Hi all,
I’m new to the forum and also about to purchase my first rifle.  I’ve been a hand gunner for many years and enjoy competing in IDPA, but it’s time to buy my first rifle.  I am looking for a good defensive tool and something I can enjoy shooting.  I have a budget of about $2,000 to 2,700 and I’m having a hard time deciding between a new Tavor X95 with a 16” barrel and an LWRC IC-A5 with a 16” barrel.  I’m pretty sold on a Trijicon MRO for my first sight, regardless of which rifle I buy.

I always liked the LWRC product line and the concept of a piston AR.  They seem to have a good reputation and the few rifles I’ve held seem well put together with a beautiful bolt assembly.  I specifically like the IC-A5 as it will easily enable me to add a suppressor later (adjustable gas block) but gives me the longer rail of the IC-SPR.  In addition to being a very good defensive tool, it also seems like a fun platform to use for some target shooting at medium range as I learn some marksmanship skills.  In short, I have no major concerns about this rifle, other than buyer’s remorse of not getting the Tavor X95.

The Tavor is a great rifle in my opinion, and the X95 (due to arrive at dealers in the next week or two) seems like an excellent improvement on the design.  The compact package of the bullpup design makes sense to me, and since this is my first rifle, I have no great ties to the traditional AR platform.  This weapon is also at least $500 cheaper than the going rate for an LWRC IC-A5.  The Tavor X95’s size also seems to lend itself to home defense.  My primary concerns are not buying an AR15 platform first (doesn’t everyone need to own and AR15 first?) and the gun being comfortable to shoot for a 6’5” guy like myself.  

It’s my first rifle, and while it won’t be my last, I’d like to get some input before spending $2000 to $2,700.

Thanks in advance for helping a newbie.  
-FD

Given a choice between the two, I'd take the LWRC over the Tavor. While both do use proprietary parts, the LWRC will at least still use many standard parts, for the wear items, such as the bolt, springs, triggers etc. Compare that to the Tavor and you'll have a much harder time finding replacement parts.

Ever given any thought to potentially holding off on the LWRC until later and getting yourself a cheap entry, with something like a Colt 6920? I own a LWRC IC-E myself but there is something to be said about having a lightweight/simple AR design, especially with how cheap Colts are today.

I'm a PWS guy, love the design and I'd say go DI first.  Plentiful, cheap, quality parts from all sources.  You can keep that rifle running forever.  

Get your bases covered before getting into proprietary parts.

Thank you for the responses and the advice – its appreciated.

I've considered the "entry level DI gun" and quickly moved on to looking at higher-end DI guns and piston driven AR’s.  I understand DI rifles work well and, with some occasional cleaning and lubrication, are “bet-your-life” reliable.  I also understand they are often lighter, and at times, more accurate.  Perhaps my second carbine will be an LWRC DI or DD, perhaps even later this year, but for now the decision is AR15 (albeit gas piston) or start with the new handy little bullpup from Israel….

You mentioned PWS.  I've looked at them and they seem to have a great reputation too.  May I ask what made you select them over an LWRC?

-FD

First I’ll say LWRCs are good guns, very well built.

For me, PWS is better balanced (more of the piston/op rod weight distribution in the receiver vs. out over the LWRC barrel).  

Simpler one piece BCG piston design means less moving parts.  Less parts to break (like a piston return spring).

LWRC’s op-rod striking the top of the BCG from such a short distance potentially imparts more rotational force which causes carrier tilt.  Gas hits the PWS piston much farther from the BCG, which equals less potential carrier tilt, which is further offset by PWS’ anti-tilt lip.  Just a better design in my mind.  

I find the LWRC op-rod slapping the strike face to be an abrupt recoil impulse.  PWS recoil from gas pushing on a one piece piston/BCG feels smoother to me but that’s just my opinion.

Prefer a one piece rail vs the A5 removable top rail design.

More gas block adjustments.  Cheaper too, which means a gun that does more of what I like for less money.

Pretty subjective stuff though.  LWRC has features many would call advantages.  Handle, shoot  and pull apart both before buying if you get the chance.

Thank you very much for the response on the PWS.  I will take a good look at them.

-FD

I would say PWS MK114. But I do have a Tavor that is setup just the way I want it and would use that over my other guns for home defense.

Sure no problem.  Also, everything I'm talking about is re: MOD 1.  Good luck with your search.

Given the information posted HERE about piston AR's, and the additional weight and expense, I would avoid them.

I would also take a hard look at a Styer AUG before a Tavor. My advice is if you want an AR, get a quality DI carbine, with your budget you could go with KAC, though I think the value's not really there they are regarded by a lot of people as the very best AR's on the market, I would argue you can get 99.4% the gun from other manufactures for much less coin.  If you want a bull pup, I would hands down go with a Styer Aug over a Tavor. Either will give you a excellent and reliable weapon. Deciding between the two shouldn't be hard, how are you going to use it? Outdoors? Don't plan on clearing houses. Then my opinion would be to get the AR, for someone of your height you might even consider a 18 or 20" rifle vs the carbine unless you just want the carbine for reduced weight. (standard AR rifle is around 7.9lb) If you want a SHTF rifle that you think you might have to fight with in close quarters, Styer AUG's shorter over all length and balance would be advantageous, though a AR carbine can do this well too, it just sacrifices more barrel length and thus muzzle velocity to do it, which is a moot point inside 50 meters.

P.S. AR's are easier than any bull pup to reload quickly imo. If this is just a plinker, range toy, AUG will get more attention at the range.

+1 for PWS

Thank you all for the input and ideas.  It is greatly appreciated.  
My local dealer should have an LWRC IC-A5 and a Tavor x95 for me to look at next week.  I've also asked them to make a recommendation on a good DI gun and they are pointing me towards Daniel Defense, KAC and Noveske.   I will also take a peek at the Styer AUG.  

Thanks again,
-FD

Take a look at LWRC also. It's supposed to be a good setup.

Before you make a decision, please consider LMT.

If PWS is an option, PWS is the answer

I have the PWS MK116.  Very well balanced with soft recoil impulse and virtually no muzzle flip. The new PWS MOD2 shed around 6 oz. Some of the others can offer up more technical info than me. I am however planning to purchase the LWRC Six8 in the future.

I have the UCIW version.  Love it, great shooter.

That's good to know. I am thinking about the SPR.

I think no matter what model you get, you'll be happy with it.