Another Zastava bolt action

[sestoppelman]

In my continuing search for a good shooting .270 Winchester, I snagged this recently on Gunbroker. As title says, a Zastava M70 as they call it, just the latest version of the Mark X Mauser of days gone by.
Stock design is not my favorite however it fits well and points well, the comb high enough to align with the scope without need of any kind of riser or neck stretcher.
Website says it will hold 5 down +1 and so it does, feeds them too though the top round needs just a hint of persuasion to get started, like an old mans bladder I guess. Not that I would know!
The alleged "checkering" appears to be pressed and not cut by any means, but thats trivial, as it does offer some grip enhancement.

One thing of interest on this rifle that I have not seen before, the 2 position safety unlike all others I have owned on various Mark X's and Whitworths, doesnt lock the bolt while on safe!
So in a sense you have a Winchester 3 position safety in 2 steps. Now whether this was intended or not I dont know but the trigger cannot be pulled while on safe and bolt allows unloading on safe should the floorplate not work for some odd reason, unlikely of course.
It has the later side push button for floor plate release which while not classic is actually a better system as there is much less danger of inadvertently pushing the button inside the trigger-guard bow and dumping all your rounds into your pant cuffs at an inopportune moment.
If it shows promise I will rub a few coats of tung oil into the dry looking, oil finish present.
The Meo scope didnt come with it, nor the mounts. Hope to test it out this week.

 

[Tam Dl]

If the checkering bugs you at all, you can freshen it up with checkering files. It is relatively trivial to do when the pattern is already establsiked. Also a good time to do a proper tung oil, or true oil finish. Though the latter is something to start early in the off season. That way all the drying time won't interfere with your activities.

If the first cartridge is hard to shift, that is the one you will most likely have need of. So I would not fill the mag all the way. You could look at surfaces that might benefit fit a little metal smoothing, without changing anything.

 

[sestoppelman]

The alleged checkering doesnt bother me at all.

Agree on mag filling, however its doubtful I ever take to the woods with this rifle, just something to mess around with.

 

[Tam Dl]

Cool, though I don't know why you would want to fight it, all the more, if you don't even need the extra shot, as one would not on the range. I mean, one could need it...

I have a stainless Z in 9.3x62, and it is like shoving a brush down a really clogged chimney, to get the first round in the chamber. So I may be projecting...

Actually better example. Our local supermarket has a new loss prevention scheme where you are charging out of the store with your paid cart of groceries, and all of a sudden the wheels lock up. No good reason, just spite. That is what shifting my first cartridge is like. And it is weird because both our cartridges are right in the sweet spot for this action, if it has one.

 

[CoElkHunter]

Nice! Hard to beat the Zastava for the price point.

 

[mark-hunter]

Nice! Hard to beat the Zastava for the price point.

Zastava is govt company, remaining since socialist times.

Contract for export to US signed at 350 usd per deer bolt action rifle, retail price.
Raw materials skyrocketed in price after..
Multy million dollars debt occurred, in last 2 yrs

Temporary, production stopped. Workers not getting paid. Director and full management board sacked.
Most probably govt will cover their losses, to keep them in operation.

But until production is resumed, better to buy whatever is left on USA stock.
I doubt that next import will be on 350 usd per rifle on the shelf.

 

[cash_tx]

Neat rifle and fun project! It looks very similar in form and function as my Remington 798; which as you may know were barreled actions made by Zastava for Remington in the mid-late 2000's, and then stocked and made available for sale in the U.S. My 798 has the same two-position safety (allowing bolt opening while on Safe), as well as the side push button floorplate release. Mine is chambered in 243 Winchester and is a pretty reliable 3/4 MOA gun. I have a handful of these Zastava/Interarms/Whitworth/Remingtons ranging in age from 1972 to ~2008, and it is interesting to see the subtle variations between them over the years; but all are essentially the same Mauser 98 style of rifle.

 

[sestoppelman]

Neat rifle and fun project! It looks very similar in form and function as my Remington 798; which as you may know were barreled actions made by Zastava for Remington in the mid-late 2000's, and then stocked and made available for sale in the U.S. My 798 has the same two-position safety (allowing bolt opening while on Safe), as well as the side push button floorplate release. Mine is chambered in 243 Winchester and is a pretty reliable 3/4 MOA gun. I have a handful of these Zastava/Interarms/Whitworth/Remingtons ranging in age from 1972 to ~2008, and it is interesting to see the subtle variations between them over the years; but all are essentially the same Mauser 98 style of rifle.

