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.
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:
| Caliber | 5.56 NATO |
| Action | Semi-auto |
| Operating System | Closed rotating bolt, long stroke gas piston |
| Magazine Type | MAGPUL PMAG GEN M3 with Window |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Barrel Material | Cold hammer forged, CrMoV, chrome lined |
| Barrel Length | 16″ |
| Overall Length | 34.5″ (Buttstock Unfolded and Collapsed) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs w/out Magazine |
| Rifling | Right Hand, 1:7 inch twist |
| Sights | Adjustable with Tritium front post and 2-dot Tritium rear aperture. |
| Restricted States | Sales 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:
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.
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