Zastava M59/66

< Zastava M59
Zastava M59/66 PAP
Zastava M59/66A1
TypeSemi-automatic rifle
Place of originYugoslavia
Service history
In service1961–present
Used bySee Users
WarsSee Conflicts
Production history
DesignerMilan Ćirić (M59)
Božidar Blagojević, Miloš Ostojić, and Milan Vasiljević (M59/66)
Designed1957–1959
Produced1961–1986
No. built234,060
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass4.1 kg (9.0 lb)
Length1.12 m (44 in) (with bayonet folded)
Barrel length550 mm (22 in)

Cartridge7.62×39mm
ActionGas-operated (tilting bolt)
Rate of fire35–40 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity735 m/s (2,410 ft/s)
Effective firing range500 m (550 yd)
Feed system10-round fixed magazine fed by stripper clip
SightsIron sights graduated from 100 to 1,000 meters

The Zastava M59/66 PAP is a Yugoslavian licensed derivative of the Soviet SKS semi-automatic rifle. In Yugoslavia, it received the popular nickname "papovka" derived from PAP, the abbreviation for poluautomatska puška, or Serbo-Croatian for "semi-automatic rifle". The M59/66 functions identically to the SKS, but has a permanently attached grenade launcher spigot that also serves as a muzzle brake. The weapon was also produced with a folding grenade launcher sight which is normally folded flat behind the front sight.