Yes, they are usually very good rifles. I have an '84 vintage Whitworth in .375 that has always worked perfect and shot well, been to Africa 3 times. I took one of these M70 Euro import rifles in 8x57 and had the chamber run out to 8x64 and its an excellent rifle.
Also have a first year Whitworth in .458 that I picked up a couple years ago, the stock was all busted up inside so it required some repairs, and it had an ejection issue that required an intervention from a gunsmith, but works now.

This new one has a very smooth action already, and since I likely will never take it hunting I dont care about getting all five in the mag.

 

[cash_tx]

Yes, they are usually very good rifles. I have an '84 vintage Whitworth in .375 that has always worked perfect and shot well, been to Africa 3 times. I took one of these M70 Euro import rifles in 8x57 and had the chamber run out to 8x64 and its an excellent rifle.
Also have a first year Whitworth in .458 that I picked up a couple years ago, the stock was all busted up inside so it required some repairs, and it had an ejection issue that required an intervention from a gunsmith, but works now.

This new one has a very smooth action already, and since I likely will never take it hunting I dont care about getting all five in the mag.

Very nice. I actually have a mid-80's Whitworth Express in .375 as well (I think the date code on the receiver is 1985, if memory serves). I think my late father picked it up sometime in the late 90's, and is one of my favorite rifles in the collection. Hasn't been to Africa yet (and neither have I), but hopefully sometime sooner rather than later.

 

[sestoppelman]

Looks like a pad got added, otherwise looks just like my '83 vintage. I paid just under $500 for mine NIB in 1984, then took it to Tanzania in late '85. My avatar pic shows it with my Okavango buffalo in 1990.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

The alleged checkering doesnt bother me at all.

Agree on mag filling, however its doubtful I ever take to the woods with this rifle, just something to mess around with.

@sestoppelman
Love the Zastavas but hate that stupid roll over comb. When the stock is refinished they look a lot nicer. They then look like they are finished. Try Linspeed for a stock finish. Looks amazing with a hand rubbed oil finish.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Yes, they are usually very good rifles. I have an '84 vintage Whitworth in .375 that has always worked perfect and shot well, been to Africa 3 times. I took one of these M70 Euro import rifles in 8x57 and had the chamber run out to 8x64 and its an excellent rifle.
Also have a first year Whitworth in .458 that I picked up a couple years ago, the stock was all busted up inside so it required some repairs, and it had an ejection issue that required an intervention from a gunsmith, but works now.

This new one has a very smooth action already, and since I likely will never take it hunting I dont care about getting all five in the mag.

@sestoppelman
I can understand you not taking it hunting. Who wants to use that useless 270 cartridge to hunt with anyway.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Bob

 

[sestoppelman]

@sestoppelman
Love the Zastavas but hate that stupid roll over comb. When the stock is refinished they look a lot nicer. They then look like they are finished. Try Linspeed for a stock finish. Looks amazing with a hand rubbed oil finish.
Bob

I agree on the roll over, never had one till now, dont like it either but for now it will stay.
If I grind it off, I will have to do a complete refinish and most I want to do anytime soon is a couple coats of tung oil.

 

[Flewis]

Have owned a few and own 2 now. The last one a 798. Both are good shooters.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I put the levers for QD rings on the bolt handle side of rifle. Point the leavers up and in towards the windage turret and they don't interfere with loading and are somewhat protected by turret. When mounted on the other side the levers get caught in clothing when the rifle is slung on shoulder.

 

[sestoppelman]

I tend to nick my knuckles if the "leavers" are on the right, on the left I dont have issues.

I got to shoot this today and for a first shoot I was quite pleased. Using a classic load of 130 gr Hornady Spires and H4831 it wants to shoot.
I didnt finish the box due to time constraints, but did manage a couple of MOA groups, not bad for a new barrel, or new looking anyway.
Was actually having more fun with my Winchester M1 Garand.