[Partner 2025] Zastava M24, Modular Assault Rifle in 5.56x45
Recently, fellow TFB writer Lynndon Schooler and I had the opportunity to visit the Zastava factory in Kragujevac to see their latest weapons and explore their vast collection of historical firearms.
The modular M19/M20 rifle was the highlight of the trip. The design allows the shooter to change caliber within mere seconds without any tools. The barrel attachment mechanism is simple and effective, which will be appreciated by those who were unfortunate enough to change a barrel on a standard AK.
You can read more about it in the recent article by Lynndon Schooler. But apparently, there is more - at the “Partner” defense exhibition in Belgrade, Zastava Arms presented a new version of the rifle chambered for 5.56x45.
The ergonomics of M24 are deliberately designed to be as close to AR-15 as possible. There is an ambidextrous mag release and an ambidextrous safety/selector lever. On the left side of the receiver, there is a familiar paddle of a bolt catch, well known to anyone who has used an AR-15.
The charging handle on the M24 is different - it is located on the handguard, and can be installed on the right or the left side, depending on the shooter’s preference and accessories installed on either side of the handguard. The buttstock is adjustable, with a cheek riser, and folds to the right side.
Just like with other rifles of this series, the barrel on an M24 can be quickly replaced. At the expo, the rifle was presented with two barrels: 375mm (14.7 inches) and 290mm (11.4 inches).
Currently, many units in the Serbian army use various weapons chambered for 5.56x45mm: G36, HK 416, FN SCAR, Zastava M21. M24 offers the MoD a modern, domestically made alternative that, over time, can potentially replace imported service rifles.
Vladimir Onokoy is a small arms subject matter expert and firearms instructor. Over the years he worked in 20 different countries as a security contractor, armorer, firearms industry sales representative, product manager, and consultant. His articles were published in the Recoil magazine, Small Arms Review, Small Arms Defence Journal, Overt Defense and Silah Report. He also contributed chapters to books from the "Vickers Guide: Kalashnikov" series. Email: machaksilver at gmail dot com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vladonokoy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/machaksilver
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beautifully done design, I hope they offer a .300 blackout barrel for the .223
version, presumably theres gonna be a 7.62 x 39 also, here a 6.5 grendel option and even a 9x 39 option , would be possible .
I myself for a short barrel a heavier bullet is better suited for those close in
tasks, more throw weight puts more energy onto a target .
Now this design in .308 , that'd be a honey which means it could quick change
to this new 8.6 x 43 subsonic or even 7.62 x 54R if there was demand .
The SCAR inspired stock looks clunkly , I think a M4 type stock with a adjustable
cheek peice would've been better. and look more ergonomic also.
Is the magwell/trigger guard add-on made out of polymer or something else ? Judging by the specs on Zastava's website it seems to add 200 grams to the M19 design, and that's with a 4cm shorter barrel.