TAR-21 Tavor

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Summary

Country🇮🇱 Israel
CategoryBullpup assault rifle
ManufacturerIsraeli Military Industries

Technical specifications

TAR-21 Tavor
Fire Rate450 - 900 rounds/min.
Caliber5.56 x 45 mm OTAN
Magazine30 rounds
Length720 mm (28.3 in)
Weight2.8 kg (6.2 lb)
Range300 m (984 ft)

Description

The IWI Tavor, originally designated the Tavor TAR-21, is an Israeli bullpup assault rifle chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, designed and manufactured by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). The Tavor development team, led by Zalmen Shebs, was initiated by Israel Military Industries (IMI) in 1995. The project's goal was to create an assault rifle that offered enhanced reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance compared to the M4A1 carbine. It was also intended to be better suited for close-quarters combat and mechanized infantry roles, with the aim of potential adoption by the Israel Defense Forces. The team chose a bullpup design for its compactness and long barrel for high muzzle velocities, combined with a long-stroke piston system for reliability in harsh conditions.

The Tavor is built around a non-lubricated long-stroke piston system, emphasizing reliability, durability, simplicity, and ease of maintenance, especially in adverse battlefield conditions. The bullpup design, which positions the receiver, bolt carrier group, and magazine behind the pistol grip, reduces overall length while maintaining a long barrel. The rifle features ejection ports on both sides, enabling reconfiguration for right or left-handed shooters, although this requires partial disassembly. An ambidextrous fire mode selector, located above the pistol grip, offers semi-automatic and fully automatic modes, and the rifle incorporates a self-contained, drop-in trigger group. Primarily chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO and using STANAG magazines, conversion kits for 9×19mm Parabellum and 5.45×39mm rounds are available. Additional features include a last round bolt catch, a chrome-lined, cold-hammer-forged barrel, and tool-free field-stripping. The Tavor is also designed to be waterproof.

IWI produces the Tavor TAR-21 in several variants:

  • The TAR-21 is the standard model with an 18-inch barrel.

  • The GTAR-21 features a notched barrel for attaching an M203 or similar 40x46mm grenade launcher.

  • The CTAR-21 is a compact version with a shorter 15-inch barrel, which is favored in the IDF over the standard TAR-21.

  • The STAR-21, a designated marksman variant with a folding under-barrel bipod and Trijicon ACOG 4× sight, was later phased out.

The Tavor X95, previously known as the MTAR-21, was selected as the standard IDF infantry weapon, and can be converted between 5.56mm, 9mm, and 5.45mm calibers. The Tavor 7 is a battle rifle derived from the Tavor TAR, chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. An Indian version, the Zittara, was prototyped but not adopted. In Ukraine, licensed Tavors were produced, including the Fort-221 (CTAR-21) and Fort-222 (STAR-21), chambered in 5.45×39mm, but RPC Fort has ceased marketing them. Civilian semi-automatic variants, such as the TC-21 and Tavor SAR, are manufactured and sold in markets like Canada and the US.

The Tavor outperformed the M4A1 in IDF trials in 2001-2002, demonstrating favorable results in reliability, ergonomics, and ease of maintenance. Initial testing with the Givati Brigade's Tzabar Battalion, starting in 2001, indicated that the TAR-21 was more accurate, reliable, and comfortable than the M4. Issues related to sand ingress were addressed with adjustments made between 2001 and 2009. The CTAR-21 saw combat service in Operation Cast Lead, where soldiers reported flawless functionality. In November 2009, the IDF announced that the Tavor X95 would become the standard infantry weapon, with a gradual replacement process that began in 2006 and was expected to be completed among front-line troops by 2018. The first X95s were issued in 2013. The IDF intends to continue acquiring and equipping combat units with the Micro Tavor, citing satisfaction with its capabilities and proven performance.

Users of the Tavor family of rifles include Angola, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Cameroon, Chad, Colombia, Chile (Investigations Police), Cyprus, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Israel, Kenya, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Peru, Philippines, Portugal (small quantities by Polícia Judiciária), Rwanda, Senegal, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United States (Pennsylvania Capitol Police, Lakewood PD, Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, civilian market), Uruguay, Vietnam, and Zambia. Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades have also acquired stockpiles of the rifle.