430]

My First AK and my favorite.

[@alexander61516]

I recently purchased the new Zastava M70 Zpap. It has beautiful walnut wood furniture. Would you ever consider staining or applying an oil to bring out the beautiful grain pattern in the wood?

[@misha5670]

Sure, why not? Besides, part of that wood set is US made for 922(r) anyway.

[@alexander61516]

@@misha5670 thanks for your reply..

[@wolffo999]

great videos!

[@nickadkins7765]

So is an american arms pre ban with SN #1003 worth $3k+??? (New old stock) appears unfired or EXTREMELY low round count

[@Loonie1029]

I see you have the Mitchell up for sale on Gunbroker. I really love your OPAP with the crest! I would love to have one or at least find a stock with the crest to put on my ZPAP.

[@misha5670]

Yep, really i just don't feel the preban is so much better than the OPAP/ZPAP to warrant the more than double cost. That and I do find the scope rail mount a bit goofy hehe.

[@lowellalerts]

Thank you for this great informative content. I have actually come across a M77B1 and some very specific questions I’d like your perfessional opinion on. Please let me know if you have any other social media contact method. Thank you!

[@Thyhorrorcosmic94]

I'm trying to decide if I should buy an m90 Mitchell arms in .308 I found locally

[@MPjustaman]

Thank you for your review of this historic arm. My curiosity has the better of me, what would one of these fine Mitchell Arms cost in today's dollars US?

[@Apoc_Bone_Daddy]

Love the beard bro

[@KingFedorTheLastEmperor]

Man..I hate all the shit written all over the Pap Guns. The reason I built my own M92

[@jakedomshoots]

Rifle is fine.

[@kalashloy4179]

have to billboard gun due to regulation and prevent Darwin award winners to sue them, heh

[@rockerdude8000]

The only thing I didn't like about my current productions one is that the dust cover was a pain in the as to put on compared to normal aks

[@misha5670]

Really it shouldn't be. Just press in on the button then press back on the takedown. Release button and takedown will remain inwarrd; pull topcover off. To reinstall, just put the recoil guide behind the button again, press topcover down, and then press the button to release the takedown back into the rearward position.

[@griffinbaker-royo1209]

His cats appreciate a quality AK too ~

[@agk47pwns]

Anyone know what the market value on a 7.62x51 Mitchell would be today?

[@stephandelaney4097]

The Bob Ross of AKs ;)

[@LazyHorse_]

Thanks M, what an excellent fucking vid.

[@adrianblanchard416]

How do I find a side rail?

[@dfff10]

I have a m90 rpk in 7.62x51 has bipod finned barrel.

[@LazyHorse_]

Keep your finger off the trigger! Finger- That's my favorite place!

[@R45PUT1N]

i can let you use my mitchell arms m90 rpk in 7x62x51 if you would do a video on it.

[@LazyHorse_]

Original for me hands down.

[@mr.b8372]

Coolest guy on you tube ! 👍

[@دينار-و7ش]

الله يرزقني هذا الكلاشنكوف للجهاد

[@sp204b]

Is my favorite ak variant

[@jspriver]

i like the cat.

[@totenkopf1479]

I want that cat with me in the big igloo

[@misha5670]

What's your address? Fedex or UPS better for you?

[@matthewoverman4380]

Trade? How many small arms for the cat?

[@thomashardy1851]

Why do you replace the import recoil spring with a military recoil spring?

[@jonribbing3115]

It helps aid in the longevity of the reciever. Especially the century imports seemed to have a weaker spring then usual. The newer zastava imports appear to have corrected the issue.

[@dankoj9314]

You must know dath bouth guns are made bay Serbin factory in town Kragujevac in SERBIA. Basic things in bout rifals are the same and made in our land! After the Russian AK, SERBIANS and Bulgaria made the most best fire rifals

[@dankoj9314]

In the world, when we talk about AK-47 ( M70 AB1 and M70 AB2). Our factory made very good guns,rifles, lite masine rifles and have masine rifles, like M84 - one of the bast in the world then koyot have 12,7 masine rifles and many more, new fire arms. We are not like Swiss SiG,buth for example in one competition,we ask everyone to try to prove iz there any PKM close guality to our M84. Nobody accept the challenge,after that our soldiers fire 400 rounds of ammunition in a long rifal. Then they take the gun and put it in the bucket of ice ,waited whole minute and again start to fired 200 rounds more!!! Everybody was astonishment! We are not rich county and we doesn't have money to do the best finish work,but about guality ,mine country are the best in the whole world! One American who had 100 of guns , said that the SERBIAN CZ 99 never stop because of the sand in I think that he said Arizona,never,all other Germans,Swiss, Americans are have blocked because the sand and wind! Take look about M84,and the new version of that powerfull machine gun! I wish you all best in the new year!!!🇷🇸🇷🇸🇷🇸🇷🇸😁😉

[@joelperez88888]

1 of 1000

[@不存在-r3q]

槍 的互動聲響 真的很悅耳 可惜台灣的法令越來越萎縮 真的很羨慕庸有槍械合法的國家

[@kalashloy4179]

至少你們還可以有仿真度高的生存槍，有些國家連那個都違法。 法令方面就只能看你們相關愛好的朋友們的努力去爭取，維護和制止，甚至解除惡法咯

[@10mikemike89]

@@kalashloy4179 maybe you are correct. I'll never know. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Sarajevski_Fantom]

it is not ak47 it is m70ab1

[@tex4763]

Not a single person in the 80s cared about the difference

[@adamkingjong383]

Lockscreen like

[@stanislavt6376]

Century arms are made to much damage on rifles.

[@ma.luisadestreza2392]

Your beard has grown. How about you shave it

[@JavaJoe]

Let your beard grow too, my dear. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@fredrickmartinez7047]

Aces.