IWI X95 Tavor

[TheRifleman]

I just traded an Armalite AR10 for the X95 variant of the Tavor. What am I in for? It's the right hand version. I need a left hand conversion, however I have read that this may be a non issue if using full powered 5.56 loads. What says the hive here?

[FortTom]

I just traded an Armalite AR10 for the X95 variant of the Tavor. What am I in for? It's the right hand version. I need a left hand conversion, however I have read that this may be a non issue if using full powered 5.56 loads. What says the hive here?I've been interested in a Tavor, but have a better idea. Shoot the shit out of it and tell us all of this stuff. I'm especially curious about accuracy and trigger pull/smoothness.....etc...

FT[:D]

[TheRifleman]

I've been interested in a Tavor, but have a better idea. Shoot the shit out of it and tell us all of this stuff. I'm especially curious about accuracy and trigger pull/smoothness.....etc...

FT[:D]Challenge accepted! The one I was invited to get a hands on with but just a dry run, had a Geissele trigger pack and Geissele bow and was wicked good but the original owner said that he thinks that this one's trigger is surprisingly nice for what it is. If it's not, then I'll purchase the required upgrades from Geissele for it. I've been doing my homework on parts to swap but do plan on shooting this first before ordering anything for it just to make sure, however I do plan on getting the manticore selector levers as they're like the ASF90 in fit and function and that's my favorite selector for all of my AR15's.

I'm thinking that this rifle may be okay to get a single point to use with as it's not the length of a nut buster while slung the modern way [BD]

And surprisingly enough this would be the first time that I already have the optics and lights on hand to choose from to mount on. It shipped this past Friday so hopefully this or next week I'll get the call to pick it up.

[FortTom]

Cool, we'll be looking forward to hearing about it.
FT[:D]

[Former11B]

I have handled and shot one briefly, same with an AUG. I’ll never get used to a bullpup design. Old dogs/new tricks? Only benefit I see is a longer barrel in a shorter package. You’d have to practice a TON in order to get the same speeds for reloading, immediate action etc as you would achieve on an M4 platform, I imagine

[FortTom]

I have handled and shot one briefly, same with an AUG. I’ll never get used to a bullpup design. Old dogs/new tricks? Only benefit I see is a longer barrel in a shorter package. You’d have to practice a TON in order to get the same speeds for reloading, immediate action etc as you would achieve on an M4 platform, I imagineIt could be done, given a limited number of platforms, I think. I'm not Delta or a Seal or have ever been anything close, but I know those guys are trained to pick up just about anything, operate, and use it efficiently. I pick up a bolt action rifle and go hunting, without second thoughts, or a semi-auto .22 for rabbit. That's not combat, but it doesn't require re-training or practice, Former, much less pistols, or an O/U shotgun for birds. if you get my point.FT:-)

[Former11B]

I guess I didn’t make my point as well as I thought I had. My fault

[TheRifleman]

I never mentioned that I was thinking about transitioning from the AR15 to the Tavor, just asking for experienced advice to get any tips from. My intent was for wanting something different and that's it really. My primary is an 11.5 SBR with a DBAL dual with green and infrared, RC2, 18350 Modlite body with a PLHv2 head, Unity Axon dual pressure switch set, Scalarworks 1.93, Aimpoint T2, Geissele CHF barrel, Mk14, and SSA trigger. I've dumped a lot of money into this one using a lot of FCD parts as well including the Sionics NP3 BCG with dimples made for FCD. I've also dumped a lot of rounds through it too, from classes to local two gun matches. Have already burnt out a Colt 11.5 SOCOM barrel doing it with previously.

Plus my entire adult mil career from start to finish was with the M16 family, while true a dog can learn new tricks however I have my swan song AR finally the way I want it and know it very intimately. However learning something else is not hard to do once the right type of instructor has torn open and removed any training scars.

Anyway...

