Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics
o

Notices

Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics Post Your General Gun Topics and Non-S&W Gun and Blade Topics Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-30-2017, 10:42 PM
Rastoff's Avatar
Rastoff Rastoff is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
Posts: 14,710
Likes: 2,926
Liked 17,102 Times in 6,271 Posts
Default Tavor X95

Just shot this yesterday:


This is my best group from this rifle.

Rifle: Tavor X95
Optic: Trijicon MRO (2MOA dot)
Ammunition: Wolf Gold 55grain
Shot from a bench rest.

I've only had this rifle for a short time, but it's really amazing.

There is absolutely no muzzle rise when firing. Normally I would discount any kind of absolute statement like this, but on this rifle it really is true. I watched my friend fire it and the muzzle moved more from his input while standing off hand than from recoil.

This is likely due to the low bore axis. The trade off is a high sight over bore dimension.

Everything else about this rifle is truly brilliant. The mag release is ambidextrous and easily reached by the trigger finger. The mag well being behind the grip is weird at first, but with a little practice I've found it easier and faster than the standard AR.

Every normal action can be completed without tools. The bolt and piston group can be removed by pushing just one captured pin. The trigger group will drop out for maintenance or cleaning by pushing two captured pins.

It does require a special tool for barrel removal, but with that tool, it only takes about 5 minutes to get the barrel off. Then it can be converted to .300Blackout or 9mm.

Lots to love about this. If you haven't fired one, find someone who has one. I'm not giving up on my ARs, but I do reach for this one first.
__________________
Freedom isn't free.
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 01-30-2017, 11:54 PM
LVSteve's Avatar
LVSteve LVSteve is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Lost Wages, NV
Posts: 19,819
Likes: 24,232
Liked 28,980 Times in 10,766 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rastoff View Post
Just shot this yesterday:


Everything else about this rifle is truly brilliant. The mag release is ambidextrous and easily reached by the trigger finger. The mag well being behind the grip is weird at first, but with a little practice I've found it easier and faster than the standard AR.
I can hear the torches being lit and pitchforks gathered after that comment.
__________________
Release the Kraken
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 01-31-2017, 12:51 AM
bigwheelzip's Avatar
bigwheelzip bigwheelzip is offline
Absent Comrade
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 12,990
Likes: 17,229
Liked 41,503 Times in 9,146 Posts
Default

I liked the original Tavor, but the X95 tweaks are value added, especially the revised trigger. Happy shooting.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 01-31-2017, 02:55 AM
Viper1357 Viper1357 is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: MN strange weather here
Posts: 28
Likes: 6
Liked 100 Times in 25 Posts
Default

I haven't experienced the X95, but if it's a bit of an improvement from the original Tavor, that must be something really good. I have the standard Tavor (got it exactly 2 years ago now) and while it's currently got a lot of (unnecessary add ons that I really like) accessories I've dressed it up with, it was a really great rifle right out of the box. Like you, I was very surprised by all the gun has to offer, and similar wonderment on all you mentioned. It is a brilliant rifle for sure. And I too still enjoy ARs, but yeah the Tavor would be my go to as well.

The vid and pics were the very first time shooting mine 2 years ago in the winter outside on a chilly January day. I was just rough sighting it in with an older gen Lucid HD7 red dot scope. It worked out pretty well for the first time shooting it at 25 and 100 yards.

No more pics or vids since, but the Tavor currently has a 4x Lucid P7 now and gives me as tight a groups as I am able to muster. Like Rastoff said it's an "amazing" rifle.


First time shooting the IWI Tavor - YouTube




"
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 01-31-2017, 09:06 AM
vonn's Avatar
vonn vonn is offline
US Veteran
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: houston,texas
Posts: 7,198
Likes: 124,841
Liked 23,177 Times in 5,749 Posts
Default

Very interesting rifles. Have to find one at a good price and give its try.
__________________
Hue 68 noli me tangere
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-31-2017, 09:23 AM
Arik Arik is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Outside Philadelphia Pa
Posts: 16,601
Likes: 7,342
Liked 17,200 Times in 7,303 Posts
Default

Always wanted to get one then I started researching and read way too many reports of accuracy issues with the X95. I don't mean issues like people expecting sub MOA and we're getting 2moa instead. More like "I'd be happy to get even 4moa". This was probably about a year ago so maybe there was something that changed

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-31-2017, 10:23 AM
KSDeputy's Avatar
KSDeputy KSDeputy is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 465
Liked 1,574 Times in 700 Posts
Default

