Zastava M70 (.32 Auto)

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Here's what I found by scaling the photos to match published dimensions (the M70 image is flipped, of course) assuming that "length" and "height" are defined as the size of a rectangular box just big enough to enclose the gun with the bore parallel to the top of the box. The Colt Government .380 does seem like a pretty close match, though I haven't found any published numbers for thickness of the M70.

Untitled presentation (1).jpg Untitled presentation (2).jpg Untitled presentation.jpg
 
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I got my M70 and my son and I put about 60-70 rounds through it, 73 gr FMJ and 60 gr JHP, all Fiocchi, no failures except one stovepipe early on. Trigger is surprisingly good, heavy but pretty crisp, sights are small but usable, decent groups considering neither of us have done much pistol shooting. Surprisingly, the M70 fits perfectly in the Bianchi holster designed for the Beretta 80 Series and with the two spare mags I found, I've got 8 + 8 + 8 + 1 = 25 rounds of 7.65 mm power. ;-) Here are the pics, on the paper towel is before, in the case is after I cleaned it thoroughly with mineral spirits and Ballistol.

Zastava 70 - 1.jpg Zastava 70 before - 2.jpg Zastava 70 after - 1.jpg Zastava 70 after - 2.jpg
 
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Sure, Snowdog, photos would be great. You meant the .380 Government, right?

Also, quick question for any M70 owners. Is the pistol drop safe with the hammer down on a live round, so would it be safe to carry with 8 + 1 in the chamber with the hammer down and safety on? I would check the manual but I can't find one online.
 
I hear you, jhb, not a grandpa yet here but I have always had poor eyesight, I am definitely thinking I need to put some fluorescent markings on several of my guns' front sights.

Random thought...does anyone know of a nylon flap holster with magazine pocket like a modern version of the leather ones the M70 was sold with in the past?


look into Uncle Mikes - they have a variety of "universal" sizes with mag pouches.
 
Still wondering about safe carry of this pistol.... Is it drop safe, so would it be safe to carry with 8 + 1 in the chamber with the hammer down and safety on?
 
Oops. I really hate it when I make an offer and forget to follow through. I'll post a pic with the two side by side if you'd still like one.
 
Good Lord, this thread is *still* going strong ? I haven't received any notifications for it. I just so happened to see the topic in bold, w/ a set of glasses by it. Heh. I'm amazed
 
I never did get a clear answer in how safe it is to carry this pistol cocked and locked or uncocked and locked with a round chambered. Anybody...?
From what I know of it, cocked and locked would be the only way to effectively carry it.
 
Also, the magazine situation with the M70 isn't exactly trouble free either. I looked on gunmagwarehouse weeks ago and they had mags in stock, but they've been out for the last two weeks and IDK if they'll ever get more in.
LibertyTreeCollectors has mags at a reasonable price. Go to pistol mags on the drop down on the left. I just got four. Be aware that they are cosmo’d up but a good soak in mineral spirits, etc. remedies that.
 
I hear you, jhb, not a grandpa yet here but I have always had poor eyesight, I am definitely thinking I need to put some fluorescent markings on several of my guns' front sights.

Random thought...does anyone know of a nylon flap holster with magazine pocket like a modern version of the leather ones the M70 was sold with in the past?
Try Sportsman’s Guide.
 
LibertyTreeCollectors has mags at a reasonable price. Go to pistol mags on the drop down on the left. I just got four. Be aware that they are cosmo’d up but a good soak in mineral spirits, etc. remedies that.
Cool and I see they also have mags for the 9 round 7.62x25 Tokarevs.
 
Late to this discussion -

A close friend got one of those surplus Zastavas , a bit under $200. Good thing he's a competent amateur gunsmith - it took several hours to ungrit the trigger to the point of marginal acceptability , even then it was poor compared to the $209 Beretta 81s that he and I are both enjoying The Beretta Tomcat was thrown into the mix of this discussion ; I know little about that one and have no interest in it. The 81 is a better basis of comparison , I think.
 
As Far as “drop” safe I don’t know but on mine the firing pin does not enter the chamber with the hammer in the down position. So condition 2 is ok as far as the round not resting on the pin. I don’t know if this is standard or random. Something I find interesting is all of my made by Zastava guns are marked made in Yugoslavia which became Serbia in the early 90s. Kinda neat having a gun made in a country that no longer exist. Another note mine is stamped 0280 on the bottom of the grip frame to indicate made February 1980. What other production dates are you seeing ?
 
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