It may be here tomorrow at the FFL to pick up. Maybe. We shall see. I am AR15'ed out and just want to be sure that a better mousetrap isn't being ignored from any biases. Worst case, I get to own a gun made by Israel and that alone is enough to trigger the current batch of Hamas supporters, making it totally worth it in the end because F Hamas and F them and their Israeli and Jewish hate; לעולם לא שוב!

[FortTom]

I don't think anyone thought you were dumping the AR for the Tavor, just folks thinking out loud.

[TheRifleman]

It's all good, discussion is fine and keeps us all active and thinking about things.

[Joelski]

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on this. Personally, I've never felt any allure from them, and since I pretty much hate any version of AK, the AR has been my flavor since I picked up my first one in '81. The evolution of the American Rifle since the Sporter days has been fun to participate in. Like you, I love an SBR, hell, I even went the other direction and worked up an 18" rifle just to add some diversity. I'm still chapped over missing out on the ACR, although I wish Magpul would have never let Remington near the Masada. That, to me is the true state of where the AR would be today if the Freedom gang wouldn't have been allowed to f$ck it all up six ways to Sunday! If you are pursuing the Tavor as something different, other than an AK, I'm with you in that chase! I'm also with you on the whole "Fk Hamas" thing as well!

I bought a SCAR-S at the Enforcement Expo in NOLA several years back and Sandy Hook happened right as I was having buyer's remorse, so I flipped it almost the day it showed up at my FFL for almost double. Other than the not one single part matched color-wise, it was shockingly light despite its appearance, but it just didn't feel like a gun should for the money it cost. I suppose I could've gotten to like it eventially, but the offer was too good to pass up, considering I was already having second thoughts about spending the money. I almost bought a LWRC SBR, but it was just too much of a PITA, being out of state and taking on an ATF permission note wasn't appealing at the time.

For "different" I'm kind of looking at the PSA Jackl, as it's a blatant ACR knock-off and they couldn't possibly do any worse, PSA rep and all. From what I've seen, reviews are mostly positive, so I might dip my toe in that pond. As a poor public safety worker, I must admit the other "knock-off" they're pimping, the Sabre, is pretty darn sexy in the full M-110 trim. I think they should take off the bipod and discount the price accordingly, but the 10 foot test screams hottie to anybody that wants a M-110, but will never be able to swing 10-15k for a range toy.

Edit: sorry for the derail, but you knew we do that rather well around here! [:D]

[TheRifleman]

Well it's here by tracking status showing delivered so I will show up tomorrow to do the paperwork and background and with any luck and no delay I shall have it.

Stay tuned.

[TheRifleman]

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on this. Personally, I've never felt any allure from them, and since I pretty much hate any version of AK, the AR has been my flavor since I picked up my first one in '81. The evolution of the American Rifle since the Sporter days has been fun to participate in. Like you, I love an SBR, hell, I even went the other direction and worked up an 18" rifle just to add some diversity. I'm still chapped over missing out on the ACR, although I wish Magpul would have never let Remington near the Masada. That, to me is the true state of where the AR would be today if the Freedom gang wouldn't have been allowed to f$ck it all up six ways to Sunday! If you are pursuing the Tavor as something different, other than an AK, I'm with you in that chase! I'm also with you on the whole "Fk Hamas" thing as well!

I bought a SCAR-S at the Enforcement Expo in NOLA several years back and Sandy Hook happened right as I was having buyer's remorse, so I flipped it almost the day it showed up at my FFL for almost double. Other than the not one single part matched color-wise, it was shockingly light despite its appearance, but it just didn't feel like a gun should for the money it cost. I suppose I could've gotten to like it eventially, but the offer was too good to pass up, considering I was already having second thoughts about spending the money. I almost bought a LWRC SBR, but it was just too much of a PITA, being out of state and taking on an ATF permission note wasn't appealing at the time.

For "different" I'm kind of looking at the PSA Jackl, as it's a blatant ACR knock-off and they couldn't possibly do any worse, PSA rep and all. From what I've seen, reviews are mostly positive, so I might dip my toe in that pond. As a poor public safety worker, I must admit the other "knock-off" they're pimping, the Sabre, is pretty darn sexy in the full M-110 trim. I think they should take off the bipod and discount the price accordingly, but the 10 foot test screams hottie to anybody that wants a M-110, but will never be able to swing 10-15k for a range toy.

