Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount Review

First Impressions of Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount

The Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount promises a solid and reliable optics mounting solution for ZPAPM70 and Serbian/Yugo AK pattern rifles. As someone with over a decade of experience in tactical gear and a love for the AK platform, I was eager to see if this mount could live up to the hype. I’ve seen countless AK mounts come and go, and many fail to provide a stable, repeatable zero.

My interest in this mount stemmed from a desire to modernize my ZPAPM70. I wanted to add a quality optic for improved accuracy at longer ranges without sacrificing the classic AK aesthetic. The promise of a quick-detach (QD) system and an additional picatinny rail for accessories sealed the deal.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount’s solid feel and clean anodized finish. The aluminum billet construction felt robust and the QD lever system seemed well-engineered. The included angled picatinny rail was a welcome bonus, suggesting versatility in accessory mounting.

Compared to cheaper, stamped steel AK mounts I’ve used in the past, the Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount felt like a significant upgrade. I’ve also used side mounts from Midwest Industries and RS Regulate. I chose this one because I wanted a simple, all-in-one solution that wouldn’t require mixing and matching different components.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The mount appeared well-made and thoughtfully designed, but the true test would be its performance on the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount at my local shooting range, mounting it on my ZPAPM70 and pairing it with a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 optic. The range offered distances out to 200 yards, providing a good opportunity to assess the mount’s ability to hold zero. I fired approximately 200 rounds of mixed ammunition.

The mount performed admirably in the sunny, dry conditions. It locked securely onto the side rail with minimal wobble. Adjusting the QD lever for a perfect fit was straightforward. I was initially concerned about the height over bore, but the low-profile design maintained a decent cheek weld.

After the first range session, I noticed a slight shift in zero after removing and reattaching the mount. This prompted me to tighten the QD lever further, which seemed to resolve the issue.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount has proven to be a reliable addition to my ZPAPM70. I’ve taken it through various conditions, including a dusty weekend camping trip and a rainy range day. The anodized finish has held up well with minimal signs of wear.

Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe down with a solvent-dampened cloth after each range session. I’ve noticed the QD lever requires occasional tightening, but this is easily addressed with a small wrench. Compared to my previous experiences with less robust AK mounts, the Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount has far exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and zero retention.

I did find that the angled accessory rail slightly interfered with my ability to fully collapse my M70’s stock. This is a minor inconvenience, but something to be aware of if you frequently adjust your stock length.

Breaking Down the Features of Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount

Specifications

The Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount is specifically designed for ZPAPM70 and Serbian/Yugo AK pattern rifles. It features a QD lever locking system and an additional picatinny angled rail for accessories. The mount is machined from a billet of aluminum for a solid and reliable construction.

• Manufacturer: Zastava Arms USA
• Color: Black
• Finish: Anodized
• Fabric/Material: Aluminum
• Gun Make: Zastava
• Gun Model: Zastava M70
• Gun Type: Rifle
• Length: 7.05 in
• Width: 3.8 in
• Height: 1.5 in
• Weight: 0.45 lb
• Condition: New
• Attachment Type: Quick Detach
• Gun Rail: Picatinny
• Ring Type: Mil-std 1913 Picatinny

These specifications are important because they dictate the mount’s compatibility, durability, and overall functionality. The aluminum construction ensures a lightweight yet rugged platform for mounting optics. The QD system allows for quick and easy removal and reattachment without significant zero shift.

Performance & Functionality

The Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount performs its primary function – providing a stable and repeatable optics mounting platform – exceptionally well. Accuracy has noticeably improved with the addition of a magnified optic. The mount holds zero consistently after repeated removal and reattachment, provided the QD lever is properly tightened.

The mount’s main strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. The QD lever system is intuitive and allows for quick optic changes in the field. A minor weakness is the potential for the QD lever to loosen over time, requiring periodic adjustment.

The Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount exceeds my expectations for an AK side rail mount.

Design & Ergonomics

The Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount features a low-profile design that minimizes the impact on the rifle’s ergonomics. The aluminum construction keeps the weight to a minimum, preventing the rifle from becoming overly cumbersome. The anodized finish provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The mount is relatively user-friendly, requiring minimal setup or adjustment. The QD lever is easy to manipulate, even with gloves.

Durability & Maintenance

The Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount is built to withstand the rigors of regular use. The aluminum construction and anodized finish provide excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. With proper care, the mount should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication of the QD lever. The mount’s simple design makes it easy to disassemble and inspect for any potential issues.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount comes with an angled picatinny rail for mounting accessories such as lights, lasers, or red dot sights. It is compatible with any optic that utilizes a standard picatinny mounting system. The mount is also compatible with most AK-pattern side rail accessories, such as cheek risers and stock adapters.

Pros and Cons of Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount

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Who Should Buy Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount?

The Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount is perfect for AK enthusiasts, recreational shooters, and hunters looking to modernize their ZPAPM70 or Serbian/Yugo pattern rifles. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants a reliable and repeatable optics mounting solution.

Those who prioritize the ability to fully collapse a side-folding stock without any interference might want to explore other options. It’s also potentially not the best choice for those who demand military-grade durability in extreme combat environments.

A must-have accessory for this mount is a quality optic, such as a red dot sight, holographic sight, or magnified scope. A thread locker (such as Loctite) on the QD lever adjustment nut can help prevent loosening over time.

Conclusion on Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount

The Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount is a well-designed and durable optics mounting solution for ZPAPM70 and Serbian/Yugo AK pattern rifles. Its solid aluminum construction, easy-to-use QD lever, and consistent zero retention make it a worthwhile investment. The price of $94.99 is justified by the mount’s quality and performance.

I would personally recommend the Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount to anyone looking to upgrade their AK with a reliable and versatile optics platform. It’s a solid product that delivers on its promises and enhances the overall shooting experience. If you’re ready to take your AK to the next level, the Zastava Arms USA M70 Scope Mount is an excellent place to start.