I considered one of these, but decided on a Colt LE 6940. It was a price based decision. Both are fine rifles. Israel makes some of the finest weapons in the world, they have to. They are surrounded by enemies on several sides. They have my greatest respect and support.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-31-2017, 12:48 PM
sgtsandman's Avatar
sgtsandman sgtsandman is offline
US Veteran
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Aliquippa, PA
Posts: 1,400
Likes: 351
Liked 714 Times in 476 Posts
Default

I have nothing against the rifle and it seems most reviews are pretty good. I'm just not sold on the bull pup design concept for myself. However I'm not going to look down on others having one either. It's not like it is a piece of junk, unlike the British bull pup. I hear there is a lot of hate for that rifle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-31-2017, 02:15 PM
LVSteve's Avatar
LVSteve LVSteve is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Lost Wages, NV
Posts: 19,819
Likes: 24,232
Liked 28,980 Times in 10,766 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sgtsandman View Post
I have nothing against the rifle and it seems most reviews are pretty good. I'm just not sold on the bull pup design concept for myself. However I'm not going to look down on others having one either. It's not like it is a piece of junk, unlike the British bull pup. I hear there is a lot of hate for that rifle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That was before the British government said to H&K, "Make us a working rifle that looks just like this piece of junk." The latest SA-80s work just fine, AFAIK.
__________________
Release the Kraken
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 01-31-2017, 02:32 PM
Guevera Guevera is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 768
Likes: 11
Liked 1,631 Times in 392 Posts
Default

I'd be interested in examining a Tavor, but don't feel bad about your ARs. I haven't touched mine since I got an AUG, which has given me a whole lot of fun shooting.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 01-31-2017, 09:07 PM
Rastoff's Avatar
Rastoff Rastoff is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
Posts: 14,710
Likes: 2,926
Liked 17,102 Times in 6,271 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KSDeputy View Post
It was a price based decision.
Roger that. Make no mistake, the Tavor ain't cheap. I believe you get what you pay for and this is no exception. I probably paid a tad more than average for mine, but they're difficult to get. I also got mine in lefty configuration.


Quote:
Originally Posted by KSDeputy View Post
Israel makes some of the finest weapons in the world, they have to. They are surrounded by enemies on several sides. They have my greatest respect and support.
They have my respect and support too. They are beset on all sides and actually have enemies right inside their own boarders.

However, the Tavor SAR and X95 sold in the US are actually made in the US. IWI is indeed an Israeli company, but they have a manufacturing facility in PA where these are made.

The X95 is similar to the TAR-21 which is issued to the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), but is much different to make it US legal. The X95 has a 16" barrel and a longer stock to meet the minimum length, 26" overall length, for a rifle.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Arik
...like "I'd be happy to get even 4moa".
Yes, I read some of that too. My decision to purchase was not based on the few stories of poor accuracy, but on the many stories of reasonable accuracy.

As you can see from the target I posted, I'm able to get sub 2MOA groups with el cheapo ammo (Wolf Gold). Most of my groups have been less than 2.5MOA. That's perfectly acceptable to me. I have no delusions about using it for bench rest matches anytime soon. I see this as a sub 100 yard gun with the occasional 200 yard shot. For that it's perfect.
__________________
Freedom isn't free.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 02-03-2017, 09:52 AM
zeke zeke is offline
Member
Tavor X95  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: NW Wi
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 3,315
Liked 3,020 Times in 1,279 Posts
Default

Rastoff-really appreciate the straight forward review, as have been seriously considering one. The main thing holding me back has been the LOP (got short arms) and height difference between bore/sights.

If ya got the time could I ask some additional questions?

Have learned the sight difference on standard open sight ar over the years, but have you ever compared the poi difference with the x95 from like 10 yards out to 100 yards ?

What kind of shape is the brass after firing?

Was really looking for short package without the wait and registration. Local shop has one, but they want $1900. Bud's appears total about $200 less.

Thanks, any other comments or ideas sincerely appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 02-03-2017, 12:42 PM
Rastoff's Avatar
Rastoff Rastoff is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
Posts: 14,710
Likes: 2,926
Liked 17,102 Times in 6,271 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by zeke View Post
Have learned the sight difference on standard open sight ar over the years, but have you ever compared the poi difference with the x95 from like 10 yards out to 100 yards ?
This is an excellent question. The answer is not simple. But, I think I can answer it.

The height over bore is a major factor when picking a zero point. It's so high, it dramatically affects how the trajectory of the bullet will be used.

It's common to use a 50 yard zero when working with an AR. However, with this height over bore, here is what the trajectory looks like with a 50 yard zero:

Yeah, it's dead on at 50 yards, but even at 200 it's hitting 4" high. This will make it good out to 300, but this really isn't a 300 yard gun for me.

