The Katsar - Right Arm of the Reservist

[@adrianrotman]

I stumbled upon this video as KZbin suggested it to me and have found it fascinating and well researched.I have served my mandatory army service in the IDF in the mid-90s and am currently an IDF reservist between active tours of duty. Additionally I am a volunteer policeman in the Israeli Police, currently as part of local counter terror intervention team and a certified Firearams Instructor. I would like to add some historical context on the subject. The project of converting existing M16A1 rifles to the "Musav" (Converted, the official term)/"Menusar"( Sawn Off, as the troops call it) came as a result of the IDF finding itself in a tough spot after Operation Defensive Shield in 2002 where they were low on Colt 633 / M4 variants and if that wasn't bad enough, a decision was already made to withdraw all "Glilon"(Galil SAR) and the last batches of Uzi submachine guns from service. At the same time, the US Army was also in the middle of the process of converting to M4 platform so it was basically impossible to purchase the required tens of thousands of rifles. So a decision was made to convert the existing rifles to shortened carbines as a stop gap measure. Twenty years later, they're still around and not only as reservists' and police rifles as described in the video, but they're basically the personal weapon for most everyone who isn't in an elite troop or an an infantry active duty soldier. This includes tankers, artillery, anti aircraft, combat engineering and many more. The carbines ended up in police use also as a stop gap and a replacement for old WW2 M1 carbines which by then were shooting themselves apart during every range session. At the moment the M1s have been pulled out into reserves and being replaced by a myriad of models of rifles: Emtan M4, IWI Arad, Colt M5, and Daniel Defense following the HAMAS October 7 attacks and the revision of the police counter terror capabilities. As for the rubber band around the handguards ( "Hovek" which means binder in Hebrew) it started as a way to keep the worn out handguards from coming loose from the weapon and later came to be used as a spare magazine holder option. In this application a magazine would be tethered with elastic and attached via a cord to the weapon and stored between the handguard and the rubber band. This fashion comes and goes till this day depending on the unit's customs and habits. As for the Maprolight optic, the reticle should be the triangular one for the maximum authenticity ( that's the one officially used by the IDF)

[@Triangle26]

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge - much appreciated.

[@joshshepherd5660]

I am genuinely curious, what do you think of that meprolight m21 sight? Also...as far as the tape/rubber bands; I cannot speak for the Israeli use but on the handguards I've used them just to keep them together a bit better. On the buttstock...an instructor I had suggested this to me as a teaching aid for making sure you get the exact same cheekweld on every presentation.

[@adrianrotman]

@@joshshepherd5660 The M21 is a very durable sight. You can drop it, bung it on concrete, and abuse it all day, and it keeps running and maintains zero. The nonelectronic side is a big plus as well. Just what a soldier needs in an optic. I hate the triangular reticle, and the lack of brightness adjustment is a minus, in my opinion. They are very expensive.

[@joshshepherd5660]

@@adrianrotman Awesome! Ok. I wondered about that triangle reticle...does it give you a zero at the top point of the triangle and then a hold point at the bottom edge of that triangle? Like say you zero the tip top point at 100 meters, would the bottom of the triangle give you something like a 300 yard hold?

[@adrianrotman]

@@joshshepherd5660 All ziroing is done at 25 meters on a special ziroing pepper. On the pepper you have a aiminig point on wich you aim with the top of the triangle and you have markers for expected impact point depending on different combination s of rifle and aiming divise. After completing the ziroing proses the wepon is cosidered ziroed up to 250 meaters for all carbines. In general the the level of marksmanship expected from the avrege soldier in the IDF is not very high. In my time in service it was hiting a head size target from the prone position,a sholder size target from the kniling position and half men size target from standig at 50 meaters with 70% of the shots combined for all positions. Today its even less dimanding. For this kind of work the tingle is good enough.

[@ValerieTgirl]

As a veteren Golani Infantry Sargeant. I tip my hat to you. You nailed the Israeli mentally perfectly. And as an Israeli I noticed your sutble hints on your opinion of us (wink wink)

[@naginataisrael5821]

IDF reservist here. What can I say - you nailed it! A few additional historical moments. While the mekuzar was present in the IDF since the 1970's, and are based on the m16a1, the m4 started getting into the IDF infantry in the late 1990's, mostly to recon and special forces. UP until the early 2000's, regular infantry mostly used the mekutsar versions. Today the mekutsar is used mostly for reservists (though often infantry reserve units already have the m4), secondary field units, such as artillery, tank crews and border guards. A very recent change to the scene is a mekutsar with an m4 upper reciever. Looks like an m4 until you look at the barrel. Finally - an important note is that all of the mekutsar versions use a 1:12 barrel, and therefore the ss109 greentips are not meant for them. There are a few more minor details, but that's the main thing. Take care!

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for sharing friend. I really regret leaving out the detail of how the 1:12 twist affects 62 grain projectiles - that is important.

[@Liam1991]

Here's a question. What part of the IDF uses the Tavor? And which rifle do most soldiers prefer?

[@naginataisrael5821]

@@Liam1991 the Tavor (micro tavor) ia being used by Golani and Givati infantry brigades, as well as some other units. I can hardly say that they are considered better or worse. It's more in the eyes of the beholder and personal experience. But it is likely that the IDF will slowly move back to m4, as it is an excellent and cheaper weapon. I personally used both, but would prefer the m4.

[@Liam1991]

@@naginataisrael5821 nice. I'm guessing the IDF doesn't use the Galil anymore? I'm in the British army reserves, and we use the L85A2. Some regiments have been issued the A3 version, but most of the British military is still using the older version. Hopefully over the next few years, we will get a new rifle.

[@naginataisrael5821]

@@Liam1991 The Galil isn't being used by anyone in the IDF for quite a few years.

