IWI Zion-15 5.56 NATO
Model: Z15TAC16
IWI Zion-15 5.56 NATO
Model: Z15TAC16
Full Specifications
Threaded 1/2x28 barrel: compare 5.56 / .223 suppressor prices.
About This Firearm
The IWI Zion-15 is a conventional semi-automatic AR-15 in 5.56 NATO built for range work and home defense, and it was IWI's first M4-pattern rifle after a line of bullpups. It has an MSRP of $999.99. Its barrel is a 4150 chrome moly vanadium heavy profile, nitride treated, with 5R rifling in a 1:8 twist.
One 30-round Magpul PMAG comes with it, and the stock and grip are B5 Systems parts, so the furniture needs no replacing. The handguard is a free-float M-LOK type covering most of the barrel. No sights are fitted. Measure the muzzle thread before buying a brake or a suppressor mount.
If you're cross-shopping, an FN 15 Guardian has an MSRP of $999 for much the same money, weighs 6.60 lbs and states a 1/2x28 muzzle with an A2 flash hider fitted, on a 1:7 twist. A Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III has an MSRP of $799, shares the 1:8 twist and 5R rifling and weighs 6.52 lbs.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- IWI builds and assembles it at its own US facility.
- The line also includes a short-barreled version and a longer SPR with a custom Timney two-stage trigger and an ARCA rail.
- The receivers are 7075-T6, and IWI nitride treats the barrel for durability.
- No sights are included and the rail is bare end to end, so an optic has to be bought.
- Bolt carrier groups shipped both with and without the IWI emblem after September 2020, so the marking is no guide to what is inside.
- Nothing on the rifle is ambidextrous, so a left-handed shooter buys a selector.
Category Rankings
How the IWI Zion-15 5.56 NATO ranks among full-size 5.56 NATO rifles.
Compatible Ammunition
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5.56 NATO Ballistics →Alternatives to Consider
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Frequently Asked Questions
What magazines does it take?
Polymer NATO STANAG magazines, which is to say any AR-15 magazine.
Is this the same rifle as the Zion-15 SPR?
No. The SPR is the long-barreled version of the line and adds a custom Timney two-stage trigger and an ARCA rail for a bipod or a tripod clamp. This one has a mil-spec trigger.
What is 5R rifling?
A rifling profile with five lands set opposite grooves instead of opposite each other, which IWI pairs with a 1:8 twist here.
