NRA Gun of the Week: IWI Galil ACE Rifle

by
posted on June 24, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The IWI Galil was designed by Yisrael Galil and Yaacov Lior following the 1967 Six-Day War to address the perceived shortcomings of the FN FAL. The Galil family of arms went on to become a mainstay within Israeli armories. Presently, Israel presses its Galil into service, and modern Galil parts are imported by IWI US, Inc. to be assembled for purchase by the American consumer market. A milled upper receiver coupled with modern polymer moldings give the AK-rendition a modern and precise look. The subject of this review, IWI’s Galil ACE Rifle GAR1639, features a 16”, chrome-moly steel barrel chambered for 7.62x39 mm. Included on this model is a folding and adjustable stock, bilateral fire controls and a left-side, reciprocating charging handle. It is advised that only American-made magazines, such as the provided Magpul 30-rounder are to be used due to 922(r) import compliancy.

To see this gun in action, check out this week's NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman's Kelly Young. For more information, visit iwi.us.

Specifications:

IWI Galil Rifle GAR1639
Manufacturer:
 IWI US, Inc.
Model: Galil ACE GAR1639
Action Type: gas-piston-operated, semi-automatic center-fire rifle 
Chambering: 7.62x39 mm
Barrel: 16”; cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined, chrome-moly steel
Receiver: milled-steel upper; polymer lower
Handguard: tri-rail polymer
Buttstock: side-folding; polymer, six-position-adjustable
Pistol Grip: integral to polymer lower with storage
Sights: elevation-adjustable post front, windage-adjustable aperture rear; tritium
Weight: 7 lbs., 8 ozs.
Magazine: 30-round detachable box
Trigger: 6-lb., 9-oz. pull
MSRP: $1,899

Latest

1925 Cover
1925 Cover

Studying Ammunition Developments Of The Early 20th Century

In the mid-1920s, the U.S. Ordnance Dept. faced a problem: How do you measure improvements in ammunition design if everyone is shooting at different distances and recording different results?

Preview: Firefield Hexcore HD

With a sub-$250 MSRP, Firefield’s Hexcore HD is proof that night-vision devices do not need to be exorbitantly expensive.

Henry Updates Mini Bolt Youth Rifle

Henry Repeating Arms introduced its Mini Bolt Youth rifle nearly 25 years ago as an ideal training rifle for young firearm enthusiasts. In 2025, the platform received a number of design updates.

Preview: Avian-X AXP Lessers Fusion Pack

The AXP Lessers Fusion Pack from Avian-X offers a bundle of six durable life-like decoys in a variety of postures to attract even the wariest of Canadian geese.

Gun Of The Week: Armscor TM22-S-18

We're on the range in this video to get a closer look at an affordable plinker imported by Armscor. Whether you’re training on a budget or just want a rimfire for plinking, the TM22 is a proven platform worth investigating.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 22, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.