This is the Next-Gen AK47: The Zastava M19 MCS

In this episode of TFBTV, @James Reeves is personally visiting Zastava headquarters in Serbia to test out the successor to the legendary M70: the brand new Zastava M19 MCS (Modular Combat System).
From Zastava's Serbian webpage about this next-generation AK:
"Following the trends in tactical requirements for the use of automatic rifles, Zastava Arms has developed a new MCS model. Compared to other manufacturers, Zastava Arms went a step further by offering a rifle that, in addition to easy barrel replacement and the ability to use barrels of different lengths, also allows for caliber change and the choice between a conventional 7.62×39 mm and a new 6.5 mm caliber. At the same time, in support of this concept, Prvi partizan Uzice developed a 6.5 mm caliber cartridge based on cartridge 6.5 Grendel for military purposes. The reason for the introduction of the new caliber is that the 6.5 mm cartridge has a number of ballistic advantages over 7.62×39 mm that allow for significantly bigger range, as well as better efficiency and penetrating power at all distances, while maintaining all vital parts of the rifle and with just replacing the barrel and magazine to change to a different caliber. Easy change of caliber has a number of logistical advantages in terms of easy adaptation to various environments.
The design of the MCS rifle is based on the existing rifle platform by which the Zastava Arms is recognizable and that operates on the Kalashnikov system. The modification is reflected in the design of the cross latch on the receiver, which allows easy and quick replacement of the barrel, without disassembling the rifle and without the use of tools. In addition to barrels in different calibers, within a single caliber, there are different barrel lengths (254 mm and 415 mm), allowing the rifle to quickly adapt to a variety of combat situations, so that basically the same weapon can be used as a submachine gun, automatic rifle, light machine gun or DMR (designated marksman rifle). Changing the caliber of the rifle also requires the change of magazine, and the magazines are clearly marked and noticeably different. Magazine capacity for caliber 7.62×39 mm is 30 rounds and for caliber 6.5 mm magazine capacity can be 25 and 20 rounds.
The rectilinear upper side of the receiver has a full-length Picatinny rail. In the receiver cover there is a centrally mounted charging handle (like the HK 416 model), allowing for easy handling for both right-handed and left-handed shooters. The charging handle is of non-reciprocating type, that is, it does not move with the bolt carrier and the bolt. Fire selector is ambidextrous, positioned above the handgrip and easily accessible without releasing the grip in combat. The positions of the selector are safe, semi-automatic and automatic. The rifle has no integrated iron sights, but a long Picatinny rail on the cover allows the sights to be mounted according to tactical needs. The stock is telescopic, with 5 predefined lengths, folding to the right. Cheek pad is adjustable, in two positions. The rifle does not lose its function when the stock is folded. Receiver cover is made of aluminum. Handguard is made of glass fiber reinforced polymer with Picatinny rails at 12 and 6 o’clock, and lateral K-holes that allow the assembly of a wide variety of optoelectronic equipment. By removing the handguard, the supporting devices can also be mounted on the cylinder carrier, which also has K-holes, thus establishing a firm and stable connection with the rifle.
The rifle has a gas flow regulator. Flash hider on the muzzle is also a muzzle brake, and the standard thread on the muzzle also allows the assembly of other devices (muzzle devices). The weight of the rifle with an empty magazine is less than 4 kg.
MCS rifle represents a significant step forward in the offer of Zastava Arms models, and the fact that it is in the phase of testing and adoption into the armament of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Serbia speaks about the importance of this model and the applied concept."
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[@БродоломПацифика]

James, you do more for Serbia than the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade. Thanks bro.

[@farhan.naushad]

And a big thank you to the Serbs for making amazing quality innovative products.

[@jamesphillips4599]

NEXT GEN AK! (has KeyMod hand-guard) “In Serbia, KeyMod is number 1 most advanced attachment mechanism. Is better than your wimpy American M-Lok. Also, slots look like tiny cock & balls, is funny.”

[@userJohnSmith]

@@jamesphillips4599 I mean to be fair were comparing to the AK-12 so keymod was still a thing.

[@RealistOmega]

yeah serbs are only god at two things, making good guns and thinking they're superior to all other countries and thus constantly hating on them

[@tfbtv]

Keymod is still the standard in Europe and requires less clearance between the handguard and barrel (which is why Daniel Defense uses it on the ISR, for example).

[@JaegerZ999]

That user serviceable quick change barrel is a nice concept, but instead of AR type rear charging it should’ve been on the left side, since there won’t be an optic mount in the way. Cool video!

[@aaronthompson192]

Agreed. Or changeable sides.

[@CorgiEnjoyer]

I kind of want to disagree, but thinking on it, i dont have any real reasons. You shoot aks way more than i do anyway- i love your channel by the way!

[@StefanBlagojevic]

@Jaeger Z999 OMG, Jaeger, it's an honor to see you commenting here. I can already imagine "your edition" of our Zastava M19 in your hands, super tactical and nicely coloured, spitting lead dead center super fast. Kind regards from Serbia, the land of Zastava firearms since 1853. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@ArmandoRodriguez-kt4ic]

Same.

[@verazdlaonco2902]

In real life situation you really may need quick change yr barrel?

