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IWI Tavor X95

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IWI X95
X95 (SMG variant) with a MARS reflex sight fitted
TypeBullpup assault rifle
Carbine
Place of originIsrael
Service history
In service2009–present
Used bySee Users
WarsGaza–Israel conflict
Russo-Ukrainian War
Production history
DesignerIsrael Weapon Industries
Designed2003–2009
ManufacturerIsrael Weapon Industries (IWI)
Also produced under IWI license by:
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass3.3–3.62 kg (7.3–8.0 lb)[3]
Length580–714 mm (22.8–28.1 in)[3]
Barrel length330 mm (13.0 in)[3]
380 mm (15.0 in)[3]
419 mm (16.5 in)[3]
Cartridge5.56×45mm NATO[3]
.300 AAC Blackout[3]
5.45×39mm[3][4]
ActionLong-stroke gas-operated, rotating bolt[3]
Rate of fire750–950 rounds/min[3]
Feed systemSTANAG magazines (5.56mm NATO & .300 Blackout)
AK-74 magazines (5.45mm M74)
SightsIron sights or Picatinny rail for optics

The IWI X95 (formerly known as the Micro-Tavor, MTAR or MTAR-21)[5] is an Israeli bullpup assault rifle designed and produced by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) as part of the Tavor rifle family, along with the Tavor TAR and the Tavor 7. IWI US offers the rifle in semi-automatic only configuration as the 'Tavor X95'.

Service history

[edit]

In November 2009, the X95 was selected as the future standard-issue weapon of the Israeli infantry.[6] It is currently one of three standard rifles issued to the Israeli infantry.[7]

In September 2021, it was reported that Israeli front-line infantry units have begun replacing their Tavor and Micro Tavor Rifles with M4s and that the Micro Tavor Rifles in existing inventory will be transitioned to reserve brigades.[8] On 7 September, a report was published on the IDF's Hebrew website that the IDF plans to continue acquiring the Micro Tavor and equipping combat units with it.[9]

Design

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See also: IWI Tavor § Design features and engineering
Visual differences between the TAR-21 and X95
Notice the charging handle position, the handguard, and the buttstock form and size of the CTAR-21
Notice the charging handle position, the Picatinny rail, and the buttstock form and size of the X95 equipped with a tactical handle monopod

The X95 can be easily distinguished from the TAR-21 (as well as from the CTAR-21, STAR-21, and GTAR-21) by the location of its charging handle. The X95's charging handle is closer to the pistol grip, whilst the TAR-21's charging handle is closer to its muzzle. The X95 also features a redesigned buttstock and a magazine release near the pistol grip.[10]

With the use of a relatively simple conversion kit, the X95 can be converted from a 5.56mm assault rifle to a 9mm submachine gun. A suppressor can also be attached, as part of the 9mm conversion kit, or as part of a replacement handguard which integrates the muzzle brake, suppressor, and handguard.[11] The X95 also has its own underslung grenade launcher, the X95 GL 40.[12] A discontinued production model of the X95, the X95-GL had the capability to mount an M203 grenade launcher on an extended notched barrel.

When configured in 9mm, the X95 uses a blowback system to cycle through the ammunition, whilst using the same body as the gas-operated rifle system. It uses Colt 9mm SMG magazines. A suppressor can be mounted that allows for the use of both supersonic and subsonic loads. The barrel is of the same length as of the rifle configuration, but has a 1:10 in rifling twist to stabilise the heavy 9mm round.[13]

As of Spring 2020, all new 5.56×45mm NATO production X95's were upgraded with the .300 AAC Blackout recoil mechanism. [14]

Compared to the 890 mm (35 in) long M4 carbine (with its stock extended) with a 368 mm (14.5 in) barrel, the X95 is 580 mm (22.8 in), 640 mm (25.2 in), or 670 mm (26.4 in) long, with either a 330 mm (13 in), 380 mm (15 in), or a 419 mm (16.5 in) barrel, respectively.[3][13]

