Zastava M70 Help

[Mr. Mosin]

Finally acquired a clean Zastava M70 (.32 Automatic) after hunting for one for quite some time. Blueing is immaculate, no scratches, dents, or dings, barrel is also immaculate. If I didn't know any better; I'd say this particular piece was never issued, or if it was; it was never used extensively.

I've sourced and ordered a replacement factory rear sight for the horror that is the plastic import rear sight, I've sourced spare mags. I just need an idea for a thumb break OWB holster and an AIWB holster, for carry; or a reference gun of close enough dimensions to make-do.

I fully intend for this to be my EDC handgun once proven reliable, so I'd love advice on ammunition as well. I've always labored under the impression that .32 Automatic doesn't have enough butt to both reliably expand and penetrate. Has that changed with modern ammunition, or no ?

 

[TTv2]

Hornady Critical Defense works well in a Beretta 81, but the Zastava has a shorter barrel, so IDK if expansion is a gurantee.

I have an Allen Swipe holster, but don't know the size number off the top of my head. It's a good, cheap starting option and I'll get you the number when I can.



Where are you getting these spare parts and mags?

 

[Tallball]

I'd be using a spicy FMJ.

 

[drobs]

I had to go watch some videos on that gun. Looks like a fun shooter.

I would think a Colt Officer's Model Holster might work. You might take it over to a gun shop that has lots of leather holsters and see what fits. I would expect to find a Tagua leather holster to work for it.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

Hornady Critical Defense works well in a Beretta 81, but the Zastava has a shorter barrel, so IDK if expansion is a gurantee.

I have an Allen Swipe holster, but don't know the size number off the top of my head. It's a good, cheap starting option and I'll get you the number when I can.



Where are you getting these spare parts and mags?

FunBroker

 

[ThomasT]

Hey Dan you need to post the same pictures you sent me.

Blueing is immaculate, no scratches, dents, or dings, barrel is also immaculate.

Thats strange because in your email to me you said the gun was painted.

"Had to fiddle with the extractor. It was froze up. Polished off the factory paint, oiled it; it works well hand cycling now. Hair big for a pocket gun, in my opinion."

So was it blued or painted? I owned a French MAS 1932 I could never find ammo for that was painted and I had no problem with the painted finish.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

Hey Dan you need to post the same pictures you sent me.



Thats strange because in your email to me you said the gun was painted.

"Had to fiddle with the extractor. It was froze up. Polished off the factory paint, oiled it; it works well hand cycling now. Hair big for a pocket gun, in my opinion."

So was it blued or painted? I owned a French MAS 1932 I could never find ammo for that was painted and I had no problem with the painted finish.

The extractor was painted (red). The gun itself is blued.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

Here are a few pictures

 

[ThomasT]

The extractor was painted (red). The gun itself is blued.

Okay now I understand. The way you worded it made it sound like the gun was painted. Why on earth was an extractor painted red??? Never heard of such a thing. Good looking gun. I hope you get to shoot it soon.

 

[chicharrones]

When it comes to .32 ACP, I prefer full strength Euro made ammo in round nose FMJ. Feeds well and is long enough to prevent rim lock in a normal COAL magazine.

Penetration of FMJ over any hope of expansion in JHP in little cartridges for me please.

Sellier & Bellot is my perpetual favorite in .32 ACP.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

These guns have recently skyrocketed in value and are becoming incredibly collectible.

I’d think long and hard about putting wear and tear on one for carry.

It's a gun... it's made to be used. I honestly had firm intentions on cerakoting it.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

I've no idea what happened to the rest of my uploaded pictures, but anyways... any ideas or references for holsters ? I'd even go with a belly band at this point in time.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

Pocket or IWB OWB appendix etc? We need more details.

AIWB and OWB field holster.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Any holster designed to fit the Walther PP "should" fit the Zastava. All of the Eastern Bloc countries had to conform to certain equipment standards pushed out by Moscow - at least, in theory. Some countries found ways to resist without getting clobbered (e.g. Poland and Slovakia) - some just got clobbered and came back for more (e.g. Romania and Yugoslavia). I have tried a Zastava M70 in the shoulder holster I bought from a Polish compatriot years ago for my CZ 70 and it fit perfectly. The same holster also fits my Radom P64, FEG M37 and Walther PP; does not fit my newer CZ's - the 82 and 83. It's a similar pattern to the old Berns-Martin Triple carry of 007/James Bond fame but made from pigskin instead of glove leather. If you find a copy or original Berns-Martin for the PP it will probably fit perfectly. They're not an overly complex design.

 

[ThomasT]

Hey Dan here is a comparison from Handgun Hero and using the popular Ruger EC9s as a base since its so popular. It looks like a holster for the EC9 would probably work for the Zastava.

Zastava M70 vs Ruger EC9s size comparison | Handgun Hero

Compare the dimensions and specs of Zastava M70 and Ruger EC9s

www.handgunhero.com

 

[ThomasT]

Looks like an even closer fit is the Bersa Thunder 380.

Zastava M70 vs Bersa Thunder 380 size comparison | Handgun Hero

Compare the dimensions and specs of Zastava M70 and Bersa Thunder 380

www.handgunhero.com

 

[TTv2]

These guns have recently skyrocketed in value and are becoming incredibly collectible.

I’d think long and hard about putting wear and tear on one for carry.

Unless it's a Beretta or Colt, a .32 made by Zastava is never going to be a pricey collectible.

Even tho they are decent pistols.

 

[KevininPa]

For IWB, a suede holster that I came with my RIA Compact 1911 fit my Zastava pretty well. As for field use, I can use the military holster that came with it. A simple minimalist slide holster would probably work for OWB carry. And Beretta Tomcat pinky extensions work great on the Zastava's magazines. Got that tip from someone here. A bit large and heavy for pocket carry, but very slim and awesome for IWB. I also like S&B ball ammo for it.