[@bigg1256]

My jaw hit the floor when I saw an AK-adjacent rifle perform a barrel swap on the fly. This thing is like a Serbian ACR and I hope they come to Canada! I sure can hope!

[@sluggak1363]

Didnt they ban all guns in Canada

[@bigg1256]

@@sluggak1363 Not yet, no. And they dont have the manpower to confiscate anything either

[@ohioisastate8574]

@@bigg1256 ya theres never enforcement

[@AbulaMohamedSpannBurnrs]

I am Dragan & am M-19

[@Truth-Istina]

This is going to be one of the best guns in the world. The new Grendel caliber solves the biggest flaw of 7.62x39, which is a small effective range, that is, accuracy at more than 250m. There are a few things to do with the rifle. The cocking handle has already been changed. In my opinion, another serious problem of this revolutionary rifle needs to be solved, and that is the weight. Weight should be reduced. According to the latest information The weight of the M19 is about 3.8kg. And that's not small. Weight must be lowered to below 3.5kg without frame and ammunition

[@Dembilaja]

I'm from Serbia, I was waiting for years to see review of this rifle. Thank you

[@AbulaMohamedSpannBurnrs]

Your country had great tool This favourite now Am apart m19 am Dragan It called m19 design by Dragan Made in Serbia rating

[@rovermiles1]

That ability to change a barrel with the round attached to the bolt is scary in the fact that it can be done. That is some sick engineering. Well done Zastava!

[@maximusjoseppi5904]

ya.. its awesome you can change the caliber with the previous caliber still in the bolt and no mention removing the barrel disables the trigger mechanism. no one will ever make a mistake during that process.

[@jackjohnson291]

@@maximusjoseppi5904 It’s AK. AK not your daddy. AK is what make your daddy your daddy. 😆

[@Daurentius322]

@@jackjohnson291 No it is not an AK since we Serbs never received an official license from Izhmash to produce replicas of the AK, the assault rifles which Zastava produces are based on the AK platform but are NOT an AK. Even Vladimir Onokoy, who works for the Kalashnikov Group, states that our weapons only look like an AK but are not exactly an AK so get your !@#$ together dude.

[@robertfarmer6316]

Yeah totally not an AK…. Ugh KZbin

[@LowFlyer]

@@maximusjoseppi5904 In the video, he specifically swapped to a different barrel length while continuing to use the same caliber. It also takes a magazine change/reload when switching calibers as well

[@mercedes_nuts]

Thought he was reloading but then he casually slid the barrel out AUG style. I love it.

[@Chris13FIST]

your avatar is dirty af

[@Hubbahubba480]

That was the Money Shot hands down !

[@jspec-vz3mc]

That barrel change on an AK made my head spin.

[@Seasniffer69]

@@sleigh4019 that's like saying for ford f series trucks aren't f series because technology changed the front suspension..

[@jspec-vz3mc]

@@jayk3551 I cringe internally just thinking about it.

[@jspec-vz3mc]

@@sleigh4019 technically yes and no. It's like saying someone that's 1/4 black isn't black. But when you see their grandfather, he is obviously black.

[@ethinos2719]

@Mark Lasco Keymod is waaay more popular over in Europe than Mlok. I'd imagine if they brought it here, we'd see Mlok instead on the imported guns.

[@reddune6185]

I’m betting if they come here, the 10-12.5 barrels will be practically unobtanium.

[@mhicaoidh1]

Zastava has come a long way from making great AKs to this innovation. Impressive.

[@campsoupkitchen2645]

Literally, of all the akm manufacturers zastava has my full attention

[@Ac22768]

I think your perception is way off. Zastava has been making many different firearms for a long time - they are quite modernized. You’re only seeing what they offer on the Us market.

[@Palach624]

If you were from Serbia you'd think differently. Our market gets nothing from them except terrible quality, overpriced bolt action hunting carbines while all the good stuff goes to USA and for export for foreign militaries. Recently they unveiled their PAP G rifle and it's the only good thing they released for our market in decades.

[@kabloosh699]

@@Palach624 they certainly send quality guns over here in the US. I like my M85 npap. This AK would be great in 5.56/300 black out. A shame they do not sell good stuff locally.

[@jackjohnson291]

I honestly didn’t see this coming or expect it at all. This is going to knock the Ace off the pedestal of best modern AK-type variant (in my mind).

[@EntryLevelLuxury]

When I visited my uncle-in-law in Pancevo, Serbia, they woke up every morning with a cup of turkish coffee and a shot of Rakija. The combination was so potent, I felt like I could conquer the world. I felt compelled to share that. These people are awesome.

[@stara_garda_3]

I'm from Serbia and my dad is an army officer, but he never told me about this, kinda ashamed of just finding out about this now. 😂 But that's what TFB TV is for, thanks for covering our side of the world, really proud of Застава, I hope you enjoyed your stay here and keep up with the great work you guys are doing!

[@oleflight9399]

I njega je to smorilo veruj mi...Da priča o tome kući nema svrhe,jer jedva ceka da ode sa one strane kapije. Obično posao ne nosimo kući.

[@stara_garda_3]

@@oleflight9399 јес, сваки пут кад га питам за наоружање, само каже "Оружје сам раздужио, више не могу тиме да се бавим". Верујем ти брате.

