Zion 15 Review - Our Rifle of the Year 2020

This video is exclusively for educational and entertainment value.
Additional info at SHWAT.com
So what in the world was IWI thinking when they decided to build an AR in a market we all thought was saturated? Makers of unique platforms like the Tavor, Uzi, and Galil ACE. Would the Zion-15 be just another AR?
Well, in word, no.
Sure, on the one hand it's another M4 style build in line with a ton of others. But it's what else the Zion-15 brings to the table that impresses the most.
Let's look at it like this... If you’re like most people, you like chocolate chip cookies, right? You find them everywhere, from your favorite dentist’s office to hotels, to the convenience store. You generally know what to expect when you bite into one. But every once in awhile, you get one that’s just better than the rest. You pause, smile, and say to yourself, “Wow, that’s really good!” It didn’t change your life, it’s not the utter pinnacle of $3 a bite Geredeli chocolate chip cookies at Downtown Disney in Orlando, but you can tell it’s measurably better than most similar cookies.
In this video, we look at what IWI did to make this tasty build and why we award it our highest award.
More at SHWAT.com

[@firebirdnewt]

Bought one today. It's my first AR15.

[@SHWATteam]

Congrats! Stay safe 👍

[@zaysatori6185]

Me too bro! My first AR, how’re you liking it so far?

[@armstrong2052]

I just bought the M81 cerakoted one. It is like my 20th AR15 and the cheapest in my current lineup. I'm sure you guys will be happy with it. IWI makes great guns. I've never had an issue with any of their models, ever.🙏👍

[@AlexGray]

What’s your favorite of all your ARs? Out of the box.

[@v.german11b]

I totally concur. I bought an IWI Z15 and it is as good or better than "bigger names." I am a satisfied Z15 user.

[@WhiteshadowTV]

Ive owned this rifle since summer of 2020. My favorite Rifle I own!

[@SHWATteam]

That's great! Bet you're not alone!

[@bloodbased]

I would buy one, but I don’t believe in giving aid and comfort to the enemy.

[@cramerlong2276]

@@bloodbased Problem is pali's are to dumb to build one. They are mooselames

[@Hobiee90m3]

@@bloodbasedthey are our ally, and the gun is made in Pennsylvania

[@AlexGray]

Still your favorite, 3 years later?

[@j.p.4541]

Great review on a solid product. I own a few IWI rifles, all are solid performers. Just picked this one up today after watching your video. Keep up the good work.

[@SHWATteam]

Many thanks! Congrats on picking up a great IWI gun!

[@armstrong2052]

Same here, I've just got the z15 m81, but all my other iwi guns are perfect. Really kinda kick myself for not getting the carmel yet.😅

[@connormckay9429]

I have its little brother the 12.5" mid length and I gotta say it's the smoothest "pistol" I've ever shot and the fact that I got it for $850 shipped brand new aint bad either.

[@SHWATteam]

People love that little version! Might have to review it as well.

[@govanwalcott3401]

I just ordered mine can't wait to get it! Anything I should know from a person that's had it in their hands?

[@SHWATteam]

@@govanwalcott3401 You'll be smiling when you open it :-)

[@JohnZ556]

@@SHWATteam I vote for a review for the 12.5" 1/8 mid length version.😁 Such a good config for the price!

[@g3attack]

Just found one used with a Vortex Spitfire HD 3x, magpul vertical grip, and a nice compensator for 799 out the door! I had never heard of them till I saw this one.

[@SHWATteam]

Congrats!

[@bluesteeltraining]

Great price! And I like that it pretty much comes out of the box with no extras! This let me decide on which accessories I wanted to add rather that paying for sights and other things that may or may not want. With the help of my IWI dealer I decided on a Sig Sauer Romeo 5 red dot sight as well as a Streamlight Rail Mount programmable gun light. This rail mounted light with 625 lumpen’s can actually be set for different intensity etc and can be operated with a remote button that can be placed wherever the user typically grips the rifle. Finally, I also bought a set of mechanical sights should the red dot fail for some unexpected reason. In the end I couldn’t have been happier with my choices and the Z15!

[@SHWATteam]

Sounds great 👍

[@endtimesign]

I like that, I like that a lot, I'm gonna have to have a couple of them.

[@nova68cutie]

@David. I hope you moved on the pistol version first, as the way things are going with the ATF are not looking well whether they have the authority to do so or not & all the supposed so-called two-way advocates ( myself included) will allow it. Will type a good game if shit on the computer though. I hope u get them. There fun.

