Custom Zastava Interarms Mark X Takedown .300 Win Mag Bolt Rifle, 1974

SOLD FOR: $1,102.95

WOA#: WY240327DC004

Make: The action was produced in Yugoslavia by Zastava for Interarms

Model: Custom Mark X

Serial Number: B67856

Year of Manufacture: 1974, we do not know when this rifle was customized.

Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Hinged Floorplate Internal Magazine

Markings: The left of the chamber ring is marked “B67856”, the right has British and Yugoslavian proof/inspection marks. The left of the receiver is marked with an Interarms sunburst next to “ALEXANDRIA / VIRGINIA”, “INTERARMS”, “MANCHESTER / ENGLAND” and with a Zastava logo. The bolt handle is marked “3113” and with a Yugoslavian proof/inspection mark. The sear channel in the receiver tang is marked “3113”. The right-rear of the receiver is marked “0974” (indicates production in September, 1974). The left-rear of the barrel is marked “RCR / 300 WIN MAG”. The caliber marking appears to have been applied after a previous marking was milled away.

Barrel Length: 25”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base screwed to the front of the barrel. The base is grooved for a hood that is not present. The rear sight is a Williams “U”-notch adjustable for windage and elevation on a base screwed to the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with two-piece Weaver bases installed. The right-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present).

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with schnabel-tip forend, steel plates between the forend and buttstock at the front of the receiver, pistol grip, monte carlo comb, black rubber Decelerator buttpad and sling studs front and rear. The stocks have a few scattered light marks, most notable is some scratching near the toe and a nick at the bottom edge of the grip. There is some fill around the front of the floorplate assembly. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has minor wear. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original to custom build.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor nicks and scratches. There is a spot of wear on the top of the bolt knob. There is some faint oxidation on the extractor. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots/sockets. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition as customized.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, though we were not able to turn the barrel in the receiver to take down. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Zastava began producing Mauser-pattern rifles in Kragujevac, Yugoslavia (now Serbia) in 1924. The factory was therefore quite familiar with how to make rifles when they began producing their Model 70 for Interarms in 1970, branded as the Mark X. In addition to complete rifles, they also sold barreled actions or action-only for custom rifle builders. This appears to be one of the latter, assembled as a takedown rifle chambered for .300 Winchester Magnum. The two sections of the stock are mated with steel plates and the barrel is secured in place with a set-screw on the left of the chamber ring. The fit of the barrel is quite tight, so we were not able to remove it to see if it is an interrupted thread or if it must be threaded all the way out for takedown. The quality of the build appears good, so this ought to make someone a fine hunting rifle for years to come. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud