IMI Tavor TAR-21

"Tavor" redirects here. For other uses, see Tavor (disambiguation).
TAR-21

Type Bullpup assault rifle
Place of origin Israel
Service history
In service 2003[1]–present
Used by See Users
Wars See Conflicts
Production history
Designer Israel Military Industries
Designed 1995–2003
Manufacturer

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI)
Also produced under IWI license by:

Variants See Variants
Specifications
Weight 3.27 kg (7.21 lb)(TAR-21)[2]
3.18 kg (7.0 lb)(CTAR-21)[2]
3.67 kg (8.1 lb)(STAR-21)
2.95 kg (6.5 lb)(MTAR-21)[2]
3.19 kg (7.0 lb)(TC-21)
Length 720 mm (28.3 in)(TAR-21, STAR-21)[2]
640 mm (25.2 in)(CTAR-21)[2]
590 mm (23.2 in)(X-95/MTAR-21)[2]
670 mm (26.4 in)(TC-21)
Barrel length 460 mm (18.1 in)(TAR-21, STAR-21)[2]
380 mm (15.0 in)(CTAR-21)[2]
330 mm (13.0 in)(X-95/MTAR-21)[2]
419 mm (16.5 in) (X-95-L)
410 mm (16.1 in)(TC-21)
Cartridge
Action Gas-operated, rotating bolt[2]
Rate of fire 750–900 rounds/min[2]
Muzzle velocity 910 m/s (2,986 ft/s)(TAR-21, STAR-21)
890 m/s (2,919.9 ft/s)(CTAR-21)
870 m/s (2,854.3 ft/s)(MTAR-21)
885 m/s (2,903.5 ft/s) (TC-21)
Effective firing range 500 m
Feed system Standard 30-round detachable box Magazine
Various STANAG magazines
Sights Meprolight MP 21, ITL MARS with integrated laser and IR pointer, Trijicon ACOG (STAR-21), EOTech holographic sight, others available

The TAR-21 (or simply Tavor) is an Israeli bullpup assault rifle chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition with a selective fire system, selecting between semi-automatic mode and full automatic fire mode.

Built around a long-stroke piston system (as found in the M1 Garand and AK-47), the Tavor was designed to maximize reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance, particularly under adverse or battlefield conditions.[5]

In 2009, the X-95 (MTAR-21) was selected by the IDF to gradually replace the M16 rifle variants as the standard issued weapon of the Israeli infantry by the end of 2018.

History and design objectives

Israel Military Industries (now Israel Weapon Industries) initiated the Tavor development team in 1995, under the direction of gun designer Zalmen Shebs.[6]

The objective of the project was to create an assault rifle that was more reliable, durable and easier to maintain than the M4A1 Carbine, while also being better suited to close-quarters combat and mechanized infantry roles. As a result, they hoped that the weapon would be officially adopted by the Israel Defense Forces.

Due to the military's close-quarters and mechanized infantry requirements, the project team selected a bullpup design, that would allow the weapon to be compact while keeping a long barrel able to achieve ballistically favorable high muzzle velocities.[6] A long-stroke piston system, similar to that found in the AK-47 and M1 Garand, was selected to ensure the weapon's reliability under adverse conditions.[1]

Design features and engineering

Long-stroke piston system

The Tavor is built around a long-stroke piston system, as found in the M1 Garand and the AK 47.

The rifle uses a non-lubricated long-stroke piston system, as found in the M1 Garand, IMI Galil and the AK 47.[1] Like in the AK-47, the long-stroke piston mechanism contributes to the extreme forcefulness of the Tavor's extraction and chambering.[7]

A long-stroke piston system may increase a weapon's reliability in extreme conditions (in comparison to the less reliable short-stroke piston systems), as has been found to be the case in both the M1 Garand and the AK 47.[8]

The Tavor's attachment of the piston to a heavy bolt carrier, and the extension of the mainspring into the hollow stem of the bolt carrier, bears a family resemblance to the internal mechanism of the AK 47.[1]

Ambidexterity and modularity

The TAR-21 has ejection ports on both sides of the rifle so it can easily be reconfigured for right or left-handed shooters. However, this process requires partial disassembly, so it cannot be quickly reconfigured while the rifle is in use.[9] An issue related to this is the original plastic cover on the unused ejection can allow gas to escape during the course of fire. Due to the bullpup design this vents right under the shooters face causing issues, such as inhaling ejection gases and the fouling of glasses and face with ejection debris. The issue is exacerbated when the weapon is suppressed. The characteristic black smudge from has been nicknamed "Tavor face" by some shooters. This has been addressed by various non-factory solutions which increase sealing of the unused port.

Its ambidextrous fire mode selector above the pistol grip has a semi-automatic mode and a fully automatic mode.[10]

The Tavor features a self-contained, drop-in trigger group, so that the trigger group can be changed or replaced without the use of additional tools.

Barrel

The Tavor barrels are made from CrMoV steel and cold hammer-forged (CHF) on the premises of the IWI factory in Ramat HaSharon. The barrel is chrome-lined for durability and corrosion resistance. The barrel features 6 grooves in a 178 mm (1 in 7 inch) twist, or 32 calibers right hand twist rate.

The barrel is fitted with a 'birdcage' style flash suppressor, which can be fully disassembled without the need of additional tools.[7]

Chambering, ammunition and magazines

The X-95 (foreground) during IDF Warrant Officers' training

The Tavor is primarily chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO, although 9×19mm Parabellum and 5.45×39mm Russian models are also available.

The IDF uses both 55-grain M193 and 62-grain M855 5.56×45mm rounds. M193 rounds will be used by regular infantrymen for better terminal effects at shorter distances, while the heavier M855 will be used by sharpshooters.

The TAR-21 accepts standard STANAG magazines. It can also be mounted with the M203 grenade launcher.

Bullpup configuration

The Tavor uses a bullpup configuration, in which the receiver, bolt carrier group and magazine are placed behind the pistol grip. This shortens the firearm's overall length without sacrificing barrel length. As a result, the TAR-21 provides carbine overall length, yet can achieve rifle muzzle velocities if equipped with a rifle-length barrel. The Tavor can also be configured as a compact close quarters combat (CQC) weapon with a shorter 38 cm (15.0 in) length barrel, and in that form is called the CTAR-21.

Last round bolt-open catch

The Tavor features a last round bolt catch, whereby the bolt holds open after the last round discharges.[11] This is a request of modern armies, as it helps to allow soldiers to know when their magazine empties and to reduce reloading times during combat.[12]

Reliability, ease-of-maintenance and waterproofing

The design objectives of the Tavor aimed for reliability and ease-of-maintenance, particularly under adverse or battlefield conditions.[5] According to Russell C. Tilstra, the Tavor is "easily considered more reliable" than the M16 and M4 series rifles.[13]

The Tavor is designed to be easily field-stripped, without the need for any additional tools.[14]

The rifle is waterproof and its internal mechanism is fully sealed from outside elements.[15]

Trials in Israel

In use with Israel's Golani Brigade

The Tavor prevailed over the M4A1 Carbine in a series of trials of conducted during 2001 and 2002. Qualities tested included Mean Rounds Between Failures (MRBF), reliability, ergonomics during long marches, and ease-of-maintenance.[5]

Following these trials, the IDF adopted the Tavor as its future standard arm for all branches of the infantry, with a gradual changeover beginning in 2006 and expected completion amongst frontline troops by end of year 2018.[6][7]

Tavor Variants

The Tavor assault rifle comes in different variations:[10]

X95 (MTAR21)

The IDF with the X-95 on Mount Hermon
An Israel Defense Forces soldier of the unisex Caracal Battalion armed with CTAR-21 with Meprolight 21 reflex sight.
Female IDF soldier (with black camo beard) armed with Tavor GTAR-21 with grenade launcher
IDF soldiers with the X-95
IDF warrant officers, with the X-95

The X95, also designated MTAR-21 (Micro Tavor), and sometimes called Tavor-2, is a stand-alone extremely compact personal defense weapon (PDW) specifically designed for special forces units, as well as military personnel who are normally not issued long assault rifles.

With the use of a relatively simple conversion kit, the MTAR-21 can be converted from a 5.56 mm assault rifle to a 9 mm submachine gun loaded with 20, 25, and 32-round magazines. A suppressor can also be added to the weapon, as part of the 9 mm conversion kit. An integrated grenade launcher is currently being developed for the Micro Tavor. In November 2009, the Micro Tavor was selected as the future standard infantry weapon of the IDF.[16]

When configured to fire 9 mm rounds, the gun uses a blowback operation to eject and reload rounds, but in the same body as the gas-operated rifle reloading system. It is fed from Uzi magazines. A suppressor can be mounted that allows for the use of standard velocity 9 mm ammunition, not specialized subsonic ammo. The barrel is the same length as the rifle version, but has a 1:10 in rifling twist to stabilize heavy 9 mm bullets.[7]

Compared to the 35 in (890 mm) long M4 with its stock extended with a 14.5 in (370 mm) barrel, the X95 is 23 in (580 mm) long with a 13 in (330 mm) barrel.[7]

It comes in a number of variants (including):[17]

7.62 NATO X95

In March 2013, it was reported that IWI would be making an X95 Tavor chambered in 7.62 NATO.[19]

5.45 Russian X95

In April 2013, IWI introduced a conversion kit for the X95, chambered for the 5.45×39mm Russian. The kit was designed for export customers to allow for the rifle to fire 5.45 mm ammunition already used in their inventories[20][21]

Semi-automatic TC-21

The semi-automatic Tavor Carbine (TC-21) was first made available for civilian customers to purchase in Canada from 2008.[22] The Canadian civilian version initially shipped with the Mepro reflex sight and a slightly longer barrel to meet the Canadian requirement for non-restricted semi-automatic centerfire rifles to have a barrel length of at least 470 mm. Current version are shipped with a full length Picatinny rail, without optics.

IWI started a new US subsidiary, which is manufacturing the semi-automatic Tavor for US sales, with a market date of April 2013. Versions are for sale, with two barrel lengths (16.5" and 18"). The longer barrel is likely to meet NFA requirements for overall length with the muzzle device removed.[23]

As of 2013, the Tavor is available to civilian customers in the United States through IWI's US subsidiary,[23] The weapon is manufactured with a combination of Israeli and US parts. It is available in black, OD green, or flat dark earth colors and with either a 16.5" or 18" barrel. Also available on the 16.5" variant is an integrated Mepro reflex sight. The standard versions come with a full length picatinny rail along the top in addition to the 45-degree offset rail on the ejection side of the foregrip. These variants have an integrated backup sight system that collapses into the rail, with a tritium equipped front post. All variants are compliant with the National Firearms Act. Also available from IWI-US are 9mm conversion kits which accept Colt SMG style magazines, as well as left-to-right-hand, or vice versa, conversion bolts.

The designations for the US rifles are the Tavor SAR-B16, -B18, -B16L, and -B18L.

In Europe, the Czech company Zeleny Sport recently (December 2015) imported semi-automatic Israeli-made TAR-21 Flattop rifles, equipped with Mepro M5 or M21 reflex sight, which are now available for both civilian and law enforcement customers.

In 2016, it was announced that IWI would begin selling a civilian legal version of the X-95, equipped with a lighter trigger-pull, on the American market later that year.

