Zastava M21: Serbia's Military Service Rifle

In this episode of TFBTV, ‪@JamesReeves‬ is at Zastava Oruzje in Serbia to try out a number of their most famous (and infamous) small arms. In today's video, James has the opportunity to shoot the M21. The Zastava M21 is similar to the Zastava M90 but it has a few changes making it something slightly different. However, it might be the lightest recoiling 5.56mm rifle made. James interviews a Zastava engineer to get the details on how the M21 works the way it does.
From Zastava's page about the M21:
"Assault Rifle M21, in NATO calibre 5.56 x 45 mm, was designed on the basis of Kalashnikov system. It is a gas operated rifle, and locking system is rotating bolt. Reliability of its functioning in various climates and terrains was confirmed by strict testing methods, in accordance with military standards. Due to this, the rifle was included in the armament of the Serbian Military. The barrel is cold forged with chrome plated interior. This provides durability and exquisite precision of the assault rifle. Good solutions for ergonomics and excellently balanced weight provide mild recoil and easy control of fire. Flash hider covers the position of the shooter. Applied materials, handguards and folding stock made of polymer, and finish on the metal parts provide simple maintenance. Type of fire is selected by an ambidextrous lever, which has three positions: single shot, burst, safety on. Iron sights with tritium tubes enable aiming at night. Underbarrel grenade launcher cal. 40 mm, model BGP 40mm, can be mounted on the rifle."
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[@randybaham750]

I carried an M21 in Iraq as a contractor and found it to be a fine weapon!

[@thomascaston4644]

Any issues or complaints about the ergonomics? Especially the lack of cheek weld and impact on repeatability

[@vanja2565]

I've heard that you guys (contractors in Iraq) are just about the only people who liked this gun.

[@I_Cunt_Spell]

@Garrett Pierman 500k? Now way!

[@ShutUpBubi]

@Garrett Pierman bingo

[@ShutUpBubi]

@@surfingtothestars You're part of the problem and why most of the world hates our guts. Don't medal in other countries business.

[@fortweek_7389]

4:08 Pronunciation of "Zastava oružje" just gets better in every episode. You can hear it improving in every video.

[@yevod42]

rakia correcting people :)

[@danicao.6778]

"Zastava oružje" not "I" in oružje. Hello from Serbia 🇷🇸

[@fortweek_7389]

@@danicao.6778 Hello from Serbia too. As you can see I am illiterate.

[@bogoljubdjordjevic7528]

Except Dragan in Dragon hahha

[@godzilla1463]

I've wanted an M21 for a long time. Please make it happen Zastava!

[@jasonvorhees3637]

Hello man,I am from Serbia, it's my Service weapon, it's awesome gun, overall it's the lowest recoil of any automatic weapons you will ever get,and it's chambered in 5.56,idea was to export it to USA at the beginning, interestingly,5.56 behave way more better than our standard 7.62,so the gun is extremely reliable,we tested it with 10000 rounds,it had no dmg to the barrel, exept being dirty,call Zastava,soon it will be exported to USA,we simply have to many orders from middle east,our guns are twice cheaper than any AR 15,demand is high,go to shooting range and test it,I promise you,you will love that gun a lot☺️☺️☺️

[@tyweick]

@@jasonvorhees3637 Cheers from the states

[@dbldee7275]

​@@jasonvorhees3637 Any update on USA import?

[@jasonvorhees3637]

@@dbldee7275 So, situation is really complicated, your country kinda trying to ban every Ak model which isn't manufactured in USA, Serbian AK guns are proven to be best in price-quality range,for example,full Z Pap which is m90 in caliber 7.62 costs 1000$,with taxes included, American made AK are around 1400$,when you compare ours and yours AK it's not even close,plus,your country trying to ban ammunition for AK,Serbs actually have your orders ready,my country waiting your permission to import them in USA, political situation in states is really complicated.

[@ryanyoung4234]

Well hopefully we can get them imported

[@obamabarrack1359]

The market is here for a rifle like this, the M90 is doing well and I believe this will too. Especially after arsenal has been having atrocious QC problems, this is prime opportunity for Zastava to swoop in with their 556 rifles.

[@eagleone5456]

Would love to dive into AKs and a nice 5.56 variant would be the perfect fit

[@Barnes-ml9wg]

Lol I agree about arsenal but m90 had a lot of problems too man stop capping

[@christopherdolan7330]

Thanks, Obama.

[@2000rayc]

but what handguards can i put on

[@PornstarJerome]

@@Detective.John.Kimble thank you.

[@nickadams7998]

Based on my other Zastava products, would buy in a heartbeat.

[@TheARRN]

Big fan of Zastava. Would love to add that to my collection.

[@R34ZX]

Ak variants are just such beautiful weapons and the history behind them is so interesting you can’t not love them

[@KB-kw8ni]

@@xxxlonewolf49 hater

[@KB-kw8ni]

@@xxxlonewolf49 lol what facts

[@KB-kw8ni]

@@xxxlonewolf49 you mad he right about the AK

[@KB-kw8ni]

@@xxxlonewolf49 jaja you triggered

[@ryantogo8359]

@@xxxlonewolf49 ratio, little call of duty 🤡

[@smaragd_]

Thanks for the coverage from Serbia. Great job!

[@bhoward9378]

If the M21 is anything like my other Zastava products, it must be a top notch rifle.

[@Sig_P229]

I have been with you a long time, James. Your stuff never gets old. I appreciate the good times we’ve shared

[@tfbtv]

Thanks JonD

[@seguridadcorporativa2419]

@@tfbtv Regards from Guatemala ! Been watching you for years and always fun and educative. My best wishes.

[@spetcnaz83]

Zástava should just hire James as a PR person. I think he did more for Zástava then the factory's own PR team lol

[@dragicadjuric3635]

Agree with you 💯

[@themaster1dcp]

I've wanted this gat for forever tbh, love how it looks

[@MountainxManx]

I’d buy several of these if they bring them to the US

[@miroslavm2553]

I hope we would be able to buy this fine weapon here in the United States soon. Thank you for promoting Zastava factory which is well known for making by far the best AK-47 platforms on market.

[@Wadzillia]

Zastava is dominating the US market right now in the AK platform. They actually listen to their customers.

[@aramisone7198]

Well the new service weapon of the Serbian military is the modular M19 so its 7.62x39mm or 6.5x39mm grendel you just change the barrel quickly and the magazine.

[@ButteredToast81]

Please import these Zastava! Very cool rifle. Would make a great companion to the M90. A 5.56 AK is ripe for the market now that the main source for 5.45 ammunition has been barred from import. Just need to make sure there is a steady supply of magazines for these as well.

[@andrettski8686]

I recently got an M85 and love the quality. My first Zastava, definitely not my last.

[@TheRjseagles]

Definitely gonna preorder this if possible. If you could keep us up to date with this I’d be super grateful 🙏.

[@plutodestroyer12]

that handguard is a thing of beauty

[@brianhoxworth3881]

Think this is a improvement over the m90. That being said, both look excellent. James, you represented this rifle very well. Thanks.

[@rustys.1070]

it's literally a direct improvement over it. very astute

[@trevorsthegreatest5642]

I’m a car salesmen, but I’ll quit my job right now and start my career in making American zastava m21 furniture if that’s what it will take to get this beast here

[@jjfattz]

It only takes a few seconds of watching before I am giggling and laughing. Love your videos.

[@scottlehman9738]

Super awesome job and interview. Thanks for going so far .

[@BIGPIZZABOI]

James if you ever get tired of playing with these awesome Serbian weapons I will happily fill in for you

[@hondasaurusrex6998]

Great intro! James is looking right at the camera, no smiles, while the Zastava is just blasting away.

[@thewhitematstudio]

Dude knows how to put on a show lol

[@ulflyng4072]

Yup, he's looking at the translator. Mentally it's difficault to listen to one person and giving a somewhat complicated answer to an other

[@JustPeasant]

Aside from carbine version (M21S), they are also available with three (3) built-in Picatinny rails (M21ABS & carbine M21SBS). Funny that Dragan didn't mentioned this. He did looked kind of nervous though.

[@Spartan73799]

Its was probably because of James shorts

[@xxxmike2417]

Svaka cast za inzinjera i Zastavu, ovo je prava puska.

[@ghostmourn]

That's fucking badass my dude! (What a stud this guy is?!) And god damn is that a fine looking .556 AK or what?

[@christophersmaby8485]

Now that Valmet and older Galil patterns are wickedly expensive, it would be neat to have a new NATO standardized service AK pattern rifle in the U.S. market. I love modernized AKs that have been adopted (like the ACE) and I'm sure there would be a demand for it! Especially since Zastava has been hitting the sweet spot of price/performance in the AK market.

[@greencreekranch]

The civilian version of this is the cheapest new semi auto 223 in the market in my country and it absolutely blows everything in the same price range out of the water

[@andydufresne9593]

​@@greencreekranch And it will always be like that, because Serbs will always punch above their weight.

