Tavor SAR Rifle – Fine Tuning

By John Farnam

Tavor Rifle
Tavor Rifle
Defense Training International, Inc
Defense Training International, Inc

Ft Collins, CO –-(Ammoland.com)- Last weekend on the East Coast, we did and Urban Rifle Course.

We have several ARs, one Kalashnikov, and one Tavor. This is the latest of a dozen Tavors we’ve had in Class, and all, including this one, have run well. Out of five-hundred rounds fired, there was only one hiccup, a failure to eject.

The Tavor’s solid, one-piece stock and simple, expeditious field-stripping, with no small parts to get lost, and its “bullpup” pattern, which makes it very compact (handy for low-profile transport) and puts most of the weight at the rear, all make it attractive as a patrol rifle and for personal defense.

I don’t own a Tavor yet, but I may.

There are three “issues” with the Tavor SAR Rifle that currently give me pause:

  • 1) The factory trigger is heavy, gritty, and not conducive to any kind of accuracy.
  • 2) The trigger itself “dangles” in space, not well protected
  • 3) There is no way to push the bolt forward. No forward-assist.
Geissele Automatics - Tavor Super Sabra Trigger
Geissele Automatics – Tavor Super Sabra Trigger : https://goo.gl/YmPLKn

The Tavor’s factory trigger is, in fact, so disagreeable that my friend Bill Geissele put-together a drop-in replacement almost immediately after Tavors began to be imported. Several others now make replacement triggers too.

In fact, my student had a Geissele Trigger installed in his copy of the Tavor, and it was wonderful! Like all Geissele triggers, it really works. I highly recommend it to all Tavor owners!

The “trigger guard” on a Tavor is big enough to accommodate all fingers, not just the trigger-finger! The effect is that the trigger just dangles in space and is thus not well protected from inadvertent contact. The rifle really needs a more protective trigger-guard, in my opinion.

A bolt forward-assist on an autoloading rifle is always a subject of controversy. Some will argue that such a capability is superfluous, and they have a point. However, my opinion is that on all military rifles, there needs to be a built-in capacity for the operator to force the bolt in both directions.

Tavor SAR Rifle Trigger
Tavor SAR Rifle Trigger Comment: the trigger just dangles in space and is thus not well protected from inadvertent contact.

The lack of a forward-assist on a Tavor is particularly annoying when one performs a “chamber-check,” in an attempt to confirm a round is chambered. When the bolt is withdrawn from battery only part way, when released it only falls forward from half-way back. When it then does not fall forward with enough force to put it into full battery, there is no way to “bump” it the rest of the way.

Perhaps this is seldom an issue with clean rifles and clean ammunition, but with dirty rifles and “soiled” ammunition, often encountered in real war, it is an issue!

I realize that other very good rifles, like the FAL and some ARs, share this same issue. But, In my opinion, it detracts from the rifle’s true utility as a competent weapon.

When I talk with the Tavor folks at the SHOT Show in January, I’ll, once again, bring all this up. I’m sure they’ll politely listen to me, and may agree, and may not!

“‘Tact’ is the art of making a point, without making an enemy.” ~ Isaac Newton

/John

About John Farnam & Defense Training International, Inc
As a defensive weapons and tactics instructor John Farnam will urge you, based on your own beliefs, to make up your mind in advance as to what you would do when faced with an imminent and unlawful lethal threat. You should, of course, also decide what preparations you should make in advance, if any. Defense Training International wants to make sure that their students fully understand the physical, legal, psychological, and societal consequences of their actions or inactions.

It is our duty to make you aware of certain unpleasant physical realities intrinsic to the Planet Earth. Mr Farnam is happy to be your counselor and advisor. Visit: www.defense-training.com

2 Comments
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Stan

I think the trigger replacement is a good idea but there are other options Don’t think it needs a forward assist. ~ Helpful VIDEO

Frank

I have owned a Tavor for two years. While all three concerns are legitimate, the trigger is heavy due to the trigger that “just dangles in space”. The Geissele trigger is an outstanding option, but not at 25% or more of the Tavor’s cost.