Previewing The Yugo Zastava "M64 RPK" Rifle From Atlantic/Southern Tactical: Is It A Keeper?

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[@RetailSales-nz5xu]

Hello my name is Russ Beasley the owner of Southern Tactical. We’re glad you liked our rifle. Not having the sling swivel bugged me also that’s how the receiver comes from Tortort. We debated milling out the receiver for the sling swivels in house. With so many builds on deck sadly we just didn’t have the manpower and time to complete that. Sadly we have no more of these kits to build. I hope everyone grabs one while they can!!!

[@chucksneed3339]

What are the US made 922r parts?

[@RetailSales-nz5xu]

We use new receiver,barrel & fire control group.

[@misha5670]

I understand why Tort made these this way; allows for more flexiblity when building so the end user can choose. Where did those rear sling swivels go? If i had one, I could easily mill a slot in the side of this receiver for it. I had to do the same for my TGI AMD65, Arsenal SA93, and a few others along the way over the year. So I have practice at it now (hint: the first time i did it years aback, the slot ended up a tad bit angled so i bent the swivel base itself to mask the fact lol).

[@RetailSales-nz5xu]

We have a few of them laying around I would gladly send you one.

[@chucksneed3339]

@@RetailSales-nz5xu okay, thanks for the reply. Not interested in American made barrels.

[@robfisher3790]

"Where the fuck is my sling swivel" -Misha c. 2023

[@Ages_of_domination]

The dust cover has visibly different finish than receiver... Frankenstein-like.. Heavy barrel with the ribbing is so cool

[@thegungooch639]

Its amazing how he knows what is what just by touch. Very gifted man...

[@bluekouki86]

There is a fella on the files that makes bolt hold open devices that really top off these m64 Yugos.

[@ak47_762_]

That’s good to know !

[@Mjdeben]

I wonder if they'd be compatible with non-yugo models?

[@svchwsvchw]

Misha, FYI, My M64 RPK parts kit doesn’t have the top cover latching mechanism on the receiver stub. The gas block and gas tube also look the same as yours.

[@MiGallagher]

Thank you Misha for sharing this with us. Awesome “unboxing” sir. Would love to see the M65a RPK under folder stock.

[@stanleyhall6102]

Thanks I have three of those cut mags that I found in a pawn shop years ago no one new why the cut was in there !

[@davisbwaddell]

The M72 had a clip-on night sight that clipped around the rear sight notch. It definitely seems like an afterthought solution. I also imagine most were lost.

[@misha5670]

I feel like i might have one of those somewhere in a box off a kit from a long time ago? Could be misremembering though.

[@BlackWater6937]

You can find them on gun broke for around $20 pretty easily. I got one and imported tritium vials from Taiwan to replace the old tritium.

[@lzxray6781]

I would love to get an RPk. Thanks Mish for all the information you share, you are a wealth of knowledge.

[@misha5670]

They are a lot of fun and yeah just look cool standing there independently on their bipod. I've always been drawn to them even since they started appearing on the market about 20 years ago.

[@officerpandur9186]

LOVE FROM SERBIA 🇷🇸 TO OUR USA 🇺🇸❤️

[@scottcarlson3876]

Amen the rear sling swivel bothers me too

[@michaelbirdsong196]

There’s nothing like a yugo ! I have many in my tool shed. Great video I have been waiting for this!!!!!!!

[@Tusk_III]

Love the content as always Misha. Been afraid of the battlefield pick ups from Atlantic recently, they haven’t looked right. Like a kid was hired with a Brillo pad.

[@HunterDave]

The Yugo dust cover retainer was not on the M64/65 RPK version. The grip was the two piece version, as well. Almost would be better if you’re going to mill the slot for the sling swivel, have the receiver holes from the retainer pin welded up and the receiver reparkerized

[@afkafk129]

I have some yugo kits built by two rivers and it’s pretty dang close to the original. As far as blueing goes

[@afkafk129]

Also looking at pics I don’t see gas holes in the gas tube.

[@misha5670]

Thank you for checking for me. I was confused as the rest of the build seems correct parts for an M65.@@afkafk129

[@rdh5961]

Perfect timing for my workout. Definitely appreciate your content

[@misha5670]

Doesn't everyone workout to Eye of the Tiger?

