Mitchell Arms Zastava Yugo AK-47 M-90 7.62X39 16” Semi-Auto Rifle AKM
SOLD FOR: $1,550.99
WOA#: WY240613MO005
Make: Zastava Serbia
Model: M90
Serial Number: 005461
Year of Manufacture: 1989-2004
Caliber: 7.62X39
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked “005461”, “MODEL M-90 / CAL 7.62×39”, “SAFE FIRE”, “MITCHELL ARMS INC / SANTA ANA CAL USA”. (The original model name was electric penciled out with M-90 electric penciled above it. This was done by Mitchell Arms to bypass import restrictions on the “AK-47” mark.) The left side of the receiver is marked “ZASTAVA-KRAGUJEVAC / MADE IN YUGOSLAVIA”. The top of the trunnion is marked “051” in electric pencil. The right side of the dust cover lug is marked “1511”.
Barrel Length: 16.25”. 17” with slant brake.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post set between to protective ears. The rear sight is a u-notch tangent leaf. The left side of the receiver is mounted with a scope rail.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is a one piece wood stock with black rubber buttpad, and high cheek piece. The wood pistol grip is oversized and in excellent shape. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. The handguard is two piece Yugo profile wood. The bayonet lug has been shaved off. There is a cleaning rod set in the bottom handguard. The stock rates in about excellent condition. The safety lever has a cutout to serve as a bolt catch.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 30rd 7.62×39 magazine in Very Good – Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light operation. The scope mount has minimal scars from a previous optic installation. There is old grease in the components and in some of the crevices. The screw heads are sharp and serviceable and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. This rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a total of one 20 round magazine with a sticker that says “YUGO 308”
Our Assessment: This Zastava “M90” is a unique piece of firearms history, embodying both the rugged reliability of Serbian military rifles and the complex import regulations of the late 1980s and early 1990s. This rifle is essentially a civilian-legal version of the Zastava M70B3, a military-grade AKM variant produced by Zastava Arms for the Yugoslav military. The M70B3 was known for its robust construction, including a thicker receiver and trunnions, which contributed to its reputation for durability and longevity in harsh conditions.
During the import ban era, which aimed to restrict the flow of foreign military-style rifles into the United States, many rifles like the M70B3 were caught in a legal limbo. To circumvent these restrictions and avoid the destruction of these valuable firearms, Mitchell Arms took a creative approach. They removed the AK-47 designation from the rifles, rebranding them as the “M90.” This simple yet effective change allowed the rifles to bypass the ban and enter the U.S. market legally, preserving hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of firearms from being confiscated and destroyed.
The M90, retains much of the military essence of its predecessors. The rifle’s heavy-duty construction, combined with its historical significance, makes it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts.
The Zastava M90’s journey from the factory floors of Serbia to the hands of American civilians is a testament to the ingenuity of importers and the enduring appeal of the AK platform. Despite the challenges posed by import restrictions, the M90 stands as one of the closest representations of a Yugoslav military AK that isn’t a parts kit build. Its rebranding as the M90, its near-original military specifications, and its place in the turbulent history of Yugoslavia just before the civil war, all contribute to its status as a highly desirable and historically significant rifle. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.
