Unleashing Serbian Engineering: The Zastava Arms USA PAP M90 5.56x45mm Rifle

For discerning firearms enthusiasts, collectors, and sport shooters, the Zastava Arms USA PAP M90 stands as a formidable and highly sought-after semi-automatic rifle. Crafted by the world-renowned Zastava Arms factory in Serbia, a manufacturer with a storied history of producing robust and reliable military-grade firearms, this rifle embodies a legacy of engineering excellence. Imported directly into the U.S., the PAP M90 (model ZR90556WM) offers an exceptional blend of classic AK-style design, modern enhancements, and chambering in the widely popular 5.56x45mm NATO caliber, making it a versatile and compelling choice for various applications.

If you've been searching for a high-quality, dependable AK-platform rifle that bridges the gap between traditional Kalashnikov durability and contemporary ammunition versatility, the Zastava PAP M90 is designed precisely for you. This rifle addresses the need for a robust 5.56mm NATO chambered AK, providing an alternative to the ubiquitous AR-15 platform while maintaining the legendary reliability and ruggedness the AK family is known for. Whether your interest lies in competitive shooting, recreational target practice, building a comprehensive firearm collection, or understanding the pinnacle of Serbian firearm manufacturing, the M90 offers a compelling solution.

Why Choose the Zastava PAP M90 for Your Collection or Range Day?

The Zastava PAP M90 distinguishes itself through a series of thoughtful design choices and robust construction features that elevate it above many competitors. It’s not just another AK clone; it’s a Zastava, meaning it carries the pedigree of a manufacturer that has supplied military forces worldwide for decades.

Core Specifications and Design Philosophy:

• Caliber: Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, compatible with readily available .223 Remington ammunition. This caliber choice offers excellent ballistics, widespread availability, and often lower recoil compared to larger rifle calibers, making it enjoyable for extended shooting sessions.
• Action: Semi-automatic, ensuring rapid follow-up shots for sport, training, or defensive applications.
• Capacity: Ships with one 30-round magazine, adhering to common high-capacity standards and offering substantial firepower. The rifle is also designed to accept a number of other 5.56mm and .223 AK47 magazines, providing excellent compatibility and ease of finding spare magazines.
• Overall Aesthetics: The rifle boasts a classic black finish on its metal components contrasted beautifully by a rich, black walnut handguard, fixed stock, and pistol grip. This combination not only provides timeless visual appeal but also offers a comfortable and secure interface for the shooter. The warmth and traditional feel of the walnut furniture are a significant draw for many enthusiasts.

The Heart of the Rifle: Precision Barrel and Robust Receiver

At the core of the Zastava M90's performance is its exceptional barrel and receiver construction.

• Barrel Length and Finish: Featuring an 18.25-inch barrel, the M90 strikes an ideal balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance for the 5.56mm cartridge. The barrel is chrome-lined, a critical feature for durability and ease of maintenance. Chrome lining significantly extends barrel life, particularly under sustained firing, by resisting corrosion and erosion. It also makes cleaning considerably easier, as carbon fouling and copper deposits are less likely to adhere stubbornly to the bore.
• Muzzle Threading: The barrel is threaded 14x1LH (left-hand), a standard AK thread pattern. This allows for the easy attachment of a wide array of muzzle devices, including flash hiders, compensators, and suppressors (where legal), enabling shooters to customize their rifle for specific performance characteristics or to reduce muzzle signature. It comes equipped with a traditional AK slant muzzle device.
• Twist Rate: A 1:7" twist rate is optimal for stabilizing a broad range of 5.56x45mm and .223 Remington bullet weights, especially the heavier 62-grain and 77-grain projectiles commonly used in modern sporting and duty ammunition. This ensures excellent accuracy potential across various ammunition types.
• Bulged Trunnion and 1.5MM Receiver: Unlike some lighter-built AK variants, the Zastava M90 features a bulged trunnion and a robust 1.5MM stamped steel receiver. The bulged trunnion is a hallmark of heavier-duty AK designs (like the RPK), providing enhanced strength and rigidity to the barrel-to-receiver interface. The thicker 1.5MM receiver offers superior resistance to flex and wear compared to the more common 1.0MM receivers, contributing significantly to the rifle's longevity and reliability, particularly under sustained fire or harsh conditions. This construction speaks directly to the M90's military heritage and Zastava's commitment to durability.

Unmatched Versatility: The Adjustable Gas System

One of the most innovative and highly appreciated features of the Zastava PAP M90 is its 3-position adjustable gas system. This feature provides a level of versatility rarely seen in traditional AK-pattern rifles.

• How it Works: The gas system allows the user to quickly and easily adjust the amount of gas entering the system to cycle the action.
  • Position 1 (Low Gas): Ideal for shooting suppressed, as it reduces the amount of gas blowback to the shooter and often improves cycling with a suppressor attached. It can also be beneficial for optimizing ejection patterns with certain ammunition.
  • Position 2 (Standard Gas): The default setting, optimized for most standard ammunition types and unsuppressed shooting.
  • Position 3 (High Gas): Provides additional gas to ensure reliable cycling with low-powered ammunition, when the rifle is exceptionally dirty, or when using certain muzzle devices that may affect gas pressure.
• Benefits: This adjustability is a significant advantage for shooters who use a variety of ammunition types, frequently switch between suppressed and unsuppressed firing, or desire fine-tuning for optimal performance. It enhances reliability and shooter comfort, preventing over-gassing and reducing wear and tear on internal components.

