In keeping with previous Israeli Army policies, the TAR-21 accepts the M16-style STANAG magazine family. The weapon fires from a variety of magazine counts while a 30-round count is assumed as standard. Each magazine is curved in the usual M16 fashion and sports a double-column staggered approach. Magazines are inserted into the magazine well aft of the pistol grip. The operator can also manage a safe, semi-automatic or full-automatic mode through a selector switch. The weapon is primarily chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge but is also available in the 9x19mm Para and 5.56x30mm INSAS (Indian Army) chambering. The firing action is gas-operated with a rotating bolt system which allows for rates of fire up to 900 rounds per minute with a muzzle velocity nearing 3,000 feet per second. Effective range is out to 1,800 feet based on ammunition type selected.
Since its inception, the TAR-21 has been seen in various forms. The base "TAR-21" designator marks the standard-issue infantry assault weapon. The GTAR-21 is similar in its layout though holds provision for the M203 40mm breech-loaded single-shot grenade launcher - a common fixture in the M16 family of weapons. The CTAR-21 is a compact form of the TAR-21 rifle and takes the series more into the realm of a dedicated carbine. This shorter form - sporting a shorter barrel - allows for it to be used in confined spaces for close-quarters battle. This is ideal for special forces units, commando elements and perhaps maybe even vehicle crews. The MTAR-21 - or "Micro Tavor" - is designed as an even more ultra-compact form of the TAR-21 weapon system, primarily for issue to special forces elements. What makes the MTAR-21 unique is its ability to be modified into a 9mm submachine gun form with a higher rate-of-fire, firing a pistol-type cartridge instead of the rifle-caliber breed. It is also designed to take on an underslung 40mm grenade launcher as well as a suppressor. The STAR-21 is a designated marksman form, meaning that it is issued at the squad-level to elements trained as sharpshooters (not snipers per se). The designated marksman unit allows for accurized, repeat fire at range, which helps to engage targets beyond the range of the standard assault rifle. These versions are issued with a stabilizing bipod assembly (which folds under the forestock) and the Trijicon ACOG 4x telescopic sight as standard. A civilian version of the TAR-21 exists as the Tavor Carbine TC-21 and offered in semi-automatic fire only.
Despite its relative "newness", the TAR-21 family of weapons is already in widespread circulation with those foreign armies allied to Israel or believing in its excellent gunsmithing history. This includes Azerbaijan, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guatemala, India, Nigeria, Philippines, Portugal, Thailand and Ukraine. The Thai Army is replacing its M16 rifles with the Israeli TAR-21 family. Ukraine is expected to license-produce the weapon locally. India stands to be one of the largest users of the TAR-21 family with its $17.7 million deal signed in 2002 for thousands of TAR-21 automatic weapons from Israel. Indian TAR-21 rifles are designated as "Zittara" for the Indian Army. They are joined by Georgia, having secured thousands of TAR-21s through a $65 million deal.
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