IWI Tavor SAR Review : SAR vs x95

In this Tavor SAR Bullpup rifle review, we’ll be covering the Tavor SAR and its specification. We’ll also look at the options you have to customize and modify your SAR Bullpup.

IWI Tavor SAR Background

The IWI has earned the respect of the firearms world with its reliable and durable weapons. The IWI Tavor SAR is one of the more established firearms from IWI, having been originally released onto the market back in 2014. So what do you need to know about IWI as a company, and about the Tavor SAR in particular?

IWI has earned its experience building durable weapons by designing those up to the requirements of the Israeli military. You know if it’s capable of functioning in the Middle East, it’s probably capable of functioning in America. But is it worthy of your time and money, and are there any problems you need to know about?

If you’re worried about the durability of the Tavor SAR, you should know this is the bullpup rifle of choice for the Israeli Armed Forces. Of course, the civilian version has been adapted to be compliant with the law, but it’s a very similar firearm.

The Tavor SAR is customizable, so if you like modding your bullpup rifles, you’re in luck. The prestige of this IWI firearm is also evidenced by the fact it won a Golden Bullseye award back in 2014.

However, you’ll know that other bullpup firearms, including bullpup rifles, have had their share of performance problems. So is the Tavor SAR to be included in the category of flawed firearms?

Read on to discover the full, no holds barred Gun University review of the IWI Tavor SAR. We will reveal information you absolutely need to know before going any further with this bullpup rifle.

IWI Tavor SAR Features

1 Full Length Picatinny Top Rail

Allowing you to easily mount accessories onto your Tavor SAR.

2 30 Round Magazine

High capacity magazine.

3 Cold Hammer Forged Chrome Lined Barrel

Israeli military spec barrel

Tavor SAR Review – Our Take

The IWI Tavor SAR is the bullpup rifle that really got me to consider using a bullpup. Sure, the Steyr AUG has been around for a while and it’s a great gun but it was always a bit of a novelty for many people (me included).

The Tavor Bullpup is a serious-use battle rifle.

Now, we at Gun University are more partial to the next iteration of the IWI Tavor, the IWI Tavor X95 for the reasons below:

What we love about the Tavor: It’s a capable bullpup rifle run off of a piston system with a forward-mounted charging handle – it already solves three of the complaints I have about AR-15 style rifles:

1. AR rifles need a buffer-tube buttstock thereby requiring the action of the rifle to be forward of your firing hand and increasing the overall length of the rifle,
2. The standard AR design is a direct impingement gas system that blows the exhaust gasses into the action, and
3. AR rifles require you to move your head and bring your hand back in order to charge/operate the bolt.

So, piston-driven for reliability and bullpup design so that you can get a short overall length but the velocity of a regular barrel AND you can charge/operate the bolt with your support hand without moving your position on the rifle!!?!?? What’s not to love?

Well, the manual of arms takes some getting used to if you’re more familiar with AR-style rifles. Trust me, I still am not as fast with mag changes on a Tovar as I am with an AR-style rifle.

My biggest complaint about the ergonomics/controls of this rifle is the mag release! Instead of reaching for a new magazine with your support hand while you release the magazine with your firing hand (fast), the Tavor SAR requires you to use your support hand to grab the empty/old magazine to reach the release and THEN go dig for the new magazine. It’s a bit of a pain and it’s one of the main reasons we like the X95 vs the SAR.

The Tavor SAR is nice, but we strongly recommend getting the IWI X95 instead. It keeps all the great things of the SAR and fixes all of the bad.

Tavor SAR Pros and Cons

If you’re serious about owning a Tavor SAR, you need to be ready to accept that responsibility. Here are some things to get you started.

• MAGAZINES–Magpul PMAG D60 at Brownells
• AMMO
  • Black Hills Ammunition 5.56 NATO Tipped Matchking at Brownells
• GUN CLEANING KIT: Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon
• STORAGE–Case Club Waterproof Rifle Case on Amazon

Once you got your rifle outfitted with the basics, it’s time to get down to business with some killer customizations.

