Zastava M85 "Mini Mauser"

**Aguila Blanca** · May 13, 2018, 12:46 PM

Several years ago they were being sold by J&G Sales in Arizona. Unfortunately for me, I hesitated too long, and missed out. Are they still being manufactured? Are they still being imported? If so, by whom?

I'm mostly interested in 7.62x39, but I'd consider 5.56x45.

fourbore · May 13, 2018, 01:26 PM

I have seen the in that last year at cabelas. I dont know if they were a catalog item. These were out on the floor where the low end used guns are racked. It might be worth calling a few in your predetermined max radius of travel. I dont now where CONUS is, but; cabelas are pretty well spread out.

That does not mean you will find one today. The importation seems like a on/off again situation for the bolt actions, rimfire, mini-bolt and std length bolt.

HiBC · May 13, 2018, 03:11 PM

I can't give you a leade on finding them.Remington bought the rights to the Zastava and offered the 798 full size Mauser and the 799 mini for a while.They were discontinued.
While I never saw one for sale, they (Zastave/J+G) cataloged a 22-250 version. It seemed to me to be ideal for the Remington Bench Rest series,I was thinking 6.5 Benchrest. Nice thought,but no action.
What I can suggest is that Howa offers a fairly reasonably priced mini-bolt barreled action and Brownell's often has them for sale.
Someone,maybe Bell and Carlson? offers a composite stock.

And,of course,you can spend a bit more for the CZ. They offer some nice,accurate rifles.

FWIW,the Howa is available in 6.5 Grendel,also

stevelyn · May 14, 2018, 06:52 AM

I bought a couple left-handers from K-VAR some years back. It doesn't look like they are carrying the M-85 these days. But it may not hurt to ask.

http://k-var.com/zastava

fourbore · May 14, 2018, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevelyn

I bought a couple left-handers from K-VAR some years back. It doesn't look like they are carrying the M-85 these days. But it may not hurt to ask.

http://k-var.com/zastava

Good post. I did not know anyone had this complete an inventory for Zastava

Scorch · May 14, 2018, 09:54 AM

Century Arms is the current importer for Zastava firearms. Try calling them.

fourbore · May 14, 2018, 03:31 PM

I called K-Var, the link with all the Zastava posted by Steve. I asked about my needs (not the 85). I was told that at this time, no one is importing zestava rifles. It does not sound promising. I guess, for the short term or not so short term, we are limited to what is out there.

I did see some new M85 in 223 on the web. I recommend the cz in that space. it is a true Mauser, not a push feed like the M85. And the stocks do not need to be refinished.

101guns · May 19, 2018, 10:40 PM

Ruger American can be had in this round now....realize off topic but all my Americans shoot lights out.

T. O'Heir · May 20, 2018, 12:13 PM

You had 2 options. Century or somebody called Fime Group Llc in Vegas. No mention of Zastava on either site though. Lots of Zastava stuff on the assorted auction sites.

bobn · May 21, 2018, 06:39 AM

I would want the exact specimen in my hands before I proceeded. I have had three different versions of the mini mausers. I do not learn things very well, lol.
...two had crappy wood and did not feed in 223. the 222 fed well but the top of the receiver needed a stack of shims to level the scope mounts.
.....bottom line> after shooting two different RAPs with no grief, that's my choice. bob.

agtman · May 23, 2018, 08:47 PM

Just get a CZ 527 'mini'/short Mauser-action in whatever chambering, ... and be done with it.

Scorch · May 24, 2018, 12:14 AM

Quote:

No mention of Zastava on either site though

On Century Arms' web site
https://www.centuryarms.com/ri1974-n.html

HiBC · May 24, 2018, 02:12 AM

Right now ,in stock,on sale you can get a mini-Howa bolt barreled action for $259
A 6.5 Grendel is offered at higher cost.
https://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...vers/index.htm
I've never used a Zastava Mini Mauser.Over the years,some buyers have had complaints I recall guard screws not accurately drilled

That may all be fixed and fine now,it was years ago.

Mobuck · May 24, 2018, 04:41 AM

I bought a "Mini-Mauser" in 7.62x39 years ago because it was "cute" and basically one of very few choices for a low recoil kid's deer rifle. Function is hitchy and accuracy with the ammo available at that time was mediocre.
This may have improved (or maybe not) over the last 8-10 years. My "cute" little carbine hasn't seen daylight for nearly that long.

Scorch · May 24, 2018, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Right now ,in stock,on sale you can get a mini-Howa bolt barreled action for $259

That is a barreled action. No stock. Although that is a good alternative, many people are not looking to assemble a rifle from parts. Also note that the Mini-Mauser is a lot easier to field carry due to the flush magazine floor plate, the other rifles mentioned have protruding magazines.

And if your Mini-Mauser is just sitting and you want to get rid of it, PM me.

fourbore · May 24, 2018, 05:22 PM

Something I feel is worth a repeat. The zestava M70 is a true mauser action and at the cableas clearance price of $300, worth the price for the action alone.

The M85 so called "mini mauser" is a push feed with a FAKE cosmetic extractor. The gun, IMHO, has little parts value and certainly none of the traditional Mauser appeal.

That variation in fit and finish when perusing a rack of M70 was amazing. Some looked pretty good and only need a good strip and refinsh while others had gaps and blemishes in what I consider a total POS junk stock. The metal work appeared good with a real blue. Try and find a gun that is polished and blued today.

