sappyg
Member
Zastava m85
I've been fascinated with the idea of a handy light weight bolt gun chambered in 7.62x39 for quite some time. Up until recently I thought the only option was from CZ.
Enter the Zastava M85 mini Mauser. While in Cabela's last weekend I spied 5 or 6 very plan looking short bolt guns. The stocks were unfinished but with excellent wood grain. Inletting was not perfect but the metal work and blueing looked well done. I liked the price at $450 but they all were in 223/556... Or so I thought. Just next to the Zastava 22lrs was a lone M85 in 7.62x39..... SOLD!
OTB the action is a bit wobbly and stiff. Feeding from the 4 round was very rough but has loosened up from repeated cycling. Charging the mag takes a little getting use to. They don't call this the mini Mauser for nothing. The loading port is small but poking those fat 7.62s in there is no major issue. I did manage to bind up the mag at the range today which is easily cleared through the steel floor plate. Break out the cleaning rod because there will be some shipping goo in the bore and bolt.
While I had the stock off to apply linseed oil I discovered that the trigger is adjustable for weight, slack and over travel! Hell yeah... Things are getting better all the time. Still have some adjustments to make.
Today was the first trip to the range. Open sights at 25 yards.
I've been fascinated with the idea of a handy light weight bolt gun chambered in 7.62x39 for quite some time. Up until recently I thought the only option was from CZ.
Enter the Zastava M85 mini Mauser. While in Cabela's last weekend I spied 5 or 6 very plan looking short bolt guns. The stocks were unfinished but with excellent wood grain. Inletting was not perfect but the metal work and blueing looked well done. I liked the price at $450 but they all were in 223/556... Or so I thought. Just next to the Zastava 22lrs was a lone M85 in 7.62x39..... SOLD!
OTB the action is a bit wobbly and stiff. Feeding from the 4 round was very rough but has loosened up from repeated cycling. Charging the mag takes a little getting use to. They don't call this the mini Mauser for nothing. The loading port is small but poking those fat 7.62s in there is no major issue. I did manage to bind up the mag at the range today which is easily cleared through the steel floor plate. Break out the cleaning rod because there will be some shipping goo in the bore and bolt.
While I had the stock off to apply linseed oil I discovered that the trigger is adjustable for weight, slack and over travel! Hell yeah... Things are getting better all the time. Still have some adjustments to make.
Today was the first trip to the range. Open sights at 25 yards.
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