Rifles of the IDF

**C-grunt** · 08-14-14, 00:44

I was watching some videos of the IDF recently and noticed that a large portion of them were still using M4/AR type rifles. I had thought that they completely switched to the Tavor. Some guys had M4s and some guys had short barreled A1 type carbines. It seems like the IDF has several different rifles in the field. Anyone have info on these rifles?

EDIT:

Here is the video Im talking about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuGYQrapECI

Some good Tavor footage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pywx1rRXbHU

**Kain** · 08-14-14, 00:53

Spit balling to beat hell here, but would assume that the first line/main line troops are running the tavor with the guard/second line/reserve people getting what is available, but it M4s, M16s, or the like. With everything that is going on and call ups it is more than plausible that reserve units are on the fronts being seen with their older rifles. Again don't know for sure, but that would be my thoughts.

**ALCOAR** · 08-14-14, 00:59

I think the most interesting rifle the IDF uses is the suppressed Ruger 10/22. Also has a very interesting purpose....

"In 1987, the Intifada – the Palestinian uprising against the Israeli regime in the Occupied Territories – broke out, and involved mass violent clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians protestors. As a result, the Israeli security forces needed a weapon with a more potent firepower then the standard riot control metal covered rubber round, but at the same time less lethal then the standard issue 5.56 mm round of the M16/Galil assault rifles. So the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) searched for a 0.22 caliber accurate rifle that will be used to take out the key protest leaders by shooting them in the legs.

The Ruger 10/22, fitted with a X4 day optic, a full length suppressor and a Harris bipod was selected for this role and was due to be issued to all infantry oriented units, including both special and conventional forces. However, as often happens in the shoestring budget IDF, financial problems prevented the weapon’s mass distribution, and it was mainly issued to Special Forces (SF) units. Moreover, instead of using the rifle as a riot control weapon, as originally intended, the Israeli SF deployed the Ruger 10/22 more as a “Hush Puppy” weapon used to silently and effectively eliminate disturbing dogs prior to operations.

In the recent Israeli-Palestinian clashes began in 2000, the Ruger resumes it’s original role as a less lethal riot control weapon. However, it’s usage in this role was rather controversial this time. After several incidents involving the death of Palestinians by the Ruger fire, the IDF conducted a field experiment in the Ruger at the IDF Sniper School in Mitkan Adam under the supervision of the IDF Judge Advocate General (JAG). The test showed that the Ruger was more lethal then thought especially in upper body injuries. Also, since it’s suppressed and was considered less lethal by the troops, the soldiers were much more likely to use the Ruger loosely then intended.

As a result of this test, the JAG reclassified the Ruger as a lethal weapon. As a lethal weapon, the usage of the Ruger in riot control is much more limited today. In the IDF Center Command it was completely prohibited to use and the IDF South Command it’s deployment was cut down dramatically."

http://www.ruger1022.com/docs/israeli_sniper.htm

Recently on CNN, I spotted one in use in the most current conflict.

**C-grunt** · 08-14-14, 01:11

Yeah I remember reading that. Isnt that where the subsonic 60 grain 22 LR came from?

**MorphCross** · 08-14-14, 01:26

I would say that in all cases the mission they are performing is one of the determining factors for the issuing of arms. Also many of the units using M4s and M16s were made up of older enlistees. It takes time to cycle members of IDF out unless they are just there to perform their civic duty for the required period of time.

**MountainRaven** · 08-14-14, 01:38

Despite the Galil having been replaced by the AR, I seem to remember seeing footage of Israelis during their last foray into Lebanon with Galil SARs. They were mechanized artillerists, IIRC.

**Moose-Knuckle** · 08-14-14, 03:38

The IDF has caches of FALs, AKs, Galils, M16s, Tavors, it would stand to reason some units especially the part timers are issued older stuff while the newer whiz bang stuff is getting fazed in as budget allows. The US tax payers provide a lot of money for defense and arms to include the M16/M4. Small nations like Israel and Finland have a lot of rifles, especially Kalashnikovs put back to pass around incase they face an end game invasion. Wished our .gov thought that way . . .

**MorphCross** · 08-14-14, 03:58

Originally Posted by Moose-Knuckle

The IDF has caches of FALs, AKs, Galils, M16s, Tavors, it would stand to reason some units especially the part timers are issued older stuff while the newer whiz bang stuff is getting fazed in as budget allows. The US tax payers provide a lot of money for defense and arms to include the M16/M4. Small nations like Israel and Finland have a lot of rifles, especially Kalashnikovs put back to pass around incase they face an end game invasion. Wished our .gov thought that way . . .

And here I thought the US had an unorganized militia of about 80,000,000 strong?