Zastava M70 .458 Winchester Magnum

[Quaticman]

I have the opportunity to purchase one of these firearms unfired NIB for next to nothing. It has the European stock and a 24" barrel which is drilled and tapped for scope bases. It has no iron sights. Would this rifle be a good entry into the big bore arena or are they really a piece of junk?

 

[mdwest]

Not junk at all...

You aren’t paying for a Winchester 70 super grade.. so you shouldn’t expect one... but... every Zastava I’ve picked up was a solid working grade gun and worth the typical asking price..

If you’re getting one for next to nothing.. I’d say it’s a great way to step into big bores...

 

[Milan]

+1 on the above

 

[Ridge Runner]

I like my Zastava .458 WM. Though mine came with iron sights. Having old eyes, I have trouble lining up the black iron front sight with the leaf rear sights.

The trigger is smooth, just a bit heavier than I like or use to.

Using Warne bases and low rings mounted a Vortex 1-6 x 26(?) or 28(?) (I forget which) Scope, zeroed at 100 yards.

Enjoy your baby cannon.

 

[leslie hetrick]

I have a blued one in 3006 with a syn stock, they have a adjustable trigger(my does). I shoot the same load out of it that I use in my other 3006,s and with a 4x leupold shoots three shot groups at 100 yards in to 1 to 1-1/4 inches. I paid 200.00 for it and think it was a damn good deal.

 

[mdwest]

I have a blued one in 3006 with a syn stock, they have a adjustable trigger(my does). I shoot the same load out of it that I use in my other 3006,s and with a 4x leupold shoots three shot groups at 100 yards in to 1 to 1-1/4 inches. I paid 200.00 for it and think it was a damn good deal.

I’ll give you $250 for it right now!

 

[enysse]

I’d buy it now, they are a great gun!

 

[sestoppelman]

Surprised it doesn't have sights. Was it drilled and tapped for them, and then tossed like many often do? Zastava makes good rifles, I have a couple myself. The M70 is their basic hunting rifle made mostly for the Euro market I believe but many have come ashore here of late in various cals. I just got one in 8x57 to fill a hole in my caliber lineup.

 

[leslie hetrick]

my rifle never had sights, but has two holes for a receiver sight with plug screws. I use it mainly for a loaner and bad weather rifle. but it could easely be my main hunting rifle with a 2x7 leupold scope mounted on it, even tho I,m left handed. and was sold by KBI-HBG, PA.

 

[Mr. Zorg]

Zastava offers "American Style" M70 bolt action rifles, one of the features of that model is no iron sights.

https://www.zastava-arms.rs/en/civilianproduct/sporting-rifle-m70-american-style

Having said that, the Interarms Mark X and Zastava M70 rifles I own all have iron sights.

 

[CoElkHunter]

I like my Zastava .458 WM. Though mine came with iron sights. Having old eyes, I have trouble lining up the black iron front sight with the leaf rear sights.

The trigger is smooth, just a bit heavier than I like or use to.

Using Warne bases and low rings mounted a Vortex 1-6 x 26(?) or 28(?) (I forget which) Scope, zeroed at 100 yards.

Enjoy your baby cannon.

Buy some “Neon Pop” fluorescent orange nail polish and using a Q-tip, place a drop on the front bead sight. The contrast between the dark rear sight and fluorescent orange front bead works great! I did this with both my Whitworth and CZ rifles. No need for a scope to at least fifty yards.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Buy some “Neon Pop” fluorescent orange nail polish and using a Q-tip, place a drop on the front bead sight. The contrast between the dark rear sight and fluorescent orange front bead works great! I did this with both my Whitworth and CZ rifles. No need for a scope to at least fifty yards.

I hadn't thought of nail polish.

I just dabbed some white liquid paper on it. It works bit, but neon nail polish sounds like it would be brighter,more visible.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Quaticman]

Here are a few pics of the rifle which just came in the mail.

 

[leslie hetrick]

that's a good one. well done.

 

[Rob404]

I have several Zastavas all are great shooters

 

[enysse]

Looks great @Quaticman!

 

[Certus]

I had a zastava m70 in .458 win mag. Shot good, feeding was flawless. Great gun for the money. Wish I still had it

 

[Bullthrower338]

I hadn't thought of nail polish.

I just dabbed some white liquid paper on it. It works bit, but neon nail polish sounds like it would be brighter,more visible.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Fishing lure paint works great and it glows at dusk! Very durable and you don’t have to be accidentally seen in the nail polish isle at Walmart!

 

[Bullthrower338]

Here are a few pics of the rifle which just came in the mail.

View attachment 313540 View attachment 313541 View attachment 313544

Going to make a great entry drug for you! I find it odd also that it has no irons, I can see a light rifle without but not a 458! That is almost like having a can of beer without a hole in the top! All the money you saved can get a nice set of NEGC sights for her!

 

[sestoppelman]

Yes, that looks like the latest iteration of these rifles. Agree with above, first thing I would do is have it fitted with some form or simple iron sight set up like a fixed standing express style blade and hooded bead front. Bet you will like that rifle, well except for the recoil.