A couple of months ago Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) had announced its newest bullpup assault rifle at MILIPOL 2017, the Tavor 7: at the SHOT Show they have now launched the civilian version of this compact 7.62x51mm / .308 Win. caliber weapon.
Originally adopted in 5.56x45mm by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 2009, this latest addition to the Tavor bullpup rifle family with its more powerful cartridge gives military and law enforcement users a tool designed for medium-long range scenarios.
IWI Tavor 7, more firepower in compact size
The bullpup configuration – with the action placed behind the trigger group – permits a shorter overall weapon for any given barrel length, so that it can used in confined spaces like vehicles and urban areas. With an overall length of just 28.4" (723 mm), the Tavor 7 has been developed in close cooperation with the Israel military and also complies with all NATO standards.
The rifle features a classic gas-operated, short-stroke piston action with a Stoner/AR-15-style rotating bolt. The gas piston can be regulated in three positions for lighter or heavier loads, plus an “off” position useful for single shot suppressed shooting - the cartridge will fire, but the case will not be ejected (an option clearly designed with special operations in mind).
The rifle body is built from high-strength, impact-modified polymer available in four colors: Sniper Gray, OD Green, Black, and Flat Dark Earth. The pistol grip can be changed or modified from the “cutlass” type to a conventional grip with trigger guard. The barrel is hammer-forged, chrome-lined and free-floating. These characteristics ensure improved accuracy and a longer barrel life. Two lengths of barrel are available, 17" (432 mm) and 20" (508 mm).
The Tavor 7 is fully ambidextrous. The ejection side and the non-reciprocating charging handle can be switched quickly and easily from side to side, while safety lever, magazine release, and bolt catch can be operated by left-handed users too.
For the mounting of accessories it's equipped with a M-LOK forend (2 M-LOK slots at 3 and 9 o'clock) as well as MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail at the 6 o'clock position under the removable forend cover. The magazine is a 20-round Magpul PMAG, also available in a 10-round version.
Technical data of the IWI Tavor 7
| Model: | Tavor 7 |
| Caliber: | 7.62x51 NATO//.308 Win. |
| Magazine: | 20-round Magpul PMAG / 10-round |
| Action: | gas-operated, short-stroke piston |
| Barrel length: | 17″ (432 mm) and 20"
(508 mm) |
| Overall length: | 26.75″ with 16″ barrel (without flash suppressor) |
| Weight: | 4,1 kg / 8.6 Lbs. |
| Colors: | Black, FDE and OD Green |
IWI Tavor 7: Conclusion
The Tavor 7 assault rifle from Israel Weapon Industries is modern-looking and compact rifle for the military and government. As a civilian variant of IWI USA, it will have some fans in the US market with its design and individual appearance. The larger caliber (.308 Win.) makes the Tavor 7 more powerful and also suitable for hunting.
It will hit the shelves from the first quarter of 2018.
For more information please visit IWI website.
All news from SHOT Show 2018 you’ll find on all4shooters.com.
