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

Red Dot Occlusion 4
Red Dot Occlusion 4

Red-Dot Occlusion Training: A Performance-Booster for You & Your Optic-Equipped Handgun

Red-dot occlusion is a passive technique that shooters can use to remain target-focused, thereby speeding up their performance with optic-equipped handguns.

New for 2026: Dead Air Nomad Ti Over-The-Barrel (OTB) Suppressor

The Dead Air Silencers Nomad Ti OTB is designed to be a compact and lightweight suppressor for the backcountry hunter.

I Carry: Diamondback SDR in a Galco Hornet Holster

For our latest "I Carry" episode above, we paired the six-round Diamondback SDR DA/SA snubnose revolver with a simple leather holster from Galco, along with one of the latest EDC flashlights from Streamlight.

The Armed Citizen® May 8, 2026

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

Creating the Ideal First-Time Shooting Experience

That first time behind a trigger can shape a newcomer’s attitude towards firearms. Here are five ways to make the experience a success.

Henry Repeating Arms Founder & CEO Honored as Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year

Henry Repeating Arms founder and CEO Anthony Imperato has been named Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year by New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.