The IWI Galil ACE (Hebrew: גליל ACE),[1] often shortened to ACE, is a series of rifles designed and manufactured by Israel Military Industries, later Israeli Weapon Industries, since 2008. Based on a modified Galil platform, the ACE comes in a variety of configurations and barrel lengths for various roles.
History[]
The ACE was first shown off in 2008 and is essentially a highly-modernized and improved Galil. The weapon features various structural changes to make it much lighter than the normal Galil while keeping the same reliablity. The weapon has since seen service in some 20 counties, most notably some South American and Asian countries.
The weapon, in addition to being produced by IWI, is also produced under license in various other countries; particularly FAMAE in Chile,[2] INDUMIL in Colombia,[3] RPC Fort in Ukraine[4] and Z111 Factory in Vietnam, albeit heavily modified compared to the original Galil ACE.[5] Semi-automatic versions for civilian use are manufactured by IWI US.[6]
Design Details[]
As mentioned above, the ACE is based on the Galil, but features numerous modifications and modernizations. Notable modifications include a redesigned action using polymer integrated with steel, making the weapon lighter compared to the Galil, although without excess.[7] The ACE's charging handle is located on the left hand side of the receiver, with the track the charging handle rides on being concealed by a spring-loaded dust cover; this is not present on the Vietnamese clones.[5]
The ACE is noted as having superior accuracy to other contemporary AK derivative weapons.[8] The weapon features a two-stage trigger system used by the Galatz marksman rifle, which was in turn modeled on the trigger system of the M1 Garand. Numerous Picatinny rails are provided to make the system optics ready.[9]
5.56mm versions of the ACE feature a last round bolt catch[10]. All version of the ACE feature chrome-lined cold hammer-forged barrels. The weapon's action uses a long-stroke gas piston derived from the Tavor. The weapon usually features an AR-style six-position telescoping stock, although aftermarket side-folding stocks can be fitted.
Variants[]
Military[]
- ACE 21
5.56×45mm NATO version with 8.5 in (22 cm) barrel. Feeds from Galil magazines.
- ACE-N 21
Identical to ACE 21 but feeds from STANAG magazines. Dimensions identical to ACE 21.
- ACE 22
5.56×45mm NATO version with 13.2 in (34 cm) barrel. Feeds from Galil magazines.
- ACE-N 22
Identical to ACE 22 but feeds from STANAG magazines. Dimensions identical to ACE 22.
- ACE 23
5.56×45mm NATO version with 18.2 in (46 cm) barrel. Feeds from Galil magazines.
- ACE 31
7.62×39mm version with 8.5 in (22 cm) barrel.
- ACE 32
7.62×39mm version with 16.1 in (41 cm) barrel.
- ACE 52
7.62×51mm version with 16.1 in (41 cm) barrel.
- ACE 52L
7.62×51mm version with 18.2 in (46 cm) barrel. Appears to have been discontinued.
- ACE 53
7.62×51mm version with 20.1 in (51 cm) barrel.
Civilian[]
- ACE Pistol
Stockless carbine version.[11] Attaching full length stocks turn the weapon into a short-barreled rifle.[12]
- "Extremely Limited Edition"
Version of the ACE chambered for 5.45x39mm. Available for all barrel lengths, with only 545 produced for each barrel length.[13]
Derivatives[]
- STV 215 and STV 380
Heavily modified Vietnamese derivatives of the ACE 31 and 32.[14]
Similar weapons[]
- Galil Córdova
Heavily modernized version of the Galil using ACE-style furniture and stocks.[15]
References[]
- ↑ https://iwi.net/ace/
- ↑ https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/05/08/noticia-famae-exporta-correderas-fusiles-asalto-galil.html
- ↑ https://www.indumil.gov.co/en/product/galil-rifle-ace-23/
- ↑ https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/10/10/fort-227-fort-228-galil-ace-manufactured-ukraine/
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 https://www.newsbreak.com/news/1602299844302/stv-380-and-stv-215-new-service-rifles-of-vietnamese-army
- ↑ https://iwi.us/product-category/firearms/galil-ace/
- ↑ http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/galil-ace-5-56/
- ↑ http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2015/1/20/iwi-galil-ace-semi-automatic-rifle/
- ↑ Kokalis, Peter G. (2001). Weapons Tests and Evaluations: The Best of Soldier of Fortune. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press. p. 253.
- ↑ Tilstra, Russell C. (21 March 2014). The Battle Rifle: Development and Use Since World War II. McFarland. p. 98.
- ↑ https://iwi.us/product/gap39ii/
- ↑ https://iwi.us/product/galil-ace-stock/
- ↑ https://iwi.us/product/gar1654/
- ↑ https://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/israeli_iwi_galil_ace_31_ace_32_assault_rifles_to_replace_russian_ak-47_in_vietnamese_army_0202146.html
- ↑ https://www.indumil.gov.co/product/fusil-galil-kit-cordova/
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