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View Full Version : Three Way comparison: ARX-100, TAVOR, and AR-15


MorphCross
07-28-14, 03:06
Just to preface this I will do my level best to keep personal bias out and just stick to the technicals of the three weapon systems. Currently, no weights or lengths will be given at this time, but will be added as the information is gathered and Calipers/micrometers/Meter sticks and scales are used. All three were taken down to the maximum allowed without using anything more than a bullet tip.

1. Length of pull with stock fully extended (comparison based from the back heel of the pistol grip:
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140728_002135.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140728_002135.jpg.html)

The AR-15 has the longest LOP, however this is due to the Vltor A5 7 position extension. With a six position the AR-15 would trade places with the Tavor. No matter which, the ARX has the shortest LOP when fully extended.

2. Length at it's most compact (stock collapsed or folded):
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140728_002328.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140728_002328.jpg.html)

The picture exaggerates the length advantage the ARX 100 has over the Tavor, it is close.

3. Exploded Parts view (again based upon how far I could take each down only using a bullet tip):
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140727_234747.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140727_234747.jpg.html)

ARX has a clear advantage in terms of completeness of disassembly. It pays for that in other ways.

4. Bolt Locking lug comparison: From L-R AR-15, ARX 100, TAVOR
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140727_234924.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140727_234924.jpg.html)

It would appear that the AR-15 and ARX 100 share a very similar bolt locking lug design, with the ARX 100 having 1 more lug than the AR-15. The TAVOR lug design is very different and the number of locking points is less.

5. Hammer mechanism comparison: From L-R TAVOR (stock), ARX 100 (stock), AR-15 (stock KAC 2 Stage)
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140727_235658.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140727_235658.jpg.html)

In terms of solid material, the AR-15 would appear to win, followed by the TAVOR, with the ARX 100 coming in last.

6. Cam Pin comparison: AR-15 cam pin above ARX 100 cam pin below
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140727_235331.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140727_235331.jpg.html)

The material of the AR-15 cam pin is more substantial, especially at the thinnest areas.

7. Firing Pin Comparison: ARX 100 L, AR-15 R
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140727_235305.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140727_235305.jpg.html)

Firing pin material is more substantial on the AR-15 than the ARX 100.

8. Gas system Comparison: the AR-15 is a standard DI, so no surprises there, ARX gas system and where it meets up with the Bolt carrier shown in the first two pictures, Tavor piston and where it matches up shown in the second two pictures.
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140727_235130.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140727_235130.jpg.html)
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140727_235235.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140727_235235.jpg.html)
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140727_235219.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140727_235219.jpg.html)
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140727_235113.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140727_235113.jpg.html)

There are user tuned gas blocks available for ARs, and the ARX has a two setting block for Low pressure and standard ammunition. TAVOR has a fixed gas system.

9. Charging Handle Comparison: AR-15 followed by TAVOR followed by ARX 100
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140727_235438.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140727_235438.jpg.html)
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140727_235548.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140727_235548.jpg.html)
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140727_235454.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140727_235454.jpg.html)

There are a lot off different factors to consider on the Charging handles. The TAVOR has the most materiel and is non-reciprocating; the AR-15 is bilateral, having a broader feel than the ARX, and is also non-reciprocating; the ARX can freely swap sides, however it is by far the least comfortable of the three, and it reciprocates as the bolt moves.

10. Recoil spring: ARX 100 above, TAVOR middle, AR-15 A5 buffer and spring on bottom
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140727_235952.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140727_235952.jpg.html)

Ejection side swap: Both the Tavor and the ARX 100 can swap ejection side however the ARX goes about in an integrated manner.
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140728_000444.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140728_000444.jpg.html)

The rear portion of the "lower receiver" of the ARX 100 shown illustrates plate position for LH ejection.

Muzzle view of the ARX 100 Upper receiver:
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140728_000730.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140728_000730.jpg.html)

Take note of the Cylinder the barrel runs through, the gas block assembly is in constant contact with it. The purpose of this cylinder is to draw heat off the barrel and trap it within its supposed ceramic composition. This keeps the polymer receiver from overheating and melting. This also will affect barrel harmonics. How much it does will be seen in upcoming live fire accuracy tests.
notorious_ar15
07-28-14, 20:05
Very interesting, especially the ARX-100 barrel cylinder picture.

Thanks for posting!
MorphCross
07-30-14, 00:17
I like contributing information so people can get a feel for some of the more modern combat platforms when compared against the venerable AR. To me the Tavor with its smaller locking lug area was the greatest surprise. What was surprising about the ARX-100 is that when the barrel is taken out and the stock is folded the barrel is longer in inline length than the receiver of the ARX-100. Diagonally the receiver is slightly longer. It makes for an interesting rifle for city dwellers who don't want to advertise "Rifle" to their neighbors when transporting it to and from the range.
halmbarte
07-30-14, 00:30
It would appear that the AR-15 and ARX 100 share a very similar bolt locking lug design, with the ARX 100 having 1 more lug than the AR-15.

I'm counting 7 locking lugs on the AR and ARX...

Could you do some detail shots of the extractor/ejectors and how those work?

Thanks.

H
MorphCross
07-30-14, 01:21
I'm counting 7 locking lugs on the AR and ARX...

Could you do some detail shots of the extractor/ejectors and how those work?

Thanks.

