IWI Galil Sniper (Galatz)
Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1983
Also known as: Galatz, Galil Tzalafim, Galil SR-99
Overview
The IWI Galil Sniper (Galatz) is a semi-automatic sniper rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, produced by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) since 1983. Featuring a 20-round magazine capacity, this sniper rifle offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6400 g (225.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 7000 g (246.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1115 mm (43.90") |
| Folded Length | 840 mm (33.07") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 815 m/s (2674 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3167 J (2336 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1200 m (1312 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 241 mm (9.49") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62 NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Heavy Match Barrel, Two Stage Trigger, Semi Automatic Only, Adjustable Cheekpiece, Folding Bipod, Nimrod 6x40 Scope, Muzzle Brake Compensator, Folding Stock
Variants
- Galil SR-99 — Modernized
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Israel Defense Forces · adopted 1983 · as Galatz
- Indian Armed Forces · as Galil Sniper
Conflicts
- 1982 Lebanon War (1982)
- First Intifada (1987-1993)
- Second Intifada (2000-2005)
- 2006 Lebanon War (2006)
Production
Production years: 1983-present
Production numbers undisclosed. Primarily used by the IDF with significant export to India.
Origin
Country of origin: Israel
Designer: Yisrael Galili
Notes
The Galatz served as the IDF's primary semi-automatic sniper/DMR platform for decades, valued for its reliability in desert and urban conditions inherited from the AK operating system. The two-stage trigger is adjustable for pull weight and travel, providing match-quality trigger performance unusual in a military gas-operated rifle. The folding stock reduces transport length to 840mm. The SR-99 modernized variant replaces wooden furniture with synthetic components and a skeletal folding stock. India is a significant export customer. The Galatz competes with platforms like the M14 EBR and SVD in the semi-automatic DMR role, offering superior reliability (AK-derived) at the cost of slightly greater weight.
Background
The Galatz ('Galil Tzalafim' meaning 'Galil Sniper') brings the legendary AK-derived reliability of the Galil platform to the designated marksman role. Its two-stage adjustable trigger provides match-quality performance unusual in a gas-operated military rifle, and the Nimrod 6x40 scope became iconic of Israeli military snipers.