Several years ago, IWI released the ARAD. A rifle designed and dedicated to military use. Since its launch, this rifle has proven itself to be a serious battle rifle. Now, IWI has taken the DNA from that rifle and created a civilian version. The Arad 5.
IWI ARAD 5 – Based on an Elite Military Rifle
The ARAD 5 isn’t just another M4-style rifle; it is the pinnacle of IWI’s commitment to those who demand more from their gear. Engineered at the request of Israel’s most elite military and law enforcement units, the ARAD 5 has already proven its worth on the global stage.
The rifle has several solid features. First is a semi-monolithic upper. This enables the use of varied optics and thermals while maintaining a rock-solid zero. It also features a well-designed, edge-free modular handguard. It has M-LOK rails at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions for maximum versatility.
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QD CamLok System
One very unique and nice feature is the IWI QD CamLok system. This is the same fast, easy barrel-change retention system found in the world-famous Tavor X95 and Tavor 7. And finally, they have designed it as a short-stroke piston rifle. This is a highly dependable system with a 2-position gas regulator, ensuring reliability across environments and suppressed/unsuppressed configurations.
In my time inside the rifle world, I have not seen a civilian version come as close to its military sister as this gun. There are only two differences. First is the barrel. The contract uses a CHF CL barrel, while this model features a 4150 CMV barrel. These are manufactured using the same process on the same machines as IWI’s Zion barrels, which have earned a reputation for exceptional longevity and accuracy.
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Aftermarket Friendly
The second difference is a positive one in my eyes. The contract lower lacks commonality with MIL-STD parts. IWI opted to use a MIL-STD-compatible lower for the US version to ensure users have full access to aftermarket triggers, grips, and components they prefer.
IWI is committed to quality production on this rifle. Barrel blanks, lowers, and lower internal components are manufactured here in the United States.
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The piston system, gas block, barrel extension, and remaining upper receiver parts are imported from Israel. Regardless of where the parts are machined, every component adheres to the rigorous global QC standards that have built the IWI reputation. Whether in the hands of a modern warfighter, a law enforcement professional, or a civilian enthusiast, the ARAD 5 is a system they can trust.
Other Calibers Coming
While the original contract rifle was an 11.5” SBR, IWI is working to bring that configuration to the US market by year-end. The gun I tested was chambered in 5.56, but IWI is currently developing .300 BLK options and evaluating other calibers based on US consumer demand.
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IWI provided me with an ARAD 5 to test prior to the product launch. In preparation for the range, I mounted a Vortex Strike Eagle 1 -8x 24 LPVO. This would be the only modification I made to the gun. First impressions of the gun out of the box were impressive. The tolerances on the ARAD 5 are excellent, and it is obvious that this is not just an “and also” rifle IWI made to fill a spot on the website. This is a serious rifle, and I looked forward to getting some rounds through it.
One the Range
After a quick zero, we were off to the races. The trigger on the gun, while essentially MIL-SPEC, broke cleanly with a good reset. There was no grind that we often find with this style trigger. The handguard was a comfortable grip point with no sharp edges. This, combined with the short-stroke piston design, made the gun very comfortable to run.
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Flat Shooting
The gun comes in at about 7 ½ pounds, which, in my opinion, is a good place for a fighting rifle. It has some heft but can be carried without exhausting you. The rifle’s recoil pulse really impressed me. There was no inclination for the muzzle to creep up in quick shot strings. The gun stayed level, and the recoil was more of a push than a kick. This made the gun very easy to keep on target, and in turn, it was fast.
My round count for the two range sessions exceeded 1000 rounds. During this time, I did no general maintenance on the gun, such as adding oil. While I would never recommend this, I was curious as to how it would run. It wasn’t until I had passed the 1000-round mark that I had a single malfunction. This was simply a double feed and was cleared quickly. I have to be honest and say that the issue could have been a magazine issue because I changed magazines and had no further issues. The bolt was covered in carbon, and yet it continued to run. It was impressive.
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IWI ARAD 5
Are there things I would personally change about the rifle? There are two things I would do simply to make the rifle fit me better. First, I would add a QD sling mount on the front end of the gun, then an ambi charging handle. That’s it. I would even keep the trigger. I was very impressed with the ARAD 5 and consider it one of the best rifles that has crossed my desk in a very long time. This rifle performs well beyond its price point. Kudos to IWI for building a serious rifle that stays true to its military heritage.
ARAD 5 Specs
| Model: | ARAD 5 (Z15ARD516) |
| Caliber: | 5.56x45mm NATO |
| Magazine: | 30rd |
| Barrel Length: | 16″ |
| Overall Length: | stock collapsed 31.875” stock extended 35.375” |
| Weight: | 7lbs 8.3oz (w/o mag) |
| MSRP: | $1499.99 |
For more information, visit IWI.
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