H
These:
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140730_010251.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140730_010251.jpg.html)
go into these two holes, one presses against the metal plate, one goes further back;
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140728_000444.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140728_000444.jpg.html)
and that forces the left or the right extractor/ejector forward when the bolt gets pushed back against plate and this tips the case at it's widest point forcing the case out the ejection port.
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140730_004502.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140730_004502.jpg.html)

I have it under good authority that an engineer, Archimedes, and Chuck Norris were in on it. :jester:

Also took a snapshot of the cam pin channel which operates the locking and unlocking of the bolt from the extension:
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140730_004331.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/MorphCross/media/20140730_004331.jpg.html)
BBossman
07-30-14, 06:14
It should also be noted that regardless of which direction you select for ejection, both Extractor/Ejectors maintain control of the empty cartridge until the last 1/4" or so of the bolt stroke where one of them comes into contact with the Ejector Selector causing ejection, so in practice, the ARX has dual extractors.

Great post by the way...


http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/MorphCross/20140730_004502.jpg[/URL]
TF82
07-30-14, 20:04
Very informative, thanks. Also, am I seeing this correctly, is the Tavor's length of pull just about as long as a stock fully extended on an A-5?
MorphCross
07-30-14, 20:46
Very informative, thanks. Also, am I seeing this correctly, is the Tavor's length of pull just about as long as a stock fully extended on an A-5?

Close to the same, If I were to take off the rubber buttpad from the SOPMOD stock the AR would be shorter. I'll try to add specific measurements tonight.
Guntrician
07-31-14, 20:47
Well done MorphCross. Interesting info. I recently got a Tavor from G&R Tactical and really like it. I'm kind of torn on what my next rifle will be. Well, not really. I know the "next" rifle is a O-PAP M-70 AK arriving Tuesday but the next substantial purchase was between ARX or getting another AUG. I'm looking forward to your further thoughts on the ARX. That was a cool down the muzzle pic BTW. Looks like the interior of the International Space Station. Lol!
MorphCross
07-31-14, 23:37
Well done MorphCross. Interesting info. I recently got a Tavor from G&R Tactical and really like it. I'm kind of torn on what my next rifle will be. Well, not really. I know the "next" rifle is a O-PAP M-70 AK arriving Tuesday but the next substantial purchase was between ARX or getting another AUG. I'm looking forward to your further thoughts on the ARX. That was a cool down the muzzle pic BTW. Looks like the interior of the International Space Station. Lol!

The AUG is a great design and from the standpoint of Pedigree it beats the Tavor and ARX-100 simply due to the years in service and wide adoption. For the money the AUG would be great choice, but I would stick with the one setup for Steyr magazines. The only reason I haven't gotten an AUG is the issues with sucking brass in transitions. Because of my cheek-weld the Tavor doesn't send the brass into my face.

LOP on the AR with A-5 and LMT SOPMOD stock: 12"/304mm collapsed (this is how I usually shoot it) 15.5"/394mm Fully Extended.

Rifle Length on the AR with A-5 and LMT SOPMOD stock: 34 7/16"/873mm collapsed 37 15/16"/963mm Fully Extended.

LOP on the ARX-100: 10.5"/266mm collapsed 12 7/8"/327mm extended.

Rifle Length on the ARX-100: 33"/838mm collapsed 35 3/4"/909mm extended

Rifle Length on the ARX-100: folded 26.5"/673mm

LOP on the TAVOR: 16"/407mm

Rifle Length on the TAVOR: 27"/686mm

I was surprised at the dramatic difference the long trigger pull on the TAVOR made in the LOP. Here is hoping IWI comes out with it's rumored trigger pack. As it stands right now, the Shooting Sight trigger is the only aftermarket trigger out that is reportedly reliable for the TAVOR. If Geissele comes out some point late Summer or Fall it could make a splash as well.

Height over bore measurements (as taken from the centerline of the bore to the top of rail):
AR 1 3/8"
ARX-100 2"
TAVOR 2 3/8"

For the uninitiated H.O.B. Will affect your holdovers when using red dots, scopes, and Irons.
Guntrician
08-01-14, 20:05
MorphCross, thanks a lot for the info. Going with another AUG sounds like a good move. The ARX interests me but the more I look into it, another AUG sounds like a wise move. The one I have now has the NATO stock. It has been great but I'll definitely get one that takes the bulletproof AUG mags this time around.

Thanks again!
ScottsBad
08-02-14, 14:17
Thanks for this thread. Would liked to have seen the SCAR in there too, but I appreciate your contribution.
MorphCross
08-02-14, 14:54
Thanks for this thread. Would liked to have seen the SCAR in there too, but I appreciate your contribution.

If only...If I could afford them there would be a SCAR-L, SCAR-H, ACR, and Rob Arm XCR-L. But draining money from the ammunition budget and being left with a bunch of rifles I don't have the time to shoot or feed is a consideration. I'll cross my fingers with tonights Powerball ticket.:jester:
ScottsBad
08-02-14, 15:21
If only...If I could afford them there would be a SCAR-L, SCAR-H, ACR, and Rob Arm XCR-L. But draining money from the ammunition budget and being left with a bunch of rifles I don't have the time to shoot or feed is a consideration. I'll cross my fingers with tonights Powerball ticket.:jester:

Sorry, I hope you win the lottery, but I wasn't thinking you should buy one. I was thinking more like borrow. Unless you have a burning desire to buy all those. Thanks again for thread.

EDIT: BTW the ARX info is especially helpful because I do not have access to them in CA.
halmbarte
08-03-14, 16:37
MorphCross, thanks a lot for the info. Going with another AUG sounds like a good move. The ARX interests me but the more I look into it, another AUG sounds like a wise move. The one I have now has the NATO stock. It has been great but I'll definitely get one that takes the bulletproof AUG mags this time around.

Thanks again!

You can buy the stock separate. I know PJ has them and you might check CDNN too.

H