[@jtv913]

I bet they would be the best selling AK in the US. The first TFB TV video I watched starring James Reeves was "Magpul Zhukov AK-47 Stock Review (with Saiga SGL-21)", seven years ago. You've come a long way. Thanks for the content!

[@welcomeUNKNOWN]

Zastava PLEASE, I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR ONE EVER SINCE I MISSED OUT ON THE PARTS KITS A FEW YEARS AGO

[@JJW3]

As a satisfied M90 and ZPAP M70 owner, I eagerly await the importation of these.

[@isaacrhodes4617]

Awesome Zastava coverage bro

[@michaelhead9074]

Love Zastava I want to give them all of Capital One’s money!!! Currently only have a Zpap 92.

[@a1racer441]

The straight out of 1984 opening was greatness. And as a fellow ak lover I want them all the m21 looks pretty rad.

[@SWC-Channel]

If Zastava does import the M21 I would definitely be interested in getting one or 2 depending on cost

[@chuckles470s9]

I think this is a no brainer. Bring it over. 👍

[@edgybigkid6612]

I just got the m77 and was set on the m90 since it’s announcement, this has similar attributes I planned for an m90 so that’s a huge save in money and effort. I shouldn’t have to say I need this in my local shop like a week ago.

[@JBSMOON]

Zastava, it's time. SHIP IT GENTLEMEN

[@dbldee7275]

7 months later and I still need this M21 😢

[@TheRobman139]

M70 for the win! 😀 Got mine two and a half years ago and love it; paired it up with an M57A about a year later (yeah I’m one of those American customers who was snapping them up faster than you could make them). Also very nice. Not in the market for the 5.56, but it does seem like an outstanding weapon. Go Zastava!!

[@stanislavt6376]

M-70 for life !!!!!! Beautiful rifle!!!

[@randomargument972]

8:00 In Serbia, we don't have ridiculously complicated gunlaws like ATF is imposing on American civilians. In Serbia, there are 4 categories of weapons: A: Automatic firearms, explosives and suppressed firearms. (Only available for police and military) B: Semi-automatic firearms (M21 must be converted to semi if you want to own it as civilian) (Available for civilians, but must apply for permit and get approved permit) C: Converted firearms, old collectable firearms, blank guns, crossbows over 101 lb and air guns with any specification higher than: 10.5 J, 200 m/s, 4,5 mm, 450 N (require you to notice local police station within few days from buying it that you possess it) D: Knives, batons, pepper sprays, crossbows & bows with lower force than 101 lb, weaker air guns (don't require permit)

[@alphazulu9stormer770]

I love my M85 I’m about to pimp mine out with an extended SLR RifleWorks rail with one of their compensators and a Jmac arm with a tail hook brace

[@whitebread7009]

I need one of these in my collection

[@ComiCBoY000]

Ive wanted to get an M21 since I saw it on arma 3 years ago. Only reason I never got an M90 is because I've been holding out for this rifle.

[@mk45gunnr25]

Love my Serbian Red!

[@darkog2497]

James, thank you for this great episode.

[@armandgun]

Noice! Good to see some professional content on these guys. Did you get a chance to shoot the shorty? I have one coming over on an upcoming import, but based on your vid I think I need to add the full size.

[@ThunderBunny10mm]

When you think that someone cannot out Israel the AK/Galil, Zastava knocks it out of the park. I beg for them to somehow make a legal version for the US market. Ideally the NFA would go away and we can buy the same rifle used by the Serb Military. Much love to my 🇷🇸 brothers from the 🇺🇸.

[@andydufresne9593]

It's really a pleasure to read a comment from an American saying good stuff about Zastava and Serbia. I wish all the best to you!

[@tannerwatts5574]

I really hope they bring these to the states. The only company I can think of that's as good as Zastava in terms of quality is Arsenal, and Arsenal is significantly more expensive.

[@edwardwilliams1227]

Thank you for your content I love it.

[@tysonhenderson5174]

That thing is sweet! Thanks for the vid.

[@javiermartinezjr8849]

I love the zastavas bulging front truyon RPK style ,imo has the best bolt (chrome lines but the barrel isn't yesss) and that charging handle is awesome

[@javiermartinezjr8849]

What I meant was it is chrome plated not chrome lined or full chrome barrel which is awesome

[@KingArthur129]

I'd buy one, would be awesome next to the M90!

[@ballisticallychallenged668]

Would love to see the flash hider sold as an accessory for my m90!

