[SHOT 2026] Zastava M84 Machine Gun Cometh!
Got Light Machine Gun? If you’re like 99.9999 percent of the world, your answer to that question is: “No.” But if you’ve got the cash to play, you might be able to change that answer soon, thanks to a new import from Zastava. There’s only one problem: The M84 that Zastava is looking to bring stateside will be converted to semi-auto.
Zastava’s offerings @ TFB:
- Zastava's New 6.5x39 LMG Prototype
- The New Zastava .338 Norma Magnum Machine Gun
- [Partner 2025] Zastava Arms Showcases New Sniper Rifle In .338LM
- [SHOT 2024] Zastava M70 Underfolder Is Here
From Russia, with design changes
The Zastava M84 machine gun is like many things in Yugoslavia during the Cold War: They took an idea from the Russians and updated it. They did it with guns, they did it with political systems. This was originally designed by the Russians as the PKM, chambered in 7.62x54R.
It’s a very well-respected machine gun—so much so that James Reeves put together the following video on the original M84 below.
That’s the same gun that Zastava wants to bring Stateside—uh, sort of.
Ch-ch-changes
Just like the Yugoslavians changed the Russian design slightly, so Zastava will have to change the design to bring it into the U.S., with one major update: They will convert it to semi-auto to bring it in, to satisfy the party poopers at the ATF.
There will be other, smaller changes; they’ll have to change the stock and ditch the bipod and muzzle device as well, so as not to run afoul of dreaded anti-assault weapon laws.
But still! Zastava is talking about bringing the M84 into the U.S. at a price lower than what you’d pay for a BAR; I heard numbers in the $6,000 range being muttered around the booth, but nothing is set in stone while the gun is still under examination by the feds.
Solution for the poors
So what if you’re underfunded at the moment and don’t have six grand for a new M84 (and you couldn’t afford to feed it endless supplies of belted ammo, either)?
Zastava has another solution for you, much more affordable. They’re also bringing in remanufactured Yugoslavian police surplus Tokarevs. These were taken back to the arsenal and reblued; they’re not new, but they’re in excellent condition. They retain the Yugoslavian police crest on top of the barrel, and true to their original design, they have half-cock and trigger safeties but nothing else. They will come Stateside with two mags and a leather holster they were originally issued with, at a price around $420.
Professional hoser with fudd-ish leanings.
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Not sure, but wouldn't they also have to redesign operation to not fire from the open bolt?
The Police M57 is a pretty darned accurate little piece. Course of Fire from the manual shows the shooter starting at 80 metres !
For the serious masochist the Zastava P10 in 10 auto, on a similar sized frame, is a great option.....