The Serbian Army recently conducted testing of their first military 6.5 Grendel rifle, the 6.5mm Zastava M17 AK DMR. This new rifle is designed to provide greater accuracy and range than previous models, making it a valuable addition to the Serbian military’s arsenal.
The 6.5 Grendel cartridge has gained popularity in recent years due to its superior ballistics and long-range capabilities. The Zastava M17 AK DMR is specifically designed to take advantage of these qualities, providing soldiers with increased accuracy and lethality at longer distances.
The testing of the Zastava M17 AK DMR marks an important step forward for the Serbian military, as they continue to modernize and upgrade their equipment. With its advanced capabilities and reliable design, the 6.5mm Zastava M17 AK DMR is sure to become a valuable asset for the Serbian Army in the years to come.
History and Adoption by Serbian Army
The 6.5mm Zastava M17 AK DMR, also known as the first military 6.5 Grendel rifle, has a rich history and has been adopted by the Serbian Army as its national military force’s standard DMR.
The development of the 6.5 Grendel cartridge began in the early 2000s, with the goal of creating a cartridge that could outperform the 5.56 NATO round at longer ranges. The cartridge was designed to fit in a standard AR-15 magazine and to be used in an AR-15 platform rifle. The 6.5 Grendel cartridge was first introduced in 2004, and it quickly gained popularity among hunters and long-range shooters.
In 2017, the Serbian Army adopted the 6.5mm Zastava M17 AK DMR as its standard DMR. The rifle is based on the AK-47 platform, which is known for its reliability and durability. The rifle is chambered in the 6.5 Grendel cartridge, which provides superior accuracy and range compared to the 7.62x39mm cartridge used in the standard AK-47.
The adoption of the 6.5mm Zastava M17 AK DMR by the Serbian Army was a significant milestone for the rifle and the cartridge. The Serbian Army is known for its rigorous testing and evaluation process, and the fact that they chose the 6.5mm Zastava M17 AK DMR as their standard DMR is a testament to its quality and performance.
Overall, the adoption of the 6.5mm Zastava M17 AK DMR by the Serbian Army has helped to increase the popularity of the 6.5 Grendel cartridge and has demonstrated the effectiveness of the cartridge in military applications.
Technical Specifications
Barrel and Caliber
The Zastava M17 AK DMR is a first military 6.5 Grendel rifle that is designed to meet the needs of the Serbian army. It features a 20-inch barrel that is made of high-quality chrome-moly steel, which provides excellent accuracy and durability. The barrel is also threaded and comes with a thread protector.
The rifle is chambered in 6.5 Grendel, which is a popular caliber among military and law enforcement agencies due to its high accuracy and long-range capabilities. The 6.5 Grendel round is also known for its ability to penetrate body armor and other barriers.
Optics and Picatinny Rail
The Zastava M17 AK DMR comes with a Picatinny rail that is located on the top of the receiver. This rail allows for the attachment of various optics, such as scopes and red dot sights. The rifle also features iron sights that are adjustable for windage and elevation.
Safety and Charging Features
The Zastava M17 AK DMR features an ambidextrous safety lever that is located on the left side of the receiver. This safety lever allows for easy manipulation of the safety with either hand, which is especially useful for left-handed shooters.
The rifle also features an AR-15 style charging handle and a monolithic dust cover that is designed to protect the internal components of the rifle from dust and debris. The gas tube cover is also designed to prevent dirt and debris from entering the gas system, which helps to ensure reliable operation.
Overall, the Zastava M17 AK DMR is a highly capable and reliable rifle that is designed to meet the needs of the Serbian army. Its high-quality barrel, accurate caliber, and versatile optics and Picatinny rail make it an excellent choice for military and law enforcement applications.
Zastava M17 Design and Features
The Zastava M17 is a 6.5mm Grendel rifle designed for the Serbian Army. It is a modern and modular rifle that offers a range of features that make it a versatile weapon for military use.
Modular Design
The Zastava M17 has a modular design that allows for easy customization and upgrades. The rifle’s upper and lower receivers are made from high-quality aluminum, which makes it lightweight and durable. The rifle’s Picatinny rail allows for the easy attachment of a wide range of accessories, such as optics, lights, and lasers.
Quick-Change Barrel Mechanism
The Zastava M17 features a quick-change barrel mechanism that allows for the rapid replacement of the rifle’s barrel. This feature is particularly useful in combat situations where time is of the essence. The rifle’s barrel is also cold-hammer-forged, which ensures that it is accurate and long-lasting.
ACR-Style Stocks
The Zastava M17 features ACR-style stocks, which provide a comfortable and ergonomic grip. The rifle’s stock is adjustable, which allows for a customized fit for the shooter. The stock also features a storage compartment, which can be used to store small items such as batteries or cleaning supplies.
Overall, the Zastava M17 is a well-designed and versatile rifle that offers a range of features that make it a valuable addition to any military arsenal. Its modular design, quick-change barrel mechanism, and ACR-style stocks make it a reliable and effective weapon for a variety of combat situations.
Ammunition and Effective Range
6.5 Grendel Rounds
The 6.5 Grendel rounds used in the Zastava M17 AK DMR rifle have a muzzle velocity of around 2,700 feet per second and an effective range of up to 800 meters. The rounds are designed to be highly accurate and have a flat trajectory, making them ideal for long-range engagements. The 6.5 Grendel rounds are also known for their excellent penetration capabilities, making them effective against a wide range of targets.
