New and Improved: IWI US Galil ACE Gen II Rifle Review
Welcome to the newest edition of the iconic Galil ACE rifle. The long-awaited IWI US Galil ACE Gen II is here, and it’s a massive improvement. The Galil gun is worth displaying with an array of brand-new qualities as it could appeal even to those most interested in guns.
An intriguing redesign of a platform that began as an AK-47 mod is the IWI Galil Ace Gen 2. Don’t let this simplicity deceive you, though; the Galil Ace line of rifles and carbines are well-engineered weapons that maximize the advantages of the AK while minimizing the majority of its drawbacks.
It is thus important to explore the Gen II from a hard angle and see what distinguishes it from its predecessor. So sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and prepare to be wowed by the new and improved IWI Galil ACE Gen 2.
What is the IWI Galil Ace?
Israeli Weapon Industries (IWI) created the IWI Galil Ace, a modernized version of the legendary Galil rifle. Since its first release in 2008, it has grown in popularity among civilian, law enforcement, and military users worldwide.
The 1960s, during the height of the Arab-Israeli war, are when the Galil Ace’s history began. To replace the FN FAL and FN MAG rifles that were getting old, the Israeli Defense Forces needed a new battle weapon. In 1973, the Galil rifle was selected as the IDF’s new standard-issue weapon after many prototypes and trials.
The Galil Ace is appropriate for a range of duties and operations since it comes in many calibers, including Galil ace 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x51mm NATO, and Galil ace gen 2 7.62x39mm. Additionally, it has an adjustable and foldable buttstock that makes storing it simple and adjusting the pull’s length.
Specifications and Performance
| Specs Galil ACE GEN II Rifle | 5.45x39mm | 7.62 NATO | 7.62x39mm | 5.56 NATO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.45x39mm | 7.62 NATO (7.62x51mm) | 7.62x39mm | 5.56 NATO |
| Action | Semi-auto | Semi-auto | Semi-auto | Semi-auto |
| Operating System | Closed rotating bolt, Long stroke gas piston | Closed rotating bolt, Long stroke gas piston | Closed rotating bolt, Long stroke gas piston | Closed rotating bolt, Long stroke gas piston |
| Magazine Type | Magpul PMAG 30 AK74 MOE | MAGPUL LR/SR25 GEN M3 | MAGPUL MOE AK/AKM PMAG | 5.56 NATO STANAG |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 Round | 20 Round | 30 Round | 30 Round |
| Barrel Material | Chrome lined, Cold hammer forged, CrMoV | Chrome lined, Cold hammer forged, CrMoV | Chrome lined, Cold hammer forged, CrMoV | Chrome lined, Cold hammer forged, CrMoV |
| Barrel Length | 16” | 16” | 16” | 16” |
| Overall Length | 36″ Stock Collapsed, 39″ Stock Extended | 25.7” Stock folded, 34.5” Stock Extended | 36″ Collapsed, 39.25″ Extended | 36″ Stock Collapsed, 39″ Stock Extended |
| Weight | 8 Lbs 12.6 oz without Magazine | 8 Lbs 6 Oz without Magazine | 8 Lbs 12.6 oz without Magazine | 8 Lbs 12.6 oz without Magazine |
| Top Rail Length | 14″ | 18” | 18” | 18” |
| Handguard | Free Float M-LOK Handguard with slots at 3,6, and 9 | Free Float M-LOK Handguard with slots at 3,6, and 9 | Free Float M-LOK Handguard with slots at 3,6, and 9 | Free Float M-LOK Handguard with slots at 3,6, and 9 |
To save weight, the Gen 2 features a machined steel construction with a polymer bottom. The full-length tester has a free-floating M-LOK handguard and a 16-inch barrel with an 18-inch top rail. The rifle and handgun both have chrome-lined barrels, while the pistol features an 8-inch barrel.
IWI claims to have 13-inch barrels in the future, which are superior for the 5.56 round.
There’s a simple flash hider set in front of the barrel. But let’s face it, it has to be changed badly. There is plenty of room on a flat top rail to install sights and an optic, but it should be noted that nothing is included out of the box. Therefore, you will need to purchase some iron sights.
There are two stages to the trigger job: a lengthy uptake, a decent break, and a long reset. This trigger lets you know where you are at all times, and it doesn’t take long to get accustomed to. The Galil rifle has a Magpul CTR stock, and the pistol variant has an SB Tactical Brace.
What about the Upgrades?
There is lots of space for upgrades and extras on the Galil ACE Gen 2. Let’s discuss those now. At the very least, we strongly advise packing a sling, a flashlight, an optic, and some backup iron sights. We have various alternatives in our round-up of the Best Backup Iron Sights, but we always suggest the dependable Magpul MBUS pair for irons.
The Sig Sauer Romeo 4H was utilized by our specialists, but we have a ton of additional suggestions for the Best AR Optics that you can choose from to see what works best for you. Regarding lighting, we really enjoy the SureFire M600 Scout. However, once more, you may discover additional suggested lighting here. And once more, choose American-made mags while you’re expanding your collection!
