IWI Galil Ace 5.56 Gen 2 Review

Few firearms have the fame of the popular Kalashnikov AK-47, but today we are bringing you a review of a more modern rifle. The Galil Ace Gen 2 takes the robust and reliable design of the famous AK to a more modern level. Join us as we analyze the IWI second generation Galil chambered in 5.56 Nato.

Galil Ace 5.56 Gen 2 Background 

The original Galil was designed for the Israeli Defense Forces more than fifty years ago. A service rifle that borrowed heavily from the AK-47, but also incorporated better designs and more modern service cartridges to improve the performance of the rifle. 

The Galil uses a milled receiver to serve as a sturdier platform for the rifle’s parts. Built originally in 7.62x51and 5.56 the rifle was and is used by a variety of military and law enforcement agencies. The ACE variant of the Galil utilizes a polymer lower receiver portion that greatly enhances the rifle’s capabilities. Allowing the use of various modern magazine designs and reducing the overall weight of the rifle.

Moving the charging handle to the left side of the receiver allowed using the support hand to charge the rifle. Additionally a left-side dust cover protects the charging handle channel from debris. Additionally, the ACE version of the rifle added a folding style AR patterned buttstock that allows the use of more popular and modular buttstock options. All these additional design improvements brought the Galil into competition with more modern firearms like the M16. 

This allowed the rifle to win various military contracts putting it into service in countries all over the world. It is also manufactured under license in various countries, something I witnessed first hand in Colombia. Where they are very proud of their own Galil ACE rifles used by the Colombian National Army. Other countries like Mexico, Philippines, Nigeria, and Vietnam also use the Galil ACE as an infantry battle rifle.

Galil ACE Features

1 Sixteen-inch Barrel

Threaded ½-28 using a 1:7 twist optimized for modern munitions

2 Picatinny Optics Rail

A full 18-inches for mounting a variety of sighting options

3 Folding AR-Type Stock

For more compact storage and adjustment

4 Dual Safeties

Both right and left-sided safety controls

5 M-Lok Free-Floated Handguard

For adding the best accessories

Models and Variations of the Galil ACE

The Galil ACE is available in four basic models. They all feature the same basic concept, but come in four calibers. The 5.56 model we tested today, and a 7.62×51 model that both use the same popular magazines as AR platforms. 

Additionally there are two models that use AK type magazines. The 5.45×39 model and the 7.62×39 model both use rock-in locking AK type magazines. As well as the paddle release you’ll find familiar from AK type rifles.There also appear to be SBR versions of the rifle.

Galil ACE Gen 2 rifle – Review

I’ve long been familiar with the Galil, but I had never handled one nor taken the time to familiarize myself. So when this Galil ACE showed up I guess you could say I was only modestly aware. But like any true gun nut, I immediately played with it until I had every control and function figured out. 

My initial impression was better than expected, mainly because I had thought the Galil was just another AK variant.

The Ace

A lifetime ago it would seem, the original Galil was introduced to defense forces. The modern ACE version of the rifle incorporates some much better features when compared to its ancestor. It’s long milled receiver makes the overall rifle a bit longer than a comparable AR. But due to its folding stock it can be made more compact than said AR, and it can be fired without the stock fixed. 

I shouldered the rifle and adjusted the length of pull quite easily, the same way I would an AR. It felt familiar against the shoulder, with easy manipulation using the pistol grip. With the charging handle on the left side of the receiver it was very easy to manipulate, especially compared to the original. 

The Action felt smooth and consistent, despite being bone dry. I dropped the magazine a few times and also noticed the lock-open feature which is superior to the AK design. With a push-button mag release, it’s much more familiar to the typical American shooter. I definitely prefer it over the paddle release design of the original Galil. 

The ACE safety is similar to the previous Galil, in that it has safety selectors on both sides of the gun. But the ACE uses a less conspicuous right side selector, the original looked much more like the AK safety. The left-side safety selector is operated by the thumb, and is linked to the right-side selector inside the receiver.

Range Ready

To shoot the ACE, I figured I would add a simple red dot for fun shooting. And bring along a good scope to see how accurate it can be. I also grabbed a few different magazines to test in the rifle, some P-Mags and OK metal mags. I also grabbed a Magpul MS1 sling to use on the rifle. 

For ammunition, I brought along a few boxes of PMC Bronze and some American Eagle both featuring 55 grain bullets. A couple different options to see how the rifle functions. 

Once on the firing line, it was time to go hot with the ACE. It didn’t take long to find out what I liked and didn’t like about the shootability of the rifle. First up were the controls. The charging handle is smooth and easy to operate. Trigger pull definitely felt better than an AK, but I wouldn’t put it as good as an AR trigger. Dropping the bolt after a reload took a little more effort than I would have liked or anticipated. And both the bolt-release and magazine catch were just a touch further away than I would have liked. But these are of course somewhat subjective.

During the course of our testing we experienced zero failures. Running different magazines and ammunition types didn’t affect the rifle at all. The impressive ejection will keep empty brass landing in the next county, so don’t expect to recover much of it. With its action based on the AK design, it comes as no surprise that it functions so well. 

The grip angle fits nicely, and the dual safety selectors are almost perfect placement to use without removing most of your hand from the grip. If there was one thing I would change about the ergonomics of the rifle it would be to put the controls a little more accessible.

Shooting the Galil ACE on paper averaged groups around two MOA. Ten shots ended up in a 2.8 MOA group, which probably would have been a little better with a higher power scope. I have seen reports of accuracy as good as 1-1.5 MOA which wouldn’t surprise me at all. 

I noticed while shooting the ACE that the recoil impulse is a little more punchy than I had anticipated. Certainly not a big deal, but it didn’t feel as soft as an AR. It was generally a pretty fun rifle to shoot, easy to handle and operate.

IWI Galil Ace Pros and Cons 

Upgrades and Accessories for the Galil Gen 2

Red Dot

I used my US Optics TSR-1 red dot for much of the shooting. I found it to provide great target acquisition and engagement, and it would be ideal for active shooting in short-range scenarios.

Rifle Scope

I also did some shooting using the Eotech Vudu 1-6 LPVO. I found this sight to be more useful for shooting further distances, it allowed me to accurately engage targets at three and four-hundred yards. The FFP configuration of the scope was helpful for those farther shots, and the illuminated ring worked much like a red dot for the closer shots.

Sling

The MS1 sling was a handy accessory for the ACE. Much like with any rifle it gives you rapid adjustment to be able to sling the rifle when you don’t need it. And keep it close for when you do need it.

Preferred Accessories

Red Dot US Optics TSR-1		Check Price
Rifle Scope Eotech Vudu 1-6 LPVO		Check Price
Sling MS1 sling		Check Price

Best Ammo for the Galil Ace

All the ammunition I brought along for the review worked great, out of the two bulk-packed ammo types the rifle didn’t seem to have a preference. Both shot comparably. But I also shot some better quality ammunition to see if it would improve the accuracy of the rifle. For that I used some Hornady Black 62 grain and some PMC Match 77 grain. Both of those shot better than the ball ammo.

How to Care for Your IWI Galil Ace 5.56

Here is a video showing you the disassembly of the IWI Galil Ace 5.56 for maintenance.