New For 2023: Zenith Firearms ZF-5

by
posted on April 5, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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

Mossberg 990 Aftershock Gotw F
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Gotw F

Gun Of The Week: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

For this Gun Of The Week episode, American Rifleman staffers hit the range with the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm that provides plenty of power in a compact package.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 14, 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.

Christensen Arms Evoke: A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle Built For The Field

For hunters seeking a well-built, no-frills hunting rifle, the Christensen Arms Evoke offers a host of desirable features, all at a price that leaves room for hunting tags and travel costs.

Wholesale Change in Glock Lineup & Other Industry Moves

Fall 2025 has proven to be a volatile time within the firearm industry, with companies like Glock announcing major changes to its product lineup, while other companies announce expansions and moves.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1895 Lee Navy Rifle

In the 1890s, U.S. military small arms were evolving rapidly. The recent discovery of smokeless powder, along with the development of new operating systems and cartridge designs, led the U.S. Navy to adopt a radically new platform: the Model 1895 Lee Navy rifle.

Carry Comped: Smith & Wesson Performance Center’s Compensated Bodyguard 2.0 & Shield X

Smith & Wesson introduced compensated models of two popular concealed-carry handguns in its lineup, the Bodyguard 2.0 and Shield X, both designed to help handgunners improve recoil control.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.