[@oleflight9399]

@@stara_garda_3 Pa da bratić, većini ljudi naoružanje je zanimljivo,sve to isti k..ac... Brzo savladaš rasklapanje,sklapanje,namenu,tt karakteristike,gađanje...Smori brat... Topografija je recimo mnogo zanimljivija,a retko se neko interesuje za nju...Dok bez "severa" na nepoznatom terenu i bez topografije pušku slobodno mogu da "metnu" tamo,već...Znaš gde... Naravno volim oružije,koristim ga,ali ne ložim se. Komad gvožđa kojim rukuješ,i ova moja na profilu je m-21-5,56 mm,radi isto kao i predhodna m 70 -7,62- AB2,na principu pozajmice barutnih gasova,bla,bla,bla...Ukratko.

[@bibekjung7404]

Kaveeer ALMIGHTY God 🙏...

[@stuartsanderson6596]

I used to live in Serbia and I was lucky enough to visit Kragujevac and see the Zastava museum at the factory. It's cool watching this video after having been there. Thanks for the good video! Највероватније нема пуно Срба који гледају овај канал, али ипак ћу ово написати и на вашем. Живео сам у Чачку неколико месеци, а док сам био тамо имао сам прилику да посетим музеј историје фабрике у Крагујевцу. Било ми је дивно искуство пошто волим историју и оружје. Јако ме је веселило. Желим да захвалим свим људима који су били пријатељски и пуни поштовања према мени! 🇺🇸🇷🇸

[@KristianHerdi]

Hvala brate!

[@hesushesus3445]

Жив био и дођи нам опет

[@ВанбродскиРеБтил]

Ziv bio.

[@tkoragen3527]

Bravo!

[@DVGangula]

Ima nas, samo nismo vokalni kao neki drugi. Da ih sad ne nabrajamo.😎

[@nocount7517]

When the FN SCAR has a one-night stand with an AK-47.

[@randomactsofriding4850]

Or maybe even a 3 some with sig too 😂

[@rizaradri316]

With AR-15 as well. Look at the charging handle

[@H_Hold]

Literally my first thought "Hmm; Scar AK Baby"

[@AnthonySmith-sc4zs]

So 2 Americans, 1 Swede, and a Russian walk into an orgy….

[@AdoroBiscoff]

​@@rizaradri316 and then you see ak103 crying at the corner

[@joshuaf6837]

Yeah... a 556/300 conversion in an affordable package is an immediate purchase from me. I think it'd be extremely difficult to keep that in stock here in the US. Nice job, Zastava. This is awesome!

[@Centermass762]

Immediate. I'd buy that thing before it ever even left the factory.

[@robertfarmer6316]

Well psh I’m sending in random money to preorder it …. And the mother fucker isn’t even real yet…. I win. Fuck you guys.

[@nickx8411]

I've been saying for 10 years the 6.5 Grendel is "the answer".... nice to see someone taking that round somewhat seriously. It's a great round.

[@nikoloff4834]

Yep Serbian army have a lot of 7.62x39 in reserve so for now we produce these with that barrel but with time we plan to transfer on Grendel which is surely better round.

[@coolbeans6148]

Agreed but the cost of 6.5 never went down after pandemic for some reason. I think the 6.5g could be better though with faster burning powder to keep velocity up in shorter barrels. Look at 6.8, same weight but much faster out of a 16.

[@vasilije94]

@@coolbeans6148 6.5 would go down in price if it was the main caliber. 5.56 is cheap because its the army standard ammunition and literally everyone in USA is making it. If they switched to some other cartridge the prices of that caliber would drop insanely in just a couple of years once everyone starts producing it. 6.8 is not the same weight as 6.5 and recoil is MUUUCH higher. Even now there are talks of new MCX M5 being only adopted as a DMR. Its terrible for close quarters where Ukraine war showed most of fighting is happening. Afganistan fighting mountains only happens with querilla style warfare, actual militaries fighting each other it will be kinda like Ukraine. Lot of trenches, CQB in cities. M5 is heavy, you can carry less ammo, only 20 bullets magazines, its a bad rifle for urban warfare.

[@coolbeans6148]

@@vasilije94 i dont think you realize that 6.5G used to 26 cents a round before the pandemic. Grendel prices never came back down and i don think they ever will because government destroyed supply lines. Other companies seem to have no intrest in making cheap 6.5g unfortunately. "Thats because 6.5g is MUCH heavier " Well no, 6.5g has anywhere from 100gr to 123gr. 6.8spc 90gr to 125. So not really. Yes, im not happy with the militarys M5/m7 rifle either. Edit: oh, you're not talking about 6.8spc but the dumbass 6.8 that the military picked. Yea, im not talking about that cartridge, i was talking about 6.8spc

[@vasilije94]

@@coolbeans6148 yea, I am talking in general. Only cartridge that gets adopted by military drops in price somewhat. Let's say in some fictional world if USA army adopted 6.5g as a standard cartridge it would eventually drop in couple of years because of basic demand more companies would focus mostly on that cartridge and it would eventually drop in price. "heavier" rounds require more materials that is for sure, but the biggest determent of a price has ALWAYS been based supply/demand. Being that 5.56 was a main military round for half a century, its no wonder why no other round can compare in price. You can find literally everyone making rifles for 5.56 and literally everyone producing that round and because of that, the price is somewhat low compared to other. So yea. Being that army didnt pick 6.5c or 6.5g they will never be cheap. Its just how it is. Maybe things will change since there is much more demands for those cartridges and in Europe its changing towards both 6.5c and 6.5g so it might drop in price in future, but not in close future, that is for sure.

