M59/66 DATA

Updated: 1/27/02 - DS

"Apart from being issued to the Yugoslavian Armed Forces, the M59 is also available for commercial export sales from Jugoimport, Beograd, which is a state controlled merchandizing company. "

OVERVIEW: Ever since the Yugoslavian M59/66's have been added to the C&R list, I've been flooded by information requests about these weapons. Up until now, I haven't had much to say since we don't have much collective experience with them in the U.S. The following information and photos are reproduced from a 1967 Jugoimport brochure which was forwarded to me by TAILGUNNER. Again, this information is a direct copy of the original work, so all measurements will be in metric and the translation to English is a little rough in spots.

TECHNICAL DATA

Length of rifle with bayonet folded	1120 mm
Length of rifle with bayonet extended	1320 mm
Weight of rifle	4000-4200 grams
Caliber	7.62
Magazine capacity	10 rds
Launcher diameter	22 mm
Rate of fire	30-40 rounds / min.
Rate of fire with rifle grenades	4 gren. / min.
Length of line of sight	444 m
Sight graduation	100 - 1000 m
Sighting range HEAT shell	150 m
Sighting range HE shell	275 m
Recoil energy (firing normal ammunition)	.85 kgm
Recoil energy (firing HEAT shells)	16 kgm
Recoil energy (firing normal ammunition)	.85 kgm
Recoil energy (firing HEAT shells)	16 kgm
Muzzle velocity of bullet	745 m/sec
Muzzle velocity of HE shell	60 m/sec
Muzzle velocity of HEAT shell	66 m/sec
Muzzle velocity of smoke shell	74 m/sec
Muzzle velocity of illuminating shell	78 m/sec
Length of cartridge	55.8 mm
Length of rifle grenade cartridge	56 mm
Weight of bullet	7.9 grams
Weight of cartridge	17 grams
Weight of rifle grenade cartridge	12 grams
Weight of HE shell (Yugoslavian)	520 grams
Weight of HEAT shell (Yugoslavian)	610 grams
Weight of smoke shell (Yugoslavian)	450 grams
Weight of illuminating shell (Yugoslavian)	430 grams

Click the image for the LARGE version.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

The semiautomatic rifle cal. 7.62 mm M59 with launcher has catered to the wide requirements for amplified firing power of the infantry, giving to modern infantry an arm possessing all the accuracy and precision features, with improved advantages of semi-automatic fire in any position of the gunner. This rifle is also meeting the up-to-date requirement to minimize to the least possible extent the weight of the arm and ammunition, while maintaining the required accurate range. In the way, the firing power of the soldier armed with the M59 rifle has not only been amplified, but a longer and complete combat readiness have been provided too.

As the rifle has available a launcher for HE, HEAT, smoke, illuminating rifle grenades, various tactical missions of infantry units may be solved with it.

The rifle has a bayonet incorporated, being folded up only and not taken off.

The rifle is semi-automatic, gas operated. The triggering mechanism makes possible automatic fire.

The practical rate of fire is 30-40 rounds/minute. The magazine capacity is 10 cartridges and it is clip loaded from clips of 10 cartridges each. The clip is placed on the notch of the bolt carrier, above the magazine. By thumb pressure of the right hand, the cartridges from the clip are loaded into the magazine.

The weight of the cartridge (17 grams) enables carrying of 50% of ammunition more than the conventional one.

Compared to the cartridge size, inspite of the light weight of the arm, the rifle has a small recoil energy (0.85 mkg). Thanks to this small recoil energy and lay-out of the mass-position of the center of gravity - firing is not trying, whilst the effect of the recoil of the firing accuracy, even in rapid fire, is appreciably reduced.

The rear sight is graduated from 100 to 1000 m, per every 100 m; the graduation of 300 m may be set without observing the mark of the sight, being suitable for night actions. The launcher with special sight makes possible firing at armored vehicle with HEAT shell, at rages to 150 m and resisting points up to 200 m. Live objects may be destroyed wit the HE shell at ranges to 400 m, and smoke screening with smoke shells to 350 m range, and illumination to 450 m.

Firing with launcher is possible from any position of the gunner.

Safety in handling has been provided by a simple safety.

After the last shot has been fired, the bolt remains in the rear position, the rifle being only ready for loading again.

The simple and solid design secures a long life, easy maintenance and easy and quick training in handling.

The rifle provides a proper and safe functioning under any weather conditions: rain, mud, dust, dirty lubricant, and at high and low temperatures (+ 60c to - 30c), etc.

MISC DIAGRAMS

THE GRENADE CARTRIDGE

Greg M. writes:

"German translation on the

cartridge package [10 Stuck M45

Platz-P] - "10 Pieces M45

Blanks". Platz-P is a contraction

for Platzpatrone - blank cartidge."

Notice how high the

crimp is located. This

allows proper feed and

seating in the chamber.

This is what the grenade cartridge will look like.

Apparently 7.62x39 blanks are being mass distributed because they're suddenly very easy to find. This is very convenient considering the sudden availability of Yugoslavian SKS's.

I don't know if these are acceptable grenade cartridges. They may not have enough propellant to launch a grenade very far, but they just may do. Be careful with home-made blanks. Someone online tried selling me hand made blanks, but the crimp was on the collar of the round, not above the collar as seen in the close up shot. Crimping below the collar will cause the round to chamber improperly and possibly cause damage to the weapon. More info as it comes in.

JUST BECAUSE

Made from hard black rubber

I have had this photo on file for over a year now and was patiently waiting for the opportunity to share it with you guys. It has nothing to do with Jugoimports, but it does relate to Yugoslavians training with the SKS. The rifle pictured to the right is made from hard black rubber and is reportedly a Yugoslavian military training rifle. The length and weight is reportedly very close to that of an actual SKS. From the magazine to the butt, it looks just like an M59, but the barrel is all wrong. It almost looks like a shotgun from the front. I am a little skeptical as to it's authenticity, but what the heck, it's fun to look at. I almost bought one but I just couldn't justify the expense for such a lark.

Have any information to add? Please write: SKSDave

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