Variants

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A left-side view of the X95 flattop 380 of the Israel Defense Forces
IDF soldiers with the X95 on Mount Hermon
X95-L used during a Warrant Officer course in the Israel Defense Forces
A right-side view of the X95-L
A left-side view of the X95-S SMG

There are three different handguards currently available for the X95: the first being rounded so it can mount the suppressor inside of the handguard, and is currently only available for military issue; the second is a rectangular one with integrated rails at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions, and has removable rail covers; and the third is an elongated version of the second, made for IWI US Tavor X95s. The rounded handguard originally had separate picatinny rails on the receiver and handguard, but IWI has produced a full-length flattop rail and an underside rail for it; the other two handguards have integrated flattop rails.

The X95 comes with the option of changing out the pistol grip with either the standard Tavor Talon trigger guard, a traditional trigger guard, or any compatible third-party accessory.

The X95 comes in a number of variants (including):[3]

X95

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The X95 is chambered in either 5.56×45mm NATO or .300 AAC Blackout. The .300 BLK configuration features a gas regulator for both supersonic and subsonic loads.

  • X95 330: Carbine configuration with a 330 mm (13 in) barrel and a 580 mm (22.8 in) overall length
  • X95 380: Assault rifle configuration with a 380 mm (15 in) barrel and a 640 mm (25.2 in) overall length, out of production and replaced by the X95 419
  • X95 419: Assault rifle configuration with a 419 mm (16.5 in) barrel and a 670 mm (26.4 in) overall length
  • X95-L: A semi-automatic only variant of the X95 that is intended for marksman use by the IDF. It features a 16.5 in (420 mm) barrel, an integrated bipod and is issued with a long-range sight.[15][better source needed]
  • X95-GL: A variant of the X95 (still currently in service in the IDF just not in production) that has the ability to mount a M203 grenade launcher on its longer notched barrel. It has since been superseded by the IWI GL 40 grenade launcher, which can be mounted on the current standard flattop X95 without the need for modifications or additional tools.[16]

X95-R

[edit]

The X95-R is chambered in 5.45×39mm and can easily be rechambered to the three other calibres that IWI offers.

  • X95-R 330: Carbine configuration with a 330 mm (13 in) barrel and a 580 mm (22.8 in) overall length
  • X95-R 419: Assault rifle configuration with a 419 mm (16.5 in) barrel and a 670 mm (26.4 in) overall length

X95 SMG

[edit]

The X95 SMG is chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum and is also available as a conversion kit.

  • X95 SMG: Submachine gun variant with a 279 mm (11.0 in) barrel and a 580 mm (22.8 in) overall length
  • X95-S SMG: An integrally suppressed variant of the X95 SMG with a 279 mm (11.0 in) barrel and a 650 mm (25.6 in) overall length

Licensed variants

[edit]
  • Fort-223: Ukrainian produced version of the X95 330, readily converted to the X95 SMG or X95-S SMG, manufactured by RPC Fort.[4]
  • Fort-224: Ukrainian produced version of the X95-R 330 manufactured by RPC Fort.[4]

Civilian variants

[edit]

IWI US

[edit]

All Tavor X95s sold on the U.S. civilian market are semi-automatic only and come with an elongated handguard and a thicker buttpad to comply with the firearm laws of the U.S.

  • XB13SBR: A U.S. version of the X95 419, with a 579 mm (22.8 in) overall length.
  • XB16: A U.S. version of the X95 419, with a 664 mm (26.1 in) overall length.
  • XB16L: An XB16 with left-handed controls pre-installed.
  • XB16-BLK: An XB16 re-barrelled in .300 AAC Blackout.
  • XB17-9: 9×19mm calibre carbine with a 17 in (430 mm) barrel and a 26.125 in (663.6 mm) overall length.
  • XB18: 5.56×45mm rifle with a 18.5 in (470 mm) barrel and a 28.125 in (714.4 mm) overall length.
  • XB18RS: 5.56×45mm rifle with an 18.5 in (470 mm) barrel and a 30.5 in (770 mm) overall length; integrated permanent muzzle brake and a 10-round magazine to be compliant with laws of certain states. ("RS" stands for Restricted State.)