[@EpIc_NaChO]

This kind of content is why I love TFB TV. I mean what other guntuber would have the inside scoop from manufacturers like Zastava AND go to Serbia to film it. Or how you did beretta and B&T. Thank you for providing us this content James. It's top tier stuff man.

[@londonjolly9174]

While most of the improvements to the ergos are great, I really question the AR-style charging handle. It's not a problem on the AR because you don't use it a lot thanks to the BHO (aka it's almost an afterthought). On a Kalash system where you have to fully rack it every empty mag change, a side or even better forward charging solution seems like it should've been looked at.

[@watariovids1645]

IMO the T charging handle is the absolute worst part about an AR, I don't really see how that's an improvement over the old Side handle especially considering everything you pointed out about the systems.

[@AnthonySmith-sc4zs]

When he was racking it in slow motion it looked like there was a lot of stress on that charging handle. I don’t think aluminum is gonna cut it there. Needs steel charging handles for sure. (And it may have I don’t know)

[@jason200912]

I don't like it either but it helps seal the system by having only the ejection port be the opening instead of a long cut.

[@Aperson156]

Also no way to give the charging handle a little tappy tap tap if it doesn't go all the way into battery.

[@MMOchAForPrez]

@@jason200912 helps seal the system? Gas comes out of there on ARs. A left side, non reciprocating charging handle would've been preferred. Albeit more complicated

[@bloodius22]

Dragan is wearing a tracksuit. Now that's a man of slavic swagg!

[@DeeDeex007o]

🤣

[@aaaaaa2206]

A real Slav would wear Adidas and give the interview squatting.

[@nikolajelovac1648]

@@aaaaaa2206 that's an Eastern Slavic thing (i.e. Russia), in the South we don't squat and Adidas isn't obligatory

[@chiefrebelangel817]

@@aaaaaa2206 South Slavs only wear Air Max and Kappa tracksuits. And big ass gold chains around our necks.

[@michaels5210]

“You can call me Dragon” Also I love seeing this company absolutely blow up on the US market. I bought my M90 a couple years ago and hadn’t even heard of them until then. I just bought it as soon as I saw “made in Serbia”….. went full send….. and now they made THIS……

[@dekipet]

Not Dragon, but Dragan. Totally different. He just pronounce it bad. Wrong spelling.

[@nikoloff4834]

Hahahahaha

[@michaels5210]

@@dekipet sir it’s a reference to the movie step brothers

[@AbulaMohamedSpannBurnrs]

I am Dragan and am M-19

[@bmalovic]

In a very rough translation "Dragan" mean someone you love. Exact is almost imposible (or at least, above my knoledge of english). Maybe... boyfriend.... but it's used in different conotations also.,

[@Jfunkey]

This is an instant wishlist gun. I hope Zastava brings this over here because this is some mind blowing advancement of the AK platform. This is fantastic! I'd love to be able to go from 7.62 to something like 5.56 or 300 Blackout. Absolutely amazing.

[@Truth-Istina]

OThis is a combination of 7.62x39/6.5Grendel

[@ironwolfF1]

Yeah, this weapon makes the traditional AK platform last decade's news. The only thing keeping Kalashnikov from bursting a blood vessel is that Zastava doesn't even remotely have the production capacity to compete with them.

[@butterfinger4393]

Going from 7.62 to 5.56 is unlikely since the cartridge is too different in scale , but a 5.56 to 300 blackout is much higher possibility.

[@dj_m19]

@@ironwolfF1 True, Zastava is a small company from a small country. The definition of "quality over quantity"

[@AndyCigars]

Love the forward thinking of barrel and caliber switches...truly innovative stuff.

[@magnanimus9692]

Lol quite literally "forward thinking" by yeeting the barrel out in front of you.

[@AndyCigars]

@@magnanimus9692 yeah...wondered how James broached that. "Say...nice new rifle you just spent a ton of time, effort, money and development on...mind if when I shoot it I chuck the used barrel out on the ground in front of me?"

[@PsychTheCraze]

gonna give that chasis a long service life

[@ВукВуксановић]

Damn i think this is the first review of this gun ever since the army first showed it, good job with exclusive content

[@Dankas10]

Facinating how Zastava managed to create better AK improvement and modernization than anyone in Russia.

[@МаркоСтаменковић]

Serbian need for a unique modification. Previously, Zastava made the M76 for the JNA as a 7.9 sniper version of the AK.

[@aciderektion]

Trenutno najbolja Zastavina vojna puška.

[@NitroNinja324]

Serbian (and previously Yugoslavian) guns always seemed to have an extra 10% put into them. That's what makes them my favorite to collect.

[@VojislavMoranic]

@@NitroNinja324 Its because we as a people love to bitch a lot. And God forbid our rifles are not as good or even better than our enemies and you will have engineers hounded everytime they go to a pub or attend a family gathering until they go insane.

