Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle (Israel)

Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle (standard version)
Image: IWI Ltd.

Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle (standard version), fitted with 40mm M203 grenade launcher and grenade launching sight
Image: IWI Ltd.

Tavor CTAR 21 assault rifle (compact version)
Image: IWI Ltd.

Tavor MTAR 21 assault rifle (micro version)
Image: IWI Ltd.

Tavor STAR 21 (designated marksman) rifle
Image: IWI Ltd.

Civilian (semi-automatic only) version of the Tavor. Note the different shape of the butt, handguard and the trigger guard, basically similar to that of the Micro-Tavor (civilian versions with oversized trigger guard also manufactured).
Image: IWI Ltd.

Tavor TAR-21 partially disassembled
Image: Dean Roxby (Canada)

	TAR 21	TAR C21 / CTAR 21	TAR M21 / MTAR 21
Caliber:	5,56x45 NATO
Action	Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length	720 mm	640 mm	590 mm
Barrel length	460 mm	380 mm	330 mm
Weight	3,27 kg empty	3,18 kg empty	2,95 kg empty
Magazine capacity	30 rounds
Rate of fire	750 - 900 rounds per minute	750 - 900 rounds per minute	750 - 900 rounds per minute

The development of the new assault rifle, that should eventually replace in service the ageing M16A1, CAR-15 and IMI Galil assault rifles, began in Israel in the 1991. The new rifle was developed by the Israel Military Industries (IMI, now privatized as IWI - Israeli Weapons Industries Ltd) company, in close cooperation with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This new rifle received the name of "Tavor" and the designation of TAR-21 (Tavor Assault Rifle, for 21st century). The new rifle first appeared on public in the 1998, and it had been tested by the IDF during 1999-2002. Initial issue of Tavor rifles to IDF showed some teething problems, but by now the Tavor is already in widespread use by IDF, and it seems that many earlier problems are worked out. It is also in limited use with Special Operation forces of India and Georgia.

In general, the TAR-21 represents the mainstream of the present assault rifle developments. It shares all the "modern" features, already tried and proved successful by previous designs, like the bullpup layout, polymer housing, optical sights as a prime sighting equipment, modular design with several different configurations (from very short submachine gun and up to standard assault rifle and a para-sniper accurized rifle with heavy barrel). So far it seen not much real action, and it is hard to judge if it is really a success, and only time will show that.

The IWI also developed and manufactures a civilian, semi-automatic only version of the Tavor rifle, which looks much like the Tavor Micro rifle but with longer barrel. This version has already been exported to several European countries and Canada.