[@petermonck5448]

Always excellent and informative. Thank you. 👍😎🙏

[@jtaylorb88]

Wow, you got a really good looking gun from them. I regret not picking one of these up to finish the AK collection.

[@chadjones2168]

I just had a yugo m72 milled receiver underfolder Rpk made I love it.

[@misha5670]

Cool beans. I've often thought doing an UF RPK would be interesting and different.

[@stonehalo1632]

I wish the m70 had the fin barrel.

[@stonehalo1632]

​@Jason7.62x39 I know I saw those after they sold out... and they were gorgeous lol kicking myself everyday I look em up.

[@Lincoln_and_the_poor-boys]

Reminds me I've got to get my kit built up, need to find someone willing to do a reweld first

[@simonerubino52]

My amd-65 is missing the rear swing civil but there is a slot cut the receiver I have a parts kit for a m64 it had all the monkey shit for the mag hold open but I believe I will delete that it is a regular mct4 so it does have the spring-loaded thingy and the gas that offer rifle grenades

[@Chiller11]

I like the look of those firearms. The Yugoslavs didn’t tend to chrome line their bores I heard because a scarcity of chromium in the country. Vintage “aging” is a big deal with “vintage” reproduction guitars. The aged guitars can demand a premium over the reproductions that weren’t artificially aged. The reproduction guitars are completely new so the manufacturers are not mixing new and old parts but these guns remind me a bit of that sort of strange artificial aging process.

[@misha5670]

Here's the thing, back then, Yugoslavia actually exported chromium.

[@freeridemoto7133]

@@misha5670Do you know or have any history of why early Yugo AKs were not chrome lined? Cheaper manufacturing costs? Thank you for your time!

[@misha5670]

Its not an explanation but one difference: Russian ammo was steel cased but Yugo ammo from that era was brass. So i wonder if the different ammmo types had anything to do with things? Also, in theory, a non-chromelined bore could produce better accuracy....in theory.@@freeridemoto7133

[@EdwardSnortin]

@@freeridemoto7133 They didn't have the technology available for chrome lining

[@kacekace3676]

Would still be cool to have it with the BHO installed. Just cut a few mags for it..

[@Grizzlyman420]

I just got a Zastava M70 Serbian Red Wood 🇷🇸

[@strikerfired6242]

Love your videos!!

[@MrSLF]

Thank you. 👍

[@chrischiampo7647]

Really Nice Rifle in My Opinion Misha 😀😊😀❤️😎

[@bitfreakazoid]

"Where the fuck is my sling swivel." LOL

[@cool_breeze_actual9643]

Great video

[@BNatoAk]

Is chrome lined really important to the weekend shooter? I own a alot of CL barreled ak's. I'm guessing 85% of the viewer's don't even know what that really means. They won't shoot enough to where that would ever MATTER.

[@timothycain4512]

I run alot of rounds thru my aks and ars. But honestly if your not in a military setting I think cold hammer forged barrels are more important than chrome lined. But I don like having chrome lined barrels on my aks. It definitely makes them so much easier to keep cleaned. I think 2 of my aks is non chrome lined. Which is the wbp 556sr. But has held up good but it's made to be a commercial ak for export not military. And then my PSA ak105 But it doesn't bother me. Because I no what they were made for when I bought them

[@Mjdeben]

To a modern weekend shooter no not really. Back in the day AK ammo used corrosive primers and chrome lining in the bore/chamber went a long way in preventing corrosion and pitting. As the poster above mentioned CL barrels are also much easier to keep clean. I have no firsthand experience but I've heard that a lot of Yugo kits from way back when the original barrel came with the kit had bores that were all ratted out due to corrosive ammo/inadequate cleaning. Nowadays you have to go out of your way to find corrosive ammo.

[@walkercustoms]

Thank you

[@misha5670]

welcome

[@richardescareno2433]

I love Yugoslavian rifles. Heavily build & run..& run.. Get one.

[@user-km5kj8xh1x]

Off topic but does anyone know where I can get extended handguard and upper Hand guard for the polish beryl?

