If rifles could talk, the first thing they’d say is probably “clean me.” But the second thing? Definitely some strong opinions about handguards.
The Handguard Showdown is real—and among Zastava enthusiasts, it’s practically a rite of passage. Whether you’re rocking a classic M70, a designated marksman beast like the Zastava M91, or one of the modernized AK variants, your handguard choice isn’t just aesthetic—it’s functional, tactical, and sometimes emotional (yes, wood lovers, we see you clutching that oiled walnut like it’s a family heirloom).
So let’s dig in. Polymer, wood, or metal—which handguard rules Zastava builds? Let the Handguard Showdown begin.
Round One: Wood – Classic Feel, Classic Look
Ah, wood. The original. The traditionalist’s choice. The handguard of revolutions, resistance fighters, and every Cold War documentary ever made.
Pros:
- Timeless Aesthetic: Nothing screams “battle-hardened AK” like a rich wood grain finish. Throw it on an M70 and you’ve got a museum piece… that still rings steel at 200 yards.
- Comfort: Wood doesn’t get too hot or cold and feels natural in hand.
- Heritage Points: You’re not just holding a rifle—you’re holding history. The Serbian army didn’t rely on plastic, friend.
Cons:
- Weight: Wood adds noticeable heft. That’s great for recoil absorption, not so much when you’re hiking uphill.
- Durability: Drops, moisture, and long-term abuse can warp or crack it. You wouldn’t take grandpa’s dining chair into battle. Same energy.
- Accessory Mounting: Unless you get crafty, forget lasers, lights, or M-LOK. Wood’s not here for your tacticool dreams.
Best Zastava Pairing:
The Zastava M91, with its classic military look, looks right at home with wood furniture. Toss in the POSP 4×24 scope and 10-round magazine and you’re basically running a designated marksman setup with 1970s flair and 2020s performance.
Round Two: Polymer – Lightweight, Practical, Modern
Polymer handguards entered the chat sometime between the fall of the Berlin Wall and your cousin’s first AR build. They’ve stuck around for good reason: they’re light, durable, and customizable.
Pros:
- Lightweight: Polymer drops serious ounces off your build. Less weight up front equals better maneuverability and less fatigue.
- Heat Resistance: Modern polymers can take serious heat without cooking your palm like bacon in a skillet.
- Customization: Plenty of polymer handguards come with Picatinny rails, M-LOK slots, and QD sling points. Tactical Barbie’s dream come true.
Cons:
- Aesthetics: Let’s be real—polymer can look a bit generic, especially on a rifle steeped in Zastava’s traditional lines. Some builds end up looking like they time-traveled from a 2008 budget tactical catalog.
- Feel: Some shooters find the slickness of polymer less secure than wood or metal, especially with sweaty hands or gloves.
Best Zastava Pairing:
Polymer works great on modernized M70 variants or tactical setups where weight savings and rail space take priority. If you’re adding optics, flashlights, and pressure switches, polymer handguards won’t fight you.
Round Three: Metal – Cool to the Touch, Hot on the Range
Metal handguards are the newcomers with a bad-boy reputation. Aluminum and steel options offer unmatched rigidity and rail real estate. They also come with one major warning label: touch after a 100-round mag dump and you’ll learn respect.
Pros:
- Rigidity and Strength: These babies don’t flex. Mount a bipod, laser, foregrip, espresso machine—metal can take it.
- Tactical Functionality: More mounting options than you can shake a cleaning rod at. Ideal for precision shooters and range-commandos alike.
- Durability: It laughs in the face of drops, bangs, and scratches.
Cons:
- Heat Transfer: Metal gets hot—fast. Gloves or rail covers aren’t optional unless you enjoy toasting your digits.
- Weight: Slightly heavier than polymer, and depending on the design, even heavier than wood. Bulk matters when holding sight picture.
- Cost: Premium metal handguards don’t come cheap. But neither do vintage watches or imported cheese, and we still love those.
Best Zastava Pairing:
A metal handguard on the M91 makes perfect sense if you’re building a precision platform with bipods and optics. Pair it with the Zastava POSP scope and enjoy your new designated marksman rifle that also doubles as a campfire handwarmer.
Bonus Round: Heat Test – Who Keeps Their Cool?
We ran a little heat torture test (all in the name of science, of course). After 90 rounds in quick succession, here’s what we noticed:
- Wood: Warm but bearable. You can still grip it without pain, but we noticed a faint smell of campfire. Or maybe it was nostalgia.
- Polymer: Warm to hot. Still manageable, especially with gloves.
- Metal: Lava. DO NOT TOUCH WITHOUT PROTECTION. We warned you.
So, unless you plan to use your rifle as a rotisserie, you’ll need to factor heat into your handguard choice—especially for high-volume shooting sessions.
Which Handguard Wins the Showdown?
Like most good debates—pizza crust, Marvel vs. DC, Ford vs. Chevy—there’s no clear winner. Your handguard should match your shooting style, not your neighbor’s Instagram aesthetic.
Pick wood if:
- You’re a collector, AK purist, or Cold War aficionado.
- You care more about vibe than M-LOK slots.
- You want a rifle that looks like it came with its own national anthem.
Pick polymer if:
- You’re building a practical, lightweight rifle for range days or defensive use.
- You want rail space without extra weight.
- You wear gloves and don’t want to baby your gear.
Pick metal if:
- You want a rock-solid platform for precision and mounting gear.
- You shoot prone or from a bench and don’t mind the extra heat.
- You’re okay looking like the final boss in a shooter video game.
Final Thoughts
In the grand Handguard Showdown, the real winner is you—because Zastava builds are versatile, modular, and steeped in legacy. Whether you choose the warm charm of wood, the utility of polymer, or the brute strength of metal, your rifle will reflect your shooting style and your personality. Just remember: whatever you pick, you’re still shooting one of the finest AK-platform rifles on the market.
Need a rifle that looks great in any handguard? The Zastava M91 is a fantastic starting point. Add a POSP scope for accuracy, toss in an extra mag for fun, and let your rifle’s handguard do the talking.
Because in the end, beauty may be in the eye of the beholder—but on a Zastava, function and form always shake hands.
