ZEV Core Elite
ZEV Technologies · Rifle · In Production · 2018
Also known as: ZEV AR15 Core Elite, ZEV Core Elite 5.56
Overview
The ZEV Core Elite is a semi-automatic, gas-operated AR-15 pattern rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and built by ZEV Technologies of Centralia, Washington. It pairs precision-machined 7075-T6 billet upper and lower receivers with a ZEV custom 416R stainless 16-inch fluted match barrel finished in bronze PVD and a 1:7-inch twist, fed by a mid-length gas system. Premium components include a flat-face AR Gold match trigger, an ambidextrous Radian safety, a ZEV ambidextrous charging handle, a SureFire WARCOMP flash hider and Magpul furniture, delivering consistent sub-MOA accuracy with quality ammunition.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3025 g (106.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 826 mm (32.52") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 11 N (2.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 940 m/s (3084 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1767 J (1303 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, .223 Wylde
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Manual Safety
- Features: Billet 7075 T6 Receivers, Fluted Match Barrel, Bronze Pvd Barrel Coating, Mid Length Gas System, Low Profile Gas Block, Ambidextrous Safety, Ambidextrous Charging Handle, Flat Face Match Trigger, Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider, Magpul Furniture, Free Float Handguard, Accessory Rail
Variants
- ZEV Core Elite Pistol - Pistol Braced
- ZEV Core Duty - Duty
Production
Production years: 2018-present
Civilian commercial production; no military or large-scale institutional adoption.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
Marketed as a premium match-grade AR-15. The Core Elite is also offered as a braced pistol (10.5-inch barrel) and as a standalone upper receiver group. Trigger pull is approximately 2.5 lb (about 11 N).
Background
ZEV Technologies built its reputation on aftermarket Glock components and competition parts before expanding into complete AR-15 rifles; the Core Elite was among its flagship match-oriented carbines.