The Foundation: A Brief History
The AK-47. The name itself conjures images of rugged reliability, global conflicts, and a legendary design. It’s a firearm that has earned its place in history, not just as a weapon, but as a symbol of the Cold War era and beyond. The popularity of this iconic rifle has spawned countless clones and variations, each with its own unique characteristics. Two of the most respected contenders in the AK-47 clone market today are the Zastava ZPAP M70 and the WBP Jack. This article dives deep into a comparison of these two rifles, offering an in-depth analysis to help you determine which one best suits your needs.
A Brief History
The AK-47’s story begins with the Soviet Union and the ingenious mind of Mikhail Kalashnikov. Designed in the aftermath of World War II, the AK-47 revolutionized firearms design with its simplicity, robustness, and effectiveness. Its ability to function reliably under extreme conditions, combined with its easy-to-manufacture nature, ensured its widespread adoption by military forces, and later by civilians worldwide. The basic AK-47 design has undergone numerous iterations and modifications, but the core principles of its operation remain the same.
A Serbian Heart: The Zastava ZPAP M70
The Zastava ZPAP M70 hails from Serbia, carrying on the legacy of the Yugoslavian arms manufacturer Zastava Arms. Zastava has a long and distinguished history of producing military firearms, including various AK-47 variants. The ZPAP M70 is a modern, commercially produced version of the iconic rifle, offering a balance of authentic design elements and updated features. Its lineage traces directly back to the original Yugoslavian M70, a rifle renowned for its robust build and generally superior construction compared to other Eastern Bloc AK-47s. The ZPAP M70 continues to be a popular choice for firearm enthusiasts, collectors, and those seeking a reliable and historically significant AK-47 platform.
Polish Precision: The WBP Jack
WBP (Wytwórnia Broni Radom), located in Radom, Poland, is a relatively newer player in the AK-47 market, but it has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality rifles. Unlike some manufacturers that simply assemble parts, WBP manufactures many of their own components. This approach allows them to maintain strict quality control and ensures that the rifles are built to exacting standards. The WBP Jack is known for its excellent fit and finish, smooth operation, and attention to detail. It represents a more modern approach to AK-47 production, emphasizing quality and reliability. WBP Jacks are often lauded for their tighter tolerances and overall build quality compared to some of their competitors.
Receiver and Build Quality: The Heart of the Matter
The receiver is arguably the most crucial component of any AK-47 rifle. It’s the backbone of the gun, housing the internal components and providing the structural integrity necessary for reliable operation. Both the ZPAP M70 and the WBP Jack employ different approaches to receiver construction, each influencing the rifle’s performance and overall feel.
Stamped Steel vs. Production Methods
The ZPAP M70 typically utilizes a stamped steel receiver, known for its strength and ease of manufacturing. Stamped receivers are a common feature of many AK-47 variants. The quality of the stamping and welding is critical for the rifle’s longevity and reliability. Zastava has a good reputation for producing well-made stamped receivers, and the M70’s receiver is generally regarded as being robust. ZPAP M70 receivers frequently feature thicker steel than some competitors. The thicker steel can contribute to increased durability.
The Jack’s Precision
The WBP Jack, on the other hand, often utilizes a stamped steel receiver as well. However, what sets the Jack apart is WBP’s meticulous attention to detail in the manufacturing process. The fit and finish of the WBP Jack’s receiver are often praised for their smooth lines, precise welds, and overall high quality. The company takes extra steps to refine the stamped receiver. While both receivers share the same basic function, the difference in build quality is often noticeable upon closer inspection.
Barrel: Accuracy and Durability
The barrel is where the bullet receives its spin and travels to its target, so it is critical to overall performance. The ZPAP M70 and WBP Jack differ in barrel length, material, and construction.
Chrome Lined Advantage
The ZPAP M70 often features a chrome-lined barrel. Chrome lining the bore adds an extra layer of protection against wear and corrosion, which extends the barrel’s lifespan and helps maintain accuracy over time. Barrel length on the M70 is often slightly longer than other variants. This combination of chrome lining and potentially longer barrel length can result in respectable accuracy for an AK-47, capable of grouping shots effectively at common engagement distances.
WBP Barrel Quality
The WBP Jack’s barrels are also known for their durability. They, too, often incorporate chrome lining, which offers the same benefits as the ZPAP M70 in terms of longevity and resistance to corrosion. The fit and finish on the WBP Jack barrels tend to be very good, leading to a smoother shooting experience. The overall quality of the barrel construction contributes to the rifle’s inherent accuracy potential.
Furniture: Comfort and Customization
The furniture, which includes the handguards, stock, and pistol grip, plays a significant role in the ergonomics, handling, and aesthetics of a rifle. Both the ZPAP M70 and WBP Jack provide different options.
