Several days ago we wrote about the TM-9 pistol of a Montenegrin company called TARA. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at an AR-15 style rifle made by the same company. The rifle is called TARA TM-4. Although being based on the AR-15, it has some differences and improvements. Let’s take a look.

Images by TARA

One of the most significant differences is that the TM-4 has a steel reinforced polymer lower receiver. The pistol grip is integrated with the lower receiver and has a storage compartment. The company claims to achieve about 30% of weight reduction compared to the aluminum receiver. The trigger guard is also enlarged to allow easier use with gloved hands. The magazine release button and safety selector lever are ambidextrous. Safety selector has safe, single shot and full-auto positions, however, the manufacturer also offers a 3-shot burst setting as an option.

Another difference from the M4/M16 is the short stroke gas piston system. It is adjustable with 3 settings – standard, increased gas flow and completely closed. Despite the mentioned differences, this rifle has a high rate of parts compatibility with the AR-15 platform.

The cold hammer forged barrel is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. It has an overall length of 14.5″ and a 1:7 twist rate. There is also an 11,5″ barreled version of this rifle called TM-4C Commando Rifle. The barrel has NITREX coating which is said to provide increased corrosion resistance properties. Apparently, NITREX is the name of the company who makes gas nitriding and nitrocarburization equipment and offers surface treatment services.

The buttstock is also designed by TARA

TARA TM-4 also features a flat top upper receiver made of forged 7075-T6 aluminum with hard coat anodized finish. The lower section of quad rail handguard has a built-in heat shield and it can be removed to allow mounting an M203 grenade launcher.

Below is a set of images from the manufacturer’s website.