Armor Piercing Rounds
The Zastava M17 AK DMR rifle can also fire armor-piercing rounds, which are designed to penetrate armor and other hard targets. These rounds have a hardened steel core and a copper jacket, which allows them to maintain their shape and penetrate through even the toughest materials. The armor-piercing rounds have a muzzle velocity of around 2,600 feet per second and an effective range of up to 600 meters.
The effective range of the Zastava M17 AK DMR rifle depends on a number of factors, including the type of ammunition used, the skill of the shooter, and the environmental conditions. However, with the right ammunition and a skilled shooter, the rifle is capable of engaging targets at long distances with high accuracy and stopping power.
Comparative Analysis
Comparison with M70 AK
The Zastava M17 AK DMR is a 6.5 Grendel rifle that has been tested by the Serbian army. One of the most significant comparisons that can be made is with the M70 AK family of rifles. The M70 AK is a 7.62x39mm assault rifle that has been in use since the 1970s.
When comparing the Zastava M17 AK DMR to the M70 AK, the most apparent difference is the caliber. The M70 AK fires a 7.62x39mm cartridge, while the Zastava M17 AK DMR fires a 6.5 Grendel cartridge. The 6.5 Grendel cartridge has a flatter trajectory and better long-range performance than the 7.62x39mm cartridge.
Another significant difference between the two rifles is the barrel length. The Zastava M17 AK DMR has a longer barrel than the M70 AK, which contributes to its improved accuracy. The Zastava M17 AK DMR also has a more significant effective range than the M70 AK.
Comparison with 7.62x54R Rifles
The 7.62x54R cartridge has been in use since the late 19th century and has been used in a variety of rifles, including the Mosin-Nagant and the Dragunov. When comparing the Zastava M17 AK DMR to 7.62x54R rifles, the most significant difference is once again the caliber.
The 6.5 Grendel cartridge fired by the Zastava M17 AK DMR has a flatter trajectory and better long-range performance than the 7.62x54R cartridge. The Zastava M17 AK DMR also has a more significant effective range than 7.62x54R rifles.
Another significant difference between the two is the recoil. The Zastava M17 AK DMR has less recoil than 7.62x54R rifles, making it easier to shoot accurately and for longer periods.
In conclusion, the Zastava M17 AK DMR is a significant improvement over the M70 AK family of rifles and 7.62x54R rifles in terms of caliber, barrel length, effective range, and recoil. It is a reliable and accurate rifle that has been tested by the Serbian army and has proven to be an excellent addition to their arsenal.
Additional Equipment
Helmets
The Serbian Army uses a variety of helmets to protect their soldiers. The most common helmet is the M-97, which is made of Kevlar and provides protection against shrapnel and bullets. The helmet has a weight of 1.5 kg and is equipped with a chin strap and a visor. Another helmet used by the Serbian Army is the M-05, which is also made of Kevlar and provides similar protection. However, the M-05 is lighter than the M-97, weighing only 1.2 kg.
Load-Bearing Equipment
The Serbian Army uses load-bearing equipment to help soldiers carry their gear and supplies. The most common load-bearing equipment used by the Serbian Army is the M-10 vest, which is made of nylon and has multiple pockets for carrying ammunition, grenades, and other supplies. The vest is also equipped with a hydration system to keep soldiers hydrated during long missions.
In addition to the M-10 vest, the Serbian Army also uses the M-93 backpack, which is made of nylon and has a capacity of 30 liters. The backpack is designed to carry additional gear and supplies and is equipped with a hydration system as well.
Overall, the Serbian Army’s choice of helmets and load-bearing equipment is designed to provide soldiers with the necessary protection and support to carry out their missions effectively.
Future Prospects and Upgrades
The first military 6.5 Grendel rifle, the 6.5mm Zastava M17 AK DMR, has shown great potential in its testing with the Serbian army. As the rifle continues to be used and evaluated, there are several future prospects and upgrades that could be considered to improve its performance and capabilities.
One potential upgrade for the rifle is an infantry upgrade. This could include improvements to the rifle’s ergonomics, such as a more comfortable grip, as well as enhancements to its durability and reliability. Additionally, the rifle could benefit from the addition of various accessories, such as a bipod or a suppressor.
Another area of potential improvement is in the technology readiness level (TRL) of the rifle. While the M17 AK DMR has demonstrated promising results in its testing, there may be additional technologies that could be incorporated to further enhance its performance. For example, new materials or manufacturing processes could be utilized to reduce the rifle’s weight or improve its accuracy.
Finally, research managers could explore potential upgrades related to the rifle’s optics and other sighting systems. The M17 AK DMR currently features a Picatinny rail for mounting various optics, but there may be opportunities to develop new sighting technologies that can improve the rifle’s accuracy and precision.
Overall, the future prospects and upgrades for the 6.5mm Zastava M17 AK DMR are promising. By continuing to evaluate and improve the rifle, the Serbian army can ensure that it remains a reliable and effective weapon for its troops in the years to come.
Conclusion
The testing of the Zastava M17 AK DMR, the first military 6.5 Grendel rifle, by the Serbian army has yielded promising results. The rifle, which is an assault rifle, was put through rigorous testing to determine its effectiveness in military operations.
The Zastava M17 AK DMR demonstrated excellent accuracy and precision, making it a reliable weapon for military use. The rifle’s 6.5mm caliber provides sufficient stopping power, while its lightweight design makes it easy to handle and maneuver in combat situations.
The rifle’s durability was also tested, and it proved to be a robust weapon that can withstand harsh conditions. This makes it an ideal weapon for military operations in various environments.
Overall, the Zastava M17 AK DMR is a reliable and effective weapon that has the potential to become a standard issue rifle for military forces. Its accuracy, precision, and durability make it a valuable asset in any military operation.