If there’s one rifle that looks like it belongs equally in a Cold War parade and a modern bug-out bag, it’s the Underfolder ZPAP M70. This AK variant doesn’t just talk the talk—it folds the stock, survives the elements, eats whatever ammo you feed it, and still shows up looking like it walked out of a 1980s action movie.
But this isn’t just about looking cool (though it does that in spades). The underfolder M70 delivers on functionality, history, and collectibility. It’s a rifle with old-school charm and modern reliability, built by Zastava—the Serbian firearms powerhouse with over 170 years of manufacturing grit behind it.
Let’s take a deep dive into what makes this particular AK variant so beloved in the field and on the wall.
What Is the Underfolder ZPAP M70?
For the uninitiated, the ZPAP M70 is the civilian-legal, semi-automatic version of the military M70—Serbia’s standard-issue AK variant. Zastava Arms USA imports and fine-tunes these rifles for the American market, offering a level of quality that stands out in the AK world. And when you opt for the underfolder version, like the ZPAPM70UF or ZR7762UFSR, you’re getting a model that balances portability, durability, and visual appeal better than most modern rifles.
What makes it different? That iconic underfolding stock, which tucks neatly under the receiver with a simple latch mechanism. It was designed for paratroopers and tight spaces—but somehow ended up being one of the coolest-looking rifle features ever invented.
Built Like a Tank: Field Utility at Its Best
Zastava doesn’t cut corners, and it shows in the M70’s build.
The forged barrel trunnion, bolt, and bolt carrier deliver the same durability the Yugoslav military demanded. The cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel shrugs off corrosive surplus ammo, heat, and high-volume range abuse. This isn’t your average kit build—it’s a battle-tested workhorse.
And then there’s the stock—yes, the folding stock isn’t just a gimmick. When deployed, it locks up tight with minimal wobble. You could shoulder it in full kit, from prone or standing, and still feel like it’s one solid piece. When folded, it transforms your rifle into a compact 26-inch package, perfect for backpack carry, storage, or maneuvering in tight quarters.
The underfolder M70 shines in real-world use:
- Easy to transport and stow in a truck, pack, or range bag
- Functions flawlessly in dust, rain, snow, and every flavor of mud
- Comfortable enough for casual range use but tough enough for training days and drills
- Handles heat and heavy fire without complaint
One Redditor summed it up perfectly: “I treat it like I treat my ex’s voicemail—ignore it for weeks, then pick it up and it still works perfectly.”
Ergonomics, With a Side of Steel
Let’s be honest—underfolder stocks are not known for luxurious cheek welds. That’s the tradeoff. The Underfolder ZPAP M70 delivers rugged portability, not pillow-soft ergonomics. That said, shooters who adjust to it find it surprisingly usable, especially with iron sights. Many even install cheek risers or wrap the stock for extra comfort without losing the cool factor.
The handguards—usually wood or polymer, depending on the model—feel solid, with proper heat resistance and classic AK dimensions. Controls are standard AKM-style, so no surprises there. Everything just works.
And unlike some other underfolder AKs, Zastava’s version includes a reinforced receiver—RPK-style bulged trunnion and 1.5mm receiver thickness. That’s right, it’s got the beefy internals of a support weapon, but in a sleek, folding format.
Range Performance: Accuracy and Reliability
We won’t pretend it’s a precision rifle. But let’s be real—AKs aren’t built for sub-MOA. What matters is reliable combat accuracy, and the Underfolder ZPAP M70 delivers.
With decent ammo (think brass-case 123gr or high-quality surplus), you can expect:
- 1.5 to 2 MOA with iron sights at 100 yards
- Consistent ejection, smooth cycling
- Zero malfunctions, even after several hundred rounds
The chrome-lined barrel also makes cleaning easier—powder and fouling don’t stick as much, and corrosion risk drops significantly. Translation: less time cleaning, more time shooting.
And yes, it loves steel mags. Feed it with surplus mags, Magpul PMAGs, or Zastava’s own, and it runs like a champ.
Collector Appeal: The AK With Classic Character
Let’s talk aesthetics and history, because for many buyers, that’s half the appeal.
The Underfolder M70 carries Cold War DNA. From its angled front sight to the folding stock design first seen on Yugo paratrooper rifles, every inch screams retro Eastern Bloc excellence. Collectors love it because it looks and feels like the rifles they’ve seen in documentaries—or maybe even carried in service.
But unlike some imports, this one’s:
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- Built in the same factory in Kragujevac that made the originals
- Not a parts kit—it’s a factory-new, serialized rifle
- Finished with beautiful deep bluing or modern parkerizing, depending on the batch
- Marked with Zastava Arms USA and ready for long-term value
In a sea of U.S.-built Franken-AKs and mystery metal clones, this underfolder stands out for its authenticity.
Who Should Buy the Underfolder ZPAP M70?
Great question. This rifle fits a few key groups:
- Collectors: You want a Cold War-era AK design, not a modernized tacti-cool rifle. You care about heritage, markings, and correct design elements. This is your dream piece.
- Truck Gun Fans and Preppers: You want something compact but hard-hitting. The folding stock makes it easy to store, and the 7.62x39mm round hits harder than .223, especially through cover.
- AK Purists: You love the classic lines, the stamped receiver, and the iron sights. You want a rifle that doesn’t try to be something it’s not.
- Range Enthusiasts: You want something different—something that turns heads at the range and runs flawlessly all day long.
Final Thoughts
The Underfolder ZPAP M70 isn’t just a rifle—it’s a living piece of AK history. Built by Zastava, refined for the U.S., and forged from steel, sweat, and decades of combat experience, it’s a rifle that delivers both in the field and on the wall.
Whether you choose the ZPAPM70UF or the ZR7762UFSR, you’re getting a rock-solid AK with a folding stock, a chrome-lined barrel, and that unmistakable Zastava attitude.
It’s portable. It’s collectible. It’s unapologetically rugged. And if you’re lucky enough to own one, it might just become your favorite rifle.
So go ahead—fold it, store it, run it, love it. The Underfolder ZPAP M70 isn’t just an AK. It’s the AK for those who want the real thing.