Note: IWI US retails the Tavor X95s in a variety of colours, including Black (B), Flat Dark Earth (FD), and OD Green (G);[17] the letter "B" in the rifles designations can be switched with any of the other colour letters.

IWI Canada

[edit]

All Tavor X95s sold on the Canadian civilian market are semi-automatic only and come in both "Restricted" and "Non-restricted" classifications. The "Restricted" models have a 13.0 in (330 mm) barrel and were made available starting 2021. They are only available as used, Israeli surplus firearms, and come with either square or circular handguards.[18] The "Non-restricted" models have a 18.6 in (470 mm) barrel with an overall length of 28.4 in (720 mm) and are available as new or surplus.[19][20]

Users

[edit]
A map with IWI Tavor X95 users in blue
See also: IWI Tavor § Users
Israeli soldiers armed with X95s
Contingent from the Azerbaijani military armed with X95s during the Moscow Victory Day Parade, 2015
Royal Thai Marine Corp Recon Battalion operator armed with an X95 at Thailand Children's Day 2018

References

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  1. ^ Peri, Dinakar (May 4, 2017). "Punj Lloyd, IWI of Israel make small arms in India". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
  2. ^ "Ukrainian Tavors – Fort-221 / Fort-224". May 2022.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "IWI X95 official brochure". Archived from the original on 2016-10-09. Retrieved 2016-10-06.
  4. ^ a b c d "Штурмовая винтовка "Форт-224" калибра 5,56х45мм". www.fort.vn.ua (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2016-05-01. Retrieved 2016-04-20.
  5. ^ Tavor X95 Archived 2017-08-02 at the Wayback Machine IWI US, Official Wesbdite
  6. ^ a b מיקרו–תבור לכל לוחם חי"ר Archived 2009-11-22 at the Wayback Machine. Dover.idf.il. Retrieved on 2010-08-31.
  7. ^ [1] {{|url=https://www.sandboxx.us/news/the-tavor-rifle-was-made-for-the-israeli-militarys-unique-situation-service-rifles-from-around-the-world/%7Cdate=2024-03-26 }} .sandboxx.us. Retrieved on 2024-03-26.
  8. ^ "IDF to replace Israeli Tavor rifles with American M4s". September 5, 2021.
  9. ^ "IDF continuing to acquire Micro Tavor assault rifles". Israel Defense. 2021-09-08. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  10. ^ "X95 Micro-Tavor Compact Rifle of the IDF". Archived from the original on 2016-07-21. Retrieved 2016-04-15.
  11. ^ "RAT Worx USA". ratworxusa.com.
  12. ^ "X95 IWI GL 40 - IWI". IWI.net. IWI.
  13. ^ a b IWI X95: A Bullpup For IDF Special Forces - SAdefensejournal.com, 21 March 2012
  14. ^ "product page". September 11, 2021. [dead link‍]
  15. ^ "Gun Review: X95L AKA Micro Tavor Marksman Edition - The Truth About Guns". The Truth About Guns. 2016-03-01. Archived from the original on 2017-10-12. Retrieved 2018-01-24.
  16. ^ Ha'Sharon, Ramat (5 June 2012). "IWI Introduces New Single-Shot 40x46mm Standalone Grenade Launchers". www.ammoland.com. Ammoland: Shooting Sports News.
  17. ^ IWI X95 Tavor - Redesigned Controls, More Compact - SHOT Show 2016 - GunsAmerica Digest
  18. ^ B, Eric (2021-11-24). "Surplus IWI Micro Tavor X95s Offered In Canada". The Firearm Blog. Retrieved 2022-03-26.
  19. ^ "IWI Tavor X95 on its way to Canada -". January 23, 2017.
  20. ^ "IWI's TAVOR X95 to be marketed in Canada". Israel Defense. January 11, 2017.
