Serbian Zastava Unveils 6.5×39 mm Semi-Automatic Precision Rifle with AK Reliability.

Zastava Arms debuted a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle chambered in 6.5x39 mm. It’s built to extend accurate squad reach in urban and open terrain while preserving Kalashnikov-style durability and easy upkeep.

Serbia’s Zastava Arms unveiled a semi-automatic precision rifle chambered in 6.5×39 mm (6.5 Grendel) at the PARTNER 2025 exhibition in Belgrade on September 23–26, 2025. Designed for the designated marksman role, the rifle combines a Kalashnikov-type action with a long, ~500 mm barrel to deliver useful precision at medium ranges while preserving the platform’s ruggedness and easy maintenance. The debut matters because 6.5×39 has gained traction for superior downrange performance versus 5.56 NATO, and Zastava’s AK-based approach could appeal to militaries seeking reach without abandoning familiar logistics.
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Zastava’s new 6.5x39 mm designated marksman rifle on display at Partner 2025, featuring a 500 mm barrel, folding adjustable stock, full-length Picatinny rail, and two-chamber muzzle brake.(Picture source: ArmyRecognition)

This rifle advances a simple proposition, pairing the reliability of an AK-style system with the reach and accuracy of a capable intermediate caliber, supported by a full-length Picatinny rail, a folding adjustable stock, and a muzzle brake intended to control recoil for quick follow-up shots. It weighs 4.8 kg without optic or bipod, measures 1,080 mm in overall length with the stock extended and 830 mm with the stock folded, features a six-groove barrel with a 203 mm twist, and uses a 10-round magazine. The side-folding stock, railed dust cover and handguard, plus a two-chamber brake, align more with a designated marksman concept than a benchrest rifle.

Choosing 6.5x39 mm places the weapon among intermediate precision cartridges known for flat trajectories without the weight or recoil of 7.62x51 mm. The 6.5 mm diameter benefits from high sectional density and aerodynamic projectiles that retain velocity and energy as distances increase. With a 500 mm barrel and 120 to 130 grain bullets, velocities are sufficient to keep flight supersonic beyond the typical patrol-rifle envelope, matching the intended employment for a squad-level marksman who stays with the infantry.

Mechanically, the rifle follows Zastava’s experience with Kalashnikov-pattern platforms. A long-stroke piston, rotating bolt, and generous tolerances support function in dust, rain, heat, or mud. For precision work, the design relies on a stiffer barrel profile and modern interfaces. The continuous top rail allows pairing a day optic with a night or thermal clip-on, while the railed fore-end accepts a bipod at an appropriate balance point. The two-chamber muzzle brake vents gas laterally to limit muzzle rise, aiding in returning to sight for a second shot on a fleeting target. A twist rate close to one turn in eight inches stabilizes heavier 6.5 mm projectiles, useful for preserving energy at longer distances.

Ergonomics aim at adaptability in operational settings. The folding, adjustable stock enables changes to length of pull and cheek height to suit optics and body armor, then folds for easier movement through vehicles, doorways, and stairwells. At 4.8 kg bare, the rifle will exceed 6 kg when equipped with an optic, mount, and bipod, which is substantial for a carbine but consistent for a designated marksman rifle that prioritizes steadiness over speed of movement. The 10-round magazine, modest but slim, lowers the profile in the prone and encourages measured fire rather than volume. Overall dimensions reflect a compromise: long enough to exploit the cartridge, compact once folded for carriage in an IFV rack, armored 4x4, or helicopter cabin.

Tactically, this type of semi-automatic bridges the gap between section assault rifles and full-power sniper systems. It offers patrols an advantage in reach in cities and open areas, where an elevated shooter can interdict a threat across a roadway or beyond a hedge. The 6.5 mm caliber mitigates wind effects, often the main source of error at medium and long range, while the brake maintains reticle stability to spot impact and correct without a spotter. In practice, this shortens the time needed to suppress a machine-gun position, stop a vehicle ignoring a checkpoint, or close a firing slit at 400 meters. The AK lineage is familiar to forces already using 7.62x39 or 5.56 mm, so armorers know the piston system and field stripping, allowing training to focus on range estimation, wind reading, and optic use.

The operational approach is pragmatic. The full-length rail simplifies integration of optics and top-mounted accessories. The adjustable stock reduces the number of spare parts required to fit different body types. The side-fold reduces space in vehicle racks, which is relevant during quick deployments. A 10-round capacity aligns with many policing uses and lowers prone height, though military users may prefer higher-capacity magazines depending on mission and rules of engagement.

Several armies are refreshing small arms after years of operations that underscored the value of precision at the section level. Fighting in the Middle East and Eastern Europe shows urban engagements can quickly extend to 300, 500, sometimes 600 meters across rail yards, highways, or riverbanks. In these conditions, a first-round hit matters more than volume of fire. Countries already operating Zastava service rifles may see logistical continuity, while budget-constrained customers may consider a solution that relies on proven mechanics with targeted modernization. For export markets managing mixed ammunition standards, the 6.5x39 option also provides a flexible transition between intermediate calibers and more powerful rounds without overhauling training pipelines.