Here is the trajectory with the zero at 100 yards:


Notice that with this zero, it's within 1" from 50 all the way to 200 yards. I like this better.

Just for fun, here it is with a zero at 200 yards:


This one is also within 1" from 50 to 200 yards. The difference is you're almost 1" high at about 145 yards and 1" low at 50 yards.

I'm going to use the 100 yard zero for now. It seems to give me the most easily compensated trajectory for the range I will use this most; 0-100 yards. Also, as you can see, the Tavor will be about 3" low at 10 yards no matter where you zero it. This is just how it is with a height over bore this large.

Quote:
Originally Posted by zeke View Post
What kind of shape is the brass after firing?
The shells I'm collecting are perfect. No dents or deformation.
__________________
Freedom isn't free.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 02-03-2017, 10:59 PM
zeke zeke is offline
Member
Tavor X95  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: NW Wi
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 3,315
Liked 3,020 Times in 1,279 Posts
Default

Thank you , it be sincerely appreciated. Now I'm thinking prism/red dot site with some marks on it (1x vortex). or 1x4 scope with mills.

Sold some seldom used firearms today, maybe some more tomorrow. The x95 looks good for suppressing.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 02-04-2017, 01:32 AM
Rastoff's Avatar
Rastoff Rastoff is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
Posts: 14,710
Likes: 2,926
Liked 17,102 Times in 6,271 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rastoff View Post
The shells I'm collecting are perfect. No dents or deformation.
I have to correct this. I shot some today and looked more closely at the casings. There is a small dent on the case just below the shoulder. Is it a problem? No, but it is there.
__________________
Freedom isn't free.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 02-04-2017, 01:36 AM
Rastoff's Avatar
Rastoff Rastoff is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
Posts: 14,710
Likes: 2,926
Liked 17,102 Times in 6,271 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by zeke View Post
The x95 looks good for suppressing.
One of the reasons I went for the Tavor was a class I went to. Next to me was a guy with the original Tavor SAR. His was suppressed. What a great gun. Quiet and easy to manage.

You must know this though; not a great design to suppress. With the ejection port that close to your face, some gas will be blown into your face. There are ways to mitigate this issue. Still, I thought it important to let you know that this is something people complain about.

Of course they also complain about gas to face without the suppressor. I don't get any gas in my face. I would be looking for a suppressor, but they are illegal here in CA.
__________________
Freedom isn't free.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 02-04-2017, 01:53 AM
jag312's Avatar
jag312 jag312 is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Minden, Nevada
Posts: 3,627
Likes: 2,014
Liked 5,295 Times in 1,736 Posts
Default

Just out of curiosity; was this rifle named after Moshe Tavor?
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 02-04-2017, 03:02 AM
Rastoff's Avatar
Rastoff Rastoff is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
Posts: 14,710
Likes: 2,926
Liked 17,102 Times in 6,271 Posts
Default

I have no idea.
__________________
Freedom isn't free.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 02-04-2017, 12:22 PM
Wyo's Avatar
Wyo Wyo is online now
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 2,162
Likes: 1,166
Liked 5,840 Times in 1,240 Posts
Default

I have a Tavor SAR and have used it with great success in several defensive rifle courses, mostly with John Farnam. These are high-round courses that generally use at least 500 rounds in a two day course. Mine has run uncleaned and often full of dirt with no issues, and accuracy is more than adequate. I've also owned a couple of AUG's. Liked them a lot but one advantage the Tavor has over the AUG is that the Tavor can be fired from the off-shoulder without modification. There is a shell deflector that keeps the brass out of your face. You can't do that with an AUG. It will hit you in the face every time. All in all, having fired about 5000 rounds through mine with no problems, I've found the rifle to be easy to handle, plenty accurate and about as reliable as any weapon can be.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #20  
Old 02-04-2017, 03:45 PM
LVSteve's Avatar
LVSteve LVSteve is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Lost Wages, NV
Posts: 19,819
Likes: 24,232
Liked 28,980 Times in 10,766 Posts
Default

The Combat Tuna (FN FS2000) has the ultimate fix for bullpup ejection by shoving the empties out the front. Mind you, the trigger is "different", AKA hateful to most of you.
__________________
Release the Kraken
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 02-04-2017, 10:44 PM
zeke zeke is offline
Member
Tavor X95  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: NW Wi
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 3,315
Liked 3,020 Times in 1,279 Posts
Default