Edit: sorry for the derail, but you knew we do that rather well around here! [:D]Here's the dry review, my thoughts so far as I just picked mine up this past day but live fire won't be until this Sunday.

Hefty rear, lightened front. Adding the necessities adds heft and balances it very well but too much in the front makes it now front heavy and not optimal.

Pistol grip is the right angle but I wish we had the AR15 option to put what we want on it instead because not all hands fit the same. But it's not the end of the world and the texture around isn't bad but I may be adding some talon wrap in rubber.

I like the long top rail, lots of uninterrupted real estate if one doesn't mind using spots where the backup sights are located in the top rail itself.

Length of pull is exactly right where it should be for me at least using the bent arm at 45 degrees and wristed canted inwards. I'm 5'10 if this matters. If you're of South African Euro stature then you may need a a longer butt pad. But this is just perfect for me with the OEM one.

Height over bore. If you're already into the tall mounts then you'd be right at home with the drop compensations at certain distances but be warned that a lower one third will feel like an absolute and a 1.93 will feel like a lower one third from the chin welds, and so on.

Manual of arms. Bolt release is not where we're expecting it to be. Charging handle being on the side is still natural to me due to spending a long time being either the M-60 or later a 249 gunner. Selector is right where you'd expect it to be on an AR15 and almost the same with the mag release but this one is ambidextrous and pushes inward and down at the same time so almost the same in function. Th selector's lever is shaped like an M16's so this will be a natural feel for the user used to only one way of doing things on a rifle.

If you were a fan of USGI polymer handguards or the newer quad rails, well you get to have it back with this one unless using an aftermarket Mlok tube. Not being a fan of quads myself even though I spent a decade using them on USGI issued rifles, it's not that bad as the edges aren't as sharp. Plus I don't know why I kept on to certain quad specific accessories but am now glad I already had what was needed on hand to use again.

Muzzle device is kept on by a jam nut, no vice needed to swap MD's with. However there's an aftermarket crush washer specifically made for the Tavor to use in case one doesn't want to use the provided jam nut.

The trigger really isn't bad for a stock bullpup and this one IMO is even better than an AR's milspec basic cheap OEM trigger. However I may still replace both the trigger and trigger bow eventually but not immediately to save some money.

Overall so far so good with me. Bolt release does take some getting used to but not a deal breaker. Will update with the second half of this review as asked after rounds have been sent downrange finally to complete this short and quick sampled size of one person's take.

[Joelski]

So far so good. This does appeal to my penchant for short rifles. I'm interested in hearing if there's any strange impulse/recoil traits d/t the design. Also wondering about noise level with the ejection port being closer to the shooter's ears. Of course, ear pro is a given, but we know that sometimes doesn't always happen, even if there's no excuse for it in slower paced life. :) I still have that issue where I fire off the first shot and.. riiinnnnngg! Oopsie! One of the reasons I like the BCM Mod 3 grip so well is it perfectly stashes foam for when I forget muffs.

I'm with you on keeping the stock trigger for a minute. I like to try out the basic offering, if for no other reason than to remind myself how nice the Geissele triggers are when I install them. Have them in every rifle. Lots of people say the Larue MBT is better bang for the buck, but I like what I like, every rifle shoots the exact same aside from a .5 lb pull between an SSA and SSA-E, and if you wait for the predictable sales every holiday, the price difference isn't so bad. Buy direct from Bill: he undercuts his retailers! [:D]

One last request: how does it scale out compared to a similarly equipped SBR?

[TheRifleman]

Scale out as in weight between both?

[FortTom]

Pretty important to me also, as well as pertinent. Thanks.FT

[TheRifleman]

My bathroom scale won't register either of them, lol sorry guys.

