IWI Tavor STAR-21
Israel Weapon Industries · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2002
Also known as: Sharsheret, Tavor STAR-21, STAR 21, Tavor DMR
Overview
The IWI Tavor STAR-21 (also known as Sharsheret, meaning 'chain' in Hebrew) is a designated marksman variant of the Tavor TAR-21 bullpup assault rifle. Developed by Israel Weapon Industries for the Israel Defense Forces, the STAR-21 features a heavier, longer 18-inch barrel optimized for accuracy at extended ranges, an integrated folding bipod, and a Picatinny rail configured for mounting magnified optics such as the Trijicon ACOG 4x scope. The bullpup configuration gives the STAR-21 a remarkably compact overall length of just 726mm despite the full-length 457mm barrel, allowing designated marksmen to maintain the maneuverability of a carbine while delivering precision fire at squad-level engagement distances. The long-stroke gas piston system with rotating bolt provides reliable operation in the harsh desert environments common to IDF operations.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3800 g (134.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4300 g (151.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 726 mm (28.58") |
| Barrel Length | 457 mm (17.99") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 940 m/s (3084 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1767 J (1303 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Cold Hammer Forged Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Folding Bipod, Picatinny Rail, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Heavy Barrel, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Telescopic Sight Mount
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Israel Defense Forces · adopted 2002 · as STAR-21
- Israeli Navy Shayetet 13 · as Sharsheret
Conflicts
- Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (2002-present)
- Second Lebanon War (2006)
Production
Production years: 2002-present
Produced in limited quantities as a specialist variant for IDF designated marksmen.
Origin
Country of origin: Israel
Designer: Zalmen Shebs
Notes
The STAR-21 is issued at the squad level to soldiers trained as sharpshooters within the IDF. The 'Sharsheret' designation is used by Israeli Naval special forces unit Shayetet 13. The rifle shares approximately 80% parts commonality with the standard TAR-21, with the key differences being the heavy-profile barrel, integrated bipod, and dedicated optics mounting system. The STAR-21 was designed to fill the gap between the standard assault rifle and dedicated sniper rifle, providing accurate fire out to 550 meters while maintaining full interoperability with standard STANAG magazines and 5.56mm ammunition.
Background
The name 'Sharsheret' (chain) reflects the STAR-21's role as the linking element in IDF squad-level fire doctrine, connecting the standard rifleman's engagement range to that of the dedicated sniper by providing accurate fire in the intermediate 300-550 meter zone.