Blind buying one of these, sight unseen, any model, is a big gamble. I might, but; just be aware and dont be a cry baby later.

May 13, 2018, 12:46 PM	#1
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,460	Zastava M85 "Mini Mauser" Several years ago they were being sold by J&G Sales in Arizona. Unfortunately for me, I hesitated too long, and missed out. Are they still being manufactured? Are they still being imported? If so, by whom? I'm mostly interested in 7.62x39, but I'd consider 5.56x45.

May 13, 2018, 03:11 PM	#3
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,283	I can't give you a leade on finding them.Remington bought the rights to the Zastava and offered the 798 full size Mauser and the 799 mini for a while.They were discontinued. While I never saw one for sale, they (Zastave/J+G) cataloged a 22-250 version. It seemed to me to be ideal for the Remington Bench Rest series,I was thinking 6.5 Benchrest. Nice thought,but no action. What I can suggest is that Howa offers a fairly reasonably priced mini-bolt barreled action and Brownell's often has them for sale. Someone,maybe Bell and Carlson? offers a composite stock. And,of course,you can spend a bit more for the CZ. They offer some nice,accurate rifles. FWIW,the Howa is available in 6.5 Grendel,also Last edited by HiBC; May 13, 2018 at 03:58 PM.

May 14, 2018, 06:52 AM	#4
stevelyn Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: Fairbanksan in exile to Aleutian Hell Posts: 2,655	I bought a couple left-handers from K-VAR some years back. It doesn't look like they are carrying the M-85 these days. But it may not hurt to ask. http://k-var.com/zastava __________________ Stop Allowing Our Schools To Be Soft Targets! http://fastersaveslives.org/ East Moose. Wear Wolf.

May 14, 2018, 09:54 AM	#6
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Century Arms is the current importer for Zastava firearms. Try calling them. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

May 20, 2018, 12:13 PM	#9
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	You had 2 options. Century or somebody called Fime Group Llc in Vegas. No mention of Zastava on either site though. Lots of Zastava stuff on the assorted auction sites. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

May 13, 2018, 01:26 PM	#2
fourbore Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2015 Location: new england Posts: 1,159	I have seen the in that last year at cabelas. I dont know if they were a catalog item. These were out on the floor where the low end used guns are racked. It might be worth calling a few in your predetermined max radius of travel. I dont now where CONUS is, but; cabelas are pretty well spread out. That does not mean you will find one today. The importation seems like a on/off again situation for the bolt actions, rimfire, mini-bolt and std length bolt.

May 14, 2018, 03:31 PM	#7
fourbore Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2015 Location: new england Posts: 1,159	I called K-Var, the link with all the Zastava posted by Steve. I asked about my needs (not the 85). I was told that at this time, no one is importing zestava rifles. It does not sound promising. I guess, for the short term or not so short term, we are limited to what is out there. I did see some new M85 in 223 on the web. I recommend the cz in that space. it is a true Mauser, not a push feed like the M85. And the stocks do not need to be refinished.

May 19, 2018, 10:40 PM	#8
101guns Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 228	Ruger American can be had in this round now....realize off topic but all my Americans shoot lights out.

May 21, 2018, 06:39 AM	#10
bobn Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2006 Location: midwest Posts: 1,105	I would want the exact specimen in my hands before I proceeded. I have had three different versions of the mini mausers. I do not learn things very well, lol. ...two had crappy wood and did not feed in 223. the 222 fed well but the top of the receiver needed a stack of shims to level the scope mounts. .....bottom line> after shooting two different RAPs with no grief, that's my choice. bob.

May 23, 2018, 08:47 PM	#11
agtman Junior member Join Date: July 26, 2001 Location: midwest Posts: 2,374	Just get a CZ 527 'mini'/short Mauser-action in whatever chambering, ... and be done with it.

May 24, 2018, 02:12 AM	#13
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,283	Right now ,in stock,on sale you can get a mini-Howa bolt barreled action for $259 A 6.5 Grendel is offered at higher cost. https://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...vers/index.htm I've never used a Zastava Mini Mauser.Over the years,some buyers have had complaints I recall guard screws not accurately drilled That may all be fixed and fine now,it was years ago.

May 24, 2018, 04:41 AM	#14
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	I bought a "Mini-Mauser" in 7.62x39 years ago because it was "cute" and basically one of very few choices for a low recoil kid's deer rifle. Function is hitchy and accuracy with the ammo available at that time was mediocre. This may have improved (or maybe not) over the last 8-10 years. My "cute" little carbine hasn't seen daylight for nearly that long.

May 24, 2018, 05:22 PM	#16
fourbore Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2015 Location: new england Posts: 1,159	Something I feel is worth a repeat. The zestava M70 is a true mauser action and at the cableas clearance price of $300, worth the price for the action alone. The M85 so called "mini mauser" is a push feed with a FAKE cosmetic extractor. The gun, IMHO, has little parts value and certainly none of the traditional Mauser appeal. That variation in fit and finish when perusing a rack of M70 was amazing. Some looked pretty good and only need a good strip and refinsh while others had gaps and blemishes in what I consider a total POS junk stock. The metal work appeared good with a real blue. Try and find a gun that is polished and blued today. Blind buying one of these, sight unseen, any model, is a big gamble. I might, but; just be aware and dont be a cry baby later.