A Duty-Ready Gas Gun Built Looking to Bridge the Gap Between Battle Rifle and DMR

For those looking to break into the world of gas gun DMRs—or simply want a dependable battle rifle that doesn’t demand hours of tuning or guesswork—the IWI Zion-25 is a serious contender that deserves a hard look. It’s not just another big-frame AR—it’s a purpose-built platform that confidently steps into the often chaotic, compatibility-plagued world of AR-10s with a clear vision: give shooters a hard-use, precision-capable rifle that’s ready for real work. The Zion-25 is positioned for professionals, competitors, and enthusiasts who want a turn-key solution for distance engagements without sacrificing duty-grade reliability.

This isn’t a “range toy” dressed up to look like a precision rifle—it’s a combat-capable gas gun with design roots firmly planted in practical application. Whether you’re on the cusp of your first designated marksman rifle build or refining your go-to battle rifle setup, the Zion-25 offers a ready-made foundation to perform in both roles with confidence.

A Gas Gun DMR Without the Guesswork

Unlike the tightly controlled specs of the AR-15 world, large-frame rifles like AR-10s are notoriously inconsistent across brands. Parts compatibility varies wildly, and performance can be just as scattered. IWI’s approach with the Zion-25 is not just to build a rifle, but to deliver a refined, coherent platform that shooters can trust in any setting—from duty applications to designated marksman roles.

Battle rifles and Designated Marksman Rifles (DMRs) in a gas gun configuration can be a minefield. Get the wrong barrel profile, the wrong twist rate, the wrong trigger—and you’re left wondering why your $3,000 rifle can’t group better than an average bolt gun or as passable battle rifle. IWI clearly understood this when developing the Zion-25. By blending precision-minded components with combat-viable durability, they created a rifle that lands squarely between two categories: the hardened battle rifle and the refined DMR.

Available in both .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor, the Zion-25 offers a full spread of barrel lengths—16”, 18”, 20”, and 22”—each tailored with the correct twist rate (1:10 for .308, 1:8 for 6.5 Creedmoor). These chrome moly vanadium barrels are nitride treated for longevity and wrapped in free-floated M-LOK handguards with full ARCA compatibility. Whether you’re setting up for prone shots on a flat range or needing fast transitions in a dynamic environment, this rifle is built to move fluidly between those demands.

Built for Work

From the grip to the glass, a proper DMR or battle rifle needs ergonomics that don’t fight you. The Zion-25 ships with B5 Systems stocks and grips, ensuring control and comfort are dialed in from the start. But the real star of the interface is the trigger—IWI’s exclusive Timney 2-stage unit, the same found on their Zion-15 SPR. It’s a crisp, clean break with a predictable reset, offering the kind of consistency that’s essential for follow-up shots at distance.

The handguards include integrated ARCA along with M-LOK, opens up your build options dramatically. Whether you’re locking into a tripod, mounting a precision bipod, or running minimal kit for a slick patrol configuration, the Zion-25 adapts without compromise. Quick-detach sling points are baked in too—no adapters or hacks necessary.

And for those drawn to the compact, hard-hitting nature of a 16” .308, IWI gave it special attention by fitting it with a dedicated 15.25” ARCA rail. It’s a small touch that shows they weren’t checking boxes—but thinking as a consumer providing  a potential want from shooters. 

A Platform for the Modern Shooter

Let’s call it like it is: AR-10s have always been a bit of a gamble. Compatibility is spotty, QC can be inconsistent, and “out-of-the-box” rarely means “ready-to-go.” The Zion-25 seeks rewrite that narrative and only time will tell if it’s true. It gives shooters a full-featured precision rifle that looks to hold up to the rigors of a duty gun or gas gun. In both urban and open terrain roles, it has the flexibility to engage at 600+ yards or clear a corner with confidence.

That makes it not just a DMR for precision shooters—but a battle rifle with range. For law enforcement professionals looking to fill the gap between the patrol rifle and the sniper platform, or for civilians building out a general-purpose rifle that can stretch its legs, the Zion-25 is a plug-and-play solution with real-world legs.

Final Thoughts

The IWI Zion-25 isn’t trying to reinvent the large-frame gas gun—it’s trying to make it usable without compromise. It’s the answer for shooters who want to get into the DMR gas gun world without drowning in parts research, and for those who want a battle rifle that shoots like it belongs on a precision line. With a thoughtful balance of durability, accuracy, and usability, it doesn’t feel like an AR-10—you just get the sense it’s what an AR-10 should work on producing on a consistent basis.

At a street price of $1,949, the Zion-25 punches well above its weight class, offering shooters a precision-capable gas gun with the kind of out-of-the-box readiness that usually requires another thousand dollars in upgrades. Whether you’re setting up for duty use, building a capable DMR, or stepping into the 6.5 Creedmoor world for the first time, this rifle makes a compelling case.