[@danielmarshall4587]

This looks like you've shot the vid on film, the colour(I'm in the UK) balance dosen't have the usual appearance, really looks good. Thanks for your time and effort.

[@SHWATteam]

Many thanks! We enjoy hitting the higher notes of production. Always cool when someone else appreciates it, too!

[@thisismagacountry1318]

@@SHWATteam What's the video camera used for this?

[@dongorth9102]

That Ruger MRP...Is that the Multi Rifle Purpose...

[@JoelSosa12]

Ive owned this rifle 4 years ago, i put on the rifle 1600 rounds, believe every round feels like you are shooting a 22lr rifle after 300 rounds

[@worlddomin623]

Just picked one up about a month ago. Comes with everything you need, and nothing you don't.

[@Desafinado30]

My question is does it come with the sights? See different reviewers have different sights.

[@worlddomin623]

@@Desafinado30 Doesn't come with any sights, that's a shooter's preference sort of thing.

[@edwardz5975]

How much you paid for it?

[@worlddomin623]

@@edwardz5975 $899.99 from PSA, they're out of stock now

[@edwardz5975]

@@worlddomin623 Thanks, how is this gun compare to PSA own AR-15?

[@buddy9577]

I OWN 2 BCM AND A DD. THIS RIFLE IS JUST AS GOOD OR BETTER

[@ethanwrede3162]

I had been thinking of picking up an AR for awhile now, got lucky and one of the small shops in my area got three in.. Three weeks ago. I love this firearm, its my first rifle and I'm really enjoying shooting with it. I picked it up for $950. Put a Vortex Crossfire red dot on it ($200), Ruger pop up sights($75), magpul fore grip($45), and I picked up a (budget) Caldwell 6" 9" bipod($50) for zeroing my red dot, and flip up iron sights. I also decided to pick up IWI, QD savvy sniper sling($85), which was an great addition to the firearm. I've also kinda messed around with my Olight Baldr mini, on the added pic. rails I purchased.... "Yeah not an ideal light for an AR platform" - I use this light on my pistol, I'm fixing on doing more research for an light.

[@Xxinsanemurder18]

Protac HLX can’t beat it

[@heavenbound9144]

The IWI AR even has one up on the Sig M400 tread that sells for around the same price point. its guard rale doesn't have enough cut outs to keep it Cool..if a person isn't wearing a glove like MJ you'll find yourself sounding like MJ after multiple rounds haha IWI you just can't "Beat It" 👋😎👍

[@SHWATteam]

Okay, that's hilarious! Hat tip to you!

[@Keepgoing9919]

I’m debating on getting the sig vs the iwi, I’ve heard that the sig gets too hot on multiple occasions. Seems that will be my deciding factor

[@AlexGray]

What did you end up getting because I actually heard the IWI gets really hot and haven’t heard much about that on the Sig

[@free2befree]

Love the zion. Radical firearms also makes some fantastic tools for the around the same price.

[@thisismagacountry1318]

I've read some RF have parts loosening after a few range visits.

[@anthonygerber8261]

My brother has had a Radical AR in 5.56 for a few years now. He shoots it often and he's got no complaints. It's no DDM4 V7 like my other bro has but it's still a decent rifle for the $ in my humble opinion.

[@889976889]

Found one for 850 with 5 mags

[@anthonygerber8261]

Looking into buying my first AR this week. My brother has a DDM4 V7 and I love it but I just can't justify spending $2K on a rifle right now. Seriously thinking about this IWI Z15.

[@SHWATteam]

It’s a smart buy. Love DD, but not for the price difference

[@patmartin4411]

You don't say. Well you'd notice the difference on the battlefield when your barrels start heating up.

[@BennyJackson101]

@@patmartin4411what do you mean by that? Just that the superior construction of the DD is going to allow for better heat emission from the barrel?

[@patmartin4411]

@BennyJackson101 absolutely. DD makes some of the best barrels on earth. Accuracy and longevity is priceless

[@josephmcbrien7646]

​@patmartin4411 but what is DD doing that their barrel isn't heating up?

[@nashistrash1069]

Picked one up earlier in the day. Haven’t put any rounds through it.

[@SHWATteam]

You'll love it!

[@nashistrash1069]

@@SHWATteam oh I do! Only a mag through it but oh god that mid length gas system is beautiful!

[@Jurijim314]

Thanks to bidens stimulus check, I just bought my self one!! And I love it, hope that dude will send us another stimul check so I can buy a shit load of ammos for it!!!

