Yugoslav M70A: The AK With a Real Magazine Holdopen

Published on September 26, 2022
Duration: 14:39

The Yugoslav M70A is a unique AK variant featuring a rare last-round bolt hold-open mechanism, uncommon for the platform. This feature, along with its milled receiver and grenade launcher capabilities, sets it apart from standard AKs. Early Yugoslav AK development, including the M64 and M70 series, shows significant divergence from Russian designs, with the M70A's hold-open being a notable innovation that was later removed for compatibility.

Quick Summary

The Yugoslav M70A is a distinctive AK variant featuring a rare last-round bolt hold-open mechanism, uncommon on other AK platforms. This feature, along with its milled receiver and gas cutoff for grenade launching, sets it apart from standard designs.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Shooting Demo
  2. 00:22History of Yugoslav AK Development
  3. 01:57The Bolt Hold-Open Feature Explained
  4. 03:05Receiver and Markings Analysis
  5. 04:10Front End & Gas System (Grenade Launcher)
  6. 05:00Magazine Variations Comparison
  7. 06:51Internal Mechanism & Hold-Open Lever
  8. 10:50Slovenian Army Deployment Kit Showcase
  9. 12:00Conclusion & Phase-out History

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Yugoslav M70A rifle unique compared to other AKs?

The Yugoslav M70A stands out due to its functional last-round bolt hold-open mechanism, a feature rarely found on standard AK-pattern rifles. It also features a milled receiver with distinctive 'lightning scallops' and a gas cutoff for grenade launching.

How does the M70A's bolt hold-open feature work?

The M70A's bolt hold-open is activated by a tab on the follower of specific M70A magazines. When the last round is fired, this tab engages a lever inside the receiver, holding the bolt open until manually released.

Why was the bolt hold-open feature removed from later Yugoslav AK models like the M70B?

The bolt hold-open was removed from the M70B series to ensure full compatibility with standard Warsaw Pact AK magazines. This standardization made the rifle more interoperable within the Eastern Bloc military alliance.

What are the key historical differences in Yugoslav AK development?

Yugoslavia's AK program, starting with the M64, introduced significant deviations from Soviet designs, including aperture sights, different handguards, and eventually the unique bolt hold-open mechanism found on the M70A.

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