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

001 HP15CC W Cover 01
001 HP15CC W Cover 01

Review: Hi-Point HP-15 Carbine

In 2025, Hi-Point Firearms surprised the firearm community with the news that it would offer a complete line of HP-15 carbines and pistols. Since then, the company has expanded their offerings.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory Saint Victor .300 BLK 9.5” Pistol

Springfield Armory’s Saint Victor family now has a pistol in .300 BLK.

Preview: Lee Precision 7 mm Backcountry Reloading Dies

Lee Precision is now backing Federal’s 7 mm Backcountry cartridge with an all-inclusive kit, along with load data to reload once-fired Federal Premium cases.

Rimfire Resurgence Trend?

With suppressor sales booming, are shooters rediscovering their love of rimfire firearms?

New for 2026: Mossberg 990 Magpul and 990 SPX Aftershock

Mossberg steps up its 990 game with a new Magpul shotgun and SPX firearm.

New for 2026: Gemtech Nebula 5.7 Direct-Thread Suppressor

Gemtech’s Nebula is a 5.7x28 mm-specific sound suppressor.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.