Hello, I recently picked up a nice Zastava full stock in 30-06. As I looked it over, I noticed the number electro stenciled on the bottom of the bolt handle does not match the receiver serial. Is this normal or the bolt apparently came from another Zastava? Could some Zastava owner verify this? Bolt is really smooth for a Zastava (just like my Ruger). Not hot knife through butter smooth but surprisingly nice. But if the bolt is from another rifle, I worry about head space a bit.
Zastava rifle serial numbers
- Thread starter Jabol
- Start date
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
I have a full length wood pair of the same, one chambered in 7x57, the other, in 
.366 Wagner (9.3x62). Notice the electro stenciled number number on the bottom of the bolt handle doesn't even come close to the matching that on the receiver, of either. It must designate something but what I don't know.
The first I purchased was the 9.3. Although, the action isn't the smoothest
, NO complaints on the accuracy, especially considering the price. So impressed, I decided I 'needed' a match/partner for it, in 7x57 
.
.366 Wagner (9.3x62). Notice the electro stenciled number number on the bottom of the bolt handle doesn't even come close to the matching that on the receiver, of either. It must designate something but what I don't know. The first I purchased was the 9.3. Although, the action isn't the smoothest
, NO complaints on the accuracy, especially considering the price. So impressed, I decided I 'needed' a match/partner for it, in 7x57 .
Mumbles Marble Mouth
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Lower Mainland
Its normal on Zastava rifles. I have a Whitworth rifle made by Zastava with bolt serial number not matching the gun.
These full stock Zastavas are handsome gals. They feel solid and durable. Local old timer gave me bunch of 30-06 ammo, reloading dies, bullets, powder etc. All i needed was a rifle. I wanted Zastava full stock, i didnt hope much to find one in 30-06 but a quick search on ee and lo and behold, there was one available. Just arrived today but the numbers mismatch made me curious. The bolt number starts with “G” but the receiver serial doesn’t have any letters
great. I am not worried. I thought the bolt serial not matching receiver serial is a similar issue as the non-matching milsurps which again is no issue but head space needs to be checked. It looks like the bolt serial and receiver serial are two different things and from what I read, the Zastava bolts are hand fitted to the action to ensure proper head space but I suspect this goes for all rifles. I had a few push feed rifles in the past but somehow I much prefer controlled round feed actions to the point that I sold all push feed ones and keep a few mauser action/controlled round feed rifles in 270win/308/ and now 30-06. The prices on used Zastavas are phenomenal given the type of action, the quality of finish (polishing and bluing is hard to find these days on modern rifles and unheard of in budget rifles). The fit has a bit to be desired but a little tinkering and it can be rectified.
^^^ You are experienced in "cleaning up" these rifles.
IMO they are not for beginners. Some have issues which are not easily discovered by less experienced users nor advertised/described by the retailer. E.g. shot out stocks, drilled and tapped badly out of center, "weaver style bases' not being weavers with metric threads, extraction/cycling issues, dark bores,.....
RR
IMO they are not for beginners. Some have issues which are not easily discovered by less experienced users nor advertised/described by the retailer. E.g. shot out stocks, drilled and tapped badly out of center, "weaver style bases' not being weavers with metric threads, extraction/cycling issues, dark bores,.....
RR
Did you even read what the OP posted? He has a current, almost new rifle not a milsurp from the Boar War.
SC
LOL! A simple question in one thread often evolves into a more general conversation, observations and recommendations which is totally cool. The comment about the need to be careful with old rifles purchased from dealers or EE is a super valid one and i will certainly keep this warning in mind. I am much more rimfire shooter but my interest in centerfire mauser type actions is growing particularly that i am setting up a reloading bench. Thanks for all the comments!
Did you even read what the OP posted? He has a current, almost new rifle not a milsurp from the Boar War.
SC
Hey Cubbie buddy, not too long ago you claimed to have me put on your ignore list and now you are quoting me? You seem to be a real man of his word....
RR
Hey Cubbie buddy, not too long ago you claimed to have me put on your ignore list and now you are quoting me? You seem to be a real man of his word....
RR
Guess again .......... I only use the ignore function to remind me of who I wouldn't do business with on the EE, mostly people I don't like.
My zastava commercial magnum receiver from tradeex brand new has a electro pencilled number on the bolt that doesnt match the receivers number. And the bottom metal parts are all stamped 17 but that number doesnt show up anywhere else.
dgradinaru
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- British Columbia
I checked 3 of my zastava rifles and while they don't match the receiver serial number, the bolts do match the rear numbers on the tang groove. There are numbers hidden in there.
- Location
- Western Manitoba
Thank you, dgradinaru for pointing that out - I just verified that it is the same with a M70 Zastava of mine - the four digit number electro etched on the original bolt is also stamped in the bottom of the rear tang groove - not the same four digit number as is stamped on the left side of the receiver ring.