[@horiturk333]

Slav master race 😊

[@eligostheexalted]

I remember reading about this gun YEARS ago on TFB! I thought the project was a failure since there was no info after that, but this is a very welcome surprise! A 6.5 Grendel modernized AK is my dream gun.

[@lakiza55]

Thank you for bringing Zastava the attention it deserves, i had no idea about this rifle.

[@stanislavt6376]

Is testing a couple of years in the military!

[@ivanstepanovic1327]

There is also M21 in 5.56 NATO, but it never caught up here...

[@jeremyf9828]

I love the fact that it will be chambered in 7.62x39 and 6.5 Grendel.

[@knewsome69]

Hooked in the first 10 seconds with the barrel toss! Nice production work, team!

[@kennethelliott2267]

I love the 7.62x39 and 6.5 grendel option! That’s freakn awsome .

[@zebdeming]

Zastava, has always been killing it, LOVE my M92! Would buy this in a heartbeat if it came over here!

[@briankonreiharvey8105]

I asked Zastava on Reddit for a 6.5 Grendel offering - and they listened. Bravo guys! Bravo…

[@SS-tr5ru]

Zastava is probably my favorite company right now.

[@II-tv1fc]

I dunno if it was for real but I saw an image floating around from Reddit of Zastava customer service threatening to shoot the worket who scuffed up a customer's gun...top quality customer service if you ask me

[@SS-tr5ru]

@@II-tv1fc lmao

[@111rr5]

@@II-tv1fc 🤣

[@МаркоСтаменковић]

I moja od kad imamo Zastavu, bezbrižnije spavamo, napokon naoružani😜😂

[@sowhats.6100]

Huge fan of Zastava, they listen to their US customers and go out of their way to supply Americans with their firearms.... can't wait to get a hold of one in 5.45 myself and or 5.56. Great work Zastava, now get them over here please!

[@lmCIoudz]

You are never getting a Zastava firearm in 5.45

[@russiawilldestroynatoscum2315]

Your soldiers will feel Zastava's weapon, if they don't leave with Kosovo and Metohija soon!

[@WeAreSoBackBros]

@@russiawilldestroynatoscum2315 they aren’t our soldiers. The US military hasn’t cared about us since 1776.

[@ReaperLust]

Innovative design. Zastava just keeps getting better. I love that about them.

[@posmatracanonimni_com]

Ovo je "kruna" Zastavine proizvodnje. Zaista mislim, da je ovo najbolja konverzija AK ikada napravljena

[@Military23446]

Kruna tek stize. Zastavin 20 mm sniper

[@posmatracanonimni_com]

@@Military23446 uz dužno poštovanje od mene koji je, bez da se hvalim, koristio sve i svašta, to sa tim 20 mm je totalni promašaj. Predugačko da ti objašnjavam, al prati pa ćeš da vidiš. Pozdrav

[@nikoloff4834]

@@posmatracanonimni_com Ma brate pomlatiti hamere i takva safari vozila koje zapadnjaci doniraju komšijama a imaju ih masu to je prava stvar mnogo veći domet od zolje a probija ih za tu je svrhu i zamišljen da se ne koriste skupe vodjene rakete za oklopljene dzipove i kamione. Tu je i crna strela sada ide umesto nje za profesionalce crno koplje ali mnoga od ovih vozila imaju zaštitu 12.7 sa prijeda pa valja imati i veću antimaterijalnu snajpersku. E sad da li si ti mislio na tehnična rješenja tu ne mogu polemisati vidio sam je na Partneru i to je to ali zamisao je dobra i rekao bih potrebna za vojsku.

@@Military23446 ko će da vucara to čudo po bojištu. Sve što je preko 12.7mm treba da montira na vozilo i tako transportuje.

[@dacim930]

@ nego ko nego srbenda?

[@ujratii_vognemetnik]

I'm not a great expert in the field of weapons and their design, but I think this is a good example of how you can modernize the AK and solve some childhood diseases of this platform. Good job. I wish you only success

[@Dead_Again1313]

Growing pains

[@roughneckmp]

6.5 Grendel is a great long distance intermittent cartridge, it makes sense to have it as an option since the parent cartridge is 7.62x39. Hopefully we can get it stateside soon.

[@aaronthompson192]

Wish that ammo was cheaper.

[@bryanduchane2371]

@@aaronthompson192 Couldn't agree more. I was lucky enough to buy a few thousand rounds of these Wolf steel cased ammo before the Russian ban was even a thought. My Grendel AR shoots the Wolf slightly over 1.25MOA. By far the most accurate range ammo I've ever shot out of any platform. Haven't checked the prices the Wolf 6.5 Grendel is selling for now, but it's really good to ammo for the Grendel platform.

[@userJohnSmith]

Add 6ARC and you have all the best "civilian" intermediate cartridges. .223/5.56 just kind of sucks if volume of fire isn't a priority.

[@aaronthompson192]

@@bryanduchane2371 watched video again - guy at the end says it's actually 6.5x39. Not exactly Grendel but fits in AK mags. People over here would have to start making it.

[@vogonjelc]

@@aaronthompson192 it's Grendel but here all ammo is referenced by callibre and case length.

