The Arms Guide
  • Home
  • Concealed Carry
  • Firearms Training
  • Handguns
  • Rifles
  • Gun News
  • AR-15
  • Reloading Gear
  • Gun Safes

IWI Galil ACE 5.56×45: Ultimate Fighting Rifle?

Galil Ace 556

June 24, 2017 by Graham Baates Leave a Comment

 

GA-Left
The Galil ACE offers complete controls on both sides of the rifle.

Some may call it heresy for a 15-year Army veteran to be an AK fan but I am. I like simplicity and reliability in a fighting rifle. The fewer moving parts the better. As an American I also appreciate the availability and versatility of modern 5.56x45mm loads. Add to that the abundance of magazines and an AK in 5.56mm becomes the dream rifle. The Galil ACE GAR16556 is not the first riffle to offer this combination, but that’s a good thing.

 

GA-Tritium
Tritium inserts in front and rear sights.

Continuing on the evolution that was the original Galil from decades ago, the ACE GAR16556 is a fighting rifle for the 21st century. Reliability and simplicity in mechanical operation have remained, but extra features have also been added to give an edge to anyone lucky enough to wield one. Full-length picatinny rails, tritium sights, ambidextrous controls and left-side charger just to name a few. Before we get into those details let’s look at the rifle by its specs taken straight from IWI US’ website:

Caliber5.56 NATO
ActionSemi-auto
Operating SystemClosed rotating bolt, long stroke gas piston
Magazine TypeMAGPUL PMAG GEN M3 with Window
Magazine Capacity30 rounds
Barrel MaterialCold hammer forged, CrMoV, chrome lined
Barrel Length16″
Overall Length34.5″ (Buttstock Unfolded and Collapsed)
Weight7.5 lbs w/out Magazine
RiflingRight Hand, 1:7 inch twist
SightsAdjustable with Tritium front post and 2-dot Tritium rear aperture.
Restricted StatesSales of this rifle may be restricted in certain states and the District of Columbia. Please check with your local authorities regarding your local firearms laws.
MSRP – $1,899

Right off the bat a couple of numbers shock me. 7.5lbs unloaded and an MSRP that easily doubles excellent rifles in other platforms. I suppose that after purchasing one your wallet would be light enough that a 7.5lbs rifle wouldn’t feel too heavy.

Back to the good stuff. Unlike many rifles of the same operating system the Galil ACE appears to have been made on brand new machines and then assembled by retired Swiss watch makers. The fit and finish is impeccable and tolerances of non-operating parts so tight that the manual actually warns the owner that extra force may be needed for assembly and disassembly. To see what I mean watch the video below:

GA-Generous-Magwell
A generous flare to the magazine well

Oh yeah, and last-round bolt hold-open with the ability to release the bolt from either side of the rifle. What are your thoughts on this rifle? Is it the answer to AR V. AK? Is it the perfect bug-out gun combining AK reliability and ruggedness with AR precision and availability of ammo? Let us know your thoughts.

Filed Under: Rifles Tagged With: ACE, galil, GAR16556, GBGuns, Graham Baates, IWI

Related Posts

  • Windham Weaponry New Release: Carbon Fiber AR-15
    Windham Weaponry New Release: Carbon Fiber AR-15
  • Barrett MRAD
    Barrett MRAD: Long Range Beauty
  • Eye Candy: SIG MPX - TheArmsGuide.com
    Eye Candy: SIG MPX

About the Author

Avatar for Graham Baates

Graham Baates “Graham Baates” is a pen name used by a 15-year active Army veteran who spent most of his time in the tactical side of the Intelligence community including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Post-Army Graham spent some time in the 3-Gun circuit before becoming a full-time NRA Certified defensive handgun instructor. After more than 1,900 hours instructing he now works as an industry writer while curating a YouTube channel on the side.

See All Graham Baates Articles

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

In Case You Missed It

The 7 Best Fireproof Gun Safes For Your Money Featured
Gun Safes

The 7 Best Fireproof Gun Safes for Your Money

January 19, 2021

Best Ar 10 Lowers Featured
Rifles

Best AR-10 Lowers (2021)

January 19, 2021

Best Sig Sauer P365 Holsters Featured
Handguns

Best Sig Sauer P365 Holsters

January 19, 2021

Best Ar 10 Upper Receiver
Rifles

6 Best AR-10 Upper Receivers – A Buyers Guide

January 11, 2021

© Copyright 2021 Thearmsguide · All Rights Reserved.

  • Comms Check
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Us

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.