Yugoslavia’s (Serbia) Zastava has announced that they will no longer be making their series of AK pattern rifles and pistols (M85 PAP NP, M90 rifle) in 5.56/.223 Rem. Company officials say they have no timeline for future production of those items. There have been few complaints that I have heard about either as they seem rock solid with adapted magwell to accept AR-15 magazines and a number of SOTs use the M85 in particular for the basis of SBR builds so word on the street is they were just a limited run of niche guns.
These started to be imported in late 2013 and Century has about 1,500 left. After those are gone there apparently will be no more.
I picked up a M85NP AK PAP Pattern Pistol, Krinkov style, chambered for 5.56×45, a while back whose serial number range place it in the first 100 rifles built. After about 1,500 rounds I have had little to complain about.
Isn’t she pretty? For a Serbian girl anyway.
It has a 10.25 inch barrel (1:7 twist), hard nickel moly steel bolt and carrier, and 21.5 inch overall length. I really dig the standard hinged top receiver cover with krink pattern flip up white sights and removable muzzle brake (26×1.5 LH thread). With a sling attached and used properly, this NFA-compliant pistol will go 100 yards all day and makes a great Jeep gun.
And it seems now it is a good collectable and future curio. Plus as I mentioned they make great builds for SBRs.
So yeah, I’m pretty sure I am going to turn in a form on this bad boy. The only thing I don’t like is that it has a gritty trigger, but that’s what’s you get on a Serbian made AK (PAP) triggers. Maybe I will trade it out for a ALG Defense AK Trigger (AKT) to go along with my folder on the SBR build.
Stay tuned.
And ever since coming to the Keys I have had a thing for hibiscus. It’s a sickness.
