IWI Tavor X95 quandry

[bikemutt]

First off let me say, I really, really like this rifle. I like bullpups to start with and this one is an ergonomic masterpiece for me.

What I'm struggling with is the accuracy of the rifle which seems to depend on how it's supported/held when fired. And yes, I realize it's not a benchrest rifle.

The difference is startling with all the ammo I've tried. The X95 variant allows the use of a rail mounted bipod which is how I've been shooting it at the range. If I pre-load the spiked bipod by pushing into is a bit using my shoulder I can pull 1.5 MOA with PMC green tip. Anything else, with the same ammo, results in crazy 4-5 MOA with no clear pattern.

By comparison, my Steyr Aug doesn't really seem to care much how it's held, pushed or pulled, it's a solid 1.5 MOA performer, with green tip, and that's well within any expectations I have for the platform.

Today I pulled the Tavor apart to install a Geiselle trigger to complement the Super Sabra trigger pack. I noticed there are two plastic bushings, one front, one rear that "connect" the front rail section with the barrel assembly. In other words, the front rail may not be free-floated from the barrel because these two parts form a support and/or cosmetic interface between the two assemblies, and they are connected at both ends by the bushings.

It occurred to me that maybe these two points of contact could explain an elevated degree of sensitivity to how the rifle is held/supported because the bushings may interfere with the natural harmonics of the barrel under fire. Or, something like that. I admit to swimming way beyond my safe depth in the pool of knowledge here.

So, I turn to the good folks here at THR to see what others may think about this, or maybe a fellow Tavor owner might chime in.

BTW, the combination Geiselle Sabra pack and trigger is dreamy; this one invades the best AR15 trigger space

 

[benEzra]

I think Zahal? sells a bipod that attaches to the bottom of the trigger guard, since forend pressure does bear on the barrel. That's true of both the X95 and the original Tavor SAR. Dunno if it makes a difference, but in theory it might.

Here is the SAR version:

http://www.zahal.org/products/quick-deployment-bipod-for-tar-21-models-tar-podium-for-sale

To me, the Tavor/X95 are at their best with a red dot, but if I were going to try one with a magnified optic, I'd probably give that gadget a try. I imagine that benchresting on sandbags under the forend may cause the same issue; AK's don't like to be rested on the forend either. The biggest downside I see is the height it adds when prone.

The Israelis teach a "six points of contact" grip to give consistent shot-to-shot positioning, in which the body is more bladed and the support-hand forearm comes straight down the front of the handguard, and the strong-side forearm presses against the side of the magazine, keeping the rifle tucked. It'd be interesting to see how shooting prone or off a bench with that positioning would compare to shooting off a bipod with a more conventional grip.

http://youtu.be/xJWXZwmFkfw

 

[Jackal]

There are youtube vids about removing the barrel bushing. It apparently provides no accuracy difference.

In all fairness, it should be compared to common SBR's instead of rifles. Its the size of a 10.5" AR, but provides considerably more power. On the other hand, it IS a little annoying that a $1800 rifle shoots on par with a Mini-14.

Then again, if it puts hits on steel at 300m, mission accomplished.