IWI has launched of its Zion-25 Series, expanding its Zion line of rifles and makes a foray into the market for large-frame, gas-operated rifles. This new line of firearms is engineered to meet the increasingly stringent demands for precision, enduring reliability, and adaptable utility across a diverse spectrum of applications. The Zion-25 Series builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, the well-regarded Zion-15, incorporating user feedback and aiming to deliver a demonstrably enhanced shooting experience characterized by improved accuracy and operational dependability.

IWI offers two popular and high-performing calibers for the Zion-25 platform to appeal to a broad range of users. The inclusion of the .308 Winchester, a widely respected cartridge in both military and sporting domains, provides a familiar and versatile choice. Complementing this is the 6.5 Creedmoor, a caliber known for its superior ballistic coefficient and inherent long-range accuracy. This dual-caliber strategy positions the Zion-25 to serve law enforcement and military personnel, competitive shooters, and discerning recreational users who require high-performance rifles capable of excelling in demanding scenarios, ranging from tactical engagements to precision long-range marksmanship.

IWI Zion-25 16" Carbine

IWI Zion-25 18" DMR

A key design element contributing to the enhanced accuracy of the Zion-25 Series is the incorporation of free-floated barrels. This feature ensures that the barrel is isolated from direct contact with the handguard and other components, a design principle that minimizes external forces capable of inducing vibrations and negatively impacting barrel harmonics during the firing sequence. The result is a more consistent and predictable trajectory of the projectile. Further optimizing ballistic performance are the carefully selected barrel twist rates tailored to each chambering. The 6.5 Creedmoor models feature a 1:8 twist rate, ideally suited for stabilizing the longer, heavier, high-ballistic-coefficient projectiles that contribute to its long-range capabilities, according to Berger Bullets. Conversely, the .308 Winchester models use a 1:10 twist rate, a standard configuration that provides optimal performance with a wide range of bullet weights commonly employed in this versatile caliber.

The barrels themselves are manufactured from Chrome Moly Vanadium (CMV) steel, a material chosen for its exceptional strength, wear resistance, and ability to withstand the thermal stresses associated with sustained firing, as highlighted by Carpenter Technology Corporation. The application of a nitride surface treatment further enhances the barrels' durability by increasing surface hardness, improving corrosion resistance, and contributing to a longer service life while keeping crucial bore precision.

IWI Zion-25 20" DMR

IWI Zion-25 22" DMR

In terms of modularity and user customization, the Zion-25 Series is equipped with ARCA-compatible M-LOK handguards. The ARCA (Arca-Swiss) interface has become a widely adopted standard for attaching tripods and other support systems, offering a stable and repeatable mounting platform crucial for precision shooting, as noted by Really Right Stuff. The integration of the M-LOK (Modular Lock) system provides a lightweight and versatile negative space attachment system, allowing users to securely mount a wide array of tactical accessories, such as forward grips, bipods, and weapon lights, at various positions along the handguard.

Enhancing the ergonomic interface between the shooter and the rifle are the B5 Systems grips and stocks. The inclusion of QD (Quick Detach) sling mounting points offers convenient and secure attachment options for slings, facilitating comfortable and hands-free carrying of the rifle in diverse operational environments.

The Zion-25 Series also feature the Timney 2-Stage trigger. Timney Triggers is a well-regarded aftermarket trigger manufacturer known for producing high-quality, precision trigger systems. A two-stage trigger design is characterized by a distinct take-up stage with lighter resistance, followed by a crisp and predictable second stage that requires a deliberate increase in pressure to initiate the firing sequence. This design promotes enhanced trigger control and contributes significantly to improved accuracy, particularly in precision shooting applications, as detailed by Timney Triggers. The rifles also utilize a direct impingement (DI) operating system. In a DI system, high-pressure gas from a fired cartridge is directed through a gas tube directly to the bolt carrier group, cycling the action.

Acknowledging the diverse operational roles and preferences of its user base, the Zion-25 Series is offered in multiple configurations distinguished by varying barrel lengths. The Zion-25 Carbine features a 16-inch barrel, a common and versatile length that strikes a balance between maneuverability in confined spaces and sufficient barrel length for effective ballistic performance at moderate ranges, as noted by Ballistic Advantage. The designated marksman rifle (DMR) variants are available with longer barrel lengths of 18 inches, 20 inches, and 22 inches. These longer barrels contribute to increased muzzle velocity, flatter trajectories, and enhanced long-range accuracy, making them well-suited for precision shooting roles where engaging targets at extended distances is paramount, according to Proof Research. Each barrel length is specifically chosen to improve the rifle's performance characteristics for its intended application, whether prioritizing close quarters handling or maximizing long-range ballistic capabilities.

For ammunition feeding and logistical compatibility, the Zion-25 Series is engineered to use the Magpul PMAG 20 LR/SR magazines, a 20-round capacity magazine specifically designed for SR25/AR-10 pattern rifles chambered in .308 Winchester and similar cartridges, ensuring compatibility and reliable function within the Zion-25 platform, according to Magpul. This magazine capacity provides a substantial amount of ammunition for sustained shooting engagements without requiring frequent magazine changes, a crucial consideration in both tactical and competitive scenarios. Furthermore, the rifles feature threaded barrels with a standard 5/8x24 TPI (threads per inch) pitch on the .308 Winchester models and potentially other thread pitches on the 6.5 Creedmoor models depending on the specific variant. This standardization allows for the secure and straightforward attachment of a wide variety of muzzle devices, such as suppressors (sound moderators), muzzle brakes (recoil reduction devices), and flash hiders (devices that reduce muzzle flash), further enhancing the rifle's adaptability to specific user needs and operational environments.

A notable feature contributing to the refined performance and adaptability of the Zion-25 Series is the incorporation of adjustable gas systems. This allows users to precisely regulate the amount of gas directed from the barrel to cycle the action, enabling fine-tuning of the rifle's operation based on various factors such as ammunition type, environmental conditions, and the use of suppressors, which can increase back pressure in the system. The implementation of rifle-length and intermediate-length gas systems, depending on the specific model's barrel length, is a design consideration aimed at optimizing the timing and smoothness of the rifle's cycling. Longer gas systems generally result in a softer recoil impulse and smoother operation, contributing to improved shooter comfort and faster follow-up shots, making the Zion-25 a versatile platform suitable for both tactical applications requiring rapid engagement and competitive shooting disciplines where speed and accuracy are paramount.

The weight and overall dimensions of the Zion-25 models vary based on their barrel lengths and configurations, offering a range of options to suit different user preferences and operational requirements.