Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
IWI US is officially bringing the ARAD 5 to the American market and doing it from a new home base in Tennessee.
The rifle, which has already seen use overseas with Israeli military and law enforcement units, is now being produced domestically following IWI’s move to Andersonville, Tennessee.
At its core, the ARAD 5 is built as a modern hybrid platform, blending familiar M4-style ergonomics with a different operating system under the hood.
The biggest shift? It’s not direct impingement.
Instead, the ARAD 5 runs a short-stroke piston system, paired with a two-position adjustable gas setup designed to handle both suppressed and unsuppressed shooting. That’s becoming more common in this category. But it still sets it apart from traditional AR builds.
Up front, the rifle uses a semi-monolithic upper receiver combined with IWI’s CamLok barrel lock-up system, which secures a free-floated barrel assembly. The idea here is rigidity and repeatability, keeping things locked in without sacrificing modularity.
On the back end, things stay familiar.
The ARAD 5 mates to a standard-style lower, meaning controls and layout will feel right at home for anyone used to an AR-15 platform. No learning curve, no major retraining. That’s clearly intentional.
IWI isn’t trying to reinvent the manual of arms. They’re just changing how the rifle runs internally.
The platform is also built with modern use in mind, particularly for shooters running suppressors. The adjustable gas system and piston design should help manage back pressure and reliability. Though how it performs long-term will be something shooters will want to see for themselves.
Beyond the rifle itself, this launch is also tied to a bigger move.
IWI’s relocation to Tennessee represents a major investment in U.S.-based manufacturing, with new facilities, expanded production capacity, and a push toward keeping more of its lineup stateside.
So where does the ARAD 5 land?
It’s entering a crowded space, no shortage of piston-driven rifles out there right now.
But it brings a mix of proven overseas use, familiar ergonomics, and a slightly different mechanical approach that may appeal to shooters looking for something beyond a standard DI gun.
Now that it’s stateside and being built here, it’ll be easier for American shooters to get hands-on and decide where it fits. MSRP: $1499.99.
Learn more HERE.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
