Niko’s Zastava M70 (Improved Beta AK-47)

Niko’s Zastava M70 (Improved Beta AK-47)

"An imported Eastern European rifle, worn by time and rebuilt to feel at home in the underworld of Liberty City."



The original beta model of the Zastava M70AB2 (AK-47) assault rifle from the 2007 Grand Theft Auto IV pre-release build, restored and reworked for PC.

This is not a direct port from the original files. The asset has been extensively reworked including new textures, improved materials, and additional modeled details. It aims to present the cut weapon as it might have appeared in the final release grounded, worn, and consistent with the world of Liberty City, while remaining faithful to Rockstar’s original unfinished beta textures.

My version has been fully rebuilt with a modernized workflow. The original multi material setup has been replaced with a single optimized texture atlas allowing for improved consistency in game.

The beta model was also missing certain small components including the trigger and barrel bore which have now been newly modeled and integrated.

Scale and positioning have been adjusted to properly align with IV’s original weapon animations and hand placement.

All original textures from the beta model have been completely discarded and recreated from scratch at 2K resolution with careful attention to match the visual style and material response of IV’s final weapon assets. The textures were then downscaled to 512×512 to ensure full compatibility with the game’s engine while maintaining detail and and consistency with the game’s original weapon assets.

Available in two variants, one retaining the original beta style steel grip and another fitted with a traditional wooden grip.

Includes both a mod loader version and a standard replacement version.


The model and textures were reworked using Blender and Substance, and finalized in 3ds Max for proper in game implementation.

Every aspect of the beta asset has been reviewed and refined beyond its original state. A straightforward, unmodified version of the original gun is available, courtesy of Golden Saddle.


Credits:
Original beta asset port & edited gun icon - Golden Saddle


If anyone experienced with GTA IV weapon implementation workflows has suggestions or feedback, I’m always open to learning and improving.


Hope you enjoy.



TL;DR:
The original beta model of the Zastava M7 from the 2007 Grand Theft Auto IV pre-release build for PC, restored and heavily reworked. Not a direct port, features brand new textures, improved materials, added missing details (trigger + barrel bore), and optimized UVs using a single texture atlas. Adjusted for proper in-game scale and animation alignment.

Includes two variants (steel grip / wooden grip), plus both mod loader and standard replacement versions. Designed to match GTA IV’s final visual style while staying faithful to the original beta asset.