Why Yugoslavia waited until the 1990s to build a Krink style AK M70 → M80 → M90 → M92 timeline

Published on January 14, 2026
Duration: 0:27

This video details the evolutionary timeline of Yugoslavian AK-style rifles developed by Zastava. It highlights the progression from the 7.62x39mm M70, through the 5.56x45mm M80, the feature-reverting M90, and culminating in the compact, Krinkov-style M92. The expert analysis by Ian McCollum provides a clear understanding of Zastava's design choices and caliber transitions.

Quick Summary

The Yugoslavian AK development timeline by Zastava began with the M70 in 7.62x39mm, followed by the M80 in 5.56x45mm. The M90 series reverted to M70 features, culminating in the compact, Krinkov-style M92 short-barreled rifle.

Chapters

  1. 00:00M70 Series Introduction (7.62x39mm)
  2. 00:04M80 Series Development (5.56x45mm)
  3. 00:11M90 and M92 Progression (Krinkov Style)

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the first Yugoslavian AK variant developed by Zastava?

The initial development was the Zastava M70 series, which was chambered in the traditional 7.62x39mm caliber. This rifle served as the foundation for subsequent Yugoslavian AK designs.

When did Zastava begin producing AK-style rifles in 5.56x45mm?

Zastava's first development of AK-style rifles chambered in 5.56x45mm was the M80 series. This marked a significant shift from their earlier 7.62x39mm offerings.

What is the Zastava M92 known for?

The Zastava M92 is recognized as a Krinkov-style, short-barreled rifle. It emerged from the M90 development path and represents a more compact iteration of the Yugoslavian AK design.

How did the M90 series differ from the M70 and M80?

The M90 series represented a step back towards many features found in the original M70, potentially indicating a return to established design principles after the M80's 5.56x45mm experiment.

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