We don't have a postal scale and honestly I'm not a weight chaser with my guns. Besides I don't think that this would be fair right now as parts from the aftermarket still have to be added and this will either reduce weight or maybe add to it, dunno. I don't have a flow threw can and this will need it. I don't have the required things to run suppressed either most importantly the actual can itself and we all know how long this game takes.

I can honestly say that I'd take as is currently to Gunsite and that's saying something. Being a former 249 and 60 gunner I judge weight as in would I want to take this and have on the line all day and all week at the range living there, or not.

https://i.imgur.com/bI1NON5.jpg

[Joelski]

What I'm after is, is it a pig before you hang all the "necessary" shit on it, or does it start fairly even with an out-of-the-box SBR with nothing extra on it? I'm no shrinking daisy, but I'm also not a LNG gunner by trade, so heavy has a whole different meaning to you, as opposed me and Tom, or really anybody else on this forum, to my knowledge. I'm not afraid of some weight, but you know the rule... When I shoot, it's for the day, in the woods on private land where I can walk or run, pick my targets, and do some LARPing to get my cardio on. I would agree with the statement that I have the best plinking situation of anybody I know, but dragging my AR10 around sucked rotten donkey balls! She ain't named Bertha by accident! I've been thinking about doing a V7/SBR battle rifle build just to get the weight of a heavy hitter into a manageable range for my needs. Actually, a small frame AR-10 is kind of getting my interest working and I might just start the parts list soon!

Anyway, yeah, I walk/run forested hills, creek stomp, and generally wreak havoc on the wildlife once deer season's done, but compared to a guy who humps a SAW for a paycheck, I'm a pussy. [:D]

This is my habitat:

https://i.imgur.com/oAcUecW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/z3taCVQ.jpg

[TheRifleman]

The M4 is 6.43 pounds empty, probably a pound more with that extra 2 inches in civilian legal trim.

The Tavor is 7.9 pounds empty.

If stock was all we had to work with then I'd choose M4 all day long 24/7. However once duty gear gets added we're putting on weight. With the M4 that makes the front and mid heavy and the rear light. However it has superior ergonomics. But you're still getting fatigued regardless. Now with the Tavor most of the weight is in the rear with the front super quick to go from either the low or high ready and not be as fatigued as one would with a hooked up M4. Adding a few things to the front like a foregrip makes it ergonomic enough for me and having the red dot in the mid like one would with an AR makes it far more maneuverable with.

Going from primary to secondary while slung with the M4 and still be stable has been a pain to get things right with. With the Tavor, it's super easy to do and I can wear the Tavor slung all day new style and be happy as a clam.

I like it. But it may not be for you by the sounds of it. No offense.

[TheRifleman]

Just an update. I've since added a Manticore Luma medium selector for the Tavor. Perfect. I was going to install the slimmer one on the side that the OEM comes with mounted to, but it's a bit too slim for me. I need some meat for my constant going from safe to fire back to safe between drills and I have found that based on the ASF, those types of levers on both sides for a lefty actually matters. My thumb needs the thicker portion and my firing finger needs not as fat but not minimal either or the whole reason for having it there is being lost.

My free float Mlok handguard is still waiting to be shipped from Canada because customs being customs so no joy there. I did in the meantime order the AR type pistol grip which has a trigger guard and not a cutlass. To be honest I have grown used to this cutlass grip but am not into the added weight that all of it brings. But if the new grip doesn't pass the muster, no harm in trying at least, right?

Traded an XPS2-2 for a G33 magnifier and currently have the Aimpoint Duty on it as the main. However the plan is to replace with either the Romeo 4XT Pro circle dot or with the MRO HD and only use the circle dot setting. That height over bore is crazy and the additional holds with the circle dot makes the most sense and I am seeing this as a common them with gun tubers also. They most know something by now, lol. The IWI trainer dude from Texas who's also a IDF reservist? This is exactly what he uses on his own US made X95.

Also ordered the Geissele Super Sabra Lightning Bow as I surprisingly found one in stock. I've been reading that some have said that is all that was needed but I will wait and see if the trigger pack also has to be replaced with the Geissele Super Sabra pack.