Posted on 06/24/2006 8:36:25 PM PDT by Lurker
I'm watching Future Weapons on Discovery Channel and saw this new rifle the Israelis will be issuing soon. I thought it perfect for a Saturday Night Gun Porn Thread.
Here's a pic of one of the variants:
Here's the blurb from the source URL:
The Tavor TAR-21 is a gas operated, selective fire, magazine fed assault rifle of bullpup configuration. It is available in several configurations, which differ in the barrel lengths and accessories. The basic configuration is the TAR-21 assault rifle with the 460mm (18.1 in) barrel. Next are the compact assault rifle, called CTAR-21, with the barrel 380 mm (15 in) long, and the micro assault rifle, with the barrel of only 250 mm (10 in) long, called MTAR-21. The latter rifle also featured a redesigned front part of the housing, for a more comfortable hold of the short weapon. TAR-21 utilizes a now-common long piston stroke, rotating bolt action, with the gas piston rigidly attached to the bolt carrier. Gas cylinder is located above the barrel and is completely enclosed by the gun housing. The rotating bolt is similar to one found in the M16 rifle and has seven lugs. The ejection ports are made on both sides of the weapon, and the right or the left side ejection can be selected by installing the bolt with the ejector mounted on the right or on the left, respectively (and, of cause, this change requires the gun to be partially disassembled). The bolt carrier rides on the single guide rod, with the return spring unit located above it, behind and inside the hollow gas piston rod. The charging handle is located at the front left side of the gun and does not reciprocate when gun is fired. The charging handle slots are cut on the both sides of the gun housing, so it can be installed on either side of the weapon, as required. The trigger unit is more or less conventional, with the ambidextrous fire mode selector / safety switch located above the pistol grip.
The TAR-21 has no separate receiver. Instead, all parts are mounted within the high impact-resistant plastic housing, reinforced with steel inserts where appropriate. The access to all the internal parts is controlled by the hinged buttplate, which can be swung down for internal inspection and disassembly.
TAR-21 has no open sights. It is fitted with the standard Picatinny-type accessory rail on the top of the gun. At the present time the standard sighting equipment for the TAR-21 series rifles (except for the STAR-21 sniper rifle) is the Israeli-made ITL MARS, a complicated and expensive reflex-type sight with the built-in laser pointer. For the night time operations the MARS could be complemented with the ITL Mini N/SEAS compact night vision device.
Israel is replacing its world-famous Uzi sub-machinegun and U.S.-supplied M-16 assault rifle with a new flagship firearm.
The design of the Tavor is based largely on lessons learned during military operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during the 34-month-old Al Aqsa intifada. The first Tavors, made by Israel Military Industries (IMI), have been issued to elite Israeli infantry units, part of an order of 15,000 announced last month by the Defense Ministry.
Security sources said deals were under way to sell the weapon, retailing at $1,000, to "friendly foreign clients.". "The Tavor is probably the finest assault rifle now available. Its commando variation weighs 2.8 kg (6.2lbs) compared with the Uzi's 3.7 kg and M-16's 3.4 kg. Bullets are loaded through its stock, allowing for a snub barrel.
End Blurb.
It is chambered in 5.56mm NATO and is designed to use the SS109 type ammunition.
Retail price to 'friendly foreign clients' is said to be about $1,000.00 US.
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They're joking, right?!
I'd love one. Shame they are illegal.
Bullpup is the form factor of the future.
L
GunPorn ping my Liege...
My son had an M4A1 carbine when he was in the IDF
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Nah. Plastic - and I have seen the metal Uzis suffering parts breakage. Made it from high grade alloys, then it could be interesting.
Kind of ugly but I suspect it's good to work with. Like to see a review of someone who has used it.
At last, a bullpup for lefties.
Mine sports an Aimpoint largely due to my inability to stash enough pennies for the ACOG.
Do you know if they're issuing this new rifle to the IDF yet?
The website says something like 15,000 have been ordered but no word if they're in general use.
Thanks and stay safe.
L
P.S. Can you tell the IDF I'm a very friendly foreigner and I'd like to get on their client list for one of these ASAP. Thanks.
mmmmmmmmmmmm
Lurker Control has given me clearance to purchase the firearm of my dreams this year so I'm busting my hump to save up for one of these:
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I had one of these.
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