[@highdesertdrew]

Strong emphasis on the rules of gunfighting, rule #1: Have a gun. #2 bring all your friends with guns.

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

And your mailman.

[@amypeplinski6276]

I thought rule #1 was Have a gun, ( all guns are loaded at all times / leave your knife at home)??? I am sure this is most likely just a small regional difference or attributable to instructors preferential style or some dick heads not so funny sense of humor 😁

[@highdesertdrew]

@@amypeplinski6276 Rules of gun fighting vs rules of gun safety.

[@screwgoogle4993]

Israeli rules of gunfighting: Have American guns, bring all the Americans with guns. And I almost forgot: cry about being traumatized by battles you never fight yourselves, and cry LITERALLY HITLER about shit you made up in your heads.

[@DonPatrono]

#3 If you think you have enough dakka, think again

[@tomerpilo5193]

I'm watching this in a gate booth in guard duty holding an M16 Katsar. The algortihm is scary

[@Triangle26]

Great weapon, stay safe.

[@natthapong3046]

Stay safe.

[@hungrybraineater2]

I am definitely more on the Palestinian nationalist end of the spectrum politically. But i wish you to Stay safe.

[@bayouman1901]

AM YISRAEL CHAI! 🇮🇱

[@Dnrjr969]

You should probably be paying attention lol

[@MaxWray111]

As someone who has spent most of their life studying history, I really appreciate the research which you put into your videos.

[@Triangle26]

Always appreciated - thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@yonatansaroya9007]

As an IDF veteran, I'm shocked with the accuracy of the detail.

[@yuvalbeery2493]

The sling attachments are done to minimize noise coming from the weapon. The metal sling causes a lot of noise when it rattles against the metal/plastic of the rifle, thus a paracord loop is usually attached to the stock and the gas block. Similar stuff are done in the proper sling attachments in the Tavors. Additional modifications usually include sewing your name/job on the sling and sometimes making a matching sleeve for the magazine, as well as the infamous chamber flag. IDF soldiers take their weapon home, and most combatants will spend the majority of their service with the same particular gun, so personalisation is very common

[@cherevgidon6707]

So in regards to the Hebrew names for the different variant, let's break it down. The original M16A1 with the 20 inch barrel and fixed stock is known as the "Em shesh esre AROCH" (ארוך M16). This simply means "long M-16". The variants with the early triangular handguards are jokingly called "Bourekas". What the US knows as the CAR15, in Israel is referred to as the "Em shesh esre MEKUTZAR" (מקוצר M16), or simply "short M16". This has a barrel of about 14.5 in. Now sometime in the early 2000's, the IDF cut down the barrels of tens of thousands of long M16A1's and they are easily recognizable by their short barrel at about 12.5 inches. These are known as "Em shesh esre MEKUTZRAR", meaning "shortened M16" or alternatively as "Menusar" meaning sawed down. It's important to note that since about 2000, Israel has been issuing M4 Carbines to front line combat soldiers alongside these M16A1 versions. The M4's are generally referred to as "flattops". M16A2's were issued since about 1997 with a Trijicon ACOG, Harris bipod and cheek riser (as a marksman's rifle only). This is known as the A3 (שלוש A). Kudos for a great video! 👊

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for sharing - that’s great info.

[@shvy100]

sawed off

[@agzaimbartholomei3697]

Great info! I own original M16A1 with IMI A2 handguard, TDI fsb rail, FAB magazine carrier and M21 with carry handle mount+IDF sling. The sweetest shooter I have ever owned 💪❤️

[@alimanski7941]

A more accurate translation would be: "Katzar" -> "Short"; "Mekutzar" -> "Shortened"; "Mekutzrar" -> "Further shortened".

[@amitnachman3840]

i have carried this for basically all of my 19 years of service in the IDF and daily for the last 6 months. This review is accurate as hell.

[@rogiervis2306]

Do you prefer this M16vsetvup, or the Tavor?

[@Cokehead_Drug_Addict_Zelensky]

I bet you really took it to those teenagers throwing rocks, eh Shumley?

[@yaya_is_real]

thanks for your service tool of zionism

[@yaya_is_real]

@@tsarytsin hating Israel is a Muslim thing now? Say that to the American men and women who died on the USS Liberty.

[@itamars2]

minus the remark for the lowers- they are fully automatic only. never seen a semiauto only lower. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6m6gouqg9Flr6s

[@LDmagnum]

Quickly becoming one of my favorite people on YT brother.

[@fassaaug03]

As an IDF reservist - you gave me the best review of my weapon! And yes.. we live to mix and match.

[@MargaretCho-pt3ng]

How many babies you delete?

[@sutulj]

As many as their parents decided to stay near a Hamas weapon depos and not move to a safety 🤷🏻 ​@@MargaretCho-pt3ng

[@BorisYeltzin]

@@MargaretCho-pt3ngnot enough

[@MargaretCho-pt3ng]

@@BorisYeltzin 😂

[@ratulxy]

Sucks that you are alive. Should've gotten deleted.

[@Born_Yashish]

Without going into too much detail, let alone the political side, various m16 variants are known to be in Hamas possession science forever. The 1993 Oslo Accords created the Palestinian Authority (PA) as the Palestinian ruling body. As part of their commitment to fight terrorism, Israel and other countries provided them with light weapons- primarily AK and M16 variants. In practice, the PA ruling party, Fatah, that was given the guns was also committed to fight Israel (tell me if you heard this one before) and many of its ranks assisted and even detected to Hamas due to in- faction fighting.

[@rsfaeges5298]

This is the first of your videos thats come my way (surprisingly). I subscribed during your intro. Knowledgable, rational, calm, clear: whats not to like?!

[@Triangle26]

Sincerely appreciated sir.