[@Tonymontanayayo]

Please tell me you’re a socialist, I’m a very strong supporter of the 2A, but being happy about a check that is the literal definition of what socialism is…… and then say “socialism is evil” is hypocrisy. A true anti-socialist would return the stimulus/socialist check immediately. I’m a gun owning Democrat, I support universal healthcare and I believe we should be able to buy anything law enforcement can (not sure about weapons used by the military).

[@mnnc6742]

@@Tonymontanayayo gov healthcare…….gun owning ‘democrat’………you misspelled Marxist

[@willl4219]

@@Tonymontanayayo This is not the place for that. Do you have any points to make about this firearm? If not keep it moving

[@GreatWhiteStud]

Good video. I love Radical arms myself. I am looking at buying Springfield saint victor or iwi ar15. Which would get and why?

[@SHWATteam]

IWI. In our experience, it’s just hard to beat IWI quality. While most people will run the Saint without issue, we know people who actually had issues. YMMV.

[@imaflymydroneatit]

This or a cmmg 100 mk4? I've found them both at very similar prices

[@SHWATteam]

Still sold in the Z. Like CMMG as a general rule, though.

[@canyouseewhatisee3671]

👍

[@noecker97]

I Love My Ruger AR-556MPR Rifle With a Leupold VX-R 1.25-4x Scope Setup. That Being Said I Am Looking to Pick This Rifle Up As Well...

[@SHWATteam]

Ruger is also a good choice, from what we’ve seen.

[@bmj2k7]

I know I love mine.

[@SHWATteam]

Lots to love 👍

[@vicerichter1163]

the only thing that irks me is m-lok rails because all my parts are pic-rail only. DO you know of any companies that make a quad-rail barrel shroud with a heat shield for this AR? just wondering.

[@SHWATteam]

Don't know of anyone doing a quad rail with heat shield (but who know, maybe someone does?). Daniel Defense makes a proper quad rail that's pretty awesome.

[@johnrain6674]

What kind of scope or magnifier or dot did you use in the video with the iwi zion thanks

[@SHWATteam]

US Optics 1-6

[@vexrich]

How does the Zion 15 compare to the Radical RPR556? They both have B5 furniture and MLOK handguards. I hear good things about both but there's a $300 difference. Is there any difference?

[@SHWATteam]

Haven’t tried the Radical. $300 is significant…

[@vexrich]

@@SHWATteam I didn't know about the Zion until today. I have a favorable opinion of IWI but that doesn't mean it's a KA. The Radical has an extremely similar design and I was wondering if there's more than meets the eye. Appreciate the reply on an older video.

[@cpefy3]

What optic were you guys using in during your review?

[@SHWATteam]

US Optics, I believe

[@taleewhakker]

How does it compare the the Saint Victor? Which do you feel is the better rifle?

[@SHWATteam]

Well, I’ve messed with a Saint, but have more time with the Zion. Saint seems reasonable, but IWI I think has the edge. Part of that conclusion comes from knowing others who have a lot of time on the Saint and have had issues when it heats up. But, you have to take that with a grain of salt because I’m a second hand source on the Saint.

[@thisismagacountry1318]

Do you think the Zion Z-15 in .300 HAMR is a good buy compared to a 7.62?

[@SHWATteam]

If the Z-15 were available in .300 HAMR, it would probably be great. But, it's not. so there's that. Whether .300 HAMR is good for your purposes, and whether 7.62xwhatever is better, is a different question altogether.

[@joejones4181]

groups at 100 or 50 yards?

[@SHWATteam]

1-1.3" depending on ammo and shooter.

[@joejones4181]

@@SHWATteam I am sorry, I was not clear in my question, were the groups at 50 or 100 yards?

[@SHWATteam]

@@joejones4181 That's on us, really. Shorthand... At 100, the Zion 15 shoots 1-1.3" depending on ammo and shooter. Seems others have gotten similar results as well.

[@canoeshoe]

What type of barrel does this have? Someone mentioned socom profile but doesnt look like it

[@TheAlpineShepherdBoy]

IWI calls it a SOCOM profile but it is not that. It's a pretty heavy barrel behind and in front of the gas block, and it's slightly heavier in front of the gas block. I wish they would have reversed that, I'd prefer it was heavier behind the gas block and slightly less heavy in front but other than that, no complaints about it from me.

[@canoeshoe]

@@TheAlpineShepherdBoy No complaints for me either on the stock form. I wanted to SBR mine but looking for the right barrel profile. I'm sure as stock, it would put 40,000 rds though with no issues.

