Meet the IWI Tavor Bullpup

Israelis sure do make some awesome guns don’t they? Galil, Galil ACE, the Desert Eagle and so many more originated from Israel! One of the weapons those masterminds have designed is now even being licensed and used on the battlefield in the Ukrainian War - the IWI Tavor SAR and its variants. So what makes this bullpup rifle so special? Is it worth the price? How usable is the Tavor rifle? Let’s take a look!

History of the IWI Tavor

First working prototype of the IWI Tavor SAR. Photo Credit: Guns Week

The story of the Tavor rifle starts with IMI or Israel Military Industries. IMI was a state-owned firearms conglomerate that was later privatized in 2005 and renamed IWI (Israel Weapons Industries). The goal with the Tavor rifle project was to find a more maneuverable package than the M16 or Galil, making it a better option for close quarters and counterterrorism, as well as in tight urban fighting. From this requirement, a bullpup design was chosen and out popped the IWI Tavor SAR.

Does any Military use the IWI Tavor SAR?

IWI Tavor 5.56 Photo Credit: Special-Ops

Yes! Over 25 countries have adopted the Tavor rifle or variants of it so far, including of course the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces). A multitude of law enforcement agencies have also adopted the Tavor bullpup.

What is the point of a bullpup rifle?

Note the size difference between the AR-15 and the Steyr AUG (both have 16" barrels).
Photo Credit: Pew Pew Tactical

Bullpup rifles are a unique breed of weapons system. The general concept is that the grip of the weapon is behind the breech, which makes for a very compact system. Bullpup rifles are able to have full-length barrels on a very compact rifle, making it far more maneuverable. For this reason, it’s easy to see why the Tavor bullpup is such a popular choice! Specifically, the Tavor rifle is pretty ergonomically friendly - as well as being fully ambidextrous.

Are bullpup rifles better?

Are bullpup rifles better? One of the age-old questions in the shooting community. Well, we have the answer to finally put this one to bed! Ready? The answer is unequivocally - maybe! For some shooters bullpup rifles are fantastic. The ability to have a longer barrel in a more compact package is fantastic for many shooters.

On the other hand, bullpup rifles can seem very foreign - especially to those of us that have been shooting AR and AK platform rifles for years. It’s more of a hassle to start over with training on the bullpup rifles than it’s worth. In the end, it’s entirely subjective over what is “better”.

Which Tavor rifle is best?

So which Tavor rifle is best? Well, turns out there is a Tavor that can work with just about everyone’s needs! The Tavor SAR 5.56 is a great alternative to the usual suspects, while the Tavor 7.62 x51mm is an option for those that need more takedown power. Let’s take a look at some of the Tavor models readily available for the civilian market.

IWI Tavor Sar

The IWI Tavor SAR. Photo Credit: IWI

The IWI Tavor SAR is available in 5.56, 9mm, and recently, .300 BLK. Barrel lengths are available of 16.5” and 18”. The Tavor 5.56 uses AR mags, has a full-length Picatinny top rail and is fully ambidextrous.

IWI Tavor 7

Tavor 7. Photo Credit: IWI 

The big boy in the Tavor rifle family, the Tavor 7 is chambered in 7.62x51mm and has all the regular features of the IWI Tavor SAR with a 16.5” barrel. The Tavor 308 is ready for any application where more stopping power is needed.

IWI Tavor X95

Tavor X95. Photo Credit: IWI

The newest offering in the Tavor rifles family is the Tavor X95. Upgrades from the original Tavor include; a new fire control unit with a 5-6 pound trigger pull (mushy triggers are usually a complaint with Tavors), a foregrip with Picatinny attachments and removable rail covers, relocation of the charging handle, and a different style pistol grip that can be swapped out for other options. The X95 is available in 9mm, .300 BLK and 5.56.

Is the Tavor Reliable?

Considering the Tavor rifle was created to hold up in the brutal desert environments of the Middle East for the warriors of the IDF - yes, the Tavor bullpup is extremely reliable. The fact that so many other countries and agencies have adopted them for their main weapon is pretty telling as well. The IWI Tavor SAR 5.56 is a weapon that can be trusted. It’s been put through its paces an extreme amount of times and has proven to be reliable.

Due to the size of the weapon, a Tavor might be worth a solid look for a home defense rifle. Remember, the rifle was originally built for counterterrorism and the ability to be used in urban areas easily too.

Outfit your IWI Tavor with Accessories from 5D Tactical!

Ready to take the plunge into the world of bullpup rifles? Still not sold? We don’t blame you, as these weapons, as exceptional as they may be, simply aren't for everyone. Most Americans are usually pretty familiar with the AR-15 platform, bullpups aren't exactly our go-to manual of arms. 

The Israeli veteran might be far more comfortable with the Tavor rifle because that’s what they're used to using over the AR-15. This might be one of those rifles where it’s best to find one to rent at a local range and see what works best for you!

We hope you found the article informative on your search for your next rifle! When you do get that new Tavor, don’t forget to outfit it with our full line of accessories and grab some AR mags to keep it fed properly!