Galil Ace Gen I vs. Galil Gen II
The design is the most distinctive feature where the two generations differ. Galil ACE Gen 2 has a more modern and ergonomic design, while Gen 1 is grounded on the traditional AK-47 appearance. The Gen 2 features a more robust and ergonomic folding stock and a modified pistol grip.
These changes contribute to easier shooting and handling of the firearm. The trigger is also another improvement worth mentioning in Gen 2. The Gen 1’s heavy pull with lots of gritty feedback was one of the most frequent complaints from users. Thus, the Gen 2 has a much smoother and lighter pull, which provides better control during shooting.
The Gen 2, on the remaining hand, has a rather appealing and futuristic flat dark earth FDE surface. This is compared to the Gen 1, a much more traditional matte black. It is due to the new coating that the rifle seems more “tactical,” and that the rifle’s durability has indeed increased.
Additionally, the Gen 2 features new and improved ergonomics, including a redesigned safety selector that is simpler to work with, a larger charging handle that is more easily gripped and also larger. happens to be the ejection port.
One of the most drastic changes on the Gen 2 is the installation of a full-length Picatinny rail on top of the receiver. This made adding alternative optics like red dot sights and scopes quick and easy. Furthermore, the Gen 1 had an incomplete rail which made it hard to mount some lenses.
Despite the numerous changes, the two generations share some similarities. The first is that the operating mechanism of the gas piston is the same for both rifles. As a result, the guns ran dependably and smoothly with no hitches.
Equally, both rifles take in the same magazines. They also have the same barrel length of 16.3 inches. Essentially, this implies that one can still use their Gen 1 mag with Gen 2 mags.
Galil Ace GEN 2: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improved ergonomics | Higher price point compared to some alternatives |
| Reliable and durable design | Limited availability of aftermarket accessories |
| Compatibility with AR-15 magazines | Heavier weight compared to some competitors |
| Enhanced accuracy and recoil control | Limited customization options compared to other platforms |
| Ambidextrous controls | May have limited availability depending on location. |
What do we think of the GEN 2?
Let’s talk about the underwhelming aspects of the IWI Galil gen 2. Well, there is not much to this gun in terms of shortcomings. Regarding disadvantages, perhaps it is a bit heavy? Maybe having a removable grip would be awesome? Or maybe some Magpul iron sights on board IWI’s ship? The Galil ACE Gen 2 is an excellent gun with many positive aspects.
Let’s narrow down the aspects of the gun for you in a simpler dynamic:
| Aspects | Our score | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | It is dependable, true to its name. On the range, we observed no malfunctions or significant issues. The ACE operates flawlessly. |
| Ergonomics | 4.5/5 | It feels fantastic to use the ACE. Everything about it, including the ambi selector’s location and trigger feel, is flawless. |
| Accuracy | 5/5 | Shots fell where they were supposed to. It’s worth noting that it doesn’t come with sights, so you’ll need to provide your own, but once you figure out your setup, you’ll hit any target. |
| Customization | 5/5 | With an AR-style rifle, the options are endless. To customize this platform, you may add a ton of enhancements and extras. |
| Value | 4/5 | The fact that you only receive one P-MAG and no irons is the only reason I deducted a star. It would have been good to have iron sights and a second magazine for a $1,900 gun. |
| Overall | 4.5/5 | On the range, the Galil ACE Gen 2 offered a pleasant appearance and feel. I thoroughly enjoyed trying this rifle and believe it to be a good choice for any shooter. |
Final Verdict
Offering improvements in accuracy, reliability and ergonomics over its predecessor, IWI’s Galil ACE Gen 2 (‘Gen 2’) is a superb evolution. Any shooter who requires a robust, versatile rifle that holds its worth on the range can do far worse than the Galil Gen 2, though its premium price and accessory scarcity limit its wider appeal.
FAQs
Q. Who made the galil?
It was produced by Israel Military Industries (IMI), which several years later became Israel Weapon Industries (IWI).
Q. Who invented the galil rifle?
The Galil rifle was invented by Yisrael Galili, Yakov Lior, and Yaacov Lior.
Q. What gun is the galil in real life?
The Galil rifle is based on a weapon built on the AK-47 platform but incorporating elements from a variety of other arms.
Q. How accurate are iwi galil ace rifles in 308?
IWI Galil ACE .308 variants are known to shoot accurately to a reasonable degree depending on shooter skill, quality of ammunition used and condition of the rifle.
Q. How does the iwi galil safety works?
The safety mechanism on the IWI Galil is typically a lever situated above the trigger guard, which works similarly to the safeties found on other firearms, facilitating engagement or disengagement of the rifle’s firing mechanism to prevent the discharge of an unfired round by jarring the gun or by pulling the trigger when there is no round in the chamber.