[@Brimwald]

now this is amazing. 6.5 Grendel makes a lot of sense in an AK platform, especially a modernized ak platform. Shooting cheap? Switch to 7.62x39. Shooting distance or hunting? Switch to 6.5 Grendel. No worries on bolt or extractor breakage like you have for a 6.5 Grendel AR either.

[@vanja2565]

It also makes alot of sense locally, Serbia is absolutely stacked with 7.62x39, they'll be firing those stocks for next 20 years. While practicing use 7.62, for actual combat switch to 6.5.

[@Brimwald]

@@vanja2565 plus doesnt 6.5 Grendel use the same brass as 7.62x39?

[@vanja2565]

@@Brimwald I think it does, we also have a huge ammo production here so PPU would not have any problem with making that en masse.

[@strider5964]

A tactical barrel change? Now I've seen everything!

[@thapopeofdope4204]

Have you not seen a aug before ?

[@jonathank7394]

There was a round being held by the extractor while he changed barrels. He didn't charge the weapon before he continued shooting. How cool is that?

[@omardevonlittle3817]

@@jonathank7394 everything about this gun fucks

[@hondasaurusrex6998]

But it can only be done while wearing Rhodesian army shorts!

[@Klyce]

Just wait for the tactical stock change!!

[@ke6533]

So cool. Thanks to James and the TFBtv crew for bringing us this information. I hope we can get these here in the States soon.

[@Medina1487]

Mind blown multiple times in the first 60 seconds!

[@JusticeFreedomDestin]

Definitely looks interesting. Would like to see a side charging handle and m-lok handguard but this might be something I’ll want when it comes around

[@willwrk4gunz]

Gali ace

[@chaoticdeertick7213]

yeah that AR style rear charger makes it look like one of those Afghani mutant specials.

[@hkfifty871]

Took the words right out of my mouth.

[@chuychubasquino2957]

Aftermarket will make you an Mlok when it gets here. Not to worry.

[@TheNocturnalEvil]

You can always buy a Robinson Armament XCR-L. Under the glitzy and modern exterior the XCR is basically an AK derivative.

[@mdog1615]

I appreciate how respectful James is in these interviews, no loud obnoxious talking and trying to prove who he is like a lot of guntubers seem to be.

[@jonathanbrown7250]

yeah, he seems to know the difference between f***g with viewers for mutual fun and dealing with people in person.

[@Someone7761]

I love the work Zastava is doing.

[@milosvojinovic5710]

Wow. This part of the video, with Ranko in car, Priceless!!

[@ImportedFromSerbia]

Yes, we can't wait for the gun to hit the US market. Definitely on the shopping list. Bravo Zastava.

[@luciankristov6436]

Zastav just makes the absolute best AK's hands down. Nothing better

[@jefferyboring4410]

Heavy and furniture doesn’t swap but good. best??? Who could say but I wouldn’t say Zastava. Bulged trunnion extra thick receiver just isn’t needed. It’s fine priced ok I’m glad their available.

[@ItsGavynftw]

Very smart for them to making it modern. Taking into consideration the need for optics and scopes for magnification and ballistics with the 6.5 is just way nicer. Overall super well done in my opinion.

[@stanislavt6376]

This concept and the rifle is testing over the 6 years.

[@mikeanderson4555]

Zastavas still making great weapons. 👍 Great work guys

[@hiddenloaf2302]

That barrel swap threw me through a bit of a loop. From the outside looking in it definitely looks like one of the better modernizations of the platform. But I also think a non-reciprocating ACR or HK style charging handle would be preferable over the AR style. Hopefully we can get them in the states relatively soon.

[@Brykk]

6.5 grendel is a wonderful cartridge. Ive been shooting it for years because it is such a good long range caliber. It is also very good out of a 10.5” barrel to longer ranges. And before the whole covid/biden debacle, ammo was cheap and plentiful.

[@stuartowens3506]

We could “wish list” this weapon to death, and here goes mine: a 20” barrel option for the Grendel version for an intermediate sniper purpose. I have loved Zastava firearms since I bought my first Yugo SKS…which I found superior to my original NORINCO. Zastava just does it well.

[@user-fd7tl4xg6y]

Fantastic, Zastava! Hope to see these sold in the US soon!

[@tomschonborg439]

Seriously. 6.5 Grendel is awesome. I have an AR chambered in 6.5 Grendel. It's everything the AR could've been originally. My daughter took a pronghorn with it two weeks ago. I would totally buy this new gun with both 7.62x39 and 6.5x39 barrels.

[@shanemartin2491]

The biggest advantage to having a barrel setup like that is the ease at which you can clean it better and easier.

[@Migwelp]

Refreshing. Love to see this from Zastava, I've wanted alternatives to a Galil for a while now.

[@cardboardkiller6883]

BEST AK EVER!!! I am an AR15OLIGIST and my 2 go to rounds are 6.5 Grendel & 300blk, which is virtually the same ballistics as 7.62x39. Those 2 rounds cover all the bases for assault rifles IMHO...

[@horiturk333]

6.5G is underrated big time

[@znutar]

I uses 6.5 Grendel a lot. Excellent cartridge. I use it for competitions where I need to make impacts past 400 yards easily and I can do that with an 11.5 barreled AR....light and great distance performance. 100 and 123 gr bullets easily outperform 77 gr 5.56

[@dragonusmc0311]

Quick question what kind of accuracy are you getting from your 11.5 barreled AR in 6.5 Grendel.