Rastoff-Thanks for the help. Went to guns how today and divesting several revolvers that had not seen the light of day for years. Have been reading various boards, but am guessing a suppressed x95 can't be as gassy as a suppressed 45, 40 or short ar-10 308. Plus I wear eye glasses. Really wish I could shoot one first, as have never shot a bull pup.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 02-04-2017, 11:43 PM
Rastoff's Avatar
Rastoff Rastoff is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
Posts: 14,710
Likes: 2,926
Liked 17,102 Times in 6,271 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by zeke View Post
Really wish I could shoot one first, as have never shot a bull pup.
Come on over. You can shoot mine as much as you want!
__________________
Freedom isn't free.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 02-12-2017, 09:09 PM
Rastoff's Avatar
Rastoff Rastoff is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
Posts: 14,710
Likes: 2,926
Liked 17,102 Times in 6,271 Posts
Default

OK, I'm totally geeking out over this rifle. I just shot this group:



That's a sub MOA group! Take that all you "The Tavor has garbage accuracy" people!!

Rifle: IWI Tavor X95 (XB16L)
Distance: 100 yards
Ammunition: Wolf Gold 55gr
Sight: Trijicon MRO (2MOA dot)
Shot from a bench using a front bag only.

Full disclosure, I took one more shot with this group and it opened a little:


Even so, it's still 1.57MOA. This means the gun is shooting a very consistent 1.6MOA or better. When I bought it, I would have been happy with 2.5MOA accuracy so, I couldn't be happier with it's performance to date. If I were to take the time to dial in a hand load (which I'm not gonna do), I'm sure I could have it grouping consistently smaller than 1.2MOA.

Most of the shooters I know aren't shooting groups like this with their AR15s. AND, considering the optic has a 2MOA dot, getting groups smaller than 2MOA is fantastic.
__________________
Freedom isn't free.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 04-05-2018, 08:28 PM
marathonrunner marathonrunner is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 627
Liked 221 Times in 151 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Arik View Post
Always wanted to get one then I started researching and read way too many reports of accuracy issues with the X95. I don't mean issues like people expecting sub MOA and we're getting 2moa instead. More like "I'd be happy to get even 4moa". This was probably about a year ago so maybe there was something that changed

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
I have the X95 and bone stock and using PMC 5.56 I am getting 2" groups at 100 yards casual aim. If I really take my time i can get 1.5 inch groups. This gun is fantastic and it is not quite as accurate as my AR15 with geissle trigger but plenty good
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 04-05-2018, 08:35 PM
marathonrunner marathonrunner is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 627
Liked 221 Times in 151 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KSDeputy View Post
I considered one of these, but decided on a Colt LE 6940. It was a price based decision. Both are fine rifles. Israel makes some of the finest weapons in the world, they have to. They are surrounded by enemies on several sides. They have my greatest respect and support.
I have the X95 and the LE Colt 6940. The Colt requires a lot of work to get it to shoot well. The X95 does not have a free floated barrel and the achilles is the trigger. The X95 trigger is way better than the SAR but for precision work it will require another seveal hundred dollars
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 04-06-2018, 12:09 AM
LVSteve's Avatar
LVSteve LVSteve is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Lost Wages, NV
Posts: 19,819
Likes: 24,232
Liked 28,980 Times in 10,766 Posts
Default

There is a piece over on the Box of Truth website on 5.56 accuracy and the importance of ammo. IIRC military surplus ball printed 3.5 MOA even using an accurized rifle. For sure I have never expected better than that from surplus 7.62 NATO from a 20" barrel.
__________________
Release the Kraken
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 04-06-2018, 08:48 PM
marathonrunner marathonrunner is offline
Member
Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95 Tavor X95  
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 627
Liked 221 Times in 151 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Arik View Post
Always wanted to get one then I started researching and read way too many reports of accuracy issues with the X95. I don't mean issues like people expecting sub MOA and we're getting 2moa instead. More like "I'd be happy to get even 4moa". This was probably about a year ago so maybe there was something that changed

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
There has not been any issues with the X95 and IWI did a fantastic job of making sure there were none. As far as accuracy if you slow fire it is 1.5 moa if you are steady. No it is not as accurate as an AR15 with a Geissle trigger but for 100 yards it is perfect
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Fireing 586-2, 66-2, & IWI Tavor Ghost Magnum S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 2 01-03-2016 07:56 PM
Anyone have a Tavor or AUG? nsl Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 9 12-07-2014 10:09 PM
Tavor in 308/7.62 shipwreck2 Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 6 09-03-2014 09:31 PM
WTS - NC NIB Tavor longarm4146 GUNS - For Sale or Trade 0 07-08-2014 05:22 PM
Anyone here have any experiance with both a Tavor and Steyr AUG A3? nsl Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 6 03-25-2014 08:20 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:41 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)