Zastava M83 357 Magnum Surplus Revolver Review

Published on August 27, 2025
Duration: 25:49

This review of the Zastava M83 .357 Magnum revolver highlights its European origin, solid all-steel construction, and value as a surplus or police trade-in firearm. The video details its dual-action trigger, accuracy, comfortable grips, and availability in 4-inch and 2-inch barrel lengths, making it a versatile option for collectors and shooters alike. The presenter emphasizes its reliability and the surprising accuracy achieved during testing.

Quick Summary

The Zastava M83 is a .357 Magnum revolver, often found as surplus or police trade-in, manufactured in Serbia. It features a solid all-steel construction, available in 4-inch and 2-inch barrel lengths, and is capable of firing both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. The revolver has a heavy double-action trigger pull but a crisp single-action pull, and is noted for its surprising accuracy and comfortable grips.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Zastava M83
  2. 01:07Zastava's History and M83 Overview
  3. 01:44Surplus and Trade-In Availability
  4. 02:26M83/M1983 .357 Magnum Revolver
  5. 03:14European Revolver Anomaly
  6. 03:42Barrel Length Options (4-inch & 2-inch)
  7. 04:05Six-Round Cylinder and Reliability
  8. 04:14.357 Magnum Power and Versatility
  9. 04:25.38 Special Ammunition Benefits
  10. 04:37Shot Shells in Revolvers
  11. 04:59Ammunition Choices and Barrel Lengths
  12. 05:16Shooting Experience and Recoil
  13. 05:29Grip Comfort and Design
  14. 05:40Grip Compatibility and Availability
  15. 06:24Holster Fit and Side Plate Screws
  16. 06:48Internal Mechanics: Coil Spring, Floating Firing Pin
  17. 07:08Chrome Plated Hammer and Trigger
  18. 07:20Vent Rib and Under Lug Design
  19. 07:40Protected Ejector Rod and Recessed Cylinder
  20. 08:07Serrations and Glare Reduction
  21. 08:11Front and Rear Sight Details
  22. 08:28Accuracy Performance
  23. 08:35Barrel Weight and Heft
  24. 08:40Cylinder Lock-Up and Fluting
  25. 08:50Cylinder Release and Overall Aesthetics
  26. 09:04Trigger Guard and Grip Straps
  27. 09:172-inch Model Comparison
  28. 09:38Surplus Firearm Condition
  29. 09:49Finish Options (Blue, Nickel)
  30. 10:06Grip Variations and Availability
  31. 10:16Condition of Sample Firearms
  32. 10:42Internal Mechanics Discussion (Referenced Video)
  33. 11:03Unusual Screws and Vent Rib Aesthetics
  34. 11:08Quality and Workmanship
  35. 11:15Grip Fit and Combat Sights
  36. 11:33Trigger Pull Analysis (Double/Single Action)
  37. 11:55Trigger Pull Weight Measurement
  38. 12:57Model and Year Markings (M83, SL93)
  39. 13:07Military Proof Marks and Police Trade-ins
  40. 13:12Caliber and Manufacturer Markings
  41. 13:312-inch Model Markings
  42. 13:39Speedloader Compatibility (HKS #10)
  43. 13:46Speedloader Fit with Kimber K6s
  44. 14:02Speedloader Interaction with Cylinder
  45. 14:12Speed Strip Reloading Method
  46. 14:23Revolver Reloading Speed
  47. 14:29Shooting Test: .38 Special and .357 Magnum
  48. 14:36Ammunition Sponsor: Fiocchi
  49. 14:59Review Summary: European Revolver Value
  50. 15:11Surplus and Trade-In Market
  51. 15:22AIM Surplus Samples
  52. 15:274-inch and 2-inch Models
  53. 15:33Tabletop Features Recap
  54. 15:37Double-Action Trigger Weight
  55. 15:42Shooting .357 Magnum (4-inch)
  56. 16:00Target Acquisition with Trigger Break
  57. 16:06Grip Comfort with .357 Magnum
  58. 16:20Mag Latch Catch and Cylinder Drop
  59. 16:284-inch Barrel and Vent Rib Aesthetics
  60. 16:39Design Differentiation from Smith & Wesson