[@znutar]

@@dragonusmc0311 ~1.5 MOA with Hornady Black. About 2-2.5 MOA with Wolf steel case

[@dragonusmc0311]

@@znutar 👍Thanks.

[@chrisdarby2233]

I am immediately sold on the 39! This is awesome!

[@milutinke]

Got an opportunity to shoot one of the testing/prototype versions since I have a friend in the military who got it issued for testing, it was a blast. Although back then it was called M17 and had a longer barrel. Feels like FN SCAR and an AK had a baby.

[@hummerskickass]

The barrel change was weird, but the AR style charging handle nearly made me scream in terror, curiosity, confusion, and arousal all at the same time. I think I want one

[@hawk66100]

I lok it a lot!

[@inahurrytooften3121]

Yeah I saw that charging handle and my first instinct was I hate it, followed two seconds later with I love it.

[@Veldtian1]

@@inahurrytooften3121 I think that charging handle is a good idea cos it's easier engineering wise. No messing around with machines slots in the receiver or front handguard ect.

[@andrew2353]

​@@Veldtian1 Also the design is inherently sealed from dirt and debris, no need for complex moving dust covers.

[@gazibengazi]

In the future, the charging handle will be on the left. This gun is prototype, and Serbian army don't want AR type charging handle.

[@donald2665]

I really like the Serbian Zastava Rifles and have an even hand full so far. This new variant sure has my attention.

[@privatesocialhandle]

This rifle has so much potential. I understand why they decided to go with an AR-style charging handle (From reliability perspective as this doesn't leave much opening for dirt to come through the slot where the handle is going to travel) but I hope in the future they can workout a side traveling charging handle without the reliability concerns. All and all, this has huge operational potential that normal people don't even comprehend regarding the caliber flexibility during war time. Especially for countries that may struggle with resources such as East European countries.

[@stara_garda_3]

I think that the point of the AR charging handle was ambidexterous handling as well.

[@randomactsofriding4850]

A couple years!? I want one now 😢! I do wish there was still a side charging option

[@Noble713]

Awesome firearm, and great access James! I'd love to see these proliferate globally. The barrel change caught me by surprise.

[@arjones2330]

What an awesome experience that must have been! Beautiful rifle!

[@badcompany6498]

that rifle design will change the market. awesome review.

[@joe-redacted]

Wow, I didn't know how much I needed this! From rifle to pistol in seconds! "ATF confusion ensues"

[@warbuzzard7167]

ATF autistic screeching

[@vanja2565]

You can keep the 10"5 barrel under the couch and switch it out when ATF isn't looking.

[@Quality_Guru]

It's great to see new innovations on existing firearm platforms. First it was the Zastava M90 in 5.56mm and now this SCAR looking AK 47 rifle. One upgrade that I would have like to seen is an adjustable gas system since most AKs are over gassed. Looks like a very interesting platform, but having to wait 2 years for availability puts it in a "forget about it" category.

[@nikolapetrovic4814]

Unfortunately nothing can be done about it. In Serbia everything moves slowly. We as a people don't like to rush anything.

[@johnnywiningham7300]

Wow, great episode, loved the new info on the M19, can't wait to see them stateside.

[@DrakeWind]

James you are so lucky. That rifle is badass and Ranko seems like an awesome friend to have.

[@gutblaster187]

These interviews James gets are phenomenal.

[@MichaelStroup]

As a huge 6.5 grendel lover, I really hope we get this with 6.5 grendel barrels!! Always need more options! An maybe it is just wishful thinking, but i really hope it doesn't have keymod and a potentially longer handguard. I would even settle for a picatinny rail version. Would be perfect for keeping lasers zeroed for night vision if you don't put it on top.

[@Enjoyer.762]

Agreed. 6.5 Grendel AR15 sucks because they break bolts. 6.5 Grendel AK is the way.

[@cowslayer2926]

Zastava been doing some really good things lately, love to see it

[@mihailoaleksic2013]

Respect for going to Serbia to do the video !

[@EasyBTactical]

Thanks James, once again. Early announcement. Getting us excited... now the wait. Nice coverage. I dig the M car.

[@Cristopher1976]

Very cool. I'm with a lot of other people wondering about that charging handle. I will be curious to see long term use results.

[@StefanBlagojevic]

There has been an update in the design of the Zastava M19 (new video, Year of our Lord 02.10.2023.) shows the "AR style" charging handle was removed. It was a recorded at "PARTNER 2023 MILITARY EXPO" held in Belgrade - Serbia, where a new model with a charging handle integrated above the forward grip, adjustable for lefties and vice versa.

[@ivanthemadvandal8435]

Not finding it, you have a link per chance?

[@DreadForce83]

@@ivanthemadvandal8435 Bro just type online, he gave you all the keywords in his comment.

[@DoIoannToKnow]

thank God. I cannot stand the ar-15 charging handle, it makes no sense

[@vuglavugla]

Respect for manufacturers, that's the way, guys.