Best Sights for the IWI Tavor SAR

What’s a rifle without a sight? The two literally go hand in hand. Whether you prefer a new RDS and holographic options or old-fashioned irons, you need to make sure you can hit what you’re targeting. For the Tavor SAR, we like the former options. The two selections below are phenomenal optics that could fit on just about any rifle.

It’s not hard to see why the Aimpoint Micro T-2 is our favorite sight for the Tavor SAR. It’s so lightweight and compact, but rugged enough to get you through every environment. It doesn’t sit too high off the rail either keeping the esthetic of your SAR streamlined. It has a two-MOA red dot along with 4-night vision settings and 8 different daylight changes. Rest assured you’ll be able to aim at any target any time of day. CHECK IT OUT ON AMAZON

The EOTech makes our list here because of its great versatility. It provides a 68MOA Ring with a single red-dot reticle, but the EXPS2’s edsign also allows for you to maintain access to your iron sights. Not too shabby. It comes with 20 different brightness settings including night vision. And it takes just seconds to mount.

Check It Out on Amazon

Best Slings for the IWI Tavor SAR

Let’s get real. Hand-carrying a rifle for an extended period of time just sucks. Sure, it might feel good to hold the heft of the weapon for a bit, but afterward, it becomes a chore. And what if you’re in a tactical situation? You’re probably going to need those hands free for other vital tasks. This is why… You should seriously think about investing in a quality sling. Here are our favorites:

The IWI Savvy Sniper Sling is our Editor’s Choice for the Tavor SAR. And why’s that? Because this sling was specifically designed with Tavor SAR in mind. It fits great in all types of situations. And depending on where you anchor the sling on the Tavor, you can easily position yourself to have a tactical advantage when carrying. And if you’re having to wear body armor…No worries. There’s enough leeway to ensure your weapon isn’t riding up your chest. CHECK PRICE

This Magpul sling is awesome. Its versatility allows you to switch between your standard two-point configuration to single point setup all while on the go. They’ve even replaced one of the standard paraclips with a QD Swing Swivel.

Check Latest Price

Other Bullpup Rifles of its Class to Check Out

While the Tavor SAR is definitely a solid pick when it comes to bullpup rifles, there are a few other models that might fit you better. The models on this list provide you with some very unique options–including one that we would make the switch to if given the choice.

The IWI Tavor X95 is hands down one of our absolute favorite bullpups we’ve ever gotten our hands on. As a matter of fact, it tops our list of Best Bullpup Rifles and Shotguns! This rifle is extremely similar to the Tavor SAR but with all the right improvements…READ MORE

In all reality, you might not want a Tavor SAR for any solid practical reason. It might just become one of your favorite range guns. And if that’s the case, you might want something a little more sinister–if not just looks alone. If so, the Steyr Aug could be exactly what you need…READ MORE

Speaking of cool-looking guns, KelTec always comes through with some really sweet weapons. But if you mention the name KelTec, you’re gonna get normally one of two reactions. You love ‘em or hate ‘em. But if you’re a KelTec fan, you may enjoy the handy, reliable KelTec RDB…READ MORE

How to Care for Your IWI Tavor SAR

When it comes to taking care of your Tavor SAR, it’s much easier than it looks–, especially with that signature Tavor trigger pack. And let’s be honest…you should want to maintain your Tavor. It’s a great gun that deserves that extra TLC. This video shows you just how easy it is to disassemble and clean your IWI Tavor SAR.

Important Links And Manuals For Your IWI Tavor SAR

Did you know that IWI US plans to phase out the Tavor SAR? Find that out and more on this list of recommended reading.

• IWI Tavor SAR Manual
• IWI Tavor SAR
• IWI US to Phase Out Tavor SAR
• IWI Tavor SAR 12000 RD Torture Test