The Zastava Arms M72, sold in the US as the ZPAP M72, is a semi-automatic AK-pattern rifle chambered in 7.62x39 with a 21-inch chrome-lined, finned barrel. It is built on Zastava's 1.5mm bulged-trunnion receiver and comes with a built-in detachable bipod, an RPK-style rear sight, and wood furniture finished in the Serbian Red color scheme. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Zastava Arms 
• Model: M72 RPK 
• Caliber: 7.62x39 
• Action: Semi Auto 
• Barrel Length: 21 in 
• Material: Wood Furniture, Steel Receiver 
• Color: Serbian Red 
   

Detailed Features 

• Chrome-lined, finned 21-inch barrel for heat dissipation during extended firing 
• Built-in detachable bipod for prone and supported shooting 
• 1.5mm bulged trunnion receiver, the heavier receiver spec Zastava uses on its RPK-pattern guns 
• RPK-style rear sight paired with classic wood furniture in the Serbian Red finish 
• Ships with a 30-round magazine

The RPK pattern draws steady interest from AK shooters who want a heavier barrel profile than a standard AKM, and the M72 gets the same attention. Owners like the added heft up front for standing off-hand shooting and generally find the built-in bipod useful for prone or bench use, though a few consider it more of a nice-to-have than something they use every range trip.

Fit and finish on Zastava's bulged-trunnion RPK-pattern rifles is usually described as solid, with the wood furniture drawing compliments for looks even when owners plan to swap it for something else eventually. Aftermarket support for RPK-specific parts is thinner than for standard AK rifles, so owners sometimes have to search harder for furniture, optics mounts, or replacement parts built specifically for the RPK profile.