[@RichardHinds-qs2mi]

Brother, I just stumbled upon this. You’ve got a new sub. I thoroughly enjoyed the info and how it was presented. It’s great to hear someone speak so well…on KZbin. I look forward to more presentations. Thanks for your efforts, man. Appreciate it alot.

[@danielkeidar3254]

Was offered this video, I respect the time it took to research all of this, i used the “kastar” variant throughout my service and i must say you depicted it perfectly in terms of feel in comparison to the block 2 m4s which i have used as well. Keep up your great work!

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, I sincerely appreciate it.

[@762M80]

This is the first video of yours I've seen, excellent information, and very well presented. Now a new subscriber and looking forward to seeing more. Thank you.

[@Triangle26]

I sincerely appreciate that. Thanks for giving the channel a chance!

[@Hcg-g9f]

You are correct with most of what you said, but I have two points to expand on- 1- The covers on the magazines are “Shiftzurim” (a street name for improvised upgrades). There are many types of such upgrades, from shaping the beret (“Kumta”) to dogtag (“Diskit”) covers and much more. This upgrade to the magazines is for preventing sand from entering the inside of it. Usually they are covered with duct tape but it’s not rare to see them covered with cloth or any other thing. 2- The holders for the magazines are there because when you’re handing out rifles to all whole army serving in civilian areas you want to be as safe as possible; especially when some of these soldiers work in office jobs and are only given these guns for guarding and are generally less practiced. At regular times (not in emergency or war like now) it is forbidden to be in “Hachnes”, which means you can’t have your mag inserted in certain (civilian) parts of the country. The street name for these is “banana”, and as you said it’s there to keep safe while also being available. It’s not a requirement but many use these. Another thing that’s there for a similar reason is the flag, called “Mek Porek”, which is a quick way for a commander to ensure none of their troops are loaded. It’s required to be inserted unless in training or combat. Something I’d like to add is that it’s hard for me to see how Hamas would get these weapons from Israel, as to me it’s much more viable That they’ve been smuggled from Jordan or Egypt, both have extensive smuggling networks mostly sponsored by Iran. I may be wrong though.

[@Triangle26]

@@Hcg-g9f Thank you for sharing those notes, all very helpful context. I am curious about the precise pathways by which Hamas acquires weapons. I assume that the IDF, like any other professional military, has structures to prevent weapons from falling into enemy hands. That said, it definitely happened. Hamas is photographed using Meprolight optics, FAB furniture, and Israeli-issued slings.

[@menachemporter5367]

​@@Triangle26 Unfortunately, the IDF has been very ineffective in preventing theft , brazen and on scale, from bases and of course civilian armories. This is a result of negligence and 'progressive' legal directives from IDF courts about shooting thieves etc. So , sadly, it's no surprise at all.

[@bjornjwagner7252]

Mekut’zar is IDF slang for the CAR15 rifle. Add an extra “r” and Mekut’zrar literally translates to “sawed-off” or “shorty.” These unique rifles began life as full-size American M16A1s. To undertake the conversion IDF armorers replaced the solid stocks with collapsible versions. The 20″ M16A1 barrel was pruned back to just behind the gas port, while a new gas port was drilled to accommodate a carbine-length gas system as the front sight base was pinned in place. The barrel was also threaded for a standard M16A1 birdcage flash suppressor and the resulting tube was just shy of 13″ overall. These carbines usually retain the standard M16A1 upper receivers and include round polymer handguards. Optics typically mount directly to the carrying handle. The end result is a remarkably lightweight and easily portable rifle.

[@tehlolercaust]

lol, the IDF didn't do shit but copy american viet nam era designs. Fuck out of here.

[@Dont_care_4_U]

Fun fact In Israel the old M16 has the nickname “sorry stick” because when troops would get on busses the rifle barrel would constantly hit civilians forcing the soldiers to apologize to everyone on the bus

[@Triangle26]

That’s great - thanks for sharing!

[@dandy3d]

Hands down great research. Thought you have somethings off... So if you need an insider knowledge, do reach out. I did 4 year service starting 1998 and unfortunately back to the reserve service because of the 7th of October events. This short carabin version is amazing. It served me for all my years of service and never was an AK -47/74... but when clean it was not bad. We do use M4A1/2 in regular units along with the Tavor. on the 7th I was issued an M4/1 upper with an m-16 lower. I switched the barrel covers to a locally produced polymer m-lok cover and have the real estate to put anything i want. I mainly use a thumb stop and a led light. On the upper we use M5 sights which while using a battery still go a long time and the best sight I've ever used. Most of our guys privately got and x3 magnification for that too.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for sharing. I’ll definitely keep you in mind if I make a future video on IDF weapons, it’s always invaluable to have insider information.

[@Triangle26]

Hey - I’m beginning to work on a second video in IDF M4’s. If your offer for insider information is still good, please shoot me an email at “[e-mail]” - I’ve got some questions.

[@deanperkins2091]

Your presentation & video skills are impressive. You're very well spoken and the editing is great.

[@Triangle26]

I sincerely appreciate that. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@nadams01_65]

This has rapidly become my favorite niche channel on KZbin, and I’m excited to see where you’re able to take this.

[@brolol529]

13:22 these bands are used to place mags inside of. You use them when you're not using a vest/ when your mag isn't inside of your weapon

[@ericdulyon4601]

Firstly, how did I miss the notification if I even got it! Also good to see so many views for this video. You deserve it. You are such a good communicator, teacher. Good video bro! Hope you are well.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks friend, back at you, hope you are well.

[@Gabthar]

Hey, that’s really cool. You posted this I recently got one of those gooseneck mounts that they were using during the war on terror. I’m usually not an aesthetics guy but putting it on a car handle upper just looks very cool .

[@Triangle26]

Totally. Sometimes those old school setups just feel right.