[@froggerjohn427]

I mean what makes it better than any other entry level AR? No chrome lined barrel, milspec everything. Has anyone even gauged the lower receiver and bolt carrier group? What does IWI make in house? What do they outsource?

[@SHWATteam]

Great questions, most of which can be answered by some searches online. In our observation, both of this platform and some of its competitors, the initial quality is at least somewhat better than average. That, combined with the lower than average price point at the time of publication made this platform from IWI the winner.

[@1unkn0wn]

Right? What is the bolt made out of? Shot peened? High Pressure Tested? Magnetic Particle Inspected? Full auto BCG or Semi? Is the barrel HPI? Why isn't the barrel extension QPQ'd? What is the barrel profile actually? Is the gas block pinned? I don't get why people are so hard for this rifle. There are lots of other rifles in the price point that are very forward about their specs and what you are getting for your money.

[@SHWATteam]

@@1unkn0wn Again, good questions. Since we've already framed how we came to our conclusion above, perhaps you can contribute some additional knowledge. What comparably priced ARs meet your criteria? Thanks!

[@Keepgoing9919]

@@1unkn0wnserious question what other ar would be better at the same price? I’m looking to buy one soon

[@1unkn0wn]

​@@Keepgoing9919 Using guun deaals doot coom the cheapest IWI Z15s are 700-800 and don't include sights. I'm not a big springfield fan but the Saint Victor (B5 or BCM furniture) Is sub $900, includes sights and has some great features -QPQ of the barrel AND the barrel extension -Pinned gas block -H2 buffer -Short throw safety -Enhanced trigger -Tensioning screw between receivers -Full weight bolt carrier group -flip up sights and it comes with a decent bag Also, for around $1000 with sights I think AERO M4E1s should be considered. I have seen them as low as $850.

[@jbreeezy715]

Would you choose the zion over the ruger 556 mpr?

[@SHWATteam]

Haven’t run the Ruger. So couldn’t objectively say. But still standing by the Z15 conclusion.

[@jbreeezy715]

@@SHWATteam Appreciate it. Thanks

[@toynazi]

@@jbreeezy715 If it were between this and a Ruger, I would go with this.

[@matthewsalomone3800]

Long term review?

[@SHWATteam]

How about a long term update here? Still a great value from a great company. Reliable.

[@danielm.6894]

What is the twist ratio for the barrel?

[@SHWATteam]

1:8

[@danielm.6894]

Thank you

[@1unkn0wn]

"The only gun close to this, in this price, is the Rugar MRP" What? -Troy A4 Mid-length (with Troy Sights) is $1000 -Springfield Armory Saint Victor free-floated (BCM or B5) $900 -Aero Precision m4e1 $950 Two of those options include either decent or great sights aaand they qpq their barrel extensions unlike this rifle. Decent commercial though.

[@SHWATteam]

Not a bad take, but questions around quality issues on a couple of those kept them off the list. Missed the AP, and have not gone hands on with it. Thanks for the feedback. If only we could produce actual commercials! That would be fun, and I bet the pay would be great!

[@crewduba5946]

You make up those prices?

[@1unkn0wn]

@@crewduba5946 Ok, I'll play. 20+ listing under $1000 for the saint victor. 25+ listings under $1000 for the Troy Scar The M4E1 is $944 and often cheaper from retailers I had the websites listed but youtube took down the comment.

[@crewduba5946]

@@1unkn0wn have fun buddy sorry you didn't buy a Zion 15

[@1unkn0wn]

​@@crewduba5946 3 dozen listings of better rifles for the money found with 5 minutes research. It's ok if you bought a Zion 15 they aren't bad rifles... there are just better rifles for the money from companies that actually tell you the specs of their products. What's the Zions bolt made out of again? Is it HPT? MPI? SP? no one knows because Zion is too embarrassed or too lazy to tell you.

[@monsta3038]

A little late dont you think?the market is saturated with budget ar 15

[@SHWATteam]

Well, we had similar initial thoughts, but then again... Well, we didn't include everything in the video. Check out the rest of the story... shwat.com/iwi-zion-15-review/

[@sworntoavenge]

If the market is so saturated, why can't people find them?

[@SHWATteam]

@@sworntoavenge finding anything at the moment is challenging.

[@SilencedByYoutube]

Umm people are buying them.. saturated or not. If there is a market for it then why not? That's how business works.

[@electrohouse8164]

There are never enough AR 15s. Cmon man

[@weeatnation13]

buy a microphone geez

[@MountainBikeTx]

turn your volume up?

[@5jjt]

I can hear just fine.