ZEV Large Frame Billet Core Elite Brings High-End .308 Package

Any mention of ZEV inevitably brings forth an association with their aesthetically striking, yet highly functional handguns and accessories. Their rendition of the AR is just as distinctive. ZEV will never be accused of being stagnant or resting on the designs of others. The ZEV Core Elite family further drives that point home.

ZEV Large Frame Billet Core Elite Details

The recent Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous offered a great venue to put the ZEV Large Frame Billet Core Elite Rifle, .308 through its paces. The range setup allowed for fast-action, close-range steel target engagement with the ZEV Core .308, as well as stretching it out to 700 or more yards. I was blessed to be at the ZEV station after lunch when it was time to spot and snipe randomly placed Tannerite targets distributed out and about. The ZEV Core .308 made short work of the compact Tannerite canisters–even those placed 300-plus yards away. Booming ignitions echoed down the Idaho Teton Valley.

A Unique AR-10 Design

A rifle must satisfy multiple roles with equal aplomb to earn all-around consideration. A viable contender for this is the ZEV Large Frame Billet Core Elite Rifle, .308 (ZEV Core .308)–quite a mouthful. Without a doubt, the ZEV Core .308 rifle will change users’ thoughts on .308 Win., AR-10-type rifle configurations. The ZEV Core .308 could be the answer to fulfilling a multitude of roles–precision rifle, general-purpose patrol rifle, or entry weapon. This is a positive reflection on the rifle’s accuracy, reliability, handling and ergonomics.

While the basic M16 design is hard to improve upon when it comes to reliably launching bullets downrange accurately, many have lamented the 5.56mm’s potency in various scenarios. The combining of the AR platform with the increased power represented in the .308 Win. cartridge is the key to the ZEV Core’s appeal. This is speaking in terms of effective range. Meanwhile it still allows for multiple rounds sent quickly downrange if needed in a close-range melee. While the 5.56mm round is often chided in terms of that hard to define concept of “lethality,” the .308 Win. does not suffer from this reputation. Law enforcement agencies could easily consider using the rifle; not to mention private contractors, and security conscience civilians.

ZEV-Mega Merger Results

The ZEV CORE .308 results from the ZEV/Mega merger from several years back. No doubt distinctive ZEV aesthetics are present. Billet upper and lower receivers machined from 7075-T6 aluminum for strength and light weight, finished in black type III class 2 hard coat anodize. The .308 Win. match-grade 16-inch 416R stainless steel 1:10 twist barrel with bronze PVD coating and mid-length direct length gas system is capable of consistent sub-MOA accuracy with high-quality factory ammunition. A ZEV muzzle device is threaded on the barrel.

Other ZEV components consist of the ZEV Wedge Lock handguard, providing a full-length continuous top rail with M-LOK mounting system. The integrated anti-rotation pin ensures a consistently aligned and continuous top rail with the upper receiver. A ZEV Slide Lock charging handle permits ambidextrous manipulation with an extended and textured latch for superior grip and ergonomics. The ZEV Core .308’s operating controls are ambidextrous. An ATC flat-face AR Gold triggers provides a 2.5-pound interface between shooter and rifle. Even with all this the ZEV CORE .308 weighs in at only 8.5 pounds.

The ZEV Large Frame Billet Core Elite Rifle, .308 serves as benchmark for AR-10 type rifles with no compromises in terms of handling and/or accuracy. ZEV has made a conscience effort with the ZEV Core to harness 308 Win. power while maintaining svelte handling. With the ZEV Core .308 you have a rifle that is imminently adaptable to any situation—albeit tactical, hunting, or competition.

The ZEV Large Frame Billet Core Elite retails for $2,649. For even more info, please visit zevtechnologies.com.