[@Darth-Nihilus1]

M21 is a good rifle, compared to the Polish 556 rifles I rather have this in my inventory. I love my Zastava rifles but it’s hard to find a scope mount for my M77 😅 I love how Zastava doesn’t have jacked up iron sights. My KR103 the front sight is off by a millimeter and I just have to get it back and my Polish AKM is the same way. Zastava all day ❤

[@albysputhookattil007]

How bad is beryl compared with M21? Beryl got rails over receiver which is not welded over where as M21s dont have any but side mounts

[@Darth-Nihilus1]

@@albysputhookattil007 beryl is very similar and is a lot easier to find on the market. You can get rails for the M21 but everything Zastava is kind of hard to find in stock.

[@MK-px1ym]

Zastava, bring these-I will be a buyer

[@richardescareno2433]

Absolutely would be waiting for this rifle to come to the US market.

[@Dnte-qg3mb]

I want one already!!

[@PetrLCustomHistoryCZ]

What was the polymer magazine, that was seen at certain times? Is that some new generation Zastava mag, or some aftermarket already in business..? We can buy the M21 (semiauto) here in CZ, but original metal mags are quite expensive.

[@renobyrom831]

I want an M21 quite terribly and have for some time. Happy to see you hyping it up.

[@MrAlexthemachine]

This is why I waited before buying a m90 but I still bought a m85

[@chrisf247]

Between this, the Valmet, the Beryl, and the Galil, the 5.56 military AKs all have such a cool look and history

[@t.dubbya7000]

Great looking weapon. I've always enjoyed the look of AK pattern weapons.

[@Keltik55]

That is a beautiful gun. I hope Zastava will import this because I'm definitely interested

[@Brian-ry2ij]

Yes Zastava please import these as rifles or at least parts kits. I will buy one!

[@Lester.M]

Looking forward to this.

[@stonehalo1632]

Just bought my first m70 and it's going in my casket when I die lol

[@DGTHRE]

I know it's a small gripe, but could Zastava USA not engrave "Read Owner's Manual Before Use" on the receiver? Love Zastava btw.

[@donaldroberts6452]

That is a very nice looking AK..loved the review and i would love to have one

[@winkleried]

I know a couple of folks that have parts kit builds of the M21. They appear to be sweet rifles. I would purchase a M-21 if a civy legal version was imported here.

[@codyphillips48]

I'd love to add this to my collection of yugo rifles

[@StefanBlagojevic]

OMG, the fun never ends!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TexasChilliMassacre]

In germany its a semi auto and called M2010 G.I got it in 223 and 308.Both great guns.

[@alanashley6097]

I definitely want one of those. Hope they make it over.

[@Clint_Beastwood87]

If my life depends on the rifle,i would never change my old M21 for any other rifle. That shit works in mud,sand,cold,hot,rain.

[@randomactsofriding4850]

That combo block is pretty cool

[@westtexas3041]

Awesome video and interview. I would love to have an M21.

[@woahdude3853]

With kusa mess up's. This 5.56 version would sell out the moment it hit shelves without a doubt. 5.56 ak's are so hot rn

[@hamacus]

Have an M90 and and M92. Gotta have this one for sure. Zastava keeps bringing that🔥🔥🔥💯

[@prokiller2142]

If you like your M92, you'll probably also love the Zastava M05 C

[@LuisC7]

Is the m21 worth the price difference to the m90? I want to buy an m90 but I'm not sure

[@prokiller2142]

@@LuisC7 Unfortunately I can't say, we do not have M90 (or M70) here. If it's help, here an Izhmash saiga cost something around 1100-1200e, a WPB AK47 (polish) around 1300e, an arsenal SAR around 1000e, and a FEG M85 (hungarian) around 1000e too.

[@LuisC7]

@@prokiller2142 for me a m2010 costs 1300 or so. I live in Portugal

[@prokiller2142]

@@LuisC7 I forget to talk about zastavas price. So to complete : a M2010 costs around 1500-1600e, a M21 around 1600-1700e, and a M05 around 1300-1400e (but when I bought mine 1,5 years ago it was only about 1050e). I'm in France.

[@Bingalz]

Need this and an M90 in my life

[@HorsepowerDr]

Zastava M90 5.56 Ak very similar to that but with a traditional barrel n gas system thou it is an 3 position adjustable gas system

[@the_gaming_rabbit8017]

The demand for more quality 5.56/.223 AK's is definitely here

[@staybalanced3024]

Hell yea I’d definitely prefer this over the m90

[@project_poor_runner]

I remember shooting these with some of the Saber International, Baghdad contractors years ago!

