Opinions on Zenith Firearms: I helped the company make promotional footage for tradeshows and website. My experience with them was extremely positive, but I'm curious what others think that have had more time with them. I only had a day at the range with 2 models.
Zenith Firearms
1 - 19 of 19 Posts
Joined
·
7,175 Posts
Initial Zenith products, specifically the roller delayed weapons, had some issues. Long story that had to do with the MKE side, but those have been corrected and the products being offered are very good quality. They actually went back to MKE and had them go back to the original specs from HK and start over, removing all of the "modifications" that had been implemented over the years and created the reliability issues.
I've been working with the company over the last couple of months and am currently "shaking out" a demo weapon they provided me. I've been to their current facility met, their staff, including their outstanding Armorer and customer service personnel, and seen their new facility that is about to open and increase their capabilities significantly. They've also got new plans, focused on the roller delayed weapons, that will be worth keeping your eyes open for. Great "family-centric" company dedicated to providing quality products to the US market, at competitive pricing.
Below is a link to an after action report I posted following one of our Advanced Sub-Machinegun Operator Courses last month. I invited my friend, Chase, the Director of Marketing for Zenith, to attend and he ran his Z5RS like a boss all weekend. The only issues I noticed during that time were a few failures to feed that we determined to be the result of one of the magazines, which had feed lips that had widened to the point of being out of spec. We attributed that to be due to mag drops during reload drills.
http://www.hkpro.com/forum/teufelsh...nd-tactical-advanced-smg-operator-course.html
I've been working with the company over the last couple of months and am currently "shaking out" a demo weapon they provided me. I've been to their current facility met, their staff, including their outstanding Armorer and customer service personnel, and seen their new facility that is about to open and increase their capabilities significantly. They've also got new plans, focused on the roller delayed weapons, that will be worth keeping your eyes open for. Great "family-centric" company dedicated to providing quality products to the US market, at competitive pricing.
Below is a link to an after action report I posted following one of our Advanced Sub-Machinegun Operator Courses last month. I invited my friend, Chase, the Director of Marketing for Zenith, to attend and he ran his Z5RS like a boss all weekend. The only issues I noticed during that time were a few failures to feed that we determined to be the result of one of the magazines, which had feed lips that had widened to the point of being out of spec. We attributed that to be due to mag drops during reload drills.
http://www.hkpro.com/forum/teufelsh...nd-tactical-advanced-smg-operator-course.html
Didn't learn your lesson yesterday with your Fluff getting trimmed back? What are you selling?
Nice! I am strongly considering one. I was very surprised when I handled the MP5 with "Cheek Rest" .
Joined
·
2,957 Posts
Their full size MP5 offerings that I have seen had the 3 lug barrel in an offset orientation.....have they changed that? I saw a picture the other day of one and it looked the have the lugs in the "proper" orientation??? Just curious
Joined
·
7,175 Posts
All of the ones I have seen recently have been correct.
Mine is not indexed at 12:00, but AFAIK this is a purist/OCD driven issue. I haven't seen any negative effect of having the #1 lug at 10:00 instead of 12:00. My 3 Lug Ti-RANT goes on like butter.
I'll say I don't use the can a whole lot because it doesn't fit with the surefire forearm on it.
It's fantastic to see that Zenith has engaged someone here who obviously knows what he is doing, and is listening and following through on that feedback, all the way to the factory overseas.
I'll say I don't use the can a whole lot because it doesn't fit with the surefire forearm on it.
It's fantastic to see that Zenith has engaged someone here who obviously knows what he is doing, and is listening and following through on that feedback, all the way to the factory overseas.
Joined
·
221 Posts
I read that they changed that after the first run. The Z-5P's I have are all at 12 but some of the Z-5RS's are 10. I don't even think about it really, suppressor locks up just as well on all of them.
Joined
·
376 Posts
If you understand how products are manufactured, then you'll also understand that this statement is complete BS.
It's one thing to own a set, or even multiple sets of tooling, from the original manufacturer of a product. It is quite another thing to understand how to operate, adjust and maintain that equipment over time. It is yet another matter to carefully select materials and ensure that those materials meet the specifications for that product both in terms of metallurgy and final dimensions.
I could go out and buy tire molds from Goodyear for a Studebaker. That doesn't mean I can crank out a set of tires that is going to last 60,000 miles.
Don't get me wrong, I believe that a quality, dependable firearm can be gleaned from both domestic and imported clones, but the suggestion that the origin of the machines guarantees an excellent end product is just plain foolishness.
Joined
·
791 Posts
The only issue with my Z-5RS is a slightly canted rear sight base. It still zeroes fine. The weapon is pretty much flawless otherwise.
Joined
·
122 Posts
Overall experience with my Z5RS has been great. I haven't actually interacted with the company itself, except in a roundabout way when they held their factory $200 discount last may which I took advantage of. I have heard great things about their customer service and warranty work, which is why I felt confident buying their product in the first place.
The only "issue" (really a non-issue) is that I got a first-run Z5RS with the 10 o'clock three-lug. But that is visual only and doesn't affect function so I'm fine with it.
The only "issue" (really a non-issue) is that I got a first-run Z5RS with the 10 o'clock three-lug. But that is visual only and doesn't affect function so I'm fine with it.
Joined
·
407 Posts
Not willing to let any dead horse go unbeaten, I agree in general with potential quality variance issues, but MKE isn't just a "tooling owner". I'm not sure anyone on this site knows the full story regarding what data packages and training came in the licensing agreement with the tooling. MKE being an actual HK licensed manufacturer of roller locks for the Turkish military, I'm sure that HK didn't just throw the equipment over the fence and call it good. HK still has skin in the game as most folks will see an "MP5" or an "HK33" and never know that it was manufactured by MKE vs. HK. If the licensed product sucks, HK will share that reputation.
Joined
·
376 Posts
The Licensing agreement is for the equipment itself as well as the ability to produce an MP5 without lawsuits for trade dress and patent issues. HK recently ran a lot of companies through the ringer for thee very same issues. The licensing protects MKE and POF from these lawsuits.
If you think that employees of HK GmbH are traveling to MKEs plant to monitor their production, materials procurement and QA/QC, then you are mistaken. It's not their product; they have no stake in licensed production outside of the licensing agreement itself. We're not just stabbing in the dark here, and there is no intent to besmirch MKE on this subject, but we have to call a spade a spade.
Take it from a man who is definitely in the know.
1 - 19 of 19 Posts