[@batsquatch1987]

This is a fantastic video! Instant like and subscribe. I will be watching all of your content. Very well done, thank you.

[@Triangle26]

Sincerely appreciated! FYI - IDF Carbine Part 2 (M4’s in Israeli Service) is totally complete, and just waiting on the green light from KZbin. Should be up any day now.

[@dwayneelizondomountaindewh6073]

Another great and incite full video as always. Keep them coming brother.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks friend.

[@JohnMichael-to8cb]

Wow! Awesome job my man! Great video, clicking on to part two momentarily, after I subscribe to your channel.

[@joearledge1]

I trained with the idf over 10 years ago. Anyone looking to clone this, it's pretty straightforward. Basically get a mixed bin of well used Vietnam era m16a1/car15 parts, mix and match and slap it together. The only detail that wasn't mentioned is that many if not most of these, are 1:12 twist. They do fine with 55gr, but tumble 62gr m855 at a range of 3 feet. When I was there, I turned in my m249 saw to the Israeli armory and got an original car-15😈. At the end of the training, we had to get rid of the excess ammo we brought with us, so full auto mag dumps from the car-15's... best training ever!

[@muf]

Pretty much describes my brother's m16: M16A1 lower and A2 upper.

[@Triangle26]

Great point - I totally forgot to talk about twist rate!

[@--LZ---]

This is hilarious, I tried shooting green tip from the shortest possible version of the m16 which is nicknamed מקוצרר, the barrel barely makes it past the gas port and the lower was stamped with a production code from 1971, 1/12 twist as well. you can barely hit a target at 25 meters :D It's always fun when you dont need to pay for the ammo.

[@joearledge1]

@@--LZ--- yeah, we hit man sized targets out to 50m with the tumbling 62gr M855 green tip. We didn't fully understand why it was tumbling at the time(we were 20 something year old kids), but it was still effective for training. Minute of man is minute of man. I definitely appreciate getting to play with historical arms, especially now that I'm older and a collector.

[@--LZ---]

@@joearledge1 i used every opportunity i had to go out to the range and shoot, especially as it was a 5 minute walk from my room at the base, and because of my role i had the entire day free, every time i heard shots i went out to the range to help them get rid of some ammo and paper ;) Either way lots of the training i've done is actually just dry firing, its possible to learn so much more when you dont focus on a lot of variables at any given time. Didnt really even shoot full auto that much as I recognized the need to be as precise as possible and by usually only carrying 2 mags strapped together i would have to conserve ammo if i had to use the gun.

[@danmosse9170]

This video is awesome. I went looking for information on this topic and this answered everything.

[@Triangle26]

That's great to hear - thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@dannyzero692]

I love the strange mounting for the optic,

[@Pew7070]

Brother, I just ran across your channel and specifically upon this vid. Based only on your intro you have my follow!

[@urbanarmory]

Oh, the magazine carry thing- it's less common these days because of the orange chamber blockers we usually use these days, which are cleared on racking. I do still see them, but a bit less commonly. As you stated, there's very little consistency in all of this, and as someone who donated a bunch of money to help some soldiers get higher end optics, individuals have a lot of choice in their kit.

[@hbreadly]

It's not used in reservists at all today, but conscripts must use it they want to carry their mag anywhere near the magwell

[@NoEff3x]

@@hbreadlythat’s not entirely accurate, while i as a reservist did not get a chamber blocker with my weapon on oct. 7th, my friends who were called just a few weeks later did get one, i guess it just depends on availability.

[@hbreadly]

@@NoEff3x almost none of the reservists in the 252th division carry with a chamber flag and/or a magwell blocker. The officers said something about needing to see a "safety presentation" before you're allowed to do so and conscripts are not on the list for future sessions 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@NoEff3x]

@@hbreadly it’s not a presentation its just a short written exam that you fill, personally, it kinda sounds like your officers just don’t believe in chamber blockers so they avoid having you carry them, which is also something iv’e seen a fair share of in reservist units tbh.

[@matterhaz2980]

Awesome video I didn't expect to watch this as long as I did but you're super well spoken and you show what the hell your talking about so I don't have to stop and google it constantly. Keep up the great work!

[@maddantt7757]

Thanks, Triangle. Always enjoy your vids

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Error_404_Account_Deleted]

The amount of cool looking ARs in the footage has been something to behold. So many personalized builds.

[@arielshpitzer]

In my time they gave those to the short soldiers and girls. I had a folding stock Galil.

[@SlaterRecreational]

I’ve seen your videos in the past when looking at specifics with an SKS. Glad to see this video recommended for me. The build looks awesome.

[@stormshot119]

This is the first time I've seen anyone on KZbin post the 1st person perspective of what a carry handle mounted m21 looks like

[@markcoffman9522]

First time catching one of your vids. Great job man! I'm subbed! Gave an excellent reason why I see so many A1 variants in the hands of Israelis today.

[@Triangle26]

I really appreciate it, thanks for giving the channel a chance!

[@GaviLazan]

The answer green/black bands is pretty simple. While in some cases they do provide some sort of functionality (depending on the use) they are often used in a way described in IDF lingo as "wassach" (Arabic for "dirt") but used in Hebrew in a similar way to Tacticool in the US. The origin is likely this: soldiers saw elite combat units using those elastic/rubber bands on their weapons for some functional purpose and wanted to replicate them. As the imitators and imitations became less "kravi" ("combat", I'm at a loss on how to phrase this grammatically correct) the more randomly those "upgrades" were used. I served in a non-special forces non-infantry combat unit, let's consider it "tier 3" in regards to the Tacticool trickle down. There were definitely people who sought out and even purchased these elastic bands and configured some silly combos all in an attempt to seem externally like they served in a more "kravi" unit. P. S. There are other IDF variants of the M16 - the "mekutzar" (basically the same as the menusar, but usually menusar was reserved for the shorter shortened barrels), and the "mekutzrar" which was a special variant of ultra short barrels (think shortest possible length) used in tank units where space is at a premium.

