In 1984, there emerged a new, locally-designed and produced Yugoslavian General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) as the Zastava Arms M84. No doubt influenced some by the Soviet PK/PKM series system, the M84 served in the same role and featured a similar appearance complete with its utilitarian design approach at the receiver, belt-feeding and chambering for the ubiquitous 7.62x54R cartridge. Service entry into the Yugoslavian Army occurred during 1985.
As with other GPMG systems, M84 is intended to serve multiple missions in the scope of ground forces. This means that the weapon can be fitted to a bipod as a portable measure or fixed atop a tripod in a more defensive-minded role. Only full-automatic fire is generally seen in this class of weapon and the barrel is cooled through simple air cooling, relying on the operator to manage heat build-up and change out barrels as necessary. Belt-feeding allows for consistent firepower without the need to change magazines frequently. Additionally, GPMGs typically used higher-powered, rifle-caliber cartridges in the 7.62mm range or larger.
Indeed, the M84 can be fielded in many battlefield roles including helicopter door gun pintle mounts and as a vehicle-served weapon. It sports a quick-change barrel function which aids in overheating and is serviceable as a dual-purpose weapon - capable of engaging ground-based targets or incoming aerial threats. When on its bipod, it can prove a handy area-suppression weapon at the squad-level.
Overall weight is 19lb while overall length if 46 inches with a 26-inch barrel. The action relies on a proven gas-operated, rotating bolt arrangement allowing for 700 to 800 rounds per minute to be achieved in its rate-of-fire. Muzzle velocity is listed at 2,700 feet per second with an effective firing range out to 1,000 meters. Feeding is through a 100- or 250-round belt. Iron sights allow for accurized ranged fire and are adjustable. Optical sights are supported though only when a mounting device is utilized.
While the nation of Yugoslavia no longer exists, its M84 weapon still resides in the inventories of several militaries of the world including Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Iraq, Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia.
Afghanistan; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Croatia; Iraq; Montenegro; Macedonia; Serbia
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Fire Support
Capable of suppressing enemy elements at range through direct or in-direct fire.
Overall Length
1,175 mm 46.26 in
Barrel Length
658 mm 25.91 in
Empty Wgt
19.40 lb 8.80 kg
Sights
Adjustable Iron; Optional Optics.
Action
Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt
Rotating Bolt
System utilizes internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.
Gas-Operated
Gas-operated system is featured, typically involving a gas cylinder and rear-driven piston directing energy to the bolt component.
(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)
Caliber(s)*
7.62x54mmR
Rounds / Feed
100- or 250-round belts
*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources. **Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.
Max Eff.Range
3,280 ft (1,000 m | 1,093 yd)
Rate-of-Fire
750 rds/min
Muzzle Velocity
2,700 ft/sec (823 m/sec)
M84 - Base Series Designation; standard infantry-level model; solid wooden stock; unfluted barrel assembly; based on the Soviet PKM machine gun series.
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
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Image courtesy of the Public Domain via Wikipedia user Tsnena, October 2006.
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Afghanistan; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Croatia; Iraq; Montenegro; Macedonia; Serbia