[@stanley1554]

0:58 Super aggressive and well done, Slav squat !! 👍👍butt all kidding aside, thank you for spending the time to travel to Zastava (which i believe in Novi Sad, Serbia) ..which is a beautiful city. I hope the Serbian people showed you the hospitality we are famous for and that you had a wonderful time speaking with the nice people over at Zastava and in Novi Sad. I always especially enjoy watching your videos that take us to Zastava's proving grounds/R&D Facility !! Love your work brother, keep it coming!

[@sevasthvostanski5588]

not in Novi Sad, the Zastava is located in the province of Shumadija in the town of Kragujevac

[@washingtoncommandcenter5541]

M.A.C. is gonna geek out over this rifle, 6.5 Grendel, Quality modernized Ak platform, and newly adopted. I can't wait until we get this.

[@charlesgillette2925]

Outstanding information Thanks for making the video.

[@jasonvorhees3637]

Zastava moving forward,to be honest I never saw any gun to change caliber in literally 30 seconds,I am from Serbia,I personally tested the gun,it works perfectly with literally any 7.62 x 39 magazine,it has amazing mechanism to it,6.5 caliber is smaller brother of 7.62 but it's way faster bullet,for now,5.56 it's what our army working on,soon they should finish prototype, people from USA will love this gun to pieces, it's amazing design,plus it's way lighter in weight than any m70.

[@slobodanstojanovic8125]

Vidim ovde puno njih komentariše da sumnjaju u preciznost puške pri promeni cevi jer im deluje klimavo,kakvo je tvoje mišljenje?

[@jasonvorhees3637]

@@slobodanstojanovic8125 Ovako,puska sama po sebi ne trese uopste,samo sto je recoil jaci kad promenis kalibar,sto je normalno,zrno je vece I snaznije,puska je kompletno stabilna, jednostavno Ameri su navikli na 5.56,ova puska je vrhunski dizajn,nema nikakvih zazora niti lufta,samo sto je jaci recoil,pa Im se mozda to cini,mi smo bukvalno stavljali tanak koncic da vidimo kad pucas Rafal da li ce puska pocepati Taj tanak koncic,nije ga pipnula,puska je savrseno stabilna.

[@slobodanstojanovic8125]

@@jasonvorhees3637 Extra druže hvala na objašnjenju,mislim da ce puška biti hit i to za možda za neke vojske po svetu a i za civilno tržište

[@jasonvorhees3637]

@@slobodanstojanovic8125 Tesko da ce ikada biti prodavana civilima igde u Evropi,zbog toga sto su ponegde u Evropi dozvoljen samo kalibar 5.56,ova puska je full custom,morace njihove drzave da menjaju zakone,u Americi je vec u prodaji,neke njihove vojne jedinice je testiraju da Im bude sluzbeno oruzje, nazalost u Evropi ce biti jako tesko kupiti je.

[@crazykyy]

Now THAT is a rifle that I could get excited about. In principle, I do like the 6.5 grendel round, but availability is still iffy in a lot of places. I do hope that changes. Been wanting to do a caliber change on an old AR I have from 556 to 6.5 grendel. Did I hear the weight right? 3.5 kgs? Not too bad...

[@stanviers8792]

The cheap wolf grendel does not shoot as tight as the Hornady black ( in my a.r.) but it's not that hard to find, the Hornady I have NEVER SEEN..

[@jjjr.1186]

Sellior and Bellot. Ppu. Wolf. Federal. Remington. Hornady. Barnaul. Barnes. Fort Scots. Nosler. Lapua. And more make 6.5 over 100 large and small ammo companies make Grendel ammo. It's been around 20 years. It's not going anywhere.and u can find it in any area. It has to much of a following to go away. If I was u I'd buy one.

[@joehodge6136]

The intro theme music is cool. Really makes it complete.

[@theangrychicken5026]

Now thats a really interesting gun which i did really want to see a review of, good job getting one for the video, and thank you for the effort of showing this piece 👌

[@andresmonagas7662]

Now not only I have to reload my mags, but also the barrel. I love it

[@wyndsock1209]

Dammit Jim! Making those slowmo shots look good 👍

[@chimenjoyer5003]

Man, that translator lady did a wonderful job translating!

[@a.m.5581]

Ive been hunting for a review for years now, youre the first ive seen, dope vid

[@Автоканал_Лихтенберга]

The best of the best ak mods I ever seen. Barrel change like in PKM !!!

[@CarlosGarcía-b9u]

A mix between scar and kalashnikov, it's beautiful

[@somelettersnumbers]

was not expecting the barrel to come out like that lmao thats insane

[@alecubudulecu]

Wow. That’s pretty awesome. The barrel swap. So cool

[@KrokLP]

Wow you can really hear in James' voice that just before the interview it was revealed to him that he was not taken to a new secret B&T factory in Serbia and that it is in fact a Zastava product he will be shown

[@brianhoxworth3881]

You should feel honored being the first American to fire that rifle. That thing is amazing.

[@이동연-c6d]

We need to must test this brand new AK rifle.

[@xenomorph999]

I love Serbia! Lots of world-class muff over there

[@zombieslayer7759]

Oh, my gosh. I really want one of these now.

[@mascasa7502]

Very cool. Looking forward to this arriving in the USA. As always, nice shorts, James.

[@rhandley1000]

An AK in 6.5 Grendel is great, I have a one. But to have one in 300 blackout would be fantastic.

[@MrBattlestorm]

Mind blown! Nice and looking forward to it.