  61. 16:442-inch Model Comparison (Velocity, Sight Radius)
  62. 16:55Shooting .38 Special (2-inch) Single Action
  63. 17:14Single-Action Trigger Performance
  64. 17:20Sight Visibility and Combat Sights
  65. 17:31Serrations on Top Strap
  66. 17:37Chrome Plated Hammer and Trigger
  67. 17:42Shootability with .357 Magnum
  68. 17:50Overall Impression: Top-Notch Revolvers
  69. 17:58Accuracy Test Results (Single/Double Action)
  70. 18:16Satisfaction with Trigger Performance
  71. 18:21Cleaning and Disassembly (Side Plate)
  72. 18:32Cleaning Rod Technique
  73. 18:37Bore Snake Usage
  74. 18:42Cleaning Rod Trick for Firing Pin Area
  75. 18:54Vise Cleaning Method
  76. 19:05Forcing Cone Maintenance
  77. 19:11Debris Buildup and Cylinder Face Cleaning
  78. 19:17Ejector Rod Maintenance
  79. 19:29Revolver Simplicity and Maintenance
  80. 19:36Blued Finish and Corrosion Susceptibility
  81. 19:58Firearm Maintenance Importance
  82. 20:03Cleaning Equipment Sponsor: Otus Technologies
  83. 20:31Price Point: $329.95 (4-inch), $349 (2-inch)
  84. 20:45Overall Value and Experience
  85. 20:51Pros and Cons Summary
  86. 20:56Pros: Beautiful, Well-Made, Smooth Action
  87. 21:03Con: Heavy Double-Action Trigger
  88. 21:13Single-Action Trigger Quality
  89. 21:19Vent Rib and Styling Appeal
  90. 21:24Grip Comfort and Fit
  91. 21:32Grip Performance with Hot Loads
  92. 21:42Smooth Action and Good Condition
  93. 21:49Cons: Grip Condition and Parts Availability
  94. 22:17Parts Availability (Gun Broker, eBay)
  95. 22:22Revolver Reliability and Simplicity
  96. 22:33Complexity Under the Side Plate
  97. 22:40Smooth Shooting Experience
  98. 22:46Reasonable Prices for Surplus Firearms
  99. 22:54Why Buy a Revolver? Simple Operation
  100. 23:06Multiple Ammunition Types
  101. 23:12Reloading Time and Enjoyment
  102. 23:25Revolver Enjoyment Factor
  103. 23:31Comparison to Semi-Automatics
  104. 23:41Old World Styling and Craftsmanship
  105. 23:47Potential for Wear and Damage
  106. 23:58European .357 Magnum Revolver Rarity
  107. 24:03Comparison to Expensive European Revolvers
  108. 24:08Affordable European Revolver Option
  109. 24:14Production Era (1980s-1990s)
  110. 24:20Thanks to AIM Surplus
  111. 24:27Closing Remarks
  112. 25:14Post-Review Discussion (AIM Surplus)
  113. 25:25Ammunition Availability
  114. 25:30Price Point Discussion
  115. 25:40Historical Context (Yugoslavian Government)

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Zastava M83 revolver?

The Zastava M83 revolver is chambered in .357 Magnum and can also fire .38 Special ammunition. It is typically a six-round revolver.

Where are Zastava M83 revolvers manufactured and where can they be purchased?

Zastava M83 revolvers are manufactured in Serbia. They are often available as police trade-ins or military surplus, with AIM Surplus being a noted retailer for these firearms.

What are the available barrel lengths for the Zastava M83?

The Zastava M83 revolver is available in two main barrel lengths: a 4-inch model and a shorter 2-inch model, offering different balances of velocity and concealability.

How is the trigger pull on the Zastava M83?

The Zastava M83 has a double-action trigger pull described as heavy, typically around 11.8 to 11.9 pounds. The single-action trigger pull is much lighter and crisper, breaking around 5.36 pounds.

Are Zastava M83 revolvers considered accurate?

Yes, the Zastava M83 revolvers are considered surprisingly accurate. The reviewer expressed significant positive surprise regarding their performance during accuracy testing.

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