Aftermarket parts

A significant aftermarket of spare and replacement parts has developed around the Tavor, including the development of match grade accurizing triggers for the rifle that are produced by manufacturers such as Geissele Automatics.[24]

Shlomi Sabag, Deputy CEO of IWI, says that one of the indicators of the success of the rifle in the shooting sports or civilian market, is the fact that "an aftermarket of products associated with the Tavor rifle, like triggers, has evolved very quickly." [25]

Awards

The National Rifle Association's American Rifleman awarded the Tavor the 2014 Golden Bullseye Award as its rifle of the year. The NRA's prestigious award, now in its twelfth year, aims to award the best products available to civilian shooters.[26][27]

The Truth About Guns website awarded the Tavor with TTAG Reader’s Choice Award for Best Rifle of 2013.[28]

Users

Local users

Issues with fine sand entering the Tavor's chamber, which were identified over the two years of testing, were rectified by numerous small adjustments. A number of other improvements and changes to the design were also made between 2001–2009. Tavor CTAR-21 rifles saw combat service in Operation Cast Lead, used by Givati Brigade and Golani Brigade, and the soldiers reported the Tavor rifles functioned flawlessly.[30]
The Tavor during a Warrant Officer course in the Israel Defense Forces.
In November 2009, the IDF announced that the MTAR-21 (X-95) would become the standard infantry weapon of the IDF, with the addition of an integrated grenade-launcher.[16]
In December 2012, the IDF announced that they would begin equipping and training their new reserve forces with the TAR-21, starting in 2013, with the switch-over by 2018.[31]
In 2014 the IDF announced that in the future (from as early as the end of 2014) some infantry units could start to be issued some numbers of an improved X-95 (MTAR-21), which will have a longer 38 cm barrel (instead of the original 33 cm barrel of the X95), a lighter trigger pull, and a number of other upgrades.[32]

Foreign users

Angola

Azerbaijan

Members of the Azerbaijani Special Forces march with Tavor rifles during a military parade in Baku

Brazil

Cameroon

Chad

Chile

Colombia

The National Police of Colombia, with the CTAR-21, while arresting drug lord Luis Hernando Gomez-Bustamante
Colombian forces armed with the CTAR-21

Ethiopia

Georgia

Guatemala

Guatemalan Navy special forces with STAR-21 designated marksman variant.

Honduras

India

An Indian COBRA commando with X-95
Tavor used by Para commandos of the Indian Army
India's paramilitary and counter-insurgency Central Reserve Police Force CRPF ordered 12000 Micro Tavor (X-95) rifles (designation X-95), with the rifles entering service in early 2011. Following the use of the weapon by Indian forces fighting the insurgency in Kashmir, CRPF commanders have stated that the X-95 is a more effective assault rifle than the AKM, due to its small size, power, longer range and lighter weight.[51]
Polish Special Forces train with the Tavor during Tiger Claw
In 2016, IWI announced that it was establishing a 49:51 joint venture with Punj Lloyd in India, in order manufacture rifle components in India.[52]

Macedonia

Mexico

Nepal

Nigeria

Peru

Philippines

Portugal

Thailand

Turkey

Ukraine

Ukrainian CTAR-21 produced under license by RPC Fort as Fort-221

Vietnam

IWI has been awarded a $100 million contract to establish a factory in Vietnam to produce an unspecified number of Galil ACE assault rifles, as well as others such as the Tavor, for the People's Army of Vietnam.[69]

