Zastava M83
| Zastava M83 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Revolver |
| Place of origin |  Yugoslavia |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Zavodi Crvena Zastava |
| Produced | 1983-1990s |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 900 g (2.0 lb) |
| Length | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Barrel length | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Cartridge | .357 Magnum |
| Action | Double Action |
| Feed system | 6 rounds cilinder |
| Sights | Fixed |
| References | Ian Hogg[1][2] |
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The Zastava M83, also called Zastava R357, is a double-action revolver produced between 1983 and the 1990s by the Yugoslav company Voini Techniki Zavod, which was later renamed Zavodi Crvena Zastava.
Design and development
[edit]The design of the M83 stemmed from the need to equip police forces with revolvers, given their well-known advantages over semi-automatic pistols; furthermore, at the time, many Western police and military forces were already equipped with modern revolver models. The M83 was manufactured entirely from steel, and its design was inspired by the Smith & Wesson K-frame (medium-frame) series as well as the Röhm RG-38S.[1][2][3]
Designed to fire the .357 Magnum cartridge (allowing for the use of .38 Special as well), it also featured cylinder adapters for 9mm Parabellum. It was manufactured with 2.5-inch and 4-inch barrel lengths. The trigger requires a pull weight of 12 to 15 pounds; as a safety measure, the weapon incorporates a transfer bar safety and a spring-loaded firing pin. The rear sight is fixed and consists of a notch paired with a blade front sight, complemented by longitudinal anti-glare serrations along the top of the barrel. The cylinder swings out to the left, where a "window" is also located, allowing the user to verify whether the weapon is loaded.[1][2][3][4]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 Hogg, Ian; Weeks, John (1992) [1978]. Pistols of the world: The definitive illustrated guide to the world's pistols and revolvers (3rd ed.). Northbrook, IL.: DBI Books Inc. pp. 235, 268. ISBN 0-87349-128-9.
- 1 2 3 Hogg, Ian; Walter, John (2004) [1978]. Pistols of the world: A Comprehensive Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Worlds Pistols and Revolvers From 1870 to the Present Day (4th ed.). Iola, WI: Krause Publications. pp. 391, 411. ISBN 0-87349-460-1.
- 1 2 Peterson, Paul (2026-02-11). "ZASTAVA M83 .357 REVOLVER REVIEW: THE COMMUNISTS' RED 'PYTHON' OF THE COLD WAR". Guns.com. Retrieved 2026-09-26.
- ↑ "Zastava M83 357 Magnum Surplus Revolver Review". Sootch Gear.com. 2025-09-03. Retrieved 2026-09-26.