Ergonomics and Sights: Designed for the Shooter

The Zastava M90 is designed with the shooter in mind, incorporating features that enhance both handling and accuracy.

• Walnut Furniture: The rifle comes equipped with a beautiful set of Walnut furniture, including the handguard, fixed buttstock, and pistol grip. This natural wood not only adds to the rifle's classic aesthetic but also offers a secure and comfortable grip, providing excellent heat insulation during prolonged firing sessions. The fixed stock provides a stable shooting platform, ideal for precision and consistent cheek weld.
• Sights: The rifle features adjustable front and rear sights, allowing shooters to zero their rifle precisely for various distances and ammunition types. The traditional AK-style sights are robust and reliable, capable of withstanding harsh treatment. For those interested in optics, aftermarket solutions for mounting red dot sights or scopes are also available, though not included, offering pathways for customization.
• Safety: The classic AK-style lever safety is intuitive and proven, providing a clear visual and tactile indication of the rifle's status.

Real-World Applications and User Experience: What Can You Expect?

The Zastava Arms USA PAP M90 is more than just a list of specifications; it's a performer designed for a variety of real-world scenarios.

• Range Performance: On the firing range, the M90 shines. Its 5.56x45mm chambering results in manageable recoil, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions. The 18.25-inch chrome-lined barrel combined with the 1:7 twist rate facilitates good accuracy with a wide range of ammunition, from affordable bulk practice rounds to more precise match-grade loads. The adjustable gas system allows shooters to fine-tune the rifle for optimum performance, reducing perceived recoil or ensuring flawless cycling, depending on their setup.
• Durability and Reliability: Built to Zastava's legendary military specifications, the M90 is exceptionally rugged. The bulged trunnion, 1.5MM receiver, and chrome-lined barrel ensure that this rifle is built to last, capable of enduring thousands of rounds and adverse conditions without compromising performance. It inherits the AK platform's reputation for unwavering reliability, often cycling even when dirty or subjected to less-than-ideal circumstances.
• Collectibility and Heritage: For collectors, the Zastava M90 represents a piece of Serbian firearm history. It is an authentic import from a highly respected manufacturer, offering a genuine AK experience with modern amenities. The beautiful walnut furniture adds to its appeal as a display piece as much as a functional firearm.
• Versatility: Whether you're a plinker, a competitive shooter, or someone looking for a dependable rifle for home defense or property protection, the M90 adapts. Its 5.56mm NATO chambering provides a balance of effective range, terminal performance, and commonality with other Western firearms.

Ensuring Peak Performance: Maintenance and Care

Maintaining your Zastava PAP M90 is straightforward, largely thanks to its robust design and chrome-lined barrel. Regular cleaning of the bore, gas system, and bolt carrier group will ensure consistent reliability. The chrome lining in the barrel simplifies bore cleaning, as fouling has a harder time adhering to the smooth surface. Proper lubrication of moving parts is also crucial. Zastava firearms are known for their forgiving nature, but a well-maintained rifle will always perform optimally and last longer.

Where to Find Your Zastava Arms USA PAP M90

For those ready to experience the legendary reliability and craftsmanship of Zastava Arms, the PAP M90 (UPC 685757098588, SKU ZR90556WM) is a prime choice. These exceptional rifles, along with a wide array of compatible accessories and ammunition, are available through reputable dealers. To acquire your Zastava Arms USA PAP M90 and explore other premium firearms, visit DEGuns.com, a trusted source for quality firearms and accessories, ensuring a smooth and secure purchase process. The Zastava M90 offers an investment in a firearm that blends historical significance with modern practicality, promising years of reliable performance and shooting enjoyment.

Key Features at a Glance:

Feature	Specification
Brand	Zastava Arms USA
Model	PAP M90 (ZR90556WM)
Caliber	5.56x45mm NATO
Barrel Length	18.25"
Barrel Finish	Black
Barrel Material	Chrome Lined
Twist Rate	1:7"
Muzzle Thread	14x1 LH
Muzzle Device	AK Slant
Receiver	1.5MM Stamped Steel with Bulged Trunnion
Gas System	3-Position Adjustable Gas Piston
Stock Material	Walnut
Stock Type	Fixed
Stock Finish	Walnut
Handguard	Walnut
Grips	Walnut
Action	Semi-Automatic
Capacity	30+1
Magazines Included	1 x 30 Round
Sights	Adjustable Front & Rear
Safety	Lever
Gun Platform	AK-Style
Operating System	Gas Piston
Hand	Right Hand
Receiver Finish	Black
UPC	685757098588
SKU/MPN	ZR90556WM