IMI Galil SAR
Israel Military Industries (IMI) · Carbine · In Production · 1975
Also known as: Galil Short Automatic Rifle, Galil Carbine
Overview
The IMI Galil SAR is a select-fire carbine chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Israel Military Industries (IMI) since 1975. Featuring a 35-round magazine capacity, this carbine offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3670 g (129.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 850 mm (33.46") |
| Folded Length | 614 mm (24.17") |
| Barrel Length | 332 mm (13.07") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 35 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 900 m/s (2953 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1628 J (1201 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56 NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Folding Stock, Shortened Gas System, Compact Carbine, Tritium Night Sights
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Israel Defense Forces · adopted 1975 · as Galil SAR
- Colombian Armed Forces · as Galil SAR
- Estonian Defence Forces · adopted 2000 · as Galil SAR
Conflicts
- 1982 Lebanon War (1982)
- Colombian Armed Conflict (1964-present)
- War in Afghanistan (Estonian) (2001-2021)
Production
Production years: 1975-present
Production numbers combined with overall Galil family production. Widely exported to Latin America and Europe.
Origin
Country of origin: Israel
Designer: Yisrael Galili
Notes
The SAR omits the ARM's bipod and carrying handle to further reduce weight. The shortened barrel produces increased muzzle flash and blast compared to the ARM but provides significantly improved maneuverability. Widely exported to Latin American and European nations, the Galil SAR saw extensive combat use with Colombian forces during counter-narcotics operations and with Estonian forces in Afghanistan. Estonia was one of the last nations to adopt the original Galil platform, selecting the SAR for its compact form factor. Compatible with standard 35-round Galil magazines. The SAR served as the basis for the even more compact MAR (Micro Automatic Rifle) variant.
Background
Estonia was one of the last countries to adopt the original Galil platform, selecting the SAR variant around 2000 for its compact form factor. Estonian soldiers carried Galil SARs during their deployment to Afghanistan as part of ISAF operations.