[@shawndrazner5924]

Probably the 1st video I’ve actually watched till the end in a long time. Definitely got a new subscriber here. Also I used to serve in the IDF and currently they are phasing out all their Israeli made tavors in favor of an m4 variant with aimpoint comp M5. The process was basically half way done when I got out but in about a year the tavor will probably be a thing of the past shy of special forces who use the suppressed 9mm variant. (Referring to active duty not reserves)

[@mikewithers299]

Love your channel Triangle. Your indepth analysis on any topic keeps me glued the entire time. Loving the retro looking AR

[@Triangle26]

Thanks friend.

[@beandrive]

Just subscribed, this content is educational, knowledge is power and the application of knowledge is supreame.

[@YonatanBornstein]

I had these in the IDF. They didn't have the optic. The optic ( this and others) were used to try to compensate for generally very poor marksmanship of the soldiers. We called it "MEKUTSAR". Obviously the lingo and Jargon evolve.

[@Triangle26]

Thank you for sharing!

[@SidneyBroadshead]

What does Mekutsar mean?

[@Victor-g]

​@@SidneyBroadshead shortened, from word katzar-short

[@adamadler5411]

Where and when did you serve because in the infantry everyone has a red dot, kalaim or marksmen have trij acogs.

[@YonatanBornstein]

@@SidneyBroadshead Yes Shortened. Someone beat me to it.

[@phillyguy1511]

Excellent video. Informative and interesting - very nicely done. Thanks for taking the time to research and put together.

[@Triangle26]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@fin_jan]

If you're left handed, you DEFINITELY notice the lack of brass deflector. You'll notice it the next day when you have half moon scabs on your right cheek.

[@austinhall5933]

Nope, I'm left handed and have a car15 knockoff with no brass deflector. It's annoying but won't cut you. 800 rounds of wolf, and 500 rounds of IMI m193 later... zero cuts.

[@OlegAryutkin]

I’m lefty. The brass deflector slams into your back with every step, when you’re carrying the rifle on you (like you’d do in active service). I’ve always preferred one without deflectors, and never had a cartridge fly into me while shooting. Especially if shooting from knee position, it’s not a problem at all

[@fin_jan]

@@OlegAryutkin Where I'm from, "active service" means rifle slung in the front. But I get your point.

[@OlegAryutkin]

@@fin_jan I meant "active service" = being in the military, as opposed to reserve. Not during guard duty or patrol, but walking around casually, in the base or even around town. We always carry rifles slung at the back. I spent many months attached to my rifle, and out of that actual combat duty was a few weeks total.

[@turnermd1302]

Glad to see your channel is taking off, keep it up my boy

[@jackal2484]

I'm pretty sure the Meprolight m21 is based off of the Trijicon reflex sight that was use during the early days of the SOPMOD program.

[@Triangle26]

Wow - it appears you are right. I’m seeing a very similar design called the Trijicon “ACOG” Reflex II that existed in the 90’s. And the “II” in the name would sure seem to suggest there was a “I”. Great info, thank you for sharing.

[@crafty714]

Awesome information!! 30 years in law enforcement, 3 years retired. We started out with the Ruger Mini 14, locked away in the trunk of the patrol vehicle. I carried a Colt AR, no light and no optic, just the iron sights, and shot better than guys with an optic. I was always the first to get rounds off in a training situation. The only thing I had on my rifle was a sling. Today, I have a light and an optic, but it's an etched optic. If the battery fails, I still have an optic. Yuup, pay attention to your surroundings. Respond accordingly and accurately, y'all!! Awesome video!!

[@HighRoad317]

Excellent content, appreciate the hard work that was involved in bringing us this information. What I’m look for is the details on the magazine couples being used By the IDF. I’m looking

[@Gr1nhauz]

Actually there are 4 veriants for the m16, the long version, (aroch) then there is the short version (katzar), now it is getting confusing, the "menusar" is a 2" shorter barrel from the short, as it got sawed by the IDF, you can distinguishe it as it has the letter מ on the barrel. Last version is the "mekutzrar" ( a mouthful i know) and isbthe shotest veraion as you showed.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for sharing. At this point I've heard from over a hundred current and former IDF soldiers, and it seems as though the slang is a little inconsistent. Possibly differences between units and generations? But what you have just described does seem to be the most universally accepted.

[@troy242]

Wow! Fantastic presentation of obviously well researched information. Polite but not pandering disclaimer was well worded. Too bad that much energy and thought needs to be "wasted" on that facet of life. Well done sir. New subscriber now.

[@giladhaimovici4936]

About the "funny magazine loader things" in 30:33, this are nicknamed "Bananas" in the IDF. It is important to remember that walking with loaded magazine is *not* technically what you are supposed to do in "quiet" areas, such as on trains, although many in active combat units do that anyway. In this case, a female soldier with office uniforms (Madey Alef, "A" uniforms) on a civilian Israeli train will not load the magazine. but, in order to keep it close (because terror attacks can happen everywhere) you would use the "Banana" to have at least one magazine on site.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@EEST-Militia]

Thanks for sharing, I always loved and been a fan of Israeli small arms, from Galil, Uzi, Tavors, Ronin kits, you name it.

[@owenk.4071]

Love the content man!

[@Triangle26]

Thanks a ton.

[@seanbrando_7456]

Good stuff.......you are a very well spoken man. Thank's for the info, useful as well as informative/entertaining.

