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

Ihtog Walther P38 1
Ihtog Walther P38 1

I Have This Old Gun: Walther P38

On the eve of World War II, the German military sought a new sidearm that was easier to manufacture than the P08 Luger. Its answer was the P38.

C&H Precision STRYKR: A Red-Dot Sight for PDWs

The C&H Precision STRYKR is a hard-use, enclosed-emitter optic designed for PDWs and compact carbines.

Rifleman Interview: Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 OD Green Topographic Rifle

At “Plinkapalooza” in May we had a chance to try out the latest Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 rifle.

Patriots Landing Announces "A Nation Remembers" Veterans Weekend

Patriots Landing, a faith-based veterans workshop based in Kentucky, announced it would hold "A Nation Remembers" veterans weekend in Grant County, Ky., from Sept. 16-20.

Past NRA President Allan Cors, 1936-2026: Liberty Takes A Loss

One of liberty’s champions, past NRA President Allan D. Cors died on August 10, 2026.

Moving to the Micro Red-Dot: An Old Dog Learns Some New Tricks

After shooting open-sighted handguns for more than 40 years, the author's aging eyes finally caught up to him, and his concealed-carry pistol now sports a red-dot optic.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.