Next Generation IMI Tavor TAR-21 Assault Rifle Best Combat

First issue of the Tavor Series Assault Rifle to Israeli units began in 2003, though reportedly operational testing had been conducted in actual combat as early as 2001. By the time of this writing (Late February 2008), it is estimated that as many as a third of the M-16-series rifles in the IDF have been replaced by the Tavor TAR-21 series Assault Rifle. The Indians have placed an order for up to $20 million worth of MTAR-21-type rifles, ammunition and accessories; deliveries  began in 2007. There are also some unconfirmed rumors that the Indians may be interested in partially replacing their AKMs and INSAS rifles with other members of the Tavor series. The Indian version of the MTAR-21, which they call the Zittara, is a bit different than the IMI MTAR-21 and is covered in the Indian Assault Rifles section.

Tavor CTAR-21 Assault Rifle

The TAR-21 Assault Rifle has ambidextrous controls and can use a variety of night-vision devices and telescopic sights; standard is the ITL MARS, which is a reflex/collimator red-dot sight with an integral laser aiming module below it. The soldier can also attach the types of night vision goggles by the Israelis directly to the sight unit. This sight unit is mounted on a short MIL-STD-1913 rail located directly above the trigger group, and the unit may be completely removed and replaced with other optics as desired. There are no conventional iron sights, though rudimentary emergency sights are located on the sight housing. The TAR-21 Assault Rifle may use any sort of M-16 magazine, and may be fitted with the M-203 or M-203PI (and several other underbarrel grenade launchers), as well as use NATO- or Israeli-pattern rifle grenades. The TAR-21 uses an 18.1-inch barrel tipped with an M-16A2-type flash suppressor.

Tavor TAR-21 Assault Rifle

Tavor TC-21 Assault Rifle

Construction of the shell of the rifle is largely of green or black polymer, with steel reinforcement bars at strategic places. Field stripping is done by pulling the operating parts out as a unit from the hinged buttplate. Except for the ejection port, the operating parts of the Tavor TAR-21 Assault Rifle are otherwise completely enclosed and quite resistant to dirt. The Tavor has an ejection port on either side of the rifle, one of which is sealed; this allows for the operating system to be reversed for use by right or left-handed shooters. There are similar charging handle slots on both sides of the weapon as well. To a point, operation is similar to a combination of the M-16 and AK series, but most of it is the result of new research. A recent addition to the Tavor line, the Tavor TC-21 Assault Rifle  , is a carbine variant, equipped with a 16.1-inch barrel. It is otherwise outfitted the same as the standard Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle.

Tavor MTAR-21 Assault Rifle

The Tavor CTAR-21 Assault Rifle , also known as the Tavor Commando, is also sort of a carbine version of the TAR-21, with 15-inch barrel and accompanying shorter handguard section. The Tavor CTAR-21 Assault Rifle may not mount a standard M-203 grenade launcher, but can mount the M-203PI and most other NATO-compatible underbarrel grenade launchers. (It does, however, get a bit clumsy to handle with an underbarrel grenade launcher attached.) Unlike the Tavor TAR-21, the CTAR-21 cannot mount a bayonet.

The Tavor MTAR-21 Assault Rifle, also known as the Micro Tavor or the Tavor Micro, uses an even shorter 9.84-inch barrel, and is primarily meant for use by special operations, bodyguards, vehicle crews and in CQB. The Micro Tavor is so short and well-balanced that it can actually be fired with one hand (though not with nearly the accuracy as two-handed firing). The handguard section is quite abbreviated, and the barrel barely protrudes from them; nonetheless, the same M-16A2-type flash suppressor is used so muzzle flash is very large and bright.

Tavor STAR-21 Assault Rifle

This short barrel and handguard also means the Tavor Micro cannot mount underbarrel grenade launchers, use rifle grenades, or mount bayonets. A parts kit is also available to turn the Micro Tavor into 9mm submachinegun, which uses Uzi magazines (in a pinch, Glock 9mm Parabellum magazines can also be used with the MTAR 9mm), and may use a standard or a barrel with an integral silencer. (Early prototypes were tested chambered for .40 Smith & Wesson and .45 ACP, but IMI decided not to go ahead with those chamberings.) This version is known by many names: MTAR-21 9mm, MTAR 9mm, MTAR Submachinegun, and a few others. Other than modifications necessary for the change in ammunition and the lack of a flash suppressor, the MTAR 9mm is otherwise outfitted the same as the MTAR-21 (as I will refer to it in these pages). Though the MTAR 9mm is actually a submachinegun, it is included here for completeness.