[@yashav2949]

Grate summary, especially considering it's done by a non-Israeli. Those shortened rifles are really the idf workhorses. Just consider that some of those rifles started their lives as ar-15's straight from the 70's, and they function well enough for military use. The "tactical" black/green rubber on the foregrips at times was done to cover damaged foregrips. Those things chip and even crack when hit hard enough, but still function, so the idf wouldn't bother replacing them. Nowadays, most reservists infantrymen/fighting types would get m4a1's. Non combat personnel within combat units (medics/ordonnance/radio etc) would be getting katzars with m21's. Others would be getting katzars without optics.

[@MotoPhone-p3m]

Wonderful source of information, I appreciate the effort and research you put into this.

[@halfcan-nitafan5207]

You sir and people like you are unbelievable portrayed so wrong by European main stream media you guys are so far removed from the mainstream printed and reported word , I am constantly impressed by you men , God save America And more power to you Much respect from a small island off the the west coast of ireland 🇮🇪

[@Triangle26]

Thank you friend - and all the same to you. I’ve been lucky to have spent a little time in Ireland, and I hold your country and it’s people in the highest esteem.

[@yonatansaroya9007]

Thank you for the very detailed analysis! As an IDF veteran You got it all right!specially the sling LOL!

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@mordyfinkel963]

Wow…fantastic rundown. Subscribed.

[@Triangle26]

Sincerely appreciated. Thanks for giving it a chance!

[@forestwatch5540]

Found this video randomly on my suggestions. Very informative and interesting video. Well done!

[@Triangle26]

@@forestwatch5540 thanks for watching!

[@kountrygunz2032]

Eugene Stoner was a genius. The AR platform is is so versatile and hard to beat.

[@ghostwriter1415]

NO! A complete perforation of a steel helmet from a 500 yard distance, was a great performance-speck, but ES was not a genius. You might enjoy Tommy Hilfiger cologne a whole lot, but Tommy is anything but a genius, rather a "successful" artist!

[@steven.2602]

I wouldn't put him as far up as someone like Browning, but he's definitely among the likes of Mauser.

[@Axe_WoundTV]

Great content! I served my 3 years plus 10 years in reserves with these bad boys. My preferred config is the phat handguard with aluminum butt stock, iron sights 😍 gotta love the M203 variant too. The rubber bands, like the gentleman with the long comment pointed out, can be used to carry an extra mag, but a lot of it really is for aesthetics. Many units, especially infantry, have their own "seamstress", a soldier whose job is to make custom custom slings, belts, vests, rifle accessories etc.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Having a 203 on a carry-handle carbine is too cool 🤘

[@333twang]

Currently serving in the IDF. Just to touch on the paracord sling attachments, I have never once seen boot strings being used. additionally paracord is used because it is a silent attachment method, it wont rattle, that is cheap and strong, even on a Negev, we used wire to cover the paracord to keep it away from the hot barrel preventing it from melting. IDF slings are dog shit there litterally made from seat belt material

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for sharing that information.

[@Charles_Gunhaver]

I appreciate your words on a carbine vs a short fighting rifle with relation to weight, handiness, and capability compromise. Really well articulated. On a side note, I hope you saved the script you canned for a later video someday. I’d like to hear your personal thoughts. We might not agree but I like getting other people’s takes. Great channel!

[@poopoo7705]

Really sick rifle. I've got a pin&welded brownells 12.7" XM177E2 I've been considering Form 1ing to make a Menusar.

[@Ares12893]

The 177 is so handy, I love mine. Definitely SBR it.

[@Triangle26]

Yea that sounds like a great idea. That little package is hard to beat.

[@Frankie5Angels150]

You earned a 👍🏼and a sub! Intelligent and understandable. Very well done!

[@Triangle26]

I sincerely appreciate that!

[@Schlabbeflicker]

I'd struggle to even call it a "war" when Hamas is a terrorist group operating within a non-state entity. An "insurgency" would be a more accurate descriptor.

[@ARandomUser6969]

Palestine is technically a country but it's a non functioning state and it's more or less a lawless territory that operates effectively where Israel especially the Gaza part. The Palestinian authority is weak and powerless. I view Yemen and Somalia in the same light. They are more geographic areas than functioning states.

[@dannyzero692]

@@ARandomUser6969 Yemen has some bureaucracy where the Houthis operate in, that's why they can operate some more sophisticated weapon like ballistic missiles, long range attack drones and do helicopter raids on civilian shipping. Somalia on the other hand is pretty much split into 2 states of Somalia and Somaliland, both have their own bureaucracy and functioning state services albeit lackluster even by African standard.

[@mikhacoffman4522]

Israel vs Hamas isn’t an actual war but overall israel is at war as they’re in direct confrontation with Iran proxies on 3 separate fronts putting aside the scrap with Iran itself that happened.

[@AldoSchmedack]

​@ARandomUser6969 Not many recognize it as such. It couldn't make it as a country. All the funds go to terror. Never infrastructure. Never will feel less safe then near that area. And further more, they *HATE* us Westen people. Remember that.

[@tomray7449]

Thanks for putting in the time for the research and creating the video.

[@emmanuelcalderon1982]

Awsome clone and video. I always appreciate the history of firearms. One thing worth mentioning is the Meprolight m21 is actually an improved version of Trijicon's reflex red dots. Like you mentioned the tritium and fiber optic combo is a Trijicon thing. Like our surplus rifles that made their way to Israel the Trijicon optics did too. The Israeli's liked them enought to make their own. 👍🏽

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for sharing - you are of course correct! I learned that after making this video, which I suppose is better than not learning it at all!

[@pixelfehler1111]

Great vid. One recommendation: external microphone - think upped audio quality will help with the algo and get more folks watching. You deserve at least 100k subs, I’m surprised you’re less than 10 - keep it up and you’ll be there in no time!

[@Triangle26]

Good feedback - thank you. I am actually using (what I thought would be) a solid external microphone, but I agree it’s not doing the job.

