In the vast and sometimes overwhelming world of AKs, you’ll hear all sorts of debates: milled vs. stamped, 7.62 vs. 5.45, triangle stock vs. wood. But one thing nearly every serious shooter agrees on? Chrome-lined barrels matter. And if you’re buying a Zastava, you’re getting some of the finest chrome-lined barrels on the market—no gimmicks, no shortcuts, just decades of battle-proven performance baked into every rifle.
Whether you’re dragging your ZPAP M70 through mud at the range, feeding it surplus ammo by the thousands, or just admiring the finish with a proud grin, that chrome lining is doing more than you might think. So let’s talk about what makes Zastava’s chrome-lined barrels stand out from the pack—and why your next AK should probably have one.
What Is a Chrome-Lined Barrel, Anyway?
Let’s start with the basics. A chrome-lined barrel has a layer of hard chrome plating inside the bore and chamber. This isn’t the flashy car-show kind of chrome—it’s industrial-grade stuff, applied specifically to reduce wear, resist corrosion, and extend the life of your rifle.
Hard chrome, when done right, is incredibly thin (we’re talking microns), but tough as nails. It bonds to the steel barrel and creates a slick, durable surface that shrugs off powder residue, moisture, and even the dirtiest ammo your gun club buddy can bring to the range.
Why Zastava’s Chrome-Lined Barrels Stand Out
Now, here’s the kicker—not all chrome linings are equal. Some manufacturers treat it like a cost-cutting checkbox. Zastava doesn’t play that game. Their barrels are a direct product of military spec standards that have been evolving since the Cold War, and it shows.
Here’s what sets Zastava apart:
Military Heritage Meets Modern Precision
Zastava barrels are built with a pedigree that goes back over 70 years. Their factory in Kragujevac, Serbia, has been producing AK-pattern rifles since before most shooters were born. That means the chrome lining isn’t just added for looks—it’s baked into a system engineered for full-auto abuse, combat conditions, and long-term durability.
Cold Hammer Forging for the Win
Every Zastava chrome-lined barrel starts with cold hammer forging. This process uses intense pressure to shape the barrel around a mandrel, creating perfect rifling while increasing the metal’s density and strength. Combine that with chrome lining, and you’ve got a barrel that laughs in the face of heat, friction, and overzealous mag dumps.
Consistent Quality Control
Zastava doesn’t ship barrels that barely pass minimum specs. Their quality control process includes measuring bore concentricity, ensuring uniform chrome application, and stress testing for accuracy and reliability. The result? Barrels that not only last but also shoot straight—shot after shot.
Resists Corrosion Like a Champ
Surplus ammo, humid weather, and lackluster cleaning habits? Zastava’s chrome-lined barrels take it all in stride. The chrome protects against rust and pitting, meaning your rifle stays in better shape over time—even if you forget to clean it after a long day at the range (not that we’re recommending that… but it’s nice to have insurance).
Chrome-Lined vs. Non-Lined: What’s the Difference in Practice?
Still wondering if chrome-lining actually makes a difference in real-world use? Let’s break it down.
Longevity
Chrome-lined barrels easily outlast non-lined ones when shot under similar conditions. You’re looking at thousands—if not tens of thousands—more rounds before any meaningful wear occurs.
Cleaning
Ever scraped copper fouling from a bare steel barrel? Chrome makes cleaning dramatically easier. Powder residue and grime don’t cling to the surface as much, so a few passes with a bore snake can work wonders.
Accuracy
Here’s the nuance. Chrome-lining can theoretically reduce pinpoint precision compared to non-lined match barrels, but we’re talking fractions of MOA. In an AK platform—especially something as rugged as a ZPAP M70 or ZPAP M72 RPK—the difference is negligible. What you gain in durability far outweighs the microscopic loss in theoretical accuracy.
Top Zastava Rifles Featuring Chrome-Lined Barrels
Zastava’s lineup isn’t just about tough guns—it’s about well-built tools designed to perform. These are some of the most popular models sporting their legendary chrome-lined barrels:
ZPAP M70 ZR7762SRA
The fan-favorite fixed stock version of the ZPAP M70 brings classic AK lines, rugged Serbian craftsmanship, and a chrome-lined 16.3” barrel designed to outlast your ammo supply. Perfect for range work, home defense, or just admiring over coffee.
ZPAP M70 ZR7762LM
Prefer a side-folder? This version keeps everything you love about the M70 but adds a triangle folding stock for compact carry and cool points. The chrome-lined barrel gives you the same trusted performance in a slightly more portable package.
ZPAP M72 RPK
This long-barreled beast offers a heavy-profile, chrome-lined barrel that’s made for extended firing sessions and superior heat resistance. Designed for sustained fire, it’s an AK platform that drinks recoil like water and just keeps going.
ZPAP Underfolder ZR7762UFSR
For those who love vintage flair, the underfolder M70 packs a chrome-lined barrel into a compact, Cold War-style package. It’s perfect for collectors and shooters alike who want a blend of style and battlefield performance.
What Reddit and Real Owners Say
Across forums like r/ak47 and YouTube reviews, shooters consistently praise Zastava barrels for their heat tolerance, smooth function, and long life. One user wrote, “I’ve shot over 8,000 rounds through my ZPAP—still no throat erosion, still shoots tighter than I can.” Another joked, “I clean my rifle like once every eclipse. It just keeps going.”
The consensus? These barrels aren’t just spec-sheet candy—they perform in real-world abuse scenarios, and they don’t flinch.
Final Thoughts
Chrome-lined barrels aren’t a gimmick. They’re the unsung heroes that keep your rifle running reliably through heat, grime, and years of hard use. And when it comes to doing chrome right, Zastava sets the gold standard—or should we say chrome standard?
From the hammer-forging process to the deep military lineage, Zastava’s chrome-lined barrels represent durability, performance, and authenticity. Whether you’re building your first AK or adding another to the collection, make sure the barrel is chrome-lined—and make sure it’s from Zastava.
Explore the full lineup of chrome-barreled AKs, including the ZPAP M70, ZPAP M72 RPK, and folding stock variants at Zastava Arms USA.