[@cabobpolasek2517]

I know arms of America and other companies have any handguards, but it is always fun to build your own. Sorry if I can't help much but keep me updated

[@dfff10]

Why don't you do a video on the Mitchell arms m90 rpk chambered in 7.62x51 nato.. I have one and I'll send it to you if you want to do video.

[@markp4401]

He may be averse to doing that because that’s a commercial weapon. The Yugo army never used a 7.62x51 RPK.

[@misha5670]

That and I don't not own one. It makes me nervous to take loaner guns of such value from others too. If something were to happen to it during shipping to/from, i would be morally obligated to make it right. @@markp4401

[@markp4401]

@@misha5670 You’re a really good guy Mishaco.

[@stonehalo1632]

From what Im seeing you are correct the tubes should be ported

[@misha5670]

Two other commenters say thier kits are not ported....hmmm? Wonder what's going on?

[@stonehalo1632]

​@@misha5670okay did some deeper diving and it appears that the kits are a mixed bag, some may have been replaced before they were chopped and imported. Apex has some good examples.

[@stonehalo1632]

​@@misha5670 I'm sure fox or Jay wouldn't mind looking at those apex kits for you.

[@misha5670]

Fox wouldn't know what to look for.@@stonehalo1632

[@stonehalo1632]

​@@misha5670lol and Jay hates AKs

[@chrisnmfl]

Yugos are awesome there tougher almost industrial aks in comparison to most of the other stuff...

[@entropicdoom8018]

Misha, what are your thoughts on rifle dynamics? I am struggling to understand the pricing despite gun tubers droning about how much man hours goes into it. Why just get a Galil?

[@misha5670]

Why not just put those hours into a rifle yourself? Sounds a lot more fun, for a lot less money to me? My old SAR1 is a lot smoother now than it was when i bought it new. Most AK gunsmithing time is simply spent polishing things. Know what else polishes surfaces inside a firearm? Just shooting the darn thing! lol

[@markp4401]

I’ve been eyeing a milled Arsenal RPK in 7.62x39. Does anyone know if this is or was used as a military weapon by Bulgaria or any other nations?

[@misha5670]

Its not really called an RPK in Bulgaria, by Arsenal. They simply call it "LMG" for the fixed stock variant and LMGF for the side folder.

[@stanleyhall6102]

Does this make the mags more collectible having the cut ? Thanks

[@misha5670]

sure, why not?

[@cabobpolasek2517]

It is if you can make it sound rare enough to other people

[@Ages_of_domination]

Barrels fuckin mint

[@stonehalo1632]

Soon, you won't be able to rack the bolt or ghost the trigger on YT

[@ninoslavtrifunovic7038]

It's M-72 not M-64. I was issued one in 1994.

[@misha5670]

Thanks but not quite what this video is about. I do discuss the whole M64, M65, and M72 situation during the chat, cheers.

[@ninoslavtrifunovic7038]

@@misha5670 It was reaction on the title of this video.

[@misha5670]

Title is what the US company building these @@ninoslavtrifunovic7038 put on the receiver. So it was what i used in the video.

[@ninoslavtrifunovic7038]

​@@misha5670Cool. Btw, these babys were very popular among all sides during Yugoslavian wars.

[@OccamsToyota2]

An M64 a day keeps the Hoxhaists away. 😅

[@alexbeer4705]

As far the gas block it looks like it supposed to, and RPK doesn’t not have that cover retaining spring.

[@misha5670]

I 'think' i figured out why the gast ube is n't ported on the M65 RPK.

[@stonehalo1632]

Apex has m64 kits with the ported gas block and tube I couldn't get a clear enough image to see if it had the dust cover retaining pin.

[@alexbeer4705]

Well in my opinion it’s due to the longer bolt carrier piston making it heavier to reciprocate. RPK was used primarily as a machine-gun .

[@misha5670]

Are those light machinegun kits or from the standard infantry rifle?@@stonehalo1632

[@misha5670]

Sorry but M65/M72 has the same length gas piston as the M64/M70.@@alexbeer4705

[@stanislavt6376]

Just one more part kit Frankenstein, nothing to keep.

[@cmdrcriton]

I so want a yugo rpk

[@cmdrcriton]

Early yugo rpk had the ported gas block

[@misha5670]

So ported gas block; not ported gas tube, right?