[@mateoocampo3165]

Excellent video! Keep up the good work.... 👍👍👍

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching!

[@tritium77]

Awesome video -- to clarify your question at 13:30 the magazine wraps etc. are mostly used by conscripts for aesthetic purposes and often have a paracord lanyard attaching it to the rifle. The secondary lanyard is very common (was not optional in my unit) so optics and anything else that could be knocked off one's weapon are all tied down. We also use very basic magazine couplers that are simply a folded piece of sheetmetal, we then use a shell casing or two to create the angle between the two magazines and then tape everything up, usually with a paracord loop or lanyard as well. Also many of us prefer the katsar / menusar to the M4 simply because it is lighter. We would trade our M4 stocks for CAR stocks just to save weight, other guys would do the opposite.

[@Jaredhilliard]

Meprolight recently released the m22 which is a more modern take on the m21 optic.

[@Triangle26]

I was looking at those - I’d love to get my hands on one. I’m impressed by the M21, and it wouldn’t shock me if the M22 was a serious contender among modern combat optics.

[@SethBaker-c6m]

Wow, Never watched you before, Im gonna subscribe. Great Video!

[@peterwehrmeyer925]

I was there during the oozy days.They were fascinated with my check seventy five😊

[@isaac6705]

This was a great video. You earned a subscriber, that's for sure.

[@Triangle26]

Sincerely appreciated - thank you.

[@J69-y2d]

IDF doesnt throw stuff away long as its practical..i remember as a kid in 82 seeing em in WW2 era half tracks rolling thru Lebanon on nightly news

[@Triangle26]

Can’t blame them! If it’s stupid and it works… it’s not stupid.

[@nateo6806]

Very informative! I have a plastic IDF mag carrier from just randomly browsing piles of surplus at shows, it's a neat concept. Can go well on a sling, or even a belt and you have a vertical mag which allows easier sitting in a vehicle.

[@spd579]

Well done! Yes, you are right. The IDF, won't get rid of anything that still works.

[@Triangle26]

Can’t blame them! I try not to get rid of anything that works either.

[@jimmyvancleef3593]

Awesome research man. Well put together as always

[@Triangle26]

Much appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@michaelhansen4300]

For me , history is'nt in a history book, i carried one of these close to 20 years, and came to use it several times in operational use. A GREAT weapon!

[@fin_jan]

When the soldier falls asleep next to you on the bus and his rifle takes an unfortunate angle, you're very happy to see an empty magwell. The manual of arms lets you expect that he/she emptied the chamber also.

[@MichaelJenkins910]

This was remarkably informative and balanced. Thank you!

[@danmorgan3685]

Informative yes. Balanced? Oh, hell no. He dumped a lot of Hasbara BS throughout. The biggest lie is acting like the Israelis distribute these guns to settlers for "defense". That's like giving the Aryan Nation guns for "defense".

[@darrickbrown830]

👏🏽👏🏽love the way this channel represents! Well done. Intelligent, informed, Sensible perspectives.

[@ramjet118]

Those pics are just amazing! You notice the lack of handguns. But soccer moms and kibbutz’s teens strapped with battle proven ars.

[@dennisyoung4631]

Just like in the fictional Rooster Totem…

[@Triangle26]

Yea, they are definitely taking “open carry” to another level. I say good on them!

[@adrianrotman]

Well, there is a good reason you don't see many handguns .... There are not that many around .... The firearms policy in Israel is very strict; only 1 in 6 adult population is eligible to apply for a license . That's for 1 handgun and 100 rounds of ammunition only. in practice, less than 2% of the Israeli population acutely own a firearm. It was even worse before the recent events and the policy change that followed: 1 in 10 adult people was eligible for a license. Privet-long gun ownership is all but non-exciting, with very few exceptions like hunters and sport shooting ,and those are very hard licenses to get. What you actually see in the pictures are reserve soldiers on leave who are allowed to carry their service rifles (not all reservists are allowed), security personnel, police officers, etc.

[@ftdefiance1]

I served with the A1 and don't entirely understand the benefit of chopping 4 inches of the barrel.

[@dennisyoung4631]

@@ftdefiance1 longer sight radius, and a bit more velocity? (It’s been almost thirty years since I last touched the one I once had. )

[@leegilar2730]

Great content, in depth research. Good job man

[@UltimateMadnessLSRP]

The implication that Hamas and other terrorist groups which combat Israel receive their American-based arms through the IDF (stealing, etc.) is false. Many other countries in the Middle East including neighbors of Israel have different variants of American firearms and rifles including Jordan (which you showed a picture of), Lebanon, and even Iraq. Unlike the US, the IDF does not have a policy to "ditch" weapons or firearms in any place they fight in, nor did it happen whatso ever. The IDF tracks and reports after stolen firearms (which does occur from Israeli bases), and the reports suggest very little thefts annually. Even if a few were left behind (which I don't really think happens) it doesn't explain the amount of American-based weapons that get picked up by terrorists groups in Judea & Samaria or Gaza. The explanation - smuggling into these locations through arms-trafficking groups, whom some co-align with other terrorist groups, from Israel's neighbors, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon for the sake of making a profit and/or empowering and arming terrorist factions. The IDF and other Israeli military/police units engage in foiling such plots (before the war, mainly). The other - some illegal warehouses in Judea & Samaria and Gaza craft improvised rifles through different parts which they stumble upon, mainly through purchasing airsoft/scrap metal replicas. So you maybe should read and educate yourself on that.

[@menib7574]

Good comment although the passive aggressiveness at the end is a bit 😳

[@victor070]

by the way. we have seen many "navy seals" stamped ar platforms in the hands of terrorists around here and caught a pretty good amount of newest us sig 9mm handguns (desert). I do not suggest in any way that US supplies arms to those terrorists however somehow those guns end up in jordain/egypt and find their way to gaza and judea and samaria.

