Zastava Z98

Chuckbuster

Chuckbuster

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Anybody have any experience with these rifles? Google pics look interesting, and I've accidentally stumbled across one that is both left handed and available in a chambering that interests me. What I'm looking for are some experience and opinions in terms of fit (both of the gun's parts and to the shooter) finish, handling and operation.

I have googled for reviews, and quite frankly, not much of any use came up. So, yes, I'm debating on whether to go out on a limb and make yet another purchase that I really don't need...other than I've always thought a left hand bolt so chambered would be an interesting addition to the stable and yet another option come deer season.
 
Chuckbuster said:
Anybody have any experience with these rifles? Google pics look interesting, and I've accidentally stumbled across one that is both left handed and available in a chambering that interests me. What I'm looking for are some experience and opinions in terms of fit (both of the gun's parts and to the shooter) finish, handling and operation.

I have googled for reviews, and quite frankly, not much of any use came up. So, yes, I'm debating on whether to go out on a limb and make yet another purchase that I really don't need...other than I've always thought a left hand bolt so chambered would be an interesting addition to the stable and yet another option come deer season.
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A little curious myself. I ordered a Zastava M-70, full wood Mannlicher style in (9.3x62) .366 Wagner. Just checked the shipping tracking number and mine should be here Monday the 27th. As I understand it, the Zastava doesn't have the polish and smoothness of that of many other brands, but I should know more on that come Monday. Some supposedly say they're basically a decent commercial grade 98 Mauser with wood work that could use more attention.
 
I picked one up in left hand - 9.3x62 - a tough caliber to get LH for that price.
I bedded it with an internal cross bolt.
The wood fit around the sides of the action was a bit loose. I just bedded the front and rear tho. I may finish off a total receiver bed later.
The forearm is slightly hollowed out to provide a slight up-pressure at the tip. I free floated mine for now.
Trigger adjusted to a crisp (when it breaks) 3.5 pounds with a slight creep prior - if I get rid of the creep, then the safety wont engage. It sounds like that is normal from what I read online.

Finish is a light coat of something. The wood is a good straight grained euro walnut. With the pad about 14.5 inch LOP.
Bluing very very nice.
Base screws straight.
Very good iron sights.
Bolt was rough - worked it with oil/compound (just at the rear bridge as it appears that is where it was scraping)and polished on the wheel to a good working action.
The floor plate release is very well designed cross push design- hard to dump by mistake.
A wierd thing I noticed was the bolt release / ejector spring eventually slid a bit out of home when I used the release. I loctited it in place and it appears to be fine.
On a handling note- it is much trimmer and "handier" than I had expected. A trim sporter bbl. Not clunky at all.
Practice rounds in spitzer and round nose load and eject very very well.
Loaded some Privi 285 grains and they shot moa at 100 yds with 2350 ft/s.

A lefty in that caliber for that price for this rifle is a very fair deal.
 
You really can't go wrong. Originally, the rifles are not pretty, wood-wise, I have no problem with the action or finish of the metal. I was told my Remington 799 would have a whippy barrel, and a "gravelly" bolt (and, of course, Remington changed the stock) but I think it is just great. It is in 7.62 x 39mm and I really like how it performs.
 
Zastava has been imported under other names, Remington 798, Charles Daly, Interarms mark X.

I had a Interarms Mark X in 375 H & H, i have since sold it to my cousin. The gun was a solid, well built accurate firearm. Not light 10 lbs+ with a scope, but one would not want a Fwt in 375 H & H. Personally i would recommend the differing Zastava branded rifles, not as presentation pieces or to inspire envy at the range. Simply well built hunting rifles in the classic M98 style. Actual mileage may vary, so check out the rifle like anyone would in buying a used car or rifle.

$5
 
I picked up a RH 9.3x62 about a year ago. My review is similar to farshot's. Nice metal, wood finish is a little rough but certainly functional. The checkering is kind of crudely done but...

Functions and shoots very well. I can get three touching at 100 meters on a bench and I really have not played that much with it. Lighter than I expected and handles well.

If you want a rifle you are going to use and not just admire - pretty good value.
 
My review is very similar, I find mine (9.3x62) to be very accurate out of the box, clover leafing with privi ammo. I am very impressed with the trigger, after adjusting it, it's almost as good as my sako.
 
farshot said:
I picked one up in left hand - 9.3x62 - a tough caliber to get LH for that price.

A lefty in that caliber for that price for this rifle is a very fair deal.
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What is "that price" you refer to twice? The previous posts don't mention a dollar price and I've seen new LH ones for as low as $599 and as high as $969.
 
Here's another Zastava thread I started. This is a stainless version but it'll give you an idea of quality. Mine did end up having a bedding issue that was easily fixed but shot very well despite the issue. I also have a Charles Daly by Zastava rechambered to .243-06 AI that shoots sub moa with nothing more than a bedding job done. Tons of info on here if you search.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/939361-Zastava-stainless-7x64-Brenneke
 
jbmauser said:
Here's another Zastava thread I started. This is a stainless version but it'll give you an idea of quality. Mine did end up having a bedding issue that was easily fixed but shot very well despite the issue. I also have a Charles Daly by Zastava rechambered to .243-06 AI that shoots sub moa with nothing more than a bedding job done. Tons of info on here if you search.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/939361-Zastava-stainless-7x64-Brenneke
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Great, good to know. When I looked the up, for whatever reason, I just used Google and didn't think to search the site. Also, from the pictures I've seen in the other thread, I assume the rifles come drilled and tapped (the advertising doesn't mention anything about it)?
 
Chuckbuster said:
Great, good to know. When I looked the up, for whatever reason, I just used Google and didn't think to search the site. Also, from the pictures I've seen in the other thread, I assume the rifles come drilled and tapped (the advertising doesn't mention anything about it)?
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Yep, drilled and tapped. Takes standard Weaver bases 45 and 46, among others. You'll see I put the Talley light weight one piece rings/bases on mine with no issue.
 
A&Shuntr said:
What is "that price" you refer to twice? The previous posts don't mention a dollar price and I've seen new LH ones for as low as $599 and as high as $969.
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Have one in left hand 300 win mag and also will agree with the reviews.
Just had to free float the barrel and gagnon sports sold me my for 599 plus tax. Not a light gun. 7.7 pounds with mounts and scope. http://gagnonsports.com/index.php?c=63&family=Zastava
 
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