TAR-21
Israel Weapon Industries · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2001
Also known as: Tavor, Tavor TAR-21, Zittara
Overview
The TAR-21 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Israel Weapon Industries since 2001.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3270 g (115.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 725 mm (28.54") |
| Barrel Length | 460 mm (18.11") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1693 J (1249 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3000 m (3281 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | 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: Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Magazine Disconnect
- Features: Bullpup Design, Select Fire, Ambidextrous Controls, Integrated Carry Handle, Chrome Lined Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Picatinny Rail, Quick Change Barrel
Variants
- CTAR-21 — Commando
- GTAR-21 — Grenade Launcher
- STAR-21 — Designated Marksman
- IWI Tavor X95 — Improved
Service history
Operators
- Israel Defense Forces · adopted 2001
- Indian Armed Forces · adopted 2011 · as Zittara
- Georgian Armed Forces · adopted 2009
- Colombian Armed Forces
- Philippines Armed Forces · adopted 2013
- Ukrainian Armed Forces
- Brazilian Special Forces
- Thai Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Second Intifada (2000-2005)
- 2006 Lebanon War (2006)
- Gaza-Israel conflict (2008-present)
- Syrian Civil War (2011-present)
Production
Production years: 1999-present
Exact production figures classified; exported to 30+ nations with significant orders from India (12,000+ X95s) and Georgia
Origin
Country of origin: Israel
Designer: Zalmen Shebs
Notes
The TAR-21 prevailed over the M4A1 in a series of competitive trials conducted by the IDF during 2001-2002. The bullpup design was specifically chosen to meet the military's close-quarters and mechanized infantry requirements, allowing a compact weapon with ballistically favorable muzzle velocities. The CTAR-21 commando variant features a shortened 380mm barrel. The weapon can be field-converted between left and right-handed operation by swapping the ejection port cover and bolt. In 2009, the IDF announced the X95 (Micro-Tavor) would become the new standard infantry weapon.
Background
The TAR-21 was designed with a revolutionary feature for its time: the entire rifle could be disassembled without tools in under a minute, and the barrel could be swapped in the field to change calibers. This modularity made it one of the most adaptable service rifles ever created.