[@Triangle26]

Two things: 1) Whenever there is a conflict between what *I see* and what *I’m told* - I defer to what I see. In this case I see a *distinctly Israeli* pattern of firearm, which often includes Israeli manufactured accessories (Meprolight, FAB, etc) in the hands of the enemy. 2. I’m always interested in educating myself and being proven wrong. I make videos to learn, and I’ve already learned a lot from commenters who have shared verifiable information. If you can direct me to verifiable resources that contradict my conclusion, I’ll review them carefully.

[@j.c5078]

Israel and America will save the West. Jews4Trump ❤

[@UltimateMadnessLSRP]

​@@Triangle26 I can't paste links here, but search "idf weapon theft", "israel airsoft being made into weapons" and "weapons smuggling into israel" and you'll get out of each search PLENTY of articles proving and showing the statistics of weapons being illegally modified and smuggled into Israel, by who, why, and how.

[@katinokatoso1073]

Thanks Ahi ^^ Loved the video

[@alz.7716]

Free Shwarma! From the pitas to the hummus.

[@zerofail.455]

Great video. Very interesting insight for history buffs/equipment needs like myself.

[@LDB670]

I never seem to see flashlights on Israeli weapons? Why is that? So much urban terrain, seems like a rifle mounted flashlight would be standard issue. Used the m21 optic in Iraq with the amber triangle. I had a hard time picking up the triangle in bright sunlight. I preferred the acog with some tape over the fiber optic

[@Trexbed]

We keep white light on our helmets, that being said many guys opt to put white light on their tavor. Other units carry white light on their m4s. you have to remember many units are tasked to a certain part of the country so guys on the Lebanon border don’t have much need for white light as it’s open terrain and instead rely on night vision. But when my unit was in the West Bank we heavily relied on white light indoors as it’s very urban. I personally had a light on my rifle and one on my helmet

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for sharing. I was curious about that also. I didn’t see many white lights on weapons in photos, but every time I saw indoor CQB footage, there was always plenty of white light.

[@wtice4632]

​@@Trexbedyou dont need lights to shoot women and children

[@bjreisman]

Great video. You have hit the nail on the head for many of your observations. The "Frankenstein Monster" is probably the most authentic phrase to use with regards to many IDF weapons. I have been doing reserve duty for the last 25 years, and also did 20 years in a local counter terror first response team. My Mekutzar was an M16A1 with an EOTECH on a Z shaped connector and a front grip with a spare mag holder. Every person in the team had a different setup, be that optic, flashlight, buttstock, pistol grip or front grip (some didn't bother). As things were privately donated or purchased, or given to the team by either the IDF or the Security branch of the local authority, people in the team shifted the gear on their weapons. When my 2 older sons went off to the IDF earlier this year, I was surprised to see them come home with M4 flat top uppers and M16A1 lowers both with Aimpoint Pro's. When they finished their basic training (one in Golani-infantry, the other in Paratroop Recon) and moved over to advance training, they signed on new weapons (proper M4's - one with an Aimpoint and the other with a Mepro M5 optic). As you quite rightly said, regular units have a reason to use more dedicated and unified arms, whereas reserve units and Civilian first response teams use what they are given. I have never had a problem with my weapon. It was convenient and light and for the range that I needed it for, gave me all that I needed. The standard 5.56 round ballistic achievements are probably much more suitable for CQB than a green tipped round in an M4 (for those out there who have studied Fackler). I look forward to watching more vids from you.

[@vineysmadshow]

The long and short of this is the Israel Katsar, Menutzsr, MekutZar rifle is 1. The barrel is a pencil barrel either factory or cut from a M16, no M4-pattern barrels generally observed 2. Furnitures are generally CAR15 furnitures, but with room for lots of deviations and improvisation, 3. All would use the A-Post front sights, 4. Optics are generally the Mepro mounted on a gooseneck, 5. Generally no picatinny rails/ quad rails, but with room for exceptions, 6. Generally the sling is the Zahal sling mounted on a paracord.

[@Triangle26]

Yep. I should have talked to you before filming, could have saved myself from talking for 32 minutes lol.

[@thedeathwobblechannel6539]

Super great mini documentary video man this is freaking awesome I saw these in October at the beginning of hostilities and I wondered what the hell it was and thank you and heads up on that sling situation they have that is very cool in provisation in war is always important

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@DanielLLevy]

Thank you for this excellent, to-the-point video! The first time my IDF reserve unit was issued k'tzarim around 1990, I was impressed by their light weight and by their accuracy. You could go on foot patrol and completely forget that thing slung between your shoulder blades, unlike the previously-issued Galils and M16-A1's that always reminded you of their presence by sawing into your shoulder until you'd carry them on top to slacken the sling a bit, barrel forward and Philippines-commie guerrilla style, something squad leaders always had a dim view of. I was a company medic so my vest was pretty heavy and complex when carrying nothing more than necessary. One early morning I reported to the patrol vehicle fully equipped, but everyone was laughing at me heartily, when one of the guys asked me if perchance I hadn't forgotten something: indeed, that little rifle had remained on my cot!

[@Triangle26]

Thank you for sharing your firsthand experiences with this carbine sir! I still have nightmares about showing up to formations without my weapon.

[@ThePyro3825]

@12:15 Fun fact if you didn't know; Magpul mag tabs originated from 550 cord lanyards duct taped to the baseplate.

[@scottwilson1258]

Exactly, Thanks Joe Biden

[@Triangle26]

Every time I think about the 7 Billion dollars worth of hardware we left in Afghanistan - I remember getting chewed out for breaking my $10 issued eye pro. *Every* time.