IDF Beginning The Changeover From M-16 to Tavor T.A.R.-21

[budanski]

source (http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=46925)

The Defense Ministry has decided to begin the changeover from the M-16 to the Israel Military Industries Tavor T.A.R.-21 assault rifle. The weapon will be distributed to army infantry units. The first order calls for 15,000 pieces.

The Tavor T.A.R-21 Assault Rifle (http://www.imi.co.il/imi/doa_iis.dll/Serve/item/English/1.1.2.12.2.5.html)

http://www.imi.co.il/images/tarbig.jpg

"Tavor uses the proven, compact Bull pup design, which was optimized to best match the ergonomics and mission requirements of the modern warrior, providing natural handling, intuitive aiming from all firing positions and improved hit accuracy. Accuracy and target acquisition is enhanced, by the use of accurate aiming, through the use of an integral reflex optical reflective sight, which projects the aiming point on the center of the sight. Tavor has an attachment for additional sighting devices, such as a 3rd generation night vision sight, which can be installed with no zeroing. Tavor is gas operated, using rotating bolt action. All types use standard NATO 5.56mm ammunition (M855/SS109), accommodate a 30 round magazine and sustain a rate of fire of 750 - 900 rounds per minute, and have the following specifications: "

Overall length (mm) 720

Barrel length (mm) 460

Weight empty (gr.) 2800

Combat weight (gr.) with: optical sight, 30 round magazine, carrying sling 3635

Trigger pull weight (kg) 2.5 - 4.0

Integrated sight integral red dot + laser designator

Rifling twist 6 grooves, 1:7" RH twist

Rate of fire (RPM) 750 - 900

Operation gas operation, rotating bolt

Muzzle velocity (m/sec) 890



Optional Accessories

Tele-converter

3rd generation night vision (no zeroing needed)

Carrying sling

20 round magazine

30 round magazine

Cleaning kit & cleaning rod

Bipod & bipod adapter

M-203 grenade launcher adapter

Arms (NATO) rails

Left hand kit (bolt)

Silencer

Various sights

Blank firing attachment & magazine

Miles adapter

Short butt pad

Short (SAR) barrel

Long (sniping) barrel

[irishmike21]

your talking about the isreali army right? because if your talking about the us military your wrong

[Haiw]

IDF = Israeli Defence Force (or something like that)

[Royal]

Looks very plastic - not necessarily a bad thing, I've fired worse weapons than the Steyr AUG (Austrian version, not Aussie).

Knowing the Israeli's they'll have trailed it, but I'd like to see how long it lasts in the field.

Any feedback yet?

[budanski]

your talking about the isreali army right? because if your talking about the us military your wrong

Haiw was correct. I was referring to the Israeli Defense Forces.

[FallenAngel]

I've read mixed reviews on the Tavor.

On one hand- you have people saying its the best damn thing since sliced bread as far as rifles go. Its short- something the Israelis like. Its made IN Israel which is another plus for them. Its pretty damn accurate and robust, despite being plastic. Hell, I think I read the US Army was evaluating it for some reason.

On the other, you have those who say the lack of iron sights is a MAJOR loss. Also, the mag changes have been described as "ackward" at best. You really can't mount a M203 on it- although I am sure it COULD be done. Also, it doesnt allow instantanious ambidextrus (spelling?) fire.

Also, the IDF just bought 11,000 M4s in '99-'02. On top of that, they still have thousands of CAR15s, M16s and even Galils still in inventory.

for more info--- I refer you to isayeret.com's article.

http://www.isayeret.com/weapons/assault/tavor/status.htm

[GLax]

just a quick thought... is the Tavor being manufactured in the US? i only ask because i believe the US and Israel have a defence contract together that says something like, if you build your weapons here in the US in our factories, we will manufacture them them for you at nearly half the price. why would the US do this u ask? because it gives Americans jobs, thats why!

btw... i'm pretty sure this defence contract exsists but if any of you guys that are smarter than me know for a fact that this contract doesnt exsist... feel free to put me in my place :slap:

[rob]

i believe they where trying to get atk to make it. (same people working on the xm29) and have berret make the civilian version there is more info here.

http://www.isayeret.com/weapons/assault/tavor/guide.htm

the situation with the tavor is a bit messy and i dont think that it is being adopted. there are two versions the newer of which not tested and unclear production plans.

[Sirpad]

http://www.isayeret.com/weapons/assault/tavor/tar-m203-alone.jpg

http://www.isayeret.com/weapons/assault/tavor/tar-m203.jpg
That proves that a M203 version does exist


http://www.isayeret.com/weapons/assault/tavor/General.gif

http://www.isayeret.com/weapons/assault/tavor/new-mtar.jpg
Also, it's not clear yet which model will be procured - the original TAR-21, or the modified tavor-2 based on SF units feedback.

On more unclear business is what sight will be used. The army will supposedly use the original MARS sight, but it has also began buying a large amount of the meprolight MEPOR-21 sight (seen on top of the tavor-2).

[Royal]

Also, the mag changes have been described as "ackward" at best.

Mag changes on any bullpup are awkward if you are used to a 'normal' rifle. As anyone who has converted to the L85/Steyr/FAMAS will testify, you soon get used to it. It's not really that counter-intuitive.

[Steve Andrews]

I like the look of the Tavor. A bullpup is very easy to shoot standing, kneeling and squatting....with a SA80 I could consistently hit figure 12's (a target of the upper half of the body) from the standing position at 200m and kneeling at 300m. I dont think I could have done this with a conventional weapon (m16 family).