Wood vs. Polymer
The ZPAP M70 typically features wood furniture, often made from hardwood, which adds a classic AK-47 aesthetic. Wood furniture can be comfortable, though it can be prone to wear and tear. The M70’s wood furniture often has a good finish, but this depends on the production run. A significant advantage of the ZPAP M70 is the ease of customization. Numerous aftermarket options are available. Whether you like the traditional look of wood or desire something more modern, customization is simple.
Modernity of the Jack
The WBP Jack offers more versatility. WBP frequently ships Jacks with polymer furniture. Polymer is very durable, weather-resistant, and often lighter than wood. Polymer furniture is a practical choice. The Jack’s handguards and pistol grip designs are usually well-designed. While not every Jack comes with the most modern furniture, it is also easy to customize. Aftermarket options provide endless possibilities for personalization.
Operation and Controls: The User Experience
Understanding the operational nuances of an AK-47 is essential for proper and safe use.
Shared Simplicity
Both rifles share the fundamental AK-47 operating system. This system uses a long-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt. The operation is straightforward. The safety selector, located on the right side of the receiver, is easy to engage and disengage. The magazine release is located at the rear of the magazine well. The bolt carrier group functions reliably in various conditions, and both the ZPAP M70 and WBP Jack benefit from this robust system.
Refined Touches
WBP Jacks sometimes receive more attention to detail. Smoothness of the bolt carrier operation and overall feel are frequently praised. While both rifles are reliable, WBP’s finish might be slightly smoother than ZPAP.
Reliability: The AK-47 Standard
Reliability is a hallmark of the AK-47 platform. Both the ZPAP M70 and the WBP Jack are designed to function consistently under adverse conditions.
Built to Last
The ZPAP M70, drawing from the history of robust Yugoslavian AKs, is built to withstand harsh environments. It tends to function reliably. While it is a mechanically simple design, it is very effective at its function.
High Reliability
The WBP Jack is also known for its reliability. The careful manufacturing process, coupled with its attention to tolerances, enhances its overall durability. WBP’s quality control ensures that each rifle is built to a very high standard of reliability.
Accuracy: Realistic Expectations
While AK-47s aren’t known for precision, they are more than accurate enough for their intended purpose. Both the ZPAP M70 and WBP Jack offer adequate accuracy for self-defense or range shooting.
Consistent Performance
The ZPAP M70, with its chrome-lined barrel and potentially longer barrel length, is capable of decent accuracy. It is designed for consistent performance and delivers acceptable shot groupings.
Potential for Tight Groups
The WBP Jack’s tight tolerances and quality barrels often translate into slightly improved accuracy. While it is still an AK-47, the Jack is often capable of tighter groups than some other AK variants.
Ergonomics and Handling: Feel in the Hand
The ZPAP M70’s traditional wood furniture provides a classic feel. The balance is generally good, but the wood furniture may change the weight of the rifle.
Modern Design
The WBP Jack, with its polymer furniture and often superior fit and finish, offers a more refined feel. The slightly tighter tolerances may contribute to smoother operation. The polymer furniture tends to make the rifle lighter.
Price and Availability: Finding Your Rifle
The price and availability of both rifles are important factors.
Price Considerations
The ZPAP M70 is generally found at a slightly lower price point than the WBP Jack. This makes it an appealing option for buyers on a budget. Its popularity often means it is readily available.
Market Value
The WBP Jack, due to its higher manufacturing costs and the attention to detail, often has a slightly higher price tag. While availability can vary, it’s generally not difficult to find.
Who is Each Rifle For?: Matching the Rifle to the Shooter
The ideal choice depends on the individual’s needs and preferences.
ZPAP M70 User
The ZPAP M70 is well-suited for:
- Those seeking a classic AK-47 experience.
- Shooters who value historical significance and affordability.
- Individuals who enjoy customizing their rifles.
WBP Jack User
The WBP Jack is an excellent choice for:
- Those who prioritize build quality and precision.
- Shooters looking for a more modern and refined AK-47.
- Those who value a potentially more accurate rifle.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Both the Zastava ZPAP M70 and the WBP Jack are excellent AK-47 clones, each offering a unique combination of features and benefits. The ZPAP M70 provides a solid, reliable, and affordable entry point into the AK-47 world, appealing to those who appreciate tradition and value. The WBP Jack, on the other hand, delivers a more refined and potentially more accurate experience, perfect for shooters who prioritize quality and performance.
Making the Choice
Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. If you are seeking an AK-47 that’s faithful to the original design, is ready to be upgraded with multiple aftermarket parts and is also affordable, the ZPAP M70 is a superb choice. If you value premium build quality, tighter tolerances, and the potential for enhanced accuracy, the WBP Jack is the better option. Regardless of which you choose, you’re investing in a robust and iconic rifle that embodies the enduring legacy of the AK-47.