United States

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Future Weapons, by Kevin Dockery, (Penguin 2007)
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Modern Firearms – Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle. World.guns.ru. Retrieved on 2010-08-31.
  3. ↑ IDF Adopts New Special Forces Weapon, David Eshel, Dec 05, 2008, aviationweek.com
  4. ↑ Vining, Miles (2016-01-14). "Official: .300 BLK for Tavor". TheFirearmBlog.com. Archived from the original on 2016-01-15. Retrieved 2016-01-15.
  5. 1 2 3 "American Rifleman - Decidedly Different: The IWI Tavor". Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 "TAVOR History". Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 IWI X95: A Bullpup For IDF Special Forces - SAdefensejournal.com, 21 March 2012
  8. ↑ The Battle Rifle: Development and Use Since World War II, By Russell C. Tilstra, (McFarland 2014) page 25-28
  9. ↑ "Bullpup Forum SHOT Show Interview". Bullpup Forum. Retrieved 2012-05-17.
  10. 1 2 "Israel Weapon Industries (I.W.I.): TAVOR TAR-21 5.56 mm". Israel-weapon.com. Retrieved 2010-08-31.
  11. ↑ "Tavor - IWI US". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  12. ↑ The Battle Rifle: Development and Use Since World War II , By Russell C. Tilstra, Russell C. Tilstra, (McFarland 2014), page 98
  13. ↑ The Battle Rifle: Development and Use Since World War II, By Russell C. Tilstra, (McFarland 2014) page 97
  14. ↑ Tavor Sar page 14
  15. ↑ The Gun Digest Book of Assault Weapons (Gun Digest Books, 26 Sep 2007), By Jack Lewis, Robert K. Campbell, David Steele, page 246
  16. 1 2 מיקרו–תבור לכל לוחם חי"ר. Dover.idf.il. Retrieved on 2010-08-31.
  17. ↑ IWI X95 brochure
  18. ↑ IWI page about X95-R. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  19. ↑ IWI Developing A 7.62mm Tavor X95 Rifle - Thefirearmblog.com, March 5, 2013
  20. ↑ Israel Weapon Industries Extends Capabilities Of X95 Assault Rifle For Defense Agencies, Jewish Business News, Apr 28th, 2013
  21. ↑ "IWI unveils conversion kit for X95 assault rifle - News - Shephard". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  22. ↑ "IWI Tavor civilian semi-automatic carbine". Canadaammo.com. Retrieved 2010-08-31.
  23. 1 2 IWI-US.
  24. ↑ The success of the 'Tavor' has taken us by surprise" Amir Rapaport 10/3/2014
  25. ↑ The success of the 'Tavor' has taken us by surprise" Amir Rapaport 10/3/2014
  26. ↑ "The IWI US TAVOR SAR is the 2014 American Rifleman Rifle of the Year". AmmoLand.com. 20 December 2013.
  27. ↑ "IWI US TAVOR® SAR 2014 Golden Bullseye Award Rifle of the Year". IWI US, Inc. 18 March 2015.
  28. ↑ "IWI Accepts the TTAG Reader’s Choice Award for Best Rifle of 2013". The Truth About Guns. 16 January 2014.
  29. ↑ Future Weapons - Tavor assault rifle. Youtube.com.
  30. ↑ לאור תפקודו במבצע: אין עוד צורך בשיפור התבור, IDF Spokesperson, in Hebrew (In English the title reads: "Due to its performance during the operation: there are no further improvements required in the Tavor")
  31. ↑ Israeli Army reserve soldiers to be equipped with Tavor TAR-21 - Armyrecognition.com, December 15, 2012
  32. ↑ ישראל דיפנס, הכתבה הופיעה במלואה במקור במגזין "במחנה" גיליון 47, 12 דצמבר 2013.
  33. ↑ "37.º ANIVERSÁRIO DAS FORÇAS ESPECIAIS ANGOLANAS - Operacional". Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  34. ↑ Shahin Abbasov (2009-08-16). "Azerbaijan Mum about Israeli Spy Plane, Satellite Projects". EurasiaNet.org. Retrieved 2010-08-26.
  35. ↑ A Taurus e o Tavor. Defesabrasil.com. Retrieved on 2010-08-31.
