TheTabuk AK47: When Zastavas were made in Iraq...

Published on April 12, 2026
Duration: 19:51

This video provides an in-depth review of an Iraqi Tabuk rifle, a Yugo M70 pattern AK variant. The presenter details its history, production in Iraq based on Yugoslavian designs, and its rarity. Key features like the original barrel, numbers-matching components, and unique engravings are highlighted, along with a comparison to the Yugo M70 and a shooting demonstration.

Quick Summary

The Iraqi Tabuk rifle is a Yugo M70 pattern AK produced in Iraq after purchasing a 'data package' from Yugoslavia in the late 1970s. These rifles are rare, often featuring original barrels and unique engravings, and share many operational similarities with the Yugo M70, making them essentially an 'Iraqi M70'.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Initial Impressions
  2. 00:36Identifying the Iraqi Tabuk
  3. 01:36Tabuk vs. Yugo Pattern AK
  4. 01:59Shoutout: Will Scary YouTube Channel
  5. 03:01History of the Tabuk Production
  6. 05:19Yugo Pattern Press Check Feature
  7. 06:29Specific Kit Details & Rarity
  8. 07:08Numbers Matching & Original Barrel
  9. 08:06Likely Origin: Lebanon
  10. 08:27Front End Features & Threading
  11. 09:05Unique Gas Block Design
  12. 09:16Handguards & Wood Grain
  13. 09:39Engravings: Pyramid, Lion, Arabic Script
  14. 10:00American Script Engraving
  15. 10:23Trigger & Muzzle Device
  16. 10:57Receiver Details & Markings
  17. 11:16Receiver Distressing
  18. 11:47Grip & Stock Comparison
  19. 12:11Nerd Level Detail: Spot Welds
  20. 13:26Leftover Tape & Stock Grain
  21. 13:57Magazine & Shooting Impression
  22. 14:37Shooting Performance
  23. 14:40Tabuk vs. Yugo M70 Side-by-Side
  24. 14:51Front Sight & Sights Comparison
  25. 15:07Gas Block & Sling Loop Comparison
  26. 15:20Gas Tube & Handguard Comparison
  27. 15:32Sight Block & Receiver Bulges
  28. 15:45Rivets & Dimples Comparison
  29. 15:55Stock & Trunnion Differences
  30. 16:20Grips, Trigger Guards, Mag Release
  31. 16:36Overall Similarity Conclusion
  32. 16:43Yugoslavian Influence Recap
  33. 16:47Tabuk vs. Yugo M70: The Verdict
  34. 17:07Feeling an M70 vs. a Tabuk
  35. 18:01Shooting Demonstration
  36. 18:03Tabuk as 'Yugo M70 with Extra Steps'
  37. 18:16Tabuk Variants Recap
  38. 18:23Aesthetic Appeal
  39. 18:37Thanks to Will & AK John
  40. 18:45Viewer Engagement: Which AK to Send?
  41. 19:01Viewer Learning & Future Content
  42. 19:11Borrowing Rare AKs
  43. 19:18Final Thoughts & Shooting Experience
  44. 19:26Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Iraqi Tabuk rifle?

An Iraqi Tabuk is a rifle produced in Iraq based on a Yugoslavian M70 design. Iraq purchased a 'data package' from Yugoslavia in the late 1970s to establish its own AK production, leading to the Tabuk, which shares many characteristics with the Yugo M70.

Why are Iraqi Tabuk rifles considered rare?

Iraqi Tabuk rifles are rare due to their limited production and the fact that many were imported as kits. Original barrel kits, like the one featured, are particularly uncommon, and these rifles were often sold to other countries like Lebanon, further reducing their availability.

What are the key differences between an Iraqi Tabuk and a Yugo M70?

While very similar, the Iraqi Tabuk has a distinct gas block design compared to the Yugo M70. Additionally, full-length underfolder Tabuk versions are not believed to exist, unlike the M70. The Tabuk also features unique engravings on its sight block.

What is the significance of the spot welds on an Iraqi Tabuk receiver?

A notable detail on Iraqi Tabuks is the presence of intentionally 'sloppy' looking spot welds on the receiver where it attaches to the trunnion, in addition to the standard rivets. This specific manufacturing characteristic was replicated on this build for authenticity.

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