Tavor

Go Back to Assault Rifle

Go Back To Weapons Home

	Weapon: Tavor Type: Assault Rifle Country of Origin: Israel Year Adopted: 2001 Caliber: 5.56x45 NATO Action: Select Fire Overall Length (mm): 725.0 Weight (kg): 3.00 Effective Range (m): 500

The Tavor Assault Rifle, developed by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), is a family of bullpup firearms that debuted in the late 1990s and became operational in the early 2000s. Designed for versatility and reliability in modern combat, the Tavor was engineered to meet the needs of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). It features a compact bullpup layout, which retains a long barrel for accuracy while significantly reducing the weapon's overall length. Chambered primarily in 5.56x45mm NATO, the Tavor uses a gas-operated, rotating bolt mechanism and can be configured for left- or right-handed operation, making it adaptable for diverse combat scenarios.

Production of the Tavor has exceeded 300,000 units, with numerous variants like the TAR-21, X95 (Micro Tavor), and 7 (chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO) to suit different mission profiles. It became the standard-issue rifle for the IDF in 2009, replacing the M16 and M4 series. The Tavor has also been adopted by several other nations for military and law enforcement purposes, including India, Ukraine, and Thailand. Its ability to function reliably in extreme conditions, such as deserts and urban environments, has contributed to its growing popularity worldwide.

The Tavor has gained notoriety as one of the most advanced bullpup rifles of its time, earning accolades for its innovative design and performance in combat. While some users have critiqued the weight and trigger pull compared to traditional rifles, the Tavor's ergonomic layout, modularity, and durability have made it a staple in modern armories. Its appearances in video games and media further solidify its reputation as a cutting-edge weapon, reflecting the growing trend of bullpup designs in modern military doctrine.