  21. ^ "37.º ANIVERSÁRIO DAS FORÇAS ESPECIAIS ANGOLANAS | Operacional" (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  22. ^ "DSX xüsusi təyinatlılarının İsrail istehsalı hücum tüfəngi - X95 Tavor (EKSPERT)".
  23. ^ IMI Tavor. Unffmm.com. Retrieved on 2010-08-31. Archived July 17, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  24. ^ Redefined, Defence (2021-08-08). "TAVOR | Το Βασικό Τυφέκιο των Μονάδων Καταδρομών της Εθνικής Φρουράς - Ανάλυση". DEFENCE ReDEFiNED (in Greek). Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  25. ^ ΙΩΚΗ. "Οι Καταδρομείς και οι ΟΥΚ της Κύπρου πήραν ήδη τα Ισραηλινά «Tavor X95». (video)". ΙΩΚΗ. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  26. ^ "Armament of the Georgian Army". Geo-army.ge. Archived from the original on 2012-03-09. Retrieved 2013-01-01.
  27. ^ "Equiparán más unidades con MTAR 21". elheraldo.hn. Archived from the original on 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2012-04-17.
  28. ^ "Tavor in India : Israeli Assault Rifle's Journey and Prospects in India". December 16, 2017.
  29. ^ "One FIR, Govt blacklists 7 firms, hits artillery upgrade". The Indian Express. 2009-06-05. p. 2. Retrieved 2009-06-09.
  30. ^ Tavor-21 Rifle Headed Into Service With Indian Special Forces Archived 2008-12-16 at the Wayback Machine. Defenseindustrydaily.com (2007-02-28). Retrieved on 2010-08-31.
  31. ^ "To give 'irregulars' punch, forces go shopping for hi-tech weapons". The Times of India. 2011-01-13. Archived from the original on 2012-11-04.
  32. ^ Jaden (2022-12-25). "Kopasgat segera terima senapan serbu bullpup Tavor X95". Airspace Review. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
  33. ^ ישראל דיפנס, הכתבה הופיעה במלואה במקור במגזין "במחנה" גיליון 47, 12 דצמבר 2013.
  34. ^ "084-й отдельный батальон специального назначения вооруженных сил Монголии: Dambiev". Archived from the original on 2017-02-01. Retrieved 2017-02-03.[better source needed]
  35. ^ "Des fusils d'assaut israéliens pour la police marocaine - Le Desk". Le Desk. Retrieved 2018-06-07.
  36. ^ "Specijalne-jedinice.com | Special Task Unit "Tiger" of the Republic Macedonia". Archived from the original on 2018-08-22. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  37. ^ "PCG procures IWI Tavor X-95 Sub Machine Guns".
  38. ^ "צפו: משמר החופים של הפיליפינים קיבל משלוח של רובי תבור מישראל". Israel Defense (in Hebrew). 2018-05-07. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  39. ^ "GenSan police's SWAT unit gets new assault rifles". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  40. ^ "Israeli Companies to Supply Weapons to the Philippines". Israel Defense. 2017-12-12. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  41. ^ "Tavor And Galil Rifles Plus Jericho Pistols Come to Senegal". The Firearm Blog. 2018-05-07. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  42. ^ Picard, Michael; Holtom, Paul; Mangan, Fiona (December 2019). "Trade Update 2019: Transfers, Transparency and Southeast Asia Spotlight" (PDF). Small Arms Survey. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 December 2019.
  43. ^ "Форт-224 пистолет-пулемет - характеристики, фото, ттх". www.armoury-online.ru (in Russian). Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  44. ^ "The Pennsylvania State Capitol Police Upgrade to IWI US TAVOR® X95™". Laura Burgess Marketing. 2017-07-25. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
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