IWI Zion-15 5.56 NATO
Model: Z15TAC16
IWI Zion-15 5.56 NATO
Model: Z15TAC16
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
IWI built the Zion-15 in their Middletown, Pennsylvania facility as a straightforward, well-spec'd AR-15 from a company better known for the Tavor bullpup. The 16-inch 4150 chrome moly vanadium barrel with nitride finish sits in a free-float M-LOK handguard, and IWI selected B5 Systems furniture for both the stock and pistol grip. The 7075-T6 receivers get a hard coat anodized finish, and the barrel's 6-groove rifling with a 1:8" twist handles the full range of common 5.56 bullet weights.
At 110.4 oz, the Zion-15 is the heaviest 16-inch rifle in this group, and owners consistently report that weight translates to a rifle that tracks smoothly between targets and absorbs recoil well during rapid strings. The B5 furniture is a genuine upgrade over standard Magpul MOE parts — the SOPMOD-style stock has a wider cheek weld and two battery storage tubes. What the Zion-15 does best is deliver a reliable, solidly built AR with premium furniture for less than most of its direct competitors.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- B5 Systems SOPMOD stock and pistol grip are a genuine step above the Magpul MOE furniture shipped on most mid-tier ARs — the wider cheek weld and built-in battery storage tubes are details owners consistently praise in reviews.
- The 4150 chrome moly vanadium barrel with 6-groove rifling and nitride finish is a durable combination that reviewers report holds accuracy well past several thousand rounds.
- At 110.4 oz, the Zion-15 is the heaviest 16-inch rifle in this group, which makes it less comfortable for extended carry or movement-heavy drills compared to the 100.8 oz Taurus T4SA or 104 oz Sig Tread V2.
- The mil-spec single-stage trigger is the same basic unit found on budget ARs — a noticeable gap when the Sig Tread V2 and Ruger MPR both include upgraded triggers at similar or lower prices.
Category Rankings
How the IWI Zion-15 5.56 NATO ranks among full-size 5.56 NATO rifles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the IWI Zion-15 heavier than other 16-inch ARs?
The Zion-15 weighs 110.4 oz, which is 5-10 oz more than most of the mid-tier 16-inch ARs. The extra weight comes from a thicker barrel profile and the B5 Systems SOPMOD stock, which is heavier than a standard Magpul MOE. IWI did not aggressively cut weight from the handguard or receiver, either. That weight is not wasted — it contributes to a steadier hold and less felt recoil — but shooters who prioritize light weight should look at the 100.8 oz Taurus T4SA or 104 oz Aero M4E1 instead.
What makes the B5 Systems furniture better than Magpul MOE?
The B5 SOPMOD stock has a wider cheek weld that provides better support behind an optic, plus two battery storage compartments in the stock body. The B5 pistol grip has a steeper angle and more aggressive texture than a Magpul MOE grip. Owners consistently rate B5 furniture as a noticeable comfort upgrade, particularly during longer shooting sessions where cheek weld fatigue becomes a factor.
Is the IWI Zion-15 related to the Tavor or Galil?
Only by manufacturer. The Zion-15 is a standard AR-15 pattern rifle built on a direct impingement gas system, not a bullpup or long-stroke piston design like the Tavor or Galil ACE. IWI designed it specifically for the American AR market, using the same 7075-T6 aluminum receivers and mil-spec parts compatibility as any other AR-15. The Zion-15 accepts all standard AR-15 triggers, handguards, stocks, and magazines.