[@jerkygutts8386]

Although this rifle probably wouldn’t be on my list of must buys it definitely needs to be imported because choices are always good and you know damn well it will sell.

[@RickKerr]

Bring it on over!! I have the M90 and it's a joy to shoot ( also M77 )

[@killab5505]

My man helps design some of the best Kalashnikov style riffles, AND his name is Dragon?!?! Surely I’m stretching the spelling and pronunciation, but that hardly matters. Damn… I want to design cool weapons and be named after a fierce fire breathing mythical creature!

[@vanja2565]

It's Dragan, with A not O.

[@killab5505]

@@vanja2565 This was just my poor attempt at humor. I’ll accept this as a loss and try again in the future.

[@damianbigelow9511]

Zastava is awsome! I absolutely hope this will hit the us market 2023.... Wishful dream huh?.?.?..........🙇‍♂️

[@ianray8823]

If James just randomly started speaking fluent Serbian...I still feel like I would understand his Americanism

[@dezrttortis3697]

I guess ill have to get one. I'm so bummed out that I'll have to add another rifle to my collection. 😏

[@dannysotoudeh3934]

If I'm going to have a 5.56/233 I'd take the more accurate and easy accessorized AR-15. I love the AK system, it's my favorite, BUT it's best in 7.62 or 5.45 to me. I LOVE my Zastava Zpapm70, I shoot it daily in my backyard here at our farm in the blue ridge mountains. Never ever had a malfunction but I like it in 7.62.

[@davebettey1936]

Used the M21 in Iraq while contracting. Brilliant Weapon, reliable, durable and once zeroed, accurate.

[@Robespierres_Ghost]

I'd be in for one. I like these upgraded AKs in 556 with subtle improvements.

[@kayers4192]

I've had two different zastifa 556 rifles and I would love for the m21b to be imported I have known about these for a few years I love to look at the ergonomics on them and the way they recoil they're like laser beams I would have a lot of interest in owning one of these

[@croyboy87]

Looks amazing. I’m very curious about the iron sights, seeing as it doesn’t look like a traditional leaf and forward sight block (almost like a Krink combined with a 100 series carbine). Another difference from the M90 is there isn’t a gas adjustment on the gas tube, but I kinda expected that for a rifle that would see actual military use (the less breakable or fail-able parts to worry about, the better). I like the hinge, angle, and direction of fold on the stock, but I’m trying to get used to the aesthetic of the butt stock itself. Honestly difficult to imagine an alternative to fit the receiver tho. …Oh but yeah, definitely bring that thing over here.

[@chrisknezevich5280]

Makes me proud to be a Serbian 🇷🇸

[@jmh7977]

I own an M90NP, the CAI imported M90 with a STANAG magwell added (correct me if I'm wrong, something like 2500 units total were imported, back when 5.56 AKs were not as well received). I've also held and fired my friend's newer Zastava USA M90. They are, of course, identical firearms, except for the magwell/magazine use. So, that being said, I think I can offer some feedback after many years of running my M90NP hard. It's an excellent weapon. It only has TWO downsides, in my own opinion: in more humid climates, it rusts like crazy if you don't REGULARLY keep it oiled; in a desert or extremely dry climate, it's good to go at all times. So long as you keep it maintained, it'll be fine (unlike the common stereotype surrounding AKMs of minimal maintenance). Secondly, the elephant in the room, it's heavy as shit for what it is. As it comes from the factory, you're just shy of 8 lbs... not terrible. But to make it more than just a range toy in today's age, it requires the necessary addons.. weapon light, weapon light mount, optic mount, optic, flash hider, weapon sling, etc (and I'm not even including a magnifier, a suppressor, or an IR device)... UNLOADED we're at almost 11 lbs, loaded we're over 12 lbs. It's stupid heavy for firing the humble 5.56x45. I have fully kitted out .308 rifles that weigh less loaded to 20 rounds. ALL THAT TO SAY, it's still one of my favorite rifles (if not actually my favorite), but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want something a few pounds lighter doing the exact same thing just as well. I wonder if the M21 is any different in that regard? Based on the video, they seem like almost identical rifles.

[@stormofsteel6980]

Oh god please Zastava 🙏 please make your beautiful rifle accessible for the US market

[@coreyking7183]

ZPAP M70 7.62x39 all wood furniture stained in serbian red. Phenomenal rifle and durability. Take down is stupid easy. You can't kill this thing.