New For 2023: Zenith Firearms ZF-5

by
posted on April 5, 2023
Zenith ZF 5 01
Zenith Firearms introduced its made-in-the-USA, roller-delayed pistol, the ZF-5, late last year.
Image courtesy of Zenith Firearms.

While Zenith Firearms got its start importing roller-delayed blowback guns, beginning in late 2022, the company started manufacturing all its firearms in-house at its Virginia factory. Zenith’s first product on the market is the ZF-5, an MP5-style semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9 mm Luger.

The ZF-5 follows the lines of the classic sub gun with its 8.9” barrel, diopter aperture sights, stamped-steel receiver and polymer lower that houses the fire-control unit and has a bilateral safety lever. The cold-hammer-forged barrel has both a three-lug suppressor mount, and its muzzle threaded 1/2 x 28 TPI. The polymer end cap has a swivel for mounting a single point sling. The ZF-5 is offered in seven finish options, including “battlefield brown” and classic all-black, and is supplied with a 30-round metal detachable box magazine.

The ZF-5 “essentials package” includes the pistol and one magazine in a soft carrying case with a MSRP of $1,783. A “premium package” which includes the pistol, three magazines, a sling, flash hider, cleaning kit and a clamp-on optics mount, all packaged in a hard case for $2,376.

The ZF-5 is offered in a premium package that includes extra magazines and other accessories in a hard case. The pictured pistol has a “battlefield brown” finish. Image courtesy of Zenith Firearms.

Zenith is also bringing to the market the ZF-5P (barrel with three-lug mount and threaded muzzle), ZF-5T (threaded muzzle) and ZF-5K (non-threaded muzzle), a series of handguns based on the more compact MP5K. These models have a MSRP for an “essential package” of between $1,797 to $1,849 with premium packages also available.

Zenith is also manufacturing a compact version of the ZF-5. The ZF-5K pictured. Image courtesy of Zenith Firearms.

Zenith also has roller-delayed rifles in 7.62 NATO, 5.56 NATO and 9 mm Luger, along with AR-15-style piston-driven 7.62 and 5.56 mm rifles, in the works for 2024. For more information, visit zenithfirearms.com.

Latest

Iver Johnson MF20
Iver Johnson MF20

Review: Iver Johnson MF20

It’s no surprise that innovative designs like the Iver Johnson MF20 have emerged; by merging the best features of both shotguns and ARs, this firearm offers impressive—but controllable—firepower while mitigating the scattergun’s usual shortcomings.

6 New Handguns For 2025

Several of the nation's biggest names in firearm manufacturing have released new models ahead of SHOT Show 2025. Here's a rundown of the features that each of them offer.

Boys To Riflemen: Aiken’s Volunteers During The British Attack on Plattsburgh

In September 1814, Americans once again stood against the might of the British military, as their forefathers had done during the Revolution. A small group of teen boys proved their valor in the face of a British attack and earned a special presentation rifle for their efforts.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 20, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

A Gas-Operated M1903 Conversion That Never Was

The U.S. government's never-ending quest for a more effective shoulder-fired arm to equip its military has, naturally, resulted in more prototypes than production models. This semi-automatic Model 1903 Springfield conversion was one such dead-end.

Preview: Burris BTS35 v3

The author joined industry professionals for a coyote hunt that went well into the evening hours using thermal imaging from Burris. Read field notes from that hunt using the BTS35 v3.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.