  36. ↑ Julio Montes. "Elites of the Exército Brasileiro, Page 1". Small Arms Defense Journal. Retrieved 2012-05-13.
  37. ↑ "On The Ground With Cameroon's Army Trying To Stop Boko Haram". YouTube. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  38. ↑ Israeli arms transfers to sub-Saharan Africa
  39. 1 2 Equiparán más unidades con potentes fusiles israelíes 30 de Marzo de 2012, El Heraldo
  40. ↑ IMI Tavor. Unffmm.com. Retrieved on 2010-08-31. Archived July 17, 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  41. ↑ What kind of gun Meles Zenawi bodyguards carry?, May 23, 2010, Posted by ocean, http://ethiopiaforums.com
  42. ↑ Meles urges recognition of poll win, Barry Malone and David Clarke, May 25, 2010, ethiomedia.com
  43. ↑ "Armament of the Georgian Army". Georgian Army. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
  44. ↑ "Agentes todavía no saben utilizar fusiles comprados por el Gobierno". Elperiodico.com.gt. Retrieved 2010-08-31.
  45. ↑ "Equiparán más unidades con MTAR 21". elheraldo.hn. Retrieved 2012-04-17.
  46. ↑ "One FIR, Govt blacklists 7 firms, hits artillery upgrade". The Indian Express. 2009-06-05. p. 2. Retrieved 2009-06-09.
  47. 1 2 Tavor-21 Rifle Headed Into Service With Indian Special Forces. Defenseindustrydaily.com (2007-02-28). Retrieved on 2010-08-31.
  48. ↑ Ordnance Factory Board. Ofbindia.gov.in. Retrieved on 2010-08-31.
  49. ↑ "To give 'irregulars' punch, forces go shopping for hi-tech weapons". The Times Of India. 2011-01-13.
  50. ↑ Israeli TAR-21 Tavor Assault Rifles for Indian Navy Commandos, 2011-01-12, IANS, bharat-rakshak.com
  51. ↑ "Israeli-made rifle TAVOR better than AK-47: official". www.oneindia.com. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  52. ↑ IWI Establishes Activity in IndiaAmi Rojkes Dombe | 7/02/2016
  53. ↑ "Macedonian Armed Forces - photo and video thread - Page 3". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  54. ↑ Compra la policía capitalina armas israelíes Excelsior, 22/08/2011 05:00 Gerardo Jiménez
  55. ↑ http://www.vanguardngr.com/epaper/2011/december/13122011/index.html
  56. ↑ Ben-David, Alon (September 23, 2009). "In the Line of Fire: Infantry Weapons". Jane's Defence Weekly (ISSN: 02653818).
  57. ↑ Philstar Online PDEA acquires 120 new assault rifles
  58. ↑ Substituição da G-3: Governo recorreu para o Supremo, Diário Digital
  59. ↑ Militares vão continuar a utilizar as velhas 'G3', Diário de Notícias (Portuguese)
  60. ↑ "ข่าวการจัดหาอาวุธของกองทัพบก". นายสิบไทยดอทคอม. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
  61. ↑ DefenseNews.com Thailand Plans $191.3M Arms Purchase
  62. ↑ Cabinet nod for Israeli rifles
  63. ↑ http://www.dha.com.tr/fotogaleri/orj/27057_1885_03102012_4.jpg
  64. ↑ http://www.dha.com.tr/fotogaleri/orj/27057_1885_03102012_3.jpg
  65. ↑ Tavory dla Ukrainy. Altair. Retrieved on 2010-08-31.
  66. ↑ [http://videonews.com.ua/videos/comments/655> Луценко продемонстрировал новое украинское стрелковое оружие], 02.10.2008, videonews.com.ua
  67. ↑ "Ukraińskie Tavory w kalibrze 5,45 mm - Altair Agencja Lotnicza". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  68. ↑ Súng trường uy lực của hải quân đánh bộ Việt Nam Thế giớiQuân sự | Cập nhật thứ ba, ngày 07/05/13
  69. ↑ Israel's defense industry targets Vietnam 18/07/2012, 12:27, Yuval Azulai
  70. ↑ Pennsylvania State Capitol Police Adopt IWI US TAVOR SAR Rifle - Thefirearmblog.com, 28 August 2013
  71. ↑ "IWI US, Inc. Receives Contract from Township of Lakewood, New Jersey Police Department". Officer.com. Retrieved 10 July 2015.

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