Zastava m85 in 7.62x39 range report

[CanadianBaconPancakes]

Finally had the chance to sit down in peace and sight my zastava in at 100 yards. When I first got my m85 it was super stiff to cycle but its smooth now finally. The gun is very compact, to compact for my taste. The bolt handle is far to small for my big hand and the bolt doesn't feel anything like a mauser even tho it claims its a "mini mauser". It almost feels like a ruger 10/22 to me its so compact.






Forgot to add I found the gun runs better wet. It hates running dry and likes thicker oil. You really need to treat this as you would any high end bolt action and clean it well because its tolerances are super tight.

 

[Slamfire]

I have a 7.62x39 Remington 799 which is a Zastava M85 barreled action in a Remington laminate stock. I also get very consistent 3 to 4 inch groups at 100 meters off the bench rest with Norinco ammo.

I get around MOA accuracy with PRVI Partizan soft point ammo, and even better accuracy with handloads. It's a cool round and a very nicely balanced compact rifle.

7.62x39 Remington 799 with Leupold FX-II 4x28mm scope

 

[Boomer]

Well now, that's not terribly inspiring out of the box performance is it. I could suggest a bedding job, perhaps somer trigger work, and some handloads, but if you've decided you don't like the rifle, and will likely dump it, there seems little point in pursuing a plan for improvement. The only Zastava rifle I've fired is a 9.3X62, and with 286 gr PPV ammo, it shot like a house on fire, but like your rifle it was going to take some work to smooth out the action. I like mini actions for small cartridges, but based on what has been reported by yourself and others, I'd spend the extra money on the CZ 527.

 

[Hitzy]

There is really nothing Mauser about these other then they have a Mauser style ejector box. Push feed, Sako style bolt guide, firing pin is threaded into the bolt shroud, but they are high polish blued, with OK walnut stocks, hammer forged barrel, good adjustable trigger, and with some effort you can get them shooting very well.
The bedding is bad and will need to be cleaned up, that's really the first step and biggest return with these guns.

 

[CanadianBaconPancakes]

I have a 7.62x39 Remington 799 which is a Zastava M85 barreled action in a Remington laminate stock. I also get very consistent 3 to 4 inch groups at 100 meters off the bench rest with Norinco ammo.

I get around MOA accuracy with PRVI soft point ammo, and even better accuracy with handloads. It's a cool round and a very nicely balanced compact rifle.

7.62x39 Remington 799 with Leupold FX-II 4x28mm scope

I love the rem799 stocks. I find it hilarious how the gun is identical besides that. Their was no effort on remingtons side to hide the fact their restampeds zastavas.

Something that interested me how rem chose the sporter models with no irons to use.

 

[Slamfire]

Appears to be a Remington product by virtue of the insignias on the grip base and butt plate, as well as the engraving on the receiver left side (apart from 'Zastava - Serbia' ). For me, iron sights would be just ornaments if equipped. The bluing is outstanding.

From the 2008 Remington catalog -

"Our quick-handling, compact Model 799™ is a scaled-down version of its big brother, the Model 798. It features a miniaturized receiver with the famous Mauser
bolt release; a crisp, single-stage trigger; two-position safety; and an all-steel trigger guard and magazine assembly for longevity. It has a rugged, good-looking
laminated stock, a deep blued finish and its receiver is drilled and tapped for easy scope mounting. Choose from five popular short-action chamberings."