The M70 AB2 AKM rifle is a Yugoslavian varient of the Russian AK47 rifle. It has
several features that distinguish it from other AK varients: It has a heavier
barrel than most AK's, it has a 1.6mm receiver similar to the receiver used on
the RPK type weapons, flip up night sights front and rear, a flip up grenade sight
that acts as a gas cut-off for Rifle Grenade launching, and different shaped longer and
heavy duty handguards up front. Zastava Arms in Yugoslavia makes two different versions of the M70, the AB2
underfolder stock version and the M70B1, the fixed stock version. They both fire
the 7.62x39mm round from a (30) round box detachable magazine. Yugo magazines have
a special follower in them that allows the bolt to be caught by it when the last
round is fired. Some Zastava Arms rifles have had the selector lever notched so
the bolt can be held back manually. The M70 is equipped with a gas cut-off feature that
allows the use of 22mm rifle grenades with special grenade launching cartridges.
To launch them a 22mm diameter grenade launching adapter is screwed on in place of the
slant brake or other muzzle device.
M60 barrel bag holds M70 like a glove
Cetme cover holds M70 and it goes inside the M60 bag
Yugo M70 AK bayonet
Rifle Grenade loaded and ready for launch
Ready to launch MK12 RG
Norma Ballistics Java PageGo to "Ballistic" and choose US. Use the "Define your own bullet", B.C.=.252 Vel.=2450
I purchased my M70 through CenterFire Systems in Kentucky but the rifle was
produced by Century International Arms. The rifle comes with a Yugo style pistol
grip which I changed out to a real FN SAW type grip. Not only does the grip have a larger
surface area to grasp but it also has a trap door on the bottom to hold cleaning
supplies, batteries, extra rounds, etc. The rifle came with a sling but I prefer a nylon type sling
and I use quick detachable mounts so I can remove the sling when not in use. Slings
catch on stuff inside the house so I lose the sling until outside and needed. The rifle
also came with (2) 30 round magazines, one was a Yugoslavian magazine and the other was a used German
magazine. Both were in good condition. The Yugo BHO (bolt hold open) magazines use a special follower designed to catch the bolt
when the last round is fired. Finding these magazines can be difficult and expensive when you do but an ordinary AK magazine
can be converted to use a follower similar to the Yugo one and that is addressed
in the link: "Making BHO Yugo magazines" above.
One of the M70's I have is the underfolder version and it is made of very sturdy steel that
folds underneath. While very compact and convenient, the cold or hot steel cheek
weld is not something to look forward to. I got the idea from another Gentleman on the web
who had wrapped his single tube folder stock with parachute cord (paracord)to give himself
a better cheek weld. So I tried it out with the left arm of the underfolder and it worked
out very well for a better cheek weld. Description and images of the process are located
in the above link: "Make a paracord cheek rest".
I had wanted one of the full stock versions of the M70 rifle and was able to find myself one that
Century had just made in a small run. This rifle has a black parkerized finish whereas the
AB2 underfolder has a dark gray park finish to it. The rifle is tight and solid feeling
and the action feels like it's brother's does, smooth. The wood is in great condition
and just needed minor cleaning. The supplied Yugo pistol grip was scuffed up quite a bit
so I installed a SAW grip as I prefer these grips anyway. The rifle only came with one Yugo magazine
and no other accessories.
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