You waited for that shipping notice, tracked the package like a hawk, and now the crate finally sits in front of you. Time to open it, spread parts across the bench, and begin prepping Zastava parts kits the right way: safe, organized, and with the end goal of a smooth, range-ready Zastava build.
This guide walks through each step, from first inspection to range prep, while you keep everything legal, safe, and fun.
Why Zastava Parts Kits Deserve A Spot On Your Bench
Zastava parts kits give you original M70 military heritage in a compact box. The M70 AB1 Parts Kits contain surplus components from Yugoslavian M70 AB1 rifles, demilled for legal sale and ready for a new life in your collection.
These kits offer:
- Authentic M70 parts with matching serial numbers across key components
- A 1 mm receiver trunnion and other core parts
- A magazine pouch and small accessories that add historical flavor
Zastava also sells other kit options under the AK-Parts-Kit section, so you can choose the kit that fits your budget and project idea.
For many builders, prepping Zastava parts kits feels like a hands-on history class with real Serbian steel on the desk.
Understand Grades Before You Touch A Single Screw
Zastava grades M70 AB1 kits into three tiers: Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3.
- Grade 1 kits show very light wear, minimal rust, and fully matching serial numbers, perfect for collectors who want a “like new” restoration.
- Grade 2 kits show honest use, a bit of rust, and at least four matching serial numbers.
- Grade 3 kits focus on function and value, with more visible wear and at least three matching serial numbers.
Your approach to prepping Zastava parts kits should match the grade:
- Grade 1: Gentle cleanup, preserve finish and markings
- Grade 2: Balanced cleanup and light cosmetic work
- Grade 3: Deeper rehab project, more elbow grease, same Zastava soul
Unboxing And First Safety Checks
Even though Zastava parts kits arrive demilled with no receiver and no barrel, you still treat every crate with respect. Zastava already renders these parts inoperable and ships them as components rather than firearms, and the product page notes that the kits exclude receiver, barrel, and compliance parts.
Solid first steps:
- Clear the workspace and put on eye protection and gloves. Small springs, sharp edges, and old metal do not care about your fingers.
- Lift each part from the crate and place it on a soft mat or towel.
- Keep small pins and screws in labeled containers, not floating on the bench.
Legal note: Zastava reminds customers that any assembly must comply with federal, state, and local law, including 922(r) limits on foreign-made parts in a completed rifle.
Inventory Each Part Like A Pro
Before you think about prepping Zastava parts kits with solvents or lube, you confirm what you have.
Use the parts list on the M70 AB1 Parts Kits page as a reference and check off each major component: front trunnion, rear trunnion, bolt, carrier, recoil assembly, gas block, sights, and furniture.
Then:
- Note matching serial numbers across trunnions, bolt, and carrier
- Mark any rust spots, pitting, or obvious dings
- Decide which parts you want to keep as-is for “battle character” and which parts need more cosmetic love
A simple notebook or spreadsheet turns into your build diary and keeps future troubleshooting a lot easier.
Remove Old Oil, Cosmoline, And Storage Grime
Decades of storage often leave thick oil and preservatives on surplus parts. Zastava highlights its own DRNCH cleaner and lubricant as low-odor and non-toxic, safe for modern Zastava finishes and indoor use.
A smart cleanup flow:
- Wipe excess oil with shop towels.
- Use a quality gun solvent or DRNCH Cleaner/Lube on metal surfaces.
- Use nylon or brass brushes on threads, gas parts, and rough patches.
- Dry parts thoroughly and add a light coat of fresh oil, not a bath.
Inspect Critical Components Before The Build
Now the fun detective work starts. Prepping Zastava parts kits means you hunt for issues before the gunsmith receives anything.
Focus on:
- Trunnions – Check locking surfaces and rivet holes for deformation or cracks. M70 AB1 kits include the 1 mm trunnion, which forms the backbone of the rifle.
- Bolt and Carrier – Look at lugs, cam surfaces, and the firing pin channel. Zastava’s own fouling guide points to the bolt tail and extractor pocket as common carbon traps, so you clear those until surfaces look sharp and clean.
- Gas Block And Tube – Ensure sights line up visually and gas vents stay open, not filled with crud.
- Springs And Pins – Confirm full length and correct tension; toss any obviously damaged spring into the “replace” pile.
If anything raises doubt, you let a qualified gunsmith or experienced builder check it.
Give The Wood Furniture Fresh Life
Zastava furniture has its own charm. M70 kits often carry original handguards and stocks with dings that tell stories. You decide how far you go.
Light approach:
- Wipe wood with a damp cloth and mild soap
- Use fine steel wool very gently on rough spots
- Refresh with an appropriate oil finish
If you want your kit to match a modern rifle, you can use the style of the ZPAPM70 ZR7762WM Semi-automatic Sporting Rifle as inspiration, which ships with dark walnut furniture over a 7.62×39 rifle built on a bulged trunnion receiver and a cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel.
That wa,y your surplus wood and your factory rifle create a matching Zastava “family” on the rack.
Range Prep Checklist For Your Finished Zastava Build
Once a professional completes the build and signs off, you still handle the final steps before the first magazine.
Helpful habits:
- Read the owner’s manual for your Zastava rifle and follow the field-strip procedure exactly.
- Run a light oil check on rails, contact points, and the bore, just like the steps we outlined in AK Carbon Fouling: Causes, Cleaning, and Maintenance.
- After your first range session, follow the routine from Cleaning a ZPAP After a Range Day so the rifle starts life with great maintenance habits from day one.
This